Explore the Best U Street Bars in Washington D.C.

U Street and Logan Circle form a vibrant nightlife hub in Washington D.C., drawing in crowds with their unique and diverse bar scene. Separated from the Orange/Blue metro lines enough to maintain a local vibe and just pricey enough to keep the very young crowds at bay, this area, encompassing both U Street and 14th Street (and spilling over onto neighboring 9th Street), offers a bar for every taste. The atmosphere transitions as you move along 14th Street; the southern end is known for its sophisticated dining, while the energy escalates, becoming particularly lively around the intersection of 14th/U (and 9th/U), especially on weekend nights. If you’re looking for the quintessential U Street Bars experience, you’ve come to the right place.

U Street Corridor: Bar by Bar

16th-17th/U Streets

• Chi-Cha Lounge: Step into a relaxed, lounge atmosphere at Chi-Cha Lounge. Known for its hookah offerings, this spot provides a comfortable and chill environment, perfect for unwinding with friends.
• Exiles Bar & Grill: Exiles offers a laid-back experience with the added bonus of outdoor space. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a relaxed bar to enjoy a drink in a casual setting.
• Local 16: If you’re seeking a livelier scene, Local 16 is the place to be. Attracting a slightly younger crowd, it features a dance floor and lounge areas, and is known for its rooftop deck. It can have a “meat market” vibe, making it a spot for those looking for a more energetic night out.

15th-16th/U Streets

• Selam Restaurant: More than just a restaurant, Selam provides a chill atmosphere with Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine and billiards. It’s a unique option for those who want to combine dining with a relaxed bar setting.
• JoJo Restaurant & Bar: JoJo offers a restaurant experience with a chill vibe and the added bonus of live music. It’s a versatile spot for a relaxed evening out, whether you’re looking for dinner or drinks and entertainment.

14th-15th/U Streets

• District Distilling: For a unique experience, visit District Distilling. This distillery offers a chill environment where you can sample locally made spirits in a relaxed setting.

13th-14th/U Streets (North side)

• Tropicalia: Head downstairs to Tropicalia for a dance-focused experience in a basement setting. This spot is known for its energetic dance scene.
• Lost Society: Lost Society combines a restaurant, lounge, and rooftop deck. It provides a multi-level experience, catering to different preferences within one venue.
• Cloak & Dagger: Cloak & Dagger is a cocktail bar with a dancey vibe. It’s a great option for those seeking expertly crafted cocktails in an upbeat atmosphere.
• Bin 1301: Wine lovers will appreciate Bin 1301. This wine bar offers a chill environment focused on wine selection and a relaxed ambiance.
• Alero Lounge: Alero Lounge blends restaurant and dance elements. Expect a lively atmosphere where you can dine and dance.

13th-14th/U Streets (South side)

• Twins Jazz: For live music enthusiasts, Twins Jazz is a must-visit. This venue is dedicated to live jazz performances in an intimate setting.
• Desperados Burgers & Bar: If you’re in the mood for something casual, Desperados Burgers & Bar is a divey restaurant offering burgers and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Sudhouse: Beer aficionados will enjoy Sudhouse. This chill bar focuses on beer selection, offering a wide variety in a relaxed environment.
• Hawthorne: Hawthorne is known for its rooftop deck and “meat market” atmosphere. It’s a spot that attracts a crowd looking for a social and energetic scene.
• Vivid Lounge: Vivid Lounge provides a loungey experience with hookah. It’s a comfortable spot for those who enjoy hookah in a relaxed lounge setting.
• The Codmother: The Codmother is a divey bar located in a basement. Expect a no-frills, laid-back atmosphere.
• The Fainting Goat: The Fainting Goat is a restaurant with a chill vibe. It offers a relaxed dining experience in a comfortable setting.
• Pure Lounge: Pure Lounge combines lounge and dance elements. It’s a spot for those who want to dance and enjoy a lounge atmosphere.
• The Smith: The Smith is a restaurant with a chill atmosphere. It’s a reliable option for a relaxed meal in a comfortable setting.

12th-13th/U Streets

• Ben’s Next Door: Ben’s Next Door is a restaurant maintaining a chill atmosphere, adjacent to the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl.
• The Saloon: The Saloon is a straightforward, chill bar focused on beer. It’s a casual spot for beer drinkers.
• Archipelago: Archipelago is a “Barred in DC Pick” and a tiki-themed cocktail bar. It offers a unique and chill experience with a focus on creative cocktails.
• The Prospect: Sports fans will find a home at The Prospect, a sports bar with a chill atmosphere.
• Amsterdam Lounge: Amsterdam Lounge offers a combination of lounge and dance vibes, making it suitable for different moods.

