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Best - or favorite - bars in DC

post #1 of 28
5/27/08 at 1:51pm
Thread Starter 
Reading the mediocre Esquire list got me thinking. What do folks consider to be the best -or their favorite - bars in DC (and why)? I suppose what I like isn't necessarily what most other posters like -- generally a decent selection of booze in a place I can hear what someone is saying to me. And I don't spend nearly enough time in Adams-Morgan (shut up, AC). On the assumption you are old enough to get in, Amerikajinda, please don't make any suggestions.

I admit to liking teh Brickskeller (and RFD) quite a bit, largely for the selection of beers... like 31 Flavors for grown-ups.

The bars at the Willard and the Jefferson are nice, although I haven't been since Savile Row Master Tailor Darren Beaman was last in town.

I also like the Tabard Inn.
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post #2 of 28
5/27/08 at 1:55pm
Tabard is nice.

Off the Record at the Hay Adams was probably my favorite.

Some of the Capitol Hill bars have their charms.

The best bars are actually in the private clubs, Met being the nicest. Cosmos Club a little geriatric.
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post #3 of 28
5/27/08 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manton View Post
The best bars are actually in the private clubs, Met being the nicest. Cosmos Club a little geriatric.

Neither my income nor my social class allows me the privilege of entry.
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post #4 of 28
5/27/08 at 1:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RJman View Post
Neither my income nor my social class allows me the privilege of entry.

They are perhaps not what you think.
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post #5 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manton View Post
They are perhaps not what you think.

My income? Generally much less than I think, except when it came time to assess my taxable US income last tax season.

Like 99.9% of the posters here, I am middle class, but unlike many here I know it.

Anyway, back to the bars.
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post #6 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:01pm
It's been a few years since I have been able to do any solid drinking in DC, so some of these suggestions may no longer be valid.

- Cafe St. Ex is one that I enjoyed, but it's been a while since I've been there and I've heard that it gets pretty crowded.
- The Saloon on U St is good, especially if you like German beers.
- The Science Club. Go for the name, stay for the drinks.
- Wonderland. It was packed when I was there, but it was reasonably fun.
- Pizzeria Paradiso, if your idea of decent booze is a really large beer list.

There was one other place that I struggle to remember even where it was located - it was one of the last places I went on a long night. The only thing I remember was that they had a basement room that may have been painted silver and had velvet wall paper.
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post #7 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RJman View Post
Neither my income nor my social class allows me the privilege of entry.
I think Manton needs his own thread on drinking in private clubs around the world.
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post #8 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by iammatt View Post
I think Manton needs his own thread on drinking in private clubs around the world.

Ooh, don't sell yourself short.

The Saloon and Science Club are nice, forgot about those. Is Teh Pharmacy still around?

I kind of like Firefly but the bar area is too small and too loud. Love the French Fries, though.
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post #9 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:09pm
Guys, it's not 1910 anymore. You don't have to be FNB to get into these places. Certainly, none of the ones in DC.

In NY, the Union, the Knickerbocker, and the RTC, but that's it.

London is a little different.
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post #10 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:17pm
+1 on the Saloon, I'd say it fits RJ's criteria very well. Good selection, rarely deafening.
+1 also on pizzeria paradiso--I read somewheres that the new Dupont location will also have a birreria
Red Derby in Columbia Heights--good selection, all canned.
Tonic in Mt Pleasant
Quarry House in Silver Spring (IMMSMC, RJ is a fran of aventinus, which they usually have in stock)
Tabard is pretty great, no doubt.

It occurs to me that 2/3 of those bars are subterranean.

I think I would love skeller if I were a regular, but as an occasional patron, the service and stock levels keep me away. RFD has a great beer selection and is convenient for me, but it seems each area of the place has a unique bouquet of vomit and urine.
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post #11 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manton View Post
Guys, it's not 1910 anymore. You don't have to be FNB to get into these places. Certainly, none of the ones in DC.


What about Late Night Shots?
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post #12 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by iammatt View Post
What about Late Night Shots?

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post #13 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by iammatt View Post
What about Late Night Shots?
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post #14 of 28
5/27/08 at 2:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shoreman1782 View Post
+1 on the Saloon, I'd say it fits RJ's criteria very well. Good selection, rarely deafening.
+1 also on pizzeria paradiso--I read somewheres that the new Dupont location will also have a birreria
Red Derby in Columbia Heights--good selection, all canned.
Tonic in Mt Pleasant
Quarry House in Silver Spring (IMMSMC, RJ is a fran of aventinus, which they usually have in stock)
Tabard is pretty great, no doubt.

It's good to know that my selections were not so clouded by all the drinking.

Aventinus is pretty much my favorite beer. There is nothing else quite as delicious.

Quote:
Originally Posted by shoreman1782 View Post
It occurs to me that 2/3 of those bars are subterranean.

There's something about subterranean bars that seems appropriate, or at least better for serious imbibing.
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post #15 of 28
5/27/08 at 3:15pm
The bar scene isn't great, but the bar manager, Justin, is great at Central -- really amazing drinks, be sure to ask him to specifically make you one of his creations that's off the menu.

I really enjoy PX which is owned by Chef Armstrong of Restaurant Eve and his master mixologist Todd Thrasher. It has the speakeasy vibe in that there's no number to call, only a blue light that's on or off depending on if the place is open. There's also a jacket required dress code.
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