After a long and productive work week, you just may be ready for a classic cocktail, craft beer, glass of wine, or local spirit concoction to celebrate, unwind, or do both.
Thankfully, in the Washington, D.C. area, you have a plethora of options at your disposal. In fact, Washington, D.C. has been ranked on several lists as one of America’s best cities for cocktails, bars, and nightlife.
In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of craft cocktail bars in the D.C. area with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, high-quality spirits, and house-made infusions designed to tickle your tastebuds.
Speakeasy-like, hidden bars and pubs also have become a fixture in Washington, D.C.’s bar scene, offering classic cocktails and intimate atmospheres in several prominent D.C. neighborhoods.
Wine and beer aficionados will find plenty of worthy establishments in the greater D.C. region as well. The area is home to a variety of craft breweries and wine bars that offer a wide selection of domestic, craft, and imported beers and wines.
Whatever your taste or preference may be for your next happy hour, check out these top three (plus a bonus fourth option) after-hours drinks destinations in Washington, D.C.!
1. The Round Robin Bar at The Willard InterContinental Hotel
Step into a bit of living history when you visit The Round Robin Bar at The Willard InterContinental Hotel within The Willard Center in Washington, D.C.
Nicknamed the “Oval Office of Bars” by Condé Nast, the historic Round Robin Bar has been a favorite gathering place for Washington, D.C.’s movers and shakers since its establishment in 1847.
Known for its beautiful, circular bar and oak-paneled walls, the Round Robin Bar offers a selection of light dining options and classic cocktails. One of many highlights from its cocktail menu is the bar’s signature drink, the Mint Julep, a regional favorite bourbon-based libation.
“This iconic watering hole bears all the hallmarks of a true classic: a polished mahogany bar, forest green walls, sketches of historic notables (like Eleanor Roosevelt and Mark Twain), and an extremely knowledgeable bartender who’s survived six presidential administrations, Jim Hewes,” writes Katie Chang for Forbes. “Drop by when he’s working so he can regale you with colorful stories of the city over the house cocktail, the Mint Julep.”
Named to Forbes’ list of Washington, D.C.’s Best Hotel Restaurants and Bars, The Round Robin Bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a superbly made after-hours cocktail or other beverage with friends, coworkers, and clients.
Check out The Round Robin’s menu of classic and seasonally-themed cocktails, aged spirits, and extensive wine and beer offerings.
2. The Hamilton Restaurant
Located just two blocks from the White House at 600 14th Street NW in D.C., The Hamilton Restaurant is another popular destination for after-hours drinks and nibbles.
The Hamilton Restaurant is both a restaurant and live music venue that has become a favorite gathering place for both D.C. residents and visitors.
The restaurant’s drink menu is expansive and sure to please no matter what your tastes may be. The menu includes seasonal and house cocktail offerings such as the Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini, Pear of Aces, Hamilton Mule, and Pont Du Gard.
The Hamilton’s spirits menu is especially robust, featuring a variety of vodkas, gins, rums, tequila and mezcal, American whiskeys, single malt Scotch, blended whiskeys, brandies, aperitifs, digestifs, and cordials.
Wines by the bottle and glass, sake, hard seltzer, fortified and dessert wines, and a wide selection of bottled and draught beers also are on tap at The Hamilton.
If you’re a sushi fan, you’ll want to take note of The Hamilton’s Sushi Happy Hour, which occurs every day between 2 and 5 PM, Sunday through Thursday from 10 PM to closing, and Friday and Saturday from 11 PM to closing.
You also don’t want to miss The Hamilton’s All Day menu that includes delectable entrees, a variety of fresh salads, traditional pub fare, steaks and seafood, pasta, and sushi. It’s worth noting that all of the menus at the Hamilton feature local, fresh, and sustainable foods.
3. MXDC Concina Mexicana by Todd English
Another favorite place for after-hours drinks in Washington, D.C. is MXDC Concina Mexicana by Todd English. English is a six time James Beard Award winning chef who also is a cookbook author and television personality.
Following 10 years at a downtown location, this taco and tequila focused restaurant and bar recently moved to 1610 14th Street NW in Logan Circle.
With a tequila list comprised of over 100 different tequilas, MXDC boasts one of the most extensive menus of blanco, reposado, anejo, and extra anejo tequilas you can find anywhere.
In addition to its massive tequila menu, MCDX also offers a plethora of variations on the classic (and not so classic) margarita (tip: try the Blackberry Cilantro marg), as well as sangria blanca, sangria roja, and paloma spritzers.
For those with tastes beyond tequila, try MXDC’s sumptuous craft cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, and Mexican sodas, which also are available.
The food menu at MXDC highlights traditional foods from different regions throughout Mexico and includes small plates, family style dishes, and entrees.
Some of the most popular dishes at MXDC are pork belly and beer-battered Mahi Mahi tacos, open-faced quesadillas, tortilla soup, and seven-chile lamb shank.
*4. Non-Alcoholic After-Hours Drink Options
Not everyone imbibes alcohol for a variety of reasons. With this in mind, here are a few mocktail, spirit-free cocktail options to consider within Washington, D.C.
Binge Bar became Washington, D.C.’s best fully booze-free bar when it first opened in 2023. This woman-owned bar’s cocktail menu includes drinks such as Espresso Martini Raspadura and Green Apple Mule.
Also available at Binge Bar is an extensive offering of nonalcoholic beers and wines.
Another option to consider is Jośe Andrés’ Barmini, a bar that offers both boozy and booze-free cocktails. Located in the Penn Quarter, Barmini is Andrés’ self-described cocktail lab and it’s also conveniently located adjacent to his restaurant, Minibar.
Barmini’s menu includes more than 100 different libations, as well as cocktail flights and small bites that may be ordered á la carte.
“Take A Tour Of The Willard Center” to discover why so many Washington, D.C. businesses choose to work from the elegant, historic Willard Center.
Kw: after-hours drinks in Washington, D.C.
Md: Looking to unwind after work? Check out the top three best places to grab after-hours drinks in Washington, D.C., including The Round Robin.
