U Street in Washington, D.C., is a legendary hub for nightlife, renowned for its vibrant energy and diverse bar scene. Perfectly positioned away from the overwhelming crowds of the Orange/Blue lines and offering a more sophisticated vibe than Adams Morgan, U Street and its surrounding areas, including parts of 14th Street and 9th Street, cater to a discerning crowd seeking quality experiences. Whether you’re after a relaxed evening or a high-energy night out, the “Bars In Dc U Street” area have something for everyone. From laid-back lounges to pulsating dance floors, let’s explore the best spots this iconic neighborhood has to offer.
U Street Proper: A Block-by-Block Bar Crawl
Starting our exploration on U Street itself, moving from east to west, you’ll find a fantastic array of bars each with its own unique character.
16th-17th/U Street: Lounges and Chill Vibes
This section of U Street sets a relaxed tone with lounge-style venues perfect for conversation and unwinding.
Chi-Cha Lounge: Step into a world of plush seating and exotic flavors at Chi-Cha Lounge. Known for its hookah offerings and laid-back atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to start your evening or enjoy a chill hangout with friends. The dimly lit space encourages conversation and offers a unique alternative to the typical bar scene.
Exiles Bar & Grill: For those who appreciate a breath of fresh air, Exiles Bar & Grill boasts a coveted outdoor space. This casual spot is perfect for enjoying a beer or a simple cocktail while soaking in the U Street atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and observe the neighborhood’s lively energy.
Local 16: As you move along U Street, Local 16 offers a livelier experience. Popular with a younger crowd, particularly those in their early twenties, Local 16 can get quite energetic, especially on weekends. It features a roof deck, adding another dimension to its appeal. Expect a meat-market vibe with a mix of dancing and lounge areas, making it a versatile option for a fun night out.
15th-16th/U Street: Ethiopian Flavors and Live Music
This block offers a unique cultural twist with Ethiopian influences and live music options.
Selam: Immerse yourself in Ethiopian and Eritrean culture at Selam. This restaurant and bar provides a relaxed setting with the added bonus of billiards. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a unique experience that combines flavorful food, a laid-back bar atmosphere, and a touch of entertainment.
JoJo Restaurant & Bar: For lovers of live music and a chill ambiance, JoJo Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit. This spot offers a restaurant setting that smoothly transitions into a bar with live music performances. It’s perfect for enjoying dinner and drinks while being entertained by local musicians.
14th-15th/U Street: Distillery Cool
District Distilling: For a taste of local spirits, head to District Distilling. This distillery offers a chill and sophisticated environment where you can sample their handcrafted spirits and cocktails. It’s a unique experience that goes beyond the typical bar, allowing you to see the distillation process and enjoy drinks made with locally produced ingredients.
13th-14th/U Street (North Side): Dance and Rooftop Views
The north side of this block ramps up the energy with dance-focused venues and rooftop escapes.
Tropicalia: Descend into the basement and discover the vibrant energy of Tropicalia. This dance-centric spot is known for its lively atmosphere and Latin-infused music. It’s the perfect place to let loose and dance the night away in an intimate setting.
Lost Society: Offering a more upscale experience, Lost Society combines a restaurant, lounge, and rooftop deck. This versatile venue caters to different moods, whether you want to dine in style, relax in a lounge setting, or enjoy rooftop views with your drinks.
Cloak & Dagger: Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate Cloak & Dagger. This bar focuses on creative cocktails in a dancey environment. It’s a great option for those who enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a setting that encourages movement and socializing.
Bin 1301: Wine lovers will find their haven at Bin 1301. This wine bar offers a chill and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and conversation. It’s a quieter option compared to the dance bars in the area, ideal for a relaxed evening.
Alero Lounge: Alero Lounge brings a mix of restaurant vibes and dance energy. This spot offers a versatile experience where you can enjoy a meal and then transition into a dance-filled night. It’s a lively venue that caters to different preferences.
13th-14th/U Street (South Side): Jazz, Dive Bars, and More
The south side of this block presents a diverse mix, from live jazz to dive bars and chill hangouts.
