Love to hangout and get drinks at this cute saloon in DC. The pineapple slices are to die for

Love the place. Atmosphere is good. People are fun. Food is pretty good. Overall, enjoy the charm of the place. read more

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The best night out I had recently was at The Saloon piano bar. There's live music, no phones, games, beer, moonshine, and a hall full of people singing along with their piano man, Stephen. I mean, what more could you ask for on a Friday night? Food: We tried the drunken blueberries, which were simply berries soaked in moonshine for two years. I know it sounds strange, but trust me, for 50 cents a berry, you have to give it a try. Note: Two out of five people in my party liked them. To drink, I ordered their peach moonshine, which was to die for. It had a pleasant fruity aroma and smooth finish. Service: The service was impeccable. When we arrived, the bartender was at our table with menus, and he was attentive throughout the night. Ambiance: What makes The Saloon stand out is the atmosphere. Names written on the walls and decor with price tags are everywhere. Why, you ask? All the proceeds go towards building schools around the world. Behind the bar are framed photos of all the schools built from the generous donations of visitors. Overall, it was an unforgettable night, and I can't wait to return for more fun-filled evenings like this one! Remember the house rules: - Do not ask for a martini... - Don't stand around, please sit. - And get off your phone. This is a social atmosphere where people talk to one another. read more

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Very interesting experience here. I love a place with so much character, the food, drinks and the atmosphere were all very unique. Love that they have piano night. Staff was super fun and friendly. I love that they donate and volunteer where they are building schools all over the world. Super awesome place read more

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Super quirky bar on U Street, definitely worth a visit if you're looking for someplace unique to grab a drink! Their big draw is their moonshine (yes, moonshine) -- they have a bunch of different flavored batches to try, and even sell take-home shine for the real enthusiasts. Moonshine aside, they focus on German beer, but also have other varieties available in bottles. The place feels like a local haunt, with a charming pub vibe and a piano player belting out soft tunes near the front. The bartender was very welcoming, we felt like regulars even though it was our first visit. Finally, it's cool that the place runs as a nonprofit to support schools overseas! So you can rest easy drinking here, knowing your money is going toward a good cause. read more

Honestly loved it. Didn't order food so can't speak to that but the vibes and the beers were so good. Loved the staff. I recommend fs. I will be back read more

This is our favorite bar in the world. Seriously. Friendly, fun, and supports a great foundation. Go here and you will be happy you did.

I went to the Saloon with my family and was immediately treated like we didn't belong. Without being in the place for more than 2 minutes, the bouncer and pseudo bartender just made us feel like we weren't welcome and that "our vibe" wasn't of the restaurants. Again, we hadn't even ordered a drink or food yet and were made to feel like we didn't belong. I recommend this place to NO ONE! This place needs to learn that every customer is the same. Especially in an area like DC. Ashamed of the service and the treatment. read more

We were so intrigued by the talent of the piano man and his entertaining. A great night, indeed. There wasn't a song request this guy couldn't perform. He absolutely nailed it for 3 of the best hours spent in U steet. The bartender is extremely nice, and the German beer is very decent. It's definitely a place to go in U Street. read more

The Saloon - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Rude service. Bar back was not welcoming, very rude and gave us a hard time. We walked into an EMPTY bar requesting shots and he blatantly told us we came to the wrong place for that. DO NOT COME HERE. read more

Came for a comedy show (free but get tickets on Eventbrite to secure your spot). Mostly have hard liquor and beer, but you can order wine if you put up with the (playful) hard time the bartenders give you. Pretty cramped space, especially the third floor mezzanine. read more

Great place to hang out on a Friday night, with free standup. Nice beers. There's also a small collection of free board games. And it all goes towards building schools for kids who need them most. What more can I ask for? read more

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We were walking toward the Lincoln looking for a place to eat prior to the Sparks show at the Lincoln. I saw names on bricks and the facade of the joint and decided to go in with my son and a friend. First impressions matter. Stuff for sale on the walls and elsewhere for a suggested donation. Quirky and eccentric. Interesting moonshine cocktails and beer. Aged blueberries. Really interesting stuff. We were seated by the window facing U St NW. The guy waiting tables was the only person serving. There was also a bartender. The menu was unique and it took some time to decide what we wanted. When we did I ordered the Western Burger, listed with a choice of beef, chicken, veggie burgers. I ordered beef. Topped with cheese, bacon and sautéed onions and peppers. My son a friend ordered the Turkey Reuben. All included fries. We ordered onion rings as another side. Food came out quickly. Good thing as the house was starting to fill quickly. Food was good. And filling. And reasonably priced considering it was DC. One big thing I appreciate is the Saloon's mission supporting Habitat for Humanity and their work on building homes for the poor in several countries. Another cause is their "Bricks for Schools" initiative where funds received are used to build schools in those countries as well. Those donating get their names painted on bricks outside the building. You can say the Saloon is a bar with purpose as profits go for to these causes. When we left for the show the house was packed. I'm glad we tried this great place. It's quirky, eccentric and different in many ways. The background music was great and played softly so we could carry on our discussions. And kudos to the server who did a yeoman's job of working the room. He was fantastic. When you visit this spot in what is historically DC's "Black Broadway" you'll be amazed. Go. read more

