The Best Hotel Bars in Washington D.C.
Hotel bars often get a bad rap for being staid and perfunctory. These bars in Washington D.C. are anything but... and, in fact, are places that Washingtonians seek out for a fun night out.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C
Why it made the list
You feel like you’ve stumbled across the Orient-Express in the plush, softly lit bar of the stately St. Regis. Sink into a Chesterfield leather sofa by the fire and sip an Old Fashioned or Classic Red Snapper. Small bites are offered as well.
Rosewood Washington DC
Why it made the list
The intimate Rye Bar serves hand-crafted cocktails in a soft-lit, dark-paneled setting, with windows looking out on the tree-shaded C&O canal. The masterful menu incorporates an exclusive selection of rare and popular rye whiskeys and housemade bitters.
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C
Why it made the list
Quadrant is a mixology experience, where classic and original culinary cocktails derive from the kitchen—meaning, everything is made from scratch. Try the smoky old fashioned, for example, or one of the sous-vides. You can sit in the sophisticated bar area, or in the adjacent cozy "living room" in front of the roaring fire.
Phoenix Park Hotel
Why it made the list
The rambling Dubliner is the go-to for flowing Guinness, live Irish music, and corned beef and cabbage. And you can bet, they go all out for St. Paddy's Day.
Willard InterContinental
Why it made the list
Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant all swilled drinks at the iconic, mahogany-paneled Round Robin & Scotch Bar. Classic cocktails include the mint julep, said to be invented here by Henry Clay. Its adjacent Scotch bar has more than 100 bottles of whiskey from Scotland’s best distilleries.
The Jefferson
Why it made the list
In Quill, the Jefferson's upscale cocktail bar and lounge, 18th-century maps follow Jefferson’s European wine journeys. So you know they take their wine seriously. But you'll also find inspired classic cocktails and signature drinks including the Route One Ricky (Jim Beam rye, cartelized key lime shrub, and homemade cream soda). An in-house pianist plays most nights.
The Hay-Adams
Why it made the list
Plush red banquettes and political caricatures on the walls highlight the fabled Off the Record, a classic DC drinking hole near the White House. No doubt you'll be sharing happy hour with lobbyists, tourists and locals alike. The wine selection is superb.
The Graham Georgetown
Why it made the list
The basement-level Alex Cocktail Bar & Speakeasy looks every bit like a 1920s speakeasy. You need a private code to enter, and the dark woods, flowery wallpaper, and oval portraits give it an early-century Americana feel. But the main reason people come here is for the hugely creative craft and classic cocktails (the bathtub gin, served in a petit bathtub, is the most Instagramable). Along with its jazz series on Saturday nights and Havana nites parties on Thursdays.
The Fairfax at Embassy Row
Why it made the list
The Fairfax Grille and Lounge in this historic hotel is decidedly masculine with its plaid walls, red leather chairs, fireplace, and nautical theme. It feels like the sort of place FDR may have loved. The bar area features locally inspired cocktails and at least two local beers on tap.
Check Rates for Hotels
on the List
BACK TO TOP
