Best & Cool Bars in Washington DC

"Chef Fabio Trabocchi now has two seafood-focused places to choose from. While Wharf newcomer Del Mar offers shellfish-studded, Spanish paella along the southwest waterfront, Fiola Mare has been serving a stylish crowd at another waterfront (this one in Georgetown) since 2014. Both are splurge spots: here, consider a variety of crudo dishes, seafood brodetto, or the simply grilled seafood selection."

"The stylish younger sister of the famed Fiola restaurant, Fiola Mare fronts the lively Georgetown waterfront and features sophisticated Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh seafood dishes, which are complemented by an extensive wine list. Interiors are elegant and..."

"High-end service and seafood await at Fiola Mare, delivering beautiful waterfront views and a luxe, modern interior. The sophisticated menu is a great fine-dining option around Georgetown, and reservations are recommended."

"Stepping out onto this vine-canopied patio gives the same tingly romantic feeling as seeing The Notebook for the first time. Though the restaurant could probably rest on the laurels of atmosphere alone, its food, wine and cocktail programs are excellent, making it ideal for date-night drinking. Start with something stiff like the bourbon-based Art of Almost before moving on to Iron Gate’s calling card: Greek wine."

"Book a patio table at Iron Gate for a one-of-a-kind romantic experience. Surrounded by wisteria trees and fairy lights, the outdoor dining area is a magical oasis tucked away from ..."

"Named for Chef Aaron Silverman's paternal grandmother and his desire to provide a warm, casual and hospitable environment for guests, this venue is one of the district's favorites. Start off your experience with small plates likes spicy 'happy' oysters or green tomato Panzanella. Pasta and family-style options will draw you in with selections like lumaconi alla norma and smoked brisket."

"You may have heard of Rose’s Luxury, the American spot in Capitol Hill with creative pastas and vegetable-heavy small plates. You may have also heard about the no-reservations policy and the hours-long lines that come with it. Don’t let all that steer you away, though, because even a few years into the hype, it’s difficult to have a bad time at Rose’s."

"If you don’t mind the inevitable wait, then Rose’s Luxury is the place to be. It won the best new restaurant title by Bon Apetit last year and has gained meteoric popularity. The dishes can’t really be classified into a specific cuisine and varies depending on the season."

"Fiola serves up rustic Italian food and original cocktails in a sophisticated modern space. Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema gave Fiola a rare three-star review before complimenting individual dishes like the lobster ravioli. Sietsema reported being so overwhelmed with flavor that he felt like waving his napkin in surrender."

"It’s taken some time, but renowned Chef Fabio Trabocchi has finally perfected his take on modern Italian cuisine with this Penn Quarter eatery. The rustic but elegant atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for the contemporary Italian fare such as..."

"Washington foodies wept when Fabio Trabocchi took his Italian talents to the beloved Fiamma in New York City, but he soon returned to the District...Read More"

"The People’s Drug serves relaxed comfort food like Cuban and French dip sandwiches alongside seasonal cocktails like a wasabi martini. The menu has a few eclectic touches, including satay skewers and edamame. The tiny space is carryout only for now, but that includes cocktails; more info here."

"With a rooftop Happy Hour Monday through Friday, Bar Deco is the place to be when you want to cut out early and hang out with your friends. Featuring a stellar array of wines, beers, and cocktails, Bar Deco is a local favorite. Stop in when you’re on your way to a game or show at the Verizon Center or just come in to people watch and enjoy some of the best food and drinks in the city."

"My menu favs are the seared scallops, Crazy Feta, street corn, and Saganaki (flaming cheese, enough said).” See all Cava Mezze reviews"

"America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Order your Dunkin’ faves ahead of time with the Dunkin’ mobile app for a fast grab and go experience."

"This regional chain recently expanded to Shaw, bringing with it superior cake and yeast doughnuts that range from simple to seasonal to nostalgic interpretations of beloved candies and cookies. For those who prefer their sugar in liquid form, the shop houses a subterranean cocktail bar called Nocturne."

"We have only visited late at night when their menu is limited and I look forward to an early morning coffee and doughnut experience. Salted Caramel, Peppermint, Chocolate Chocolate. I wish my stomach/appetite was bigger for the ongoing list of new places I’m eager to try."

"I’m not normally in the market for vegan food but this place is amazing vegan or no. The coffee is great, donut selection is amazing and everything taste..."

"It is the second offering from chef and owner Doron Peterson who is also the owner of the award-winning vegan bakery Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats in Columbia Heights. At Fare Well, Peterson is joined by a small, passionate team of fellow chefs who have worked to recreate classic American diner foods and Mediterranean fare with only plant-based ingredients. The restaurant also offers a kid’s menu, vegan shakes, specialty cocktails, and coffee in a sleek yet subtly retro setting."

"Doron Petersan has expanded her expertise in vegan comfort food at Fare Well in the H St corridor. The sibling eatery to Sticky Fingers Bakery is a diner with all-day breakfasts and a completely plant-based menu. The pancakes are a fan favorite and change with the seasons."

"Fare Well is the very first vegetarian/vegan restaurant in the district and was voted the best among other similar establishments in 2017. But, they also offer great-tasting cakes in classic flavors that are still vegan or vegetarian friendly."

"A DC brunch mainstay, Farmers & Distillers is known for having a ridiculous array of menu items that all lend themselves to hangover busting. Luckily, the restaurant has reopened for indoor and outdoor dining, plus the Brunch at Home package is designed to feed two and includes everything from baked goods and eggs to housemade pasta and meat from their carver’s table.How to book: Make indoor and outdoor dining reservations via OpenTable and order takeout and delivery via DoorDash or UberEats"

"This Penn Quarter distillery and eatery offers tons of interesting food options that are sure to please even the toughest crowd. Although Farmers & Distillers started off as just a restaurant, the masterminds behind it began making their own spirits back in 2009. Both the restaurant and the attached distillery, Founding Spirits, use farm-fresh ingredients offering you some of the highest quality possible."

"NW downtown, it is the most popular breakfast and brunch restaurant in Washington, boasting four stars out of 1,756 reviews on Yelp."