Icon

LOOKING FOR THE

Best Lounge / Upscale Bar in Washington DC

Best days for Best Lounge / Upscale Bar in Washington DC

Map My Location
The Capital Grille
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC, DC 20004
(202) 737-6200
Sure there are plenty of Capital Grilles across the country, but how many are a block from the US Capitol? This location serves up some serious DC power brokering at the wood and leather bar area. If you ever wanted to see lobbyists and Congressmen doing what you think they do, this is where they do it.
The Round Robin Bar
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC, DC 20004
(202) 628-9100
This is how gentlemen drink. The bar in itself is something to just look at but go ahead and order a drink anyway. The Mint Julep is their signature, but a Sidecar or Manhattan might also be in order. The bar is usually open late, so end a long day here over a scotch and ask that lady what she's drinking. Go ahead, she's probably not a lady of the night.
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St NW Washington DC, DC 20005
(202) 347-4800
A 1/2 block from the White House, this stately, wood covered restaurant has three bar choices. The long bar in the center is for tourists, so stay away. The duck bar to the left is for young lobbyist types to mingle and fraternize. The back bar is where White House staffers and DC regulars hang out without you bothering them. Mike takes care of them, and maybe you if you're nice.
The Caucus Room
401 9th St NW Washington DC, DC 20004
(202) 393-1300
When high powered Republicans and Democrats in DC get together and open a steakhouse, you know two things: the steaks will be decent, the bar fantastic and the wine list long. This bar is a sneaky hideaway for those wishing to enjoy their scotch or pinot in peace.
Off the Record
16th & H Street Washington DC, DC 20006
(202) 638-6600
We love all of the bars on this list, so it’s hard to rank them, but Off the Record falls to #5 because the service is usually geared towards its regulars, and the place is either empty or it has enough people in it to where the management doesn’t allow your friend in (for no apparent reason because we have a chair saved for her…). It is the classic dark lobbyist hangout and is White House staff friendly. But seriously, everything said is off the record…seriously…please?
Tattoo Bar
1413 K St NW Washington DC, DC 20005
(202) 408-9440
A new addition to the DC scene, Tattoo is quickly earning a reputation for being upscale, yet rocking, yet low on quality drinks and food, yet hit or miss. We need to give Tattoo more time to develop itself, but its K Street location gives it the ability to be place to be after work. Even though the closest thing to a Tattoo any of its patrons will have is a hickey from last night.
Fahrenheit
3100 South Street NWInside the Georgetown Ritz Carlton Washington DC, DC 20007
202-912-4100
Hotel bars should all take a note from Farenheit. Yes, it’s a little trendy these days, and yes, the drinks are overpriced, as is the case across the entire city. But the crowd is good looking, the people overly friendly, and it is surprisingly accessible for a well-to-do crowd. We’ve watched games here, we’ve had pre-drinks and we’ve shut it down. It captures what you’re looking for. Farenheit gets a sneaky 69 degrees.
Change Location