In this restaurant guide, we're highlighting some of the best cocktail bars in D.C. we focused on a few different criteria: do they serve the classics? Then, we expand from there: how does it feel to sit there? Do these spots have a good happy hour? What type of signature drinks do they have on the menu? How is their food: full menu, or just small plates?
All of the spaces featured in this guide are available on the inKind app, where you can earn 20% back when you pay for your meal using the app.
STFU is not your typical night-time destination. This secret sanctuary recommends a reservation for good reason, their unique fusion of culinary innovation and provocative ambiance encourage guests to break boundaries and indulge in the exciting atmosphere that challenges the status quo. From innovative cocktails and great music, STFU embodies an energy tempting guests into a spirit of rebellion against the ordinary.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
Back In The Day: An innovative take on the classic Old Fashioned, complimented with buttery flavors, chocolate, and banana, enhancing the depth and flavor notes of the concoction.
River Club offers a refined dining experience with stunning views of the Potomac River. The restaurant features a sophisticated menu that blends flavors from Italy, Lebanon, and Spain, all crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. With their elegant ambiance, River Club is the perfect setting for a memorable meal, whether for a special occasion or just a night out.
Our Recommendation
Try their Mujaddara, Pan Con Tomate, and Smoked Lamb Belly Skewers.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The River Club Martini: A fan favorite! Their spin on the classic martini is a treat for all cocktail connoisseurs, served tableside for an entertaining and refreshing experience.
Maketto's 60-seat restaurant has a fresh interpretation of Cambodian and Taiwanese cooking all situated in a communal marketplace serving a combined restaurant and cafe experience. While their dumplings and Red Pork Bao are to die for, their cocktail bar is nothing to overlook.
With signature cocktails like the Brothers and Sisters (Four Rose Bourbon, plum wine, and mandarin soda) and the Negroni Ceremony (served with Japanese whisky infused with Tieguanyin Tea), you'll find beautiful and innovative flavors with every sip. Maketto is one of the best cocktail bars in D.C. and, as a bonus, after eating check out Coolkids Vinyl, located upstairs, for records, comics, and hundreds of curated books.
Our Cocktail Recommendation
The Brothers and Sisters: Four Rose Bourbon, Umeshu (Plum Wine), and Mandarin soda. This cocktail will give you hints of the Cambodian and Taiwanese cooking you're set to explore at Maketto. A lighter cocktail served with a hint of plum sweetness, I guarantee you'll love it.