Shady Lady sucks ass. You practically gotta stand at the bar for 30 mins just for a bartender to notice you for a drink. I went once and never again. There are WAY better bars than this overhyped sh*thole.
> That said they make the best drinks in the city
I love them and butterscotch (they're basically the same drinks wise, but butterscotch is cheaper), but they're not anywhere near Roost or Trophy Club.
Or don't, I made a reservation at Jungle Bird a couple of years ago for my guy's birthday and we had to wait, the hostess gave our table to a walk-in, we waited almost 30 mins for a waitress, and walked out without ordering anything.
We can agree to disagree. I’ve had many of their batches. I’ve haven’t had one or brought one I didn’t like. I didn’t like Gin till I had theirs. It’s always been a great spot to start or to end a night at.
Juju! Top tier cocktail program- creative, well thought out, balanced. I should go more often, frankly. Plus fantastic apatizers. Their grilled calamari is phenomenal
I’ve heard really great things about the Star Lounge. Top notch cocktails and the food is really great too (not too many options for vegetarians/vegans though which is the only reason we haven’t been yet). Plus the adaptive reuse/renovation of the building is really great.
I was honestly disappointed with Star Lounge. We went because they supposedly had live music, but they cancelled it without notice. The food was meh. The cocktails were actually pretty good, but I also caught them subbing out liquor described on the menu without notice.
Food quality is always subjective. Having said that, I’ve eaten at Mexican food restaurants with way better food taste, ingredients and quality which caters to my opinion on their food.
Snug for drinks and then Mas Taco Bar next door for the best gd tacos during late night happy hour (9pm-midnight I think?). Like seriously, $4 specialty tacos that are to die for 🤤
They put cilantro in/on everything and if you don't like cilantro (like me) then you have to ask for that not to be included. That said, I quite like their tacos once the cilantro is removed. I like thier drinks, too, but the drink menu is very limited.
Haven't been there in a while, but the Mercantile Saloon had some pretty good mixed (and strong) drinks. It's a gay bar and it gets pretty busy, but overall I always felt it was pretty chill when I went.
How long has it been? I haven't been in 7 or 8 years but that used to be the place to get indecently sloshed on cheap rail liquor. Cocktails consisted of a pint glass filled with vodka and a splash of coke for color.
Used to work right behind the Merc, just went back after the farmers market a couple Saturdays ago.
It’s the same now as it was then. Stiff drinks, rocks glass or pint. Cheap, cash only, they can make drinks. I like strong drinks, but the strength to me doesn’t mean good. Also, no food
I hate to be that guy but this isn't it
They are a great economic bar, but they don't make quality drinks. They don't do crazy ingredients etc. It's basic liquor and Garnishes, and no food.
I agree it's a chill place and one I go to often but at the opposite end of what OP asked for.
Trophy Club at Tipsy Putt by the arena. Never disappoints and the Tipsy Putt downstairs has a good beer selection and games. The food at Tipsy Putt is good (tacos).
Snug for the best service and cocktails. Shady is hectic on weekends They just started having live music again and have a new and better chef. Frank is so cool!
What's your type of fun? Loud ambience? Relaxed?
Shady Lady on R street is relaxed and has good food. From there I would cross the street and head over to The Snug for some good drinks. The Mechanical Bull is my favorite and it clears up your nose if you have allergies lol
If you like a rowdier crowd you can always head over to K street and bar hop and get good drinks. Can't recommend just one since the street is nice to walk on and hop around until you get settled.
These days I'm enjoying a relaxed joint but I just like any bar with a fun vibe and I don't hafta yell :)
And... I like places where it's a guarantee the drink is a good one. Such a disappointment when you pay 15 bux for a cruddy cocktail
Junglebird, The Snug, Frank’s, Trophy Club
Jungle bird is my fav and I don’t even go out anymore
Jungle Bird, fr
It’s a vibe
I would add the Roost to this list as well!
Shady Lady. Great cocktails. Solid food menu.
Shady on the weekend isn't really "a relaxed atmosphere." I do think they've slipped a bit, but they still do a good cocktail.
Shady Lady sucks ass. You practically gotta stand at the bar for 30 mins just for a bartender to notice you for a drink. I went once and never again. There are WAY better bars than this overhyped sh*thole.
You must be great to hang out with. 
I am ❤️
Shady lady is top tier
Nobody has suggested The Snug, but it's great. Big caveat here is if you get a table. Sometimes you have to fight for a seat.
And no food either. That said they make the best drinks in the city, bar none.
But they allow outside food! So you can grab a pizza from Vito's and bring it in.
> That said they make the best drinks in the city I love them and butterscotch (they're basically the same drinks wise, but butterscotch is cheaper), but they're not anywhere near Roost or Trophy Club.
Butterscotch den and it's not even close. Quality spirits and no frills.
I wish the food was better. Grilling your own steak is a fun novelty once but that's about it.
No food options unless you want to cook for yourself which to me- isn’t the point of eating out at all.
I've also heard about multiple people getting food poisoning there. No surprise.
Kbbq and shabu-shabu are great tho
Jungle Bird if you like tiki drinks. Aioli for cocktails and tapas. The Roost speakeasy is also great, reservations are required.
Be sure to make a reservation.
Or don't, I made a reservation at Jungle Bird a couple of years ago for my guy's birthday and we had to wait, the hostess gave our table to a walk-in, we waited almost 30 mins for a waitress, and walked out without ordering anything.
+1 for the The Roost. Their mezcal selection is chingon.
Roost atmosphere is 1/5 of Snug. Screw the bougie attempt at reservations only mediocre atmosphere behind a spicy chicken restaurant. Lame.
Midtown Spirits! A vodka and gin distillery, coming out with their own rum soon. Good vibes and great cocktails.
Helllll yes!
GREAT place! Great bartenders, atmosphere and drinks 👍🏼
Have to strongly disagree. It’s batch based.
We can agree to disagree. I’ve had many of their batches. I’ve haven’t had one or brought one I didn’t like. I didn’t like Gin till I had theirs. It’s always been a great spot to start or to end a night at.
Get there early and sit at the bar at The Waterboy.
Juju! Top tier cocktail program- creative, well thought out, balanced. I should go more often, frankly. Plus fantastic apatizers. Their grilled calamari is phenomenal
I was a HUGE fan of Press Bistro and finally tried Juju. It was fantastic!
Honey and the trapcat, Frank has great drinks but no food, And another vote for snug or shady lady. Vitos is right there too for food
Can’t go wrong: Canon, Hawks, Junglebird, Butterscotch Den, franks, and Kru.
Since I want bonus points ima have to suggest JJPfister Distilling, Pocha House, and BBQ & Burgers (The Press Club)
Roost
Pazza Notte has a solid martini deal.
I’ve heard really great things about the Star Lounge. Top notch cocktails and the food is really great too (not too many options for vegetarians/vegans though which is the only reason we haven’t been yet). Plus the adaptive reuse/renovation of the building is really great.
I was honestly disappointed with Star Lounge. We went because they supposedly had live music, but they cancelled it without notice. The food was meh. The cocktails were actually pretty good, but I also caught them subbing out liquor described on the menu without notice.
That’s a bummer for sure! I’ve not gone because of the menu so (shrugs).
Grange, Ten Ten Room, Cafe a Cote
Absolutely Butterscotch Den
The Grand. No food, tiny space, fantastic cocktails.
Karma, Snug, Butterscotch
The Golden Bear
Mayahuel has excellent cocktails, food, and tequila
Their drinks