14 Best Bars Near 14th and U St Washington DC

June 9, 2017 0 0

Best-known for its politics, historical attractions, and seemingly endless array of world-class dining and entertainment options, Washington D.C. also plays home to one of the nation’s most engaging nightlife hotspots: The 14^th and U St. corridor. Home to dozens of bustling bars (e.g. Pearl Dive, Black Whiskey, and El Centro), restaurants (hello Compass Rose, Doi Moi, and Kapnos), and coffee shops (Dolcezza, Slipstream, etc.), you’ll find it packed with young professionals and partygoers at any given moment. A popular gathering place for locals, and must-see for any visitor to the city, it’s the perfect starting point for an epic evening out, group gathering, or date-night occasion. Looking for a fine dining experience, late night on the town, or readymade way to take the edge off all the latest debates raging across Capitol Hill? Look no further, as it provides an ideal way to relax and unwind. Following, you’ll find a complete guide to 14 of the best and most iconic bars inhabiting this strip – and 14 of the best excuses to get out and explore our nation’s capital short of cherry blossoms, white houses, and the odd history-defining monument.

  

             Black Jack                             Hawthorne                           Le Diplomate                          Archipelago

Name	Location	Description
The Gibson	2009 14th St NW	A staple among DC’s famed speakeasy circuit, this intimate lounge (tucked neatly away behind a nondescript door) plumbs the high end of today’s cocktail culture, featuring a seasonal and eclectic cocktail menu. An intimate feel and cadre of engaging bartenders lend it a sophisticated, yet approachable air that’s perfect for low-key conversation, an even better for a date-night outing.
Black Jack / Tilt	1612 14th Street NW	Think of it as a two-for-one special. Up-front, you can enjoy a dimly-let, red-accented lounge (set above iconic bar Pearl Dive) that’s packed with groups of lively twenty-somethings chatting and dancing, and in back (behind an easily-overlooked door) you can enjoy a pinball-themed bar resplendent in blue highlights that’s a throwback to arcades’ heyday. Just be warned: This hidden sanctum contains no pinball machines. In lieu of flipping the silver ball, however, you can instead marvel at the 20 glass pinball panels embedded in the bar and enjoy a space that’s perfect for entertaining groups and enjoying a stripped-down food and drink menu, which nevertheless has something interesting for every taste.
Bar Pilar	1833 14th St NW	A gastropub that’s heavy on camaraderie and modern American bites, this Hemingway-themed (Pilar was the name of Papa’s legendary sailboat) farm-to-table eatery goes beyond world-class food with an expansive beer, wine and cocktail menu. Stop by for a low-key evening, or excuse to enjoy a little company while you watch major events such as sports championships or political debates (complete with themed bingo).
The Fainting Goat	1330 U Street, NW	What’s not to love about a forward-thinking, less stuffy spin on the classic wine bar with multiple floors, a classic hip-hop soundtrack, and friendly bartenders prone to randomly bursting into song and dance routines? Whether you’re looking for a wild night out or recovering from one, this new staple of 14th and U has you covered, with extensive beer list (11 on tap, many more cans and bottles), tons of wine and cocktails and, most importantly, a killer brunch menu. Can we just move in?
Hawthorne	1336 U St NW	Need a four-story, multi-level bar to stretch out in, complete with drinking spots, dance spaces, and a rooftop area that’s packed to the gills come holidays and special occasions? Offering stunning views of the city and a happy-go-lucky crowd that’s approachable and engaging, the Hawthorne attracts all kinds, especially groups looking for a lively evening out – and a chance to cut loose in the company of equally ebullient strangers. Come ready to mix and mingle.
Barcelona Wine Bar	1622 14th Street NW	Looking for a sleek, sexy, and centrally-located option where you can always readily find local singles of all ages waiting to mix, dine, or entertain a large-party outing? Barcelona provides the perfect starting point for any epic evening on the 14th and U corridor. Sure, it’s ostensibly a wine bar, but it’s also a favorite hangout for all ages, and the Spanish food on offer comes from Executive chef Alexa Ureña, who cut his teeth in the uppermost realms of New York’s fine dining scene, working for everyone from Charlie Palmer to David Bouley and Bobby Flay. Tapas, charcuterie, paella, oh my!
Le Diplomate	1601 14th St. NW	Walking into award-winning French eatery Le Diplomate, you’d swear they airlifted a Parisian cafe to Washington DC and plunked it down on 14th St. Great for brunch and dinner, especially if you can grab a newspaper and sip coffee at an outdoor table, it’s an ideal spot for anyone craving hearty and traditional French fare with an absolutely astounding wine list. Pro tip: You’d never guess it, but the burger Américain (read: hamburger) is one of the best in town.
Quarter+Glory	2017 14TH ST. NW	Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. At this upscale American bar (one of the most underappreciated gems on the strip), you’ll find a cocktail menu filled with classics alongside a few approachable signature offerings, side by side with a short, but satisfying all-American (think grilled cheese and chicken tenders) menu. No muss, no fuss, just a great place to get a drink or take a date for happy hour.
Ghibellina	1610 14th St NW	We could send you to this Italian restaurant for its decadent dinners or sumptuous weekend brunch, but we’ll confess, our favorite thing about this place is its happy hour, featuring $6 cocktails, $5 glasses of wine and $10 pizzas. Hint: They even run cocktail specials and discounts on Saturday, making it a recommended weekend escape.
Sotto	1610 14th St NW	If you’re looking to eat a meal and sip a cocktail while tapping your toe to a relaxed groove, underground spot Sotto has you covered. Cocktail enthusiasts will be in heaven with the venue’s unique barrel-aged offerings, including some “VEP” offerings that undergo extra-long aging in oak casks. Gastrophiles will hoover up the meat and seafood. And there’s music every night they’re open (just remember, they’re closed Sundays and Mondays).
Provision No. 14	2100 14th St NW	You’re in the nation’s capital, so why not go somewhere imbued with the inclusive, exploratory spirit of America? Here you’ll find Italian, Asian and French accents on good old fashioned comfort food and a hearty helping of libations to suit any palette. Don’t miss their on-the-spot herbal cocktail infusions, served in a French press (pro tip: they’re half price on Wednesdays).
Black Cat	1811 14th St NW	Nerds and music lovers need look no further than the Black Cat, which balances stopovers by nationally-acclaimed rock and punk acts with “Dr. Who Happy Hour” every Saturday during which they screen an episode of the popular sci-fi series in full. There’s solid bar food available along with a no-nonsense bar and, naturally, pinball. Prepare to geek out and/or get down.
Churchkey	1337 14th St NW	Beer lovers should not step foot in DC without a visit to Churchkey, featuring more than 50 (!) taps alongside a dizzying array of bottles, with over 555 labels on offer. The food menu is also designed for serious sessions, offering ballast staples from gnocchi with braised chicken to pork belly flatbread.
Archipelago	1201 U St NW	When you’ve had enough DC politicking for one day, this tiki oasis (a tropical getaway straight out of a remote island paradise) can help you reduce the rest of the world to a dull, ocean roar. Though there are Asian- and Caribbean-tinged bites on offer, the adventurous takes on island drinks (which usually come in two varieties – strong and stronger) are the centerpiece here. If you’re with a friend, try the Pineapple of Hospitality (whose ingredients list has just two items, rum and secrets).

Tags: Food and Drink, Top 10 Guides Categories: Food + Drink, Top 10 Guides