Whether you’re looking for a new go-to spot in your neighborhood or want to hop around between bars in different areas, check out our list of favorite bars broken down by location. This is by no means an exhaustive or “best” list, rather a selection of some of our favorite spots by ‘hood.

 

Channel tropical vibes at the Cuban-inspired coffee shop, restaurant and bar - by day, sip on cortaditos and cafe con leches while munching on Cuban Sandwiches, plantain chips and traditional pastries, and by night, switch gears to classic Cuban cocktails like Daiquiris, Mojitos and Pina Coladas. The rooftop garden serves Havana favorites including the Guava Daiquiri, Rum Mule and other shareable cocktails like Sparkling Pineapple Sangria and Mojitos served by the pitcher. (1405 T St, NW; 202-332-8800)

 

Follow the painted chicken feet down the alley that wraps around Belga and you’ll land at The Betsy - a cozy rooftop gin garden offering over 30 different types of gin. Enjoy a classic G&T with your gin of choice or opt for one of the other cocktails on the menu including standbys like an Aviation, Negroni, Old Fashioned, Manhattan in addition to signature drinks. Standout items on the food menu include the Grilled Avocado, Chesapeake Smokehouse Salmon Loin and Grilled Lamb Lollipops with Greek yogurt and harissa. Snag discounted drinks and select plates during happy hour 4 - 6 PM, Tuesday - Friday. (514 8th St, SE; 202-544-0100)

 

What’s not to love about Duke’s Grocery? Amazing Happy Hour timing (noon - 7 PM), an outdoor patio dining area, awesome menu staples like the Proper Burger, Truffle Mac and Cheese and Local Corn Elote, and British charm make it one of our favorite destinations no matter the time of day. Be sure to pop in for weekend brunch for unlimited Bloody Marys and Mimosas. (1513 17th St, NW; 202-733-5623)

 

A prime location downtown between Metro Center and McPherson Square, Union Trust draws in the office crowd and is a great spot for coworkers to assemble post-work day. The unpretentious bar serves up cold local brews, cocktails and a number of whiskey selections. Open daily 3 PM - 2 AM. (740 15th St, NW)

 

The hip, two-story restaurant and bar on H Street features potstickers, bao, skewers and other authentic Chinese street fare on the first floor and a sultry, speakeasy-esque bar on the second level. Sip on all of the classics including Old Fashioneds, Daiquiris, Gimlets, Smashes, Manhattans, Martinis and more. Open daily at 5 PM.  (1110 H St, NE; 202-241-1952)

 

DC’s first rum distillery is also a great hangout spot for cocktail enthusiasts - take a tour of the distillery to see how their White Rum, Dry Spiced Rum and All Spice Dram are made and then pony up to the bar for a selection of drinks including the popular Dram Rickey (All Spice Dram, Lime, Soda, Chartreuse) and the Rumba Palumba (White Rum, Ilegal Mezcal, Grapefruit, Lemon). Tours are offered every Saturday at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 and include a cocktail, ingredient tasting and rum flight. (1330 5th St, NE; 202-544-2805)

 

For games and beer, the Petworth beer garden offers the best of both worlds: outdoor bench seating with cornhole and a large indoor space with free pool and darts. Enjoy your choice of brew from the 15+ beers on draft while getting competitive al fresco or under cover inside. Bonus: on Friday nights, enjoy live music without a cover charge.  (3333 Georgia Ave, NW)

 

The U Street bar features a rotating menu of cocktails highlighting seasonal ingredients, an all-day happy hour where guests can enjoy classic drinks like a Daiquiri, Old Fashioned, or Mint Julep for $7, and themed Sunday brunches and live jazz music on Tuesday evenings. Groups of up to 8 can rent out “The Snug” for a private drinking experience. (928 U St, NW; 202-462-7232)