11th-12th/U Streets

• Solly’s: Solly’s is a divey bar with outdoor space. It’s a casual option with the added benefit of enjoying the outdoors.
• Vinoteca: Vinoteca is a wine bar that also features bocce and outdoor space. Located just south of U Street on 11th, it’s a great spot for wine lovers seeking a relaxed outdoor setting.
• U Street Music Hall: Music lovers should check out U Street Music Hall. This dedicated music venue is known for its dance-oriented events.

10th-11th/U Streets

• Lounge of Three: Lounge of Three is a straightforward lounge, offering a relaxed setting for drinks and conversation.

9th-Vermont-10th/U Streets

• El Rey: El Rey has a “meat market” atmosphere with outdoor space. It’s a lively spot with an outdoor area to enjoy.
• Dodge City: Dodge City is a divey, dancey bar with a rooftop deck and a hipster vibe. It combines several elements for a varied experience.
• Velvet Lounge: Velvet Lounge is a divey music venue with a hipster vibe and outdoor space. It’s known for its live music and casual atmosphere.
• The Dirty Goose: The Dirty Goose is a gay bar with a rooftop deck. It offers a welcoming atmosphere with an outdoor space.
• The Brixton: The Brixton has a “meat market” vibe and a rooftop deck. It’s a popular spot with a lively rooftop area.
• Ghion/2010 Lounge & Bar: Ghion is a restaurant with hookah and Ethiopian influences. It offers a unique combination of dining and lounge experiences.
• Gaslight Tavern: Gaslight Tavern is a chill bar with outdoor space. It’s a relaxed option with an outdoor area.
• Service Bar: Service Bar is a “Barred in DC Pick” known for its chill atmosphere and cocktails. It’s a recommended spot for quality drinks in a relaxed setting.
• Nellie’s Sports Bar: Nellie’s Sports Bar is a gay sports bar with a rooftop deck. It’s a popular and energetic sports bar with outdoor space.

Vermont/9th/Florida/V Streets (one block north of U)

• Wet Dog Tavern: Wet Dog Tavern is a chill bar with outdoor space. It’s a relaxed option with an outdoor area.
• American Ice Company: American Ice Company is a chill bar with outdoor space and a hipster vibe. It’s a trendy spot with an outdoor area.
• 9:30 Club: The 9:30 Club is a renowned music venue, hosting a wide range of performances.
• Satellite Room: Satellite Room is a “Barred in DC Pick” offering a chill atmosphere, outdoor space, and a hipster vibe. It’s a recommended spot with a trendy and relaxed outdoor area.

9th Street (between T & U Streets)

• DC9: DC9 is a music venue and divey bar with a rooftop deck and hipster appeal. It’s a multi-level venue with a casual vibe and rooftop access.
• Nocturne: Nocturne focuses on cocktails in a dedicated cocktail bar setting.
• Salina Bar and Lounge (or Expo): Salina Bar and Lounge offers hookah and Ethiopian influences. It’s a lounge with a specific cultural flavor.
• MK Lounge: MK Lounge is a loungey, dancey bar with hookah and Ethiopian influences. It combines different elements for a diverse experience.
• Appioo African Bar & Grill: Appioo African Bar & Grill is a restaurant with live music, specializing in West African/Ghanaian cuisine and attracting a specific crowd.
• Dino’s Grotto: Dino’s Grotto is a restaurant focused on beer, offering a dining experience with a beer focus.

Further North on 9th Street

• Cloud Lounge: Cloud Lounge is a loungey, dancey bar with hookah and Ethiopian influences, similar to MK Lounge but potentially distinct.
• Right Spot Restaurant & Bar: Right Spot Restaurant & Bar is a straightforward restaurant.
• Ambassador: Ambassador is another Ethiopian restaurant in the area.
• Cortez: Cortez is a restaurant with a rooftop deck and chill atmosphere. It offers dining with rooftop views and a relaxed setting.

14th Street (South to North)

• 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 recommended spot for relaxed drinks and music.

• Slipstream: Slipstream is a versatile spot, functioning as a restaurant, cocktail bar, and coffee shop.

• ChurchKey: ChurchKey is a “Barred in DC Pick” and beer bar, known for its extensive beer selection and chill atmosphere.

• Players Club: Players Club focuses on games, making it a fun and interactive bar.