Twins Jazz: For jazz aficionados, Twins Jazz is a legendary destination. This intimate venue hosts live music performances, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates jazz in a cozy and authentic setting.
Desperados Burgers & Bar: If you’re in the mood for a casual and unpretentious experience, Desperados Burgers & Bar is your spot. This divey bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and classic bar fare. It’s a great place to grab a burger and a beer without any fuss.
Sudhouse: Beer enthusiasts will appreciate Sudhouse. With a focus on beer, this chill bar offers a wide selection and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore different brews and enjoy a laid-back evening with friends.
Hawthorne: Hawthorne caters to a meat-market crowd with a rooftop deck. This bar can get lively, especially on weekends, and is known for its social atmosphere. The rooftop adds an extra appeal, offering views of the U Street corridor.
Vivid Lounge: Hookah and lounge vibes define Vivid Lounge. Similar to Chi-Cha, Vivid Lounge offers a relaxed setting with hookah options, creating a unique and laid-back atmosphere for socializing.
The Codmother: Dive bar aficionados should seek out The Codmother. Located in a basement, this divey spot offers a no-frills experience with a focus on cheap drinks and a casual atmosphere. It’s a classic dive bar for those who appreciate the unpretentious.
The Fainting Goat: For a more refined experience, The Fainting Goat is a restaurant that offers a chill bar atmosphere. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a place that combines quality food with a relaxed bar setting.
Pure Lounge: Pure Lounge lives up to its name with a loungey and dancey atmosphere. This venue blends comfortable lounge areas with a dance floor, offering a versatile space for socializing and letting loose.
The Smith: The Smith provides a restaurant setting with a chill bar vibe. It’s a reliable option for a meal and drinks in a comfortable and stylish environment.
12th-13th/U Street: Tiki, Chill, and Beer Gardens
Moving further west, this block features tiki vibes, chill beer gardens, and more relaxed options.
Ben’s Next Door: Right next to the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl, Ben’s Next Door offers a restaurant and chill bar experience. It’s a great spot to enjoy a more upscale meal and drinks while still being in the heart of U Street.
The Saloon: Beer lovers will appreciate The Saloon. This chill bar focuses on beer and offers a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a straightforward and comfortable spot to enjoy a drink with friends.
Archipelago: Escape to a tiki paradise at Archipelago. A “Barred in DC Pick,” this bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and chill tiki atmosphere. It’s a unique and fun destination for those seeking tropical drinks and a relaxed vibe.
The Prospect: Sports fans will find their place at The Prospect. This sports bar offers a chill atmosphere and is a great spot to catch a game while enjoying drinks and classic bar food.
Amsterdam Lounge: Amsterdam Lounge offers a blend of lounge and dance vibes. This venue provides a versatile space where you can relax in lounge areas or hit the dance floor as the night progresses.
11th-12th/U Street: Dive Bars and Music Venues
This block offers a mix of divey charm and live music energy.
Solly’s: Solly’s is a classic dive bar with the added bonus of an outdoor space. It’s a no-frills spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for casual drinks and enjoying the U Street scene.
Vinoteca: Wine enthusiasts should venture slightly south of U Street on 11th to find Vinoteca. This wine bar offers a sophisticated experience with bocce and an outdoor space. It’s a great spot for wine lovers seeking a relaxed and engaging environment.
U Street Music Hall: Music lovers, rejoice! U Street Music Hall is a renowned music venue that also operates as a dance club. Check their schedule for live performances or head there for a night of dancing to diverse music genres.
10th-11th/U Street: Lounge Vibe
Lounge of Three: As the name suggests, Lounge of Three focuses on creating a loungey atmosphere. This spot is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and intimate setting for conversation and drinks.
9th-Vermont-10th/U Street: Rooftops, Dive Bars, and Hipster Hangouts
Moving towards 9th Street and Vermont Avenue, the vibe becomes increasingly eclectic with rooftop bars, divey venues, and hipster-friendly spots.
El Rey: El Rey brings a meat-market vibe with a popular outdoor space. This spot can get quite lively, especially during warmer months, and is known for its social atmosphere.