The Saloon - Pre show eats before Sparks at the Lincoln. - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A cute, eclectic little pub that gives off Boston vibes. You'll get a kick from the unique decor, including art pieces for sale on all the walls. We went on a Saturday evening when the piano man was performing, and it was a good chill vibe with attentive table service. The music wasn't too loud to disrupt conversation, but rather at just the right volume in case you want to chime in and sing along. I will note that the menu specifies that martinis aren't sold there, although they wouldn't fit the vibe anyway. The pistachios were delightful, but I did wish the chicken tenders came with more fries. read more

I stopped by the Saloon for their Open Piano Night they have on Wednesdays. Upstairs they've got a room with a piano and a bar. The overall experience at the saloon was okay. The food was your average bar fare although the things on the menu were kind of pricey. Being in DC parking is a nightmare. So many places were permit only or had time restrictions. But overall the experience was okay, don't think I'll make another trip exclusively for this place though. Maybe if I'm in the area already, I'd pop back in. read more

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So quirky but so fun! There are so many good causes to support this establishment. The gentleman behind the bar is kinda gruff in a loving way. I got the spicy boiled peanuts to go with my beer. It was an acquired taste. Which I had apparently not acquired. Lol. Otherwise, fun place for fun times! read more

The Saloon - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I'm trying to decide the best one word to define this place. Quaint, Cozy, and Unique all come to mind. Maybe there isn't just one word. We stopped in for a quick drink before a show we were seeing at the Lincoln. It wasn't too crowded, though it was a Thursday night. I'm sure the joint gets hopping on a Friday or Saturday. But, I'd be part of that crowd, because it's such a cool little place. First, they don't have a lot of 'macro' beer on tap or on hand. It's a lot of German and Belgian brews, and thank goodness for that! But, the real attraction here are the 'moonshine' mixed drinks. Not sure what these actually are, since by its very definition, moonshine is illegally made liquor, but they are GOOD! We each had a different one and they were all very well made and quite delicious. You don't get a lot, but you don't NEED a lot, because they are quite strong. We also had the beer spiced peanuts and the boozy pineapple. The nuts were really good, not overly spicy, but very nicely seasoned. The pineapple was so so good... really boozy indeed! I was brave and had the blueberries, and let me tell you, the warnings are there for a reason! Strong doesn't begin to describe it! But, well worth it, too! Overall, this brick, wood, and brass place is a curiosity that must be explored. I'd love to return to try more of the food and drink options with more time to relax and enjoy it. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit. read more

Such a rude bartender/owner. The waiter was also giving us attitude. It is a shame because the place otherwise has live piano and seemingly a good beer selection. But we were practically yelled at for trying to get the bartender's attention to order drinks at the bar and were sent to sit at a table only to experience worse treatment by the waiter. The extra star is for the musician. Otherwise, this would be a 1 star review. Not going there again. read more

Super chill vibes, friendly bartender, and unique. Had a great time! Make sure you pet the cow and don't use your phone at the bar.

We stumbled into The Saloon while looking for a bar that looked local and not too expensive. We found both of those things to be true very quickly, but what we learned while talking with our bartender Keenan was better than the cold beers and delicious Reuben with onion rings I had (thought it was close!) The Saloon's building is fully paid off, so the owners have turned their attention towards building schools, libraries, and other necessary facilities in other countries, mostly in Africa. It was heartwarming to hear from a staff member how well they are treated, from having several days off a week to a whole month off when staff is invited to accompany the higher management to visit the sites they're helping build overseas. The efforts they take to make the world a better place is truly special, and each square foot of the walls tell a different story. I definitely will be coming back, and would recommend it to anybody. Especially as a newcomer to the area, I feel as though I have stumbled on a diamond in the rough. read more

Reopening May 4, 2021!!! This incredible bar help build homes, clinics and schools in third world countries. By coming here you drink good beer and help build good schools! read more

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this bar feels like an escape from reality, i've lived in the area for years and just came upon it, the service was great and the food was solid read more

For a good 10-15 years now, the Saloon has been my go-to place to grab drinks, dinner, or both on U Street (especially before something at the Lincoln or 9:30 club). It's always a relaxed, super chill vibe (no TVs, no piped in music), a great spot to catch up with people and the perfect place to get a classic European beer (or two). They've had Schloss Eggenberg's Urbock 23 on draft forever (and even make a great chili with it), which is always a good pick, and they pour the classic styles expertly in great (oft massive) glassware. The menu also has a good array of better-than-you'd-expect food, with great burgers (get that pickled vegetable topping for $1!), wonderfully breaded fries, and the like. On my most recent stop, I got the blue cheese burger and an extra plate of fries, and both were excellent, as they always have been, served up by an incredibly kind and attentive bartender. Hasn't changed over the years at all, but when you're doing things this well, why would you? read more

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Yes, please. Fitting decor without making the bar look cheesy. "Pretentious hipster rules" serve to improve the patrons' experience; no crush of bodies hovering at your elbow or down your neck, no TV to make folks linger for the wrong reasons, no waiting for a spot because someone wasted half their night (and yours) because they sat there sexting instead of getting their drink on in a timely fashion. Yes, these are enforced by staff members. For anyone who thinks credit card roulette doesn't slow down the servers' ability to turn over the table, there's a reasonable and well-advertised $2/per "tax" for multiple plastics. Came here on one of their first nights after the newest school build had finished, so we had plenty of breathing room since word hadn't quite spread. Upstairs wasn't open, but we scored seating immediately. Our booth had a nice little ledge along the back end of the benches where we could stow stuff when the hook ran out of room. Service was friendly and attentive, though her missing the dead fly in the glass was a rough miss. Love the beer selection, and was glad to have my favorite guru on hand for consultation because I otherwise take too damn long to decide what to drink. I just couldn't stop smiling the whole time, something about this place makes me content. I'll definitely be back for a few beers, and possibly give the pub fare a whirl. Footnote: As intriguing as I still find the garlic fava beans, I'm inclined to skip the bar snacks based on the cost per serving size. Small teacups and the spicy pistachios are hardly flavored. read more

Yep, this establishment is 5-star worthy. It is officially my favorite DC-area bar. Yeah, for real. If you love beer, you'll love it here. If you love different, charming, chill, neighborhood bars, you'll love it here. If you like to be able to actually sit down when you cherish a good tasting beer, you'll love it here. It's small, it's quaint, it's charming, and it's interesting. There are all kinds of fun signs about, which means plenty to look at and take in. And the beer list has plenty of awesome and strong beers. And the food is good too. Go for the house special of the urbock potatoes - and get them with bacon - you won't be disappointed. This place is a total win-win. And huge, gigantic, massive props for there being a no standing policy here. I loathe crowded bars where you can't sit and people are standing 4 and 5 deep Where's the enjoyment in that? This policy keeps this spot an excellent choice for a weekend night. And you can even carry on a conversation and not have to shout. In sum, LOVE it here. LOVE! read more

The Saloon - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The menu is a wall of words. I think there's more rules on the menu than actual items. Everywhere you look there's a rule. Server was timely but rude, and impatient. When asked about a menu item, instead of explaining the item we were told to just read the menu (lol!). Comedic how rude the gentleman was. Would not go back even if it was free. read more

The Saloon - Seating - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

You are DRINKING for a CAUSE. Two of my favorite things. What gets better than that? + Bar with a mission + Delicious Belgian beers (most are $10) + Fitting decor + Friendly staff + Space around you (thanks to the no standing rule) + New experiences (alcoholic blueberries $0.25 and moonshine) Thank you, Saloon, for being a non-profit pub and a cool place in general. I appreciate you!! read more

The Saloon - Drinking for a cause - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a long-time favorite. My happy place. I love going here; it's a relaxing atmosphere, no need for dressing up or bumping into huge crowds. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders and other easy-going bar patrons (and Commie/owner -sp? He's hilarious and spunky). It's great for even hanging out alone. No standing, no martinis. They also give back by providing money and buildings for schools. Delicious dunkels. I'm so glad they brought back Eggenberg Dunkel. It has a frothy head with just enough bitterness and sweetness. They have a great selection of German beers on tap and some Belgian ones, too, by the bottle. If you want some munchies, try the affordable Wasabi corn nuts, boiled peanuts - all delicious. And for a mere $1, get the Poor Man's chicken soup (it's a thimble size garbanzo bean yummy soup for when you don't want to order much). The rest is standard bar food - burger, chicken fingers and fries. I also tried the housemade moonshine the other day. Strong stuff but tasty! And, JUST recently realized that they have an upstairs bar area (!! who knew) which you can rent out for parties and bigger groups. It'd be great for a goodbye party or reunion of sorts. read more

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Great bar. Weird rules, that's the culture here- deal with it. The 25 cent berries were pretty gross. Everyone had one and made a sour face. They taste like they've been fermenting in a dungeon for 100 years. They offer a great selection of beer and drinks at great prices. What's not to like? Just get there early since one of their rules is "no standing" you find a table or wait for one but you don't stand around and drinks. I also love the humanitarian effort they put out. They pick schools in 3rd world countries and as my friend put it, "close the bar for a month while the employees go build it." That's freaking amazing. read more

