Cocktail hour in DC goes off at these top bars and cocktail lounges. Following a long day at work, preceding a dinner reservation and meeting for a date or a night out with friends are all excellent opportunities to stop in for a round or two at these hot spots.
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Whether stiff, straight, fruity or mellow, these cocktail bars and lounges mix and stir up the perfect libations to celebrate any occasion. From speakeasies to saloons, here are some of the best places to grab drinks in DC.
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1020 7th St. NW / Website
Suitable for a Wes Anderson film set, Morris American Bar has eye-catching design elements that seem straight out of The Royal Tenaumbaums or The Grand Budapest Hotel. The meticulously crafted and prepared libations from talented mixologists and expert bartenders showcase how important every detail of the cocktail experience is at Morris American Bar. Hand-carved ice and temperature-controlled glassware are some of the many features that make the care put into each drink evident.
1306 18th St. NW / Website
Residents Cafe & Bar is booming with luscious plants, bountiful gardens, refreshing energy and delicious drinks. Sip, chat, mingle, laugh and soak in all the good Residents Cafe & Bar offers. Meet up for brunch, dinner and cocktail lounging with small, shareable plates at this high-vibe spot.
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2917 M St. NW / Website
Farm-to-table food accompanies expert-mixed cocktails at L'Annexe Cocktail Bar. Top-of-the-line service and vibrant drinks please guests, while the ambiance and decor offer sleek photo opportunities.
1836 18th St. NW / Website
This surf-inspired spot serves beachy drinks, including Oki Coast, which combines Japanese whisky with rainwater Madeira and a dash of umami bitters. Sunset Beach is a passionfruit mezcal cocktail that aligns with Vagabond's coastal theme. Lay back and relax while soaking in the company of your best compadres.
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1280 4th St. NE / Website
Serenata in Union Market District's La Cosecha Market generously pours Latin-style cocktails. The drink list varies as new specialty cocktails fold into the mix at Serenata.
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2007 18th St. NW / Website
Jack Rose Dining Saloon has a vast whiskey selection of over 50 pages. Ample options to please each preference, from sweet and smooth bourbons to fiery whiskies and smoky scotches, delight whiskey enthusiasts. Whether it's poured neat, on the rocks, over a whiskey cube or in a cocktail, the dark liquor selection at Jack Rose Dining Saloon has a vast collection to enjoy in several ways.
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900 F St. / Website
Silver Lyan is an underground cocktail bar in the historic banking vault at Riggs. The landmark opened as Riggs National Bank in 1891 and handled the financial affairs of over 20 U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. The building has since transformed into a hotel with secret nooks and hidden gems for locals, visitors and guests to discover.
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727 C St. SE / Website
The Wells is a gin bar in Capitol Hill that serves beautifully presented cocktails garnished with fresh fruit and edible flowers. The drink selection evolved to reflect the current season, but one factor remains the same: the gin base and the delightful presentation of each cocktail served. Enjoy light bites like caviar and chips for pairing.
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1705 14th St. NW / Website
The menu at Jane Jane features drinks like the pink corvair made of vodka, curaçao, grenadine and lemon juice. Sip the pegu club cocktail, which combines gin with curaçao, angostura lime and orange bitters, while winding down from a long day or meeting up for a fun night. Cheers!
Photography by: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
