Washington is an incredible destination at any time of the year. Its top-notch bars are a perfect spot to enjoy some evening drinks and entertainment after spending the whole day exploring the city’s museums, monuments, and other iconic attractions. Once the sun sets in Washington, D.C. partygoers start to gather in the city’s bars and pubs to experience its vibrant nightlife. Washington D.C.’s nightlife hotspots boast some of the most incredible drink selections in the country and offer some of the best Happy Hour deals. Whether exploring this city on a budget or seeking more luxurious spots, it has it all. These are the 10 must-visit bars in Washington, D.C.

Related: 10 Best Rooftop Bars From Which To Take In The Views In DC

10 Minibar & Barmini By Jose Andres

Barmini is located adjacent to Minibar, known to offer some of the best cocktails creatively crafted to offer incredible varieties. There are over 100 drink selections, making it one of the city’s premier cocktail destinations. Chefs and bartenders work together at this spot to offer the best culinary and nightlife experiences to visitors. The Minibar is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering delicious eats that combine art, science, tradition, and technique to come up with an outstanding menu.

  • Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

9 ChurchKey

ChurchKey is one of the best nightlife spots in Washington, D.C., guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. The bartenders offer vacationers a chance to have some drinks before being served a full glass. There are some great options for snacks and burgers to munch on while enjoying some of the best craft beers. ChurchKey offers rare and classic brews that tourists won't probably find anywhere else in the city. The bar is on the building's second floor, but the seats can be filled pretty fast. So, getting there early to claim a spot is the best thing to do.

  • Opening hours: 4:00 pm – 1:00 am Mondays through Thursdays, 4:00 pm -2:00 am Fridays, 12:00 pm – 2:00 am Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 1:00 am

8 All Souls Bar

All Souls Bar boasts a modestly decorated interior and a patio that is only reserved by reservation. This is definitely one of the best bars in Washington, D.C., offering a variety of delicious cocktails at reasonable prices. The staff is friendly and offers excellent services to their guests. The bar also offers some great wine and beer lists that travelers can choose from. During weekends, visitors should ensure they get to the bar by 9:00 pm to claim a seat before they get filled up.

  • Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am Sundays through Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 3:00 am Fridays & Saturdays

7 Bar Pilar

Bar Pilar is a popular neighborhood joint offering farm-to-table incredible drinks and has served residents of 14th street for more than a decade. Their extensive menu is inspired by local farms and New American dishes. The bar boasts an incredible beverage program, including cocktails that rotate seasonably. The drinks come in different tastes and complexity each season, bringing travelers a unique selection. Bar Pilar has two floors. The first one is a great spot for vacationers looking for a casual, comfortable spot to have some drinks. For a fine dining experience, visitors can head upstairs. There is a cocktail bar by a cozy corner on the same second floor. Travelers can use the bar to engage in chats with old friends while sipping some cocktails.

  • Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am Wednesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 3:00 am

6 Old Ebbitt Grill

Launched in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is a perfect spot to stop by when visiting the White House area. This is the capital’s oldest saloon, and its beauty confirms it. The grill is a great spot to grab some of the tastiest seafood, including oysters, crab cakes, eggs, Chesapeake, and orca platter. When it comes to drinking selection, the whiskey and wine lists are incredible. Old Ebbitt Grill is also a great cocktail spot, offering drinks such as crushed velvet, mad hatter, the admiral, and spiced apple sangria.

  • Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 am – 2:00 am

5 Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar

Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar is an excellent nightlife spot for vacationers looking for a more vibrant party scene, particularly on the second floor of the building. There is a talented DJ and a dance floor where visitors can dance their way through the night. There is a bar on the same floor so one doesn’t have to struggle for a spot between the crowds. The first floor of this building is a lounge and is more relaxed, making it a perfect choice for tourists looking for a low-key experience.

  • Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am Sundays through Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 3:00 am Fridays & Saturdays

Related: 10 Rooftop Bars In NYC With The Best View (& Drinks)

4 Board Room

Board Room boasts an incredible list of wines and an incredibly loaded cocktail menu. Vacationers can head to this place to hang out with family or friends. There are several games that one can enjoy playing. The list of drinks is incredible, and there is a variety to choose from. The only drawback here is vacationers won't be served any food, unlike other bars on this list. But there are plenty of nearby restaurants that vacationers can order some food from or just bring their own.

  • Opening hours: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am, 4:00 pm – 3:00 am Fridays, 12:00 pm – 3:00 am Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 2:00 am Sundays

3 The Gibson

If looking for the best specialty cocktail, the Gibson is exactly where to find it in Washington, D.C. the cocktail bar has offered a variety of craft cocktails, which constantly change, giving vacationers a chance to enjoy something new every time. The drinks are offered at reasonable prices of between $10-$15, making it easy for travelers to find something to drink. Mary Traveller is one of the drinks that visitors will find on the menu. There are a variety of other drinks to try, but visitors must ensure they call in a reservation.

  • Opening hours: 6:00 pm – 1:00 am, Mondays to Sundays, 6:00 pm – 2:00 am

2 Barrel

The barrel is a popular place to grab brunch and offers an incredible selection of beverages. Even if not going in for brunch, travelers can try other dining options, including sticky buns and fried chicken. The bar has Bloody Marys, mimosas, and an incredible selection of whiskeys. Visitors can also do some private whiskey tasting in this bar. The event can be arranged for big and small groups, and the cost depends on the number of people attending the tastings.

  • Opening hours: from 4:00 pm Mondays through Fridays

1 Red Derby

Red Derby is an excellent choice for tourists on a budget and are looking to enjoy some drinks on brunch during weekends. If starting with dinner, there is an extensive menu with bar food, including burgers, fries, and chicken tenders. There are also a good number of vegetarian choices. Red Derby has a 24/7 happy hour for lucky pick beer and tequila & whiskey shots. The bar has a patio always open for dine-in with a special beer list to select from.

  • Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 3:00 am Fridays & Saturdays