Dodge City: Dodge City is a divey and dancey spot with a rooftop deck. It caters to a hipster crowd and offers a mix of casual dive bar vibes with the energy of a dance club and rooftop views.
Velvet Lounge: Another divey music venue, Velvet Lounge attracts a hipster crowd and features an outdoor space. It’s a great spot to discover local bands and enjoy a laid-back, alternative atmosphere.
The Dirty Goose: The Dirty Goose is a gay bar with a popular rooftop deck. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant rooftop scene, offering a fun and inclusive space.
The Brixton: The Brixton is another meat-market style bar with a rooftop. It’s a popular spot for socializing and enjoying drinks in a lively environment.
Ghion/2010 Lounge & Bar: Ghion/2010 Lounge & Bar offers a mix of Ethiopian cuisine and hookah in a restaurant and bar setting. It provides a unique cultural experience with food, drinks, and hookah options.
Gaslight Tavern: Gaslight Tavern offers a chill atmosphere with an outdoor space. It’s a relaxed and casual spot perfect for enjoying a drink and conversation in a comfortable setting.
Service Bar: A “Barred in DC Pick,” Service Bar is known for its chill atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking quality drinks in a relaxed environment.
Nellie’s Sports Bar: Nellie’s Sports Bar is a popular gay sports bar with a rooftop deck. It’s a lively and welcoming space for sports fans and those seeking a fun and inclusive bar experience.
Vermont/9th/Florida/V (One Block North of U): Hidden Gems
Venturing just a block north of U Street reveals some hidden gems.
Wet Dog Tavern: Wet Dog Tavern offers a chill atmosphere with an outdoor space. It’s a relaxed and casual spot, similar to Gaslight Tavern, ideal for laid-back drinks.
American Ice Company: American Ice Company is a chill and hipster-friendly bar with an outdoor space. It’s known for its relaxed vibe and is a popular spot for those seeking a more low-key hangout.
9:30 Club: The legendary 9:30 Club is a renowned music venue. While primarily a concert hall, it often has bar areas open even when shows aren’t happening, making it a notable part of the U Street bar scene.
Satellite Room: A “Barred in DC Pick,” Satellite Room is a chill and hipster-friendly bar with an outdoor space. It’s a stylish and relaxed spot, often attracting a trendy crowd.
9th Street (Between T & U): Expanding the Scene
Extending the exploration down 9th Street between T and U Streets reveals even more options.
DC9: DC9 is a music venue and dive bar with a rooftop deck. It’s a multi-level venue offering live music, a casual dive bar atmosphere, and rooftop views, appealing to a diverse crowd.
Nocturne: Cocktail lovers should check out Nocturne. This bar focuses on expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish and intimate setting.
Salina Bar and Lounge (or Expo): Salina Bar and Lounge, also known as Expo, offers hookah and Ethiopian influences. It’s another spot where you can experience Ethiopian culture in a bar setting, with hookah options adding to the ambiance.
MK Lounge: MK Lounge provides a loungey and dancey atmosphere with hookah and Ethiopian influences. It blends different vibes, offering a space for both relaxation and dancing, with Ethiopian elements adding a unique touch.
Appioo African Bar & Grill: Appioo African Bar & Grill is a restaurant and bar featuring live music and West African/Ghanaian cuisine. It offers a rich cultural experience with food, music, and a focus on West African culture.
Dino’s Grotto: Dino’s Grotto is a restaurant and bar with a focus on beer. It’s a more food-centric option with a good beer selection, suitable for a relaxed meal and drinks.
Cloud Lounge: Cloud Lounge offers a loungey and dancey atmosphere with hookah and Ethiopian influences. Similar to MK Lounge, it provides a versatile space with a blend of relaxation and dance vibes, incorporating Ethiopian elements.
Right Spot Restaurant & Bar: Right Spot Restaurant & Bar is a straightforward restaurant and bar. It’s a more casual and unassuming option for a meal and drinks.
Ambassador: Ambassador is another Ethiopian restaurant and bar. It adds to the Ethiopian presence in the area, offering another option to experience this cuisine and culture.
Cortez: Cortez offers a restaurant setting with a chill rooftop deck. It combines dining with rooftop views and a relaxed atmosphere, providing a pleasant experience.
14th Street (South to North): Upscale and Trendy
Moving over to 14th Street, especially south of U Street, the bar scene takes on a slightly more upscale and trendy character.
The Crown and Crow: The Crown and Crow is a “Barred in DC Pick” known for its chill atmosphere and live music. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging bar experience with musical entertainment.
Slipstream: Slipstream is a versatile venue serving as a restaurant, cocktail bar, and coffee shop. It’s a great option for any time of day, whether you’re looking for coffee, cocktails, or a meal in a stylish setting.
Churchkey: Churchkey, another “Barred in DC Pick,” is a beer lover’s paradise with a chill atmosphere. It boasts an extensive beer selection and a relaxed setting, making it a must-visit for beer aficionados.
Players Club: For those seeking entertainment beyond just drinks, Players Club offers games. It’s a fun and interactive bar where you can enjoy drinks and games, perfect for a social outing.
Black Whiskey: Black Whiskey is a divey bar with games. It combines the casual atmosphere of a dive bar with the added fun of games, offering a relaxed and entertaining experience.
TRADE: TRADE is a gay bar known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It’s a popular spot within the LGBTQ+ community and allies, offering a safe and fun space.
Kingfisher: Kingfisher, a “Barred in DC Pick,” is a beer-focused bar with a chill basement setting. It provides a relaxed and slightly underground vibe, ideal for enjoying a wide selection of beers.
Estadio: Estadio is a Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar. It offers a taste of Spain with its cuisine and drinks, providing a sophisticated and flavorful experience.
Drafting Table: Drafting Table is a restaurant and bar focused on beer. It’s another great option for beer lovers, combining a restaurant setting with a wide selection of brews.
Ghibellina: Ghibellina is a restaurant with a chill bar atmosphere. It’s a stylish and relaxed spot to enjoy Italian cuisine and drinks in a comfortable setting.
Sotto: Sotto offers a chill and cocktail-focused experience in a basement setting. It’s a slightly hidden and intimate spot, perfect for enjoying cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.
Blackjack/Tilt: Blackjack/Tilt, a “Barred in DC Pick,” features a loungey and chill atmosphere with cocktails. Tilt is the back bar of Blackjack, providing a versatile space for different moods.
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is a restaurant known for its seafood and outdoor space. It’s a great option for seafood lovers who also want to enjoy drinks in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Barcelona Wine Bar: Barcelona Wine Bar is a restaurant and wine bar with an outdoor space. It offers a taste of Spain with its wine selection and tapas, perfect for a relaxed and social evening.
Red Light: Red Light is a cocktail bar with a chill atmosphere and outdoor space. It’s a stylish and relaxed spot to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and the outdoor ambiance.
Cork Wine Bar: Cork Wine Bar is, as the name suggests, a wine bar with a chill atmosphere and outdoor space. It’s a sophisticated and relaxed destination for wine enthusiasts.
Chicken & Whiskey: Chicken & Whiskey is a unique concept combining a restaurant specializing in chicken and a whiskey bar with a dancey vibe. It’s a fun and lively spot that offers a unique combination of food, drinks, and entertainment.
Garden District: Garden District, a “Barred in DC Pick,” is a beer garden with a chill atmosphere and outdoor space. It’s a relaxed and casual spot, perfect for enjoying beers outdoors, especially during warmer months.
Left Door: Left Door is a cocktail bar with a chill and fancy atmosphere, located just off 14th Street. It’s a slightly hidden gem offering a more upscale cocktail experience in a relaxed setting.
Destination Wedding: Destination Wedding is another cocktail bar with a chill atmosphere, also just off 14th Street. It’s a stylish and relaxed spot for enjoying cocktails away from the main street bustle.
Black Cat: Black Cat is a music venue and dive bar with a hipster vibe. It’s a long-standing DC venue known for its alternative music and casual dive bar atmosphere.
El Centro D.F.: El Centro D.F. is a Mexican restaurant with a dancey rooftop deck. It offers a lively atmosphere with Mexican cuisine, drinks, and rooftop views, perfect for a fun night out.
Masa 14: Masa 14 is a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant with a loungey rooftop deck. It offers a unique culinary experience with rooftop views and a lounge atmosphere.
Bar Pilar: Bar Pilar is a chill bar with cocktails and a hipster vibe. It’s a stylish and relaxed spot known for its cocktails and attracting a trendy crowd.
Cafe Saint-Ex: Cafe Saint-Ex offers a chill atmosphere that can get dancey later in the night. It’s a versatile venue that can transition from a relaxed cafe to a more energetic bar as the evening progresses.
Compass Rose: Compass Rose is a restaurant with a chill atmosphere and cocktails, located just off 14th Street. It’s a slightly hidden gem offering a relaxed dining and drinking experience.
Policy: Policy is a loungey and dancey bar with an outdoor space and rooftop deck. It’s a versatile venue with different areas to explore, from lounge settings to dance floors and rooftop views.
Colada Shop: Colada Shop is a Cuban restaurant and bar with a rooftop deck and cocktail focus, located just off 14th Street. It offers a taste of Cuba with its food and drinks, combined with a rooftop experience.
Taqueria Nacional: Taqueria Nacional is a straightforward taqueria restaurant, located just off 14th Street. It’s a more casual option for grabbing tacos and drinks.
Marvin: Marvin is a loungey bar with a rooftop deck. It offers a relaxed lounge atmosphere with the added bonus of rooftop views, perfect for a chill evening out.
The Gibson: The Gibson is a cocktail bar with an outdoor space. It’s a stylish and relaxed spot known for its cocktails and outdoor ambiance.
Red Lounge: Red Lounge offers a loungey and dancey atmosphere. It’s a versatile venue for those looking to both relax and dance in one place.
Provision No. 14: Provision No. 14 is a restaurant and bar offering cocktails and a loungey atmosphere. It’s a more upscale and stylish venue with a focus on food and drinks.
Judy Restaurant: Judy Restaurant is a restaurant with a divey bar vibe. It combines a restaurant setting with the casual and unpretentious atmosphere of a dive bar.
Grady’s Restaurant: Grady’s Restaurant is a restaurant with a chill bar atmosphere. It’s a relaxed and comfortable spot for enjoying a meal and drinks.
Sakerum: Sakerum is a restaurant and bar offering sake and rum-based cocktails with a loungey rooftop deck. It provides a unique drink selection and a rooftop experience in a stylish setting.
Franklin Hall: Franklin Hall is a sports bar focused on beer. It’s a classic sports bar with a wide beer selection, perfect for catching a game and enjoying drinks with friends.
Other Logan Circle Options (Off P Street or Rhode Island)
Venturing slightly off the main U Street and 14th Street corridors into Logan Circle reveals a few more notable options.
The Radiator (in Mason & Rook): The Radiator, located in the Mason & Rook hotel, is a hotel bar with an outdoor space, rooftop, and cocktail focus. It offers a more upscale hotel bar experience with rooftop views and expertly crafted cocktails.
Bar Rouge: Bar Rouge is another hotel bar, providing a sophisticated and stylish setting for drinks.
Stoney’s Bar and Grill: Stoney’s Bar and Grill is a divey and chill bar. It’s a casual and unpretentious spot for relaxed drinks and classic bar fare.
Number Nine: Number Nine is a gay loungey bar. It’s a popular spot within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a comfortable and inclusive lounge environment.
New Vegas Lounge: New Vegas Lounge is a divey bar with live music. It combines the casual atmosphere of a dive bar with the entertainment of live music performances.
The Commodore Public House: The Commodore Public House is a chill bar with an outdoor space. It’s a relaxed and casual spot, similar to Wet Dog Tavern and Gaslight Tavern, perfect for laid-back drinks outdoors.
U Street and the surrounding areas truly offer a bar for every taste and occasion. Whether you are looking for a lively dance club, a relaxed rooftop bar, a cozy dive bar, or a sophisticated cocktail lounge, “bars in dc u street” will not disappoint. Explore this dynamic neighborhood and discover your new favorite spot for a night out in DC!
