6 Best Bars in Dupont Circle and Kalorama, Washington, D.C.

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Dupont Circle is a long-standing weekend hot spot, with numerous bars and lounges for all ages and preferences. Home to some legendary classics, like Russia House and Kramerbooks & Afterwords, the expansion toward Logan Circle has introduced new favorites like ChurchKey. P Street, especially between 17th and 14th Streets, is Washington's answer to San Francisco's Castro Street, and remains the vibrant focal point of the city's gay and lesbian nightlife scene. The Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line) is the western jumping-off point, while the Shaw/Howard University and Mount Vernon Square/7th Street/Convention Center stops (Green and Yellow lines) cover the east.

Board Room

Dupont Circle

"Put down your smart phone and interact!" is the motto at this pub, with 20-plus beers on tap, a full bar, and many board games to rent—from tried-and-true classics to vintage oddities. To enhance the fun, you can bring in your own food or have it delivered. Just don't bring in booze or other beverages; you are expected to buy them on the premises. Check before bringing a party of 10 or more; another thing worth checking is whether you can bring under 21s, who tend to be welcome at weekend lunchtimes. Reservations are accepted.

Cafe Citron

Dupont Circle

One of the longest-running Latin clubs in D.C., Cafe Citron maintains its relevance with the salsa-dancing set. After 10 pm Wednesday through Saturday, the café becomes a nightclub featuring DJs who play primarily Latin music, spiced with Euro dance and techno. The café also offers daily happy hours from 6 until 8, and dinner is served until 11 pm. Salsa classes run on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. Work up an appetite and indulge in Latin American snacks such as Bolivian salteñas.

1343 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
202-422–3005
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues.

Hank's Oyster Bar

Dupont Circle

A small, sleek, and unpretentious nautical-themed bar offers a half-price raw bar after 10 pm every night of the week, here and at its locations on the Wharf and Old Town Alexandria. The bartenders are friendly, giving you tastes of different wines or drinks to try, along with recommendations on the daily catch and other food options, including one of the best lobster rolls around.

Recommended Fodor's Video

JR's Bar & Grill

Dupont Circle

A popular institution on the 17th Street strip, this narrow, window-lined space packs in a mostly male, mostly professional, gay crowd. Various nights offer show-tune sing-alongs, trivia contests, and a "Sunday Funday" daylong happy hour.

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar on Jefferson

Dupont Circle

This unassuming space in the basement of a Dupont town house is named after the patron saint of brewing, and it's certainly blessed with its choice of hard-to-find Belgian beers. The Belgian theme continues on the menu, and mussels are prepared in numerous ways, including with blue cheese and bacon, a Thai curry sauce, or with white wine and crushed chili.

The Admiral

Dupont Circle

The Admiral, which is just steps from Dupont Circle, has one of the largest outdoor spaces in D.C., namely a 2,000-plus-square-foot patio. Although it serves pub food such as burgers, chicken wings, and quesadillas, it's an upgrade from the typical sports bar thanks to rich wood paneling and hip, Navy-themed, neon art. On the weekends, it serves as a late-night hangout with drinks and food served until last call.

Not finding what you're looking for?

We've got a few suggestions for nearby spots.
Downtown

Quill0.3 miles away

1200 16th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20035, USA
We recommend 9 Nightlife in Downtown
Downtown

DC Improv0.3 miles away

1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
We recommend 9 Nightlife in Downtown
U Street Corridor and Shaw

Number Nine0.4 miles away

1435 P St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
We recommend 28 Nightlife in U Street Corridor and Shaw
U Street Corridor and Shaw

New Vegas Lounge0.4 miles away

1415 P St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
We recommend 28 Nightlife in U Street Corridor and Shaw
U Street Corridor and Shaw

Black Jack0.5 miles away

1612 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
We recommend 28 Nightlife in U Street Corridor and Shaw