• Black Whiskey: Black Whiskey is a divey bar with games. It’s a casual spot for drinks and entertainment.

• TRADE: TRADE is a gay bar.

• Kingfisher: Kingfisher is a “Barred in DC Pick” and beer bar located in a basement, known for its beer selection and chill atmosphere.

• Estadio: Estadio is a restaurant specializing in Spanish cuisine and cocktails.

• Drafting Table: Drafting Table is a restaurant focused on beer.

• Ghibellina: Ghibellina is a restaurant with a chill vibe, offering a relaxed dining experience.

• Sotto: Sotto is a chill cocktail bar located in a basement, providing an intimate and relaxed setting.

• Blackjack/Tilt: Blackjack/Tilt is a “Barred in DC Pick” featuring a loungey, chill atmosphere and cocktails. Tilt is the back bar area.

• Pearl Dive Oyster Palace: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is a restaurant specializing in seafood with outdoor space.

• Barcelona Wine Bar: Barcelona Wine Bar is a restaurant and wine bar with outdoor space, offering a Spanish-inspired experience with outdoor seating.

• Red Light: Red Light is a cocktail bar with a chill vibe and outdoor space.

• Cork Wine Bar: Cork Wine Bar is a wine bar with a chill atmosphere and outdoor space.

• Chicken & Whiskey: Chicken & Whiskey is a restaurant combining chicken dishes with whiskey, and featuring a dancey atmosphere.

• Garden District: Garden District (formerly Standard) is a “Barred in DC Pick” and beer garden with a chill atmosphere and outdoor space.

• Left Door: Left Door is a fancy cocktail bar located just off 14th Street, offering a more upscale cocktail experience.

• Destination Wedding: Destination Wedding is a cocktail bar with a chill vibe, located just off 14th Street.

• Black Cat: Black Cat is a music venue and divey bar with a hipster vibe, known for its live music and casual atmosphere.

• El Centro D.F.: El Centro D.F. is a Mexican restaurant with a dancey vibe and rooftop deck.

• Masa 14: Masa 14 is a restaurant and lounge with a rooftop deck, offering Latin-Asian fusion cuisine.

• Bar Pilar: Bar Pilar is a chill cocktail bar with a hipster vibe.

• Cafe Saint-Ex: Cafe Saint-Ex is a chill, dancey bar, offering a versatile atmosphere.

• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is a restaurant with a chill atmosphere and cocktails, located just off 14th Street.

• Policy: Policy is a loungey, dancey bar with outdoor and rooftop space, offering multiple levels and atmospheres.

• Colada Shop: Colada Shop is a restaurant with a rooftop deck and cocktails, located just off 14th Street, known for its Cuban-inspired offerings.

• Taqueria Nacional: Taqueria Nacional is a restaurant, located just off 14th Street, focused on tacos and Mexican cuisine.

• Marvin: Marvin is a loungey bar with a rooftop deck.

• The Gibson: The Gibson is a cocktail bar with outdoor space.

• Red Lounge: Red Lounge is a loungey, dancey bar.

• Provision No. 14: Provision No. 14 is a restaurant, cocktail bar, and lounge.

• Judy Restaurant: Judy Restaurant is a divey restaurant.

• Grady’s Restaurant: Grady’s Restaurant is a restaurant with a chill atmosphere.

• Sakerum: Sakerum is a restaurant, lounge, and cocktail bar with a rooftop deck, specializing in Japanese-Latin fusion cuisine.

• Franklin Hall: Franklin Hall is a sports bar focused on beer.

Other Logan Circle Bars (off P Street or Rhode Island)

• The Radiator (in Mason & Rook): The Radiator is a hotel bar with outdoor and rooftop space, specializing in cocktails.
• Bar Rouge: Bar Rouge is another hotel bar in the area.
• Stoney’s Bar and Grill: Stoney’s Bar and Grill is a divey, chill bar.
• Number Nine: Number Nine is a gay loungey bar.
• New Vegas Lounge: New Vegas Lounge is a divey bar with live music.
• The Commodore Public House: The Commodore Public House is a chill bar with outdoor space.

This extensive list provides a comprehensive guide to the diverse U Street bars and Logan Circle nightlife. Whether you’re in search of a lively dance club, a relaxed rooftop bar, a cozy dive bar, or a sophisticated cocktail lounge, the U Street area of Washington D.C. has something to offer every bar-goer. Explore and discover your new favorite spot in this dynamic neighborhood!