The Saloon - Ew, don't get the berry moonshine - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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this place changed my life. my friends and i felt as though we had entered into an alternate universe in which life was amazing and there was no hate in the world. i loved it. i danced. read more

This is a very weird bar that I stumbled into after getting dinner at Ben's Chili Bowl. I'm giving it 5 starts for the overall uniqueness of it at a time where every bar seems to be following the same trends. You're unlikely to find a bar like this again. They focus on German beers, served by the half pint, and all their profits go towards supporting construction projects in developing countries. When I arrived I was the only patron and the bartender was really friendly. It almost felt like an episode of Cheers. I'd have stayed longer but had other places to see - if I lived nearby I'd come here often. If you're visiting it's worth stopping in for a drink and a story. They have a little knickknack display by the bathrooms where you can buy a very unique souvenir. read more

The Saloon - Glasses so old they were made in West Germany - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

No doubt this is a memorable place to visit. First off, they have a selection of moonshine. What's in there? Hmmm. We had a honeydew. It comes in a great mini tulip glass and tastes spectacular. Very boozy - sip slow! - but infused with a hint of the fruit flavor that adds depth without being sweet or cloying. They also had a selection of booze soaked fruit for a few cents a pop. The blueberries tasted like they were more booze than fruit. Fun option that lets you enjoy some of that Saloon-y character. Other notes: + Weird sayings randomly sprinkled all over the menu. I won't spoil them here, but don't miss it. + The menu features lots of belgian and german beers, including the korbinian, a personal favorite. + They close for a few weeks/months a year to take their profits and build schools in underprivileged communities in foreign countries. + No phones out while you're here! + All patrons have to sit. It is a comfortable spot with table service. + Old school exposed brick and wood paneled decor. We sat far from the owner, the pony-haired gent behind the bar, but I have heard many say he is as difficult and alienating as many of those menu phrases. He gives back, but I know of at least a few who refuse to come back because they say he can be an unneccessary jerk, but it is still a classic that must be experienced by anyone who lives in the city. read more

OK food and interesting vibe, it looks like proceeds benefit schools and children around the world based on photos on the walls. I'd hoped to return frequently but the bartender was so rude to my husband and me. He was clearly capable of being nice because he was friendly with the customers seated around us. What a shame. read more

Dive bar. Surprisingly has a few good beers in Bottle. I wasn't feeling all the signs hanging up around the place. Don't do this. Don't do that. SHUT THE FUCK UP read more

This bar is nonprofit! Uses all of its extra revenue to build schools around the world, currently on a set of projects in Ethiopia. I stopped here on a Saturday night with a friend before a big night out and at 9pm this place was almost empty (sans the owner, our bartender, and a few regulars)! I don't know why or how, though, because besides their awesome mission their moonshine is phenomenal. I had the Summer Breeze which is a moonshine cocktail and it was delicious (plus the moonshine isn't over the top so you can drink it easy). Our bartender, Keenan I believe, gave us the best service and attention - taking his time to explain the menu and the Saloon's operations with building schools. I will be back to kick off more nights out here! Thank you! read more

The Saloon - Summer Breeze - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A wonderful place. It is really truly unique. Unlike any other bar, and its affordable too!

*might* have gotten food poisoning here. Pretty decent odds to be honest. Next time, if I went back, I'd focus on beer and fries...

This is my new favorite place!! I know it's been around forever, but I just came across it last night and I can't wait to introduce some of my friends. They have a "no no board" - where they tell you that there is a no cell phone policy, no standing, no TVs, no pretending, etc. They have moonshine and beer. They have games. And THEY DONATE TO NONPROFITS! They have framed art everywhere that is for "donation" and I love it. This place is so special and quirky - it is perfect. read more

We had a great time at the Friday evening free Kinda Live comedy show! It's a full line-up of professional comedians, each with maybe 5 minutes. We've gone twice now. In general, I often don't enjoy stand-up, but these comedians were tons of fun! Zoe Dixon was our group's favorite, but many of the comedians were great. read more

The Saloon is one of those U Street haunts that you just kind of stumble upon. Definitely no plans to go to Saloon, actually didn't even know it existed but glad I was able to give it a shot. The Saloon is part no thrills bar and apparently part humanitarian effort, the entire place is filled with bricks that are signed by people who donate money to help build schools in underprivileged places. No TVs, no jukeboxes, just a huge selection of beers from around the world and a place for you to enjoy the company of others. Hard to really describe the feel unless you're actually there but definitely worth a visit even if it just to say you somehow helped some poor kid get their school built. read more

The Saloon - Pubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia