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    The Saloon

    4.0 (348 reviews)
    ModeratePubs
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    The Saloon Photos

    Business Info

    THE SALOON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Saloon

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    Blueberries aged 2 years in a 100-proof moonshine!?!? Heck Yeah we are trying it!
    Olivia J.

    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.

    Frank V.

    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.

    The schools built by this nonprofit
    Myvan B.

    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?

    Pre show eats before Sparks at the Lincoln.
    John W.

    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.

    Falcon M.

    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.

    Julia S.

    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!

    Burger and fries
    Hilary T.

    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?

    Name of donors
    Sonia Alisa J.

    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!

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    10 months ago

    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.

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    2 years ago

    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.

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    2 years ago

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

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    *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...

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - The Saloon

    Review Highlights - The Saloon

    This place has exotic menus (difficult to ascertain via Yelp), moonshine, and some delectable beers on draught.

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

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    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant

    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant

    (543 reviews)

    $$

    Columbia Heights

    One of my favorite spots in Arlington. Celtic house offers an exciting atmosphere and great food…read more The whole staff - from the owner who is there often - to everyone else, is awesome. They truly enhance the experience. When I go, I always go with the chicken curry half and half. The chicken is always cooked perfectly. Half and half is the way to go so you get both the rice and French fry combo. The rice soaks up the curry and is a great pairing for the crispy fries. They offer a lengthy list of drink options and have something for everyone.

    Made a same day reservation on St. Patrick's Day and was able to get a table for 2 (nice). This was…read moreour first visit. We parked in the rear parking area, it shares the lot, so definitely could get tight when crowded. Rear entrance was locked so had to go around to main street entrance. Friendly greeting at the door, seated immediately and waters brought over as soon as we scooted our chairs in. Super friendly & attentive staff. We went with the St. Patrick's Day menu. Donegal Fish & Chips- Probaby one of best fish that I have enjoyed. Fish was not too crispy or greasy, nice and flaky- 5 Stars Corned Beef & Cabbage was pretty good, not the best nor the worst - in the middle. Presentation was nice. Overall - great Staff & ambiance, parking available, reservations available. Fish & Chips were very good (not a huge portion of chips). A wee pricey for lunch for us on a regular basis with the portion size. 2 Lunch orders, 1 beer in a plastic cup, was a little over $70 (not with tip). Probably a one and done for us.

    ChurchKey - Tots, fries, mushroom flatbread and a glimpse of chicken sando

    ChurchKey

    (1.5k reviews)

    $$

    Logan Circle, Downtown

    Great local bar with large rotating craft beer selection. Highly recommend for any beer…read moreenthusiast. They have wine and cocktails as well. They are happy to recommend beer for your taste, and let you sample. It can be very busy and difficult to get a seat at the bar or get a table on a Friday or Saturday evening. We ordered food, and were expecting elevated bar food. The tater tots were a huge disappointment- they were very large squares , bland, and not crispy. The wings were okay. The cheeseburgers were the best- from the restaurant downstairs- mallard. Huge burger, done perfectly medium.

    Here's a review written as part of a visit to both Churchkey and Birch & Barley (the downstairs…read morerestaurant -- together they form the "2 Enjoy Everything" concept by Neighborhood Restaurant Group): A DC Gem That Delivers on Every Level If you haven't made it to Churchkey on 14th Street yet, move it to the top of your list. I visited as part of the full experience -- dinner downstairs at Birch & Barley, then up to Churchkey for drinks -- and honestly, it's one of the best evenings I've had in DC. Churchkey itself is everything a great bar should be. The beer selection is absolutely unreal -- hundreds of carefully curated labels spanning every style, region, and flavor profile you can imagine. What sets it apart is that the staff actually knows the menu. Our server walked us through a few options based on what we liked and landed us on perfect picks both times. That kind of genuine expertise is rare. The tavern pizzas from the wood-fired oven were a wonderful surprise -- thin, crispy, and the perfect companion to a cold draft. The smash burger also deserves a mention: simple, well-executed, and hits the spot. The vibe is warm and lively without being overwhelming. Great for a date, a group, or even just sitting at the bar solo with a good beer and good conversation with the bartender. This place has earned its reputation as one of the best beer bars on the East Coast -- and then some. Highly recommend making a full night of it with both floors. You won't regret it. Feel free to adjust the tone or add any personal details from your actual visit!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    The Saloon - pubs - Updated May 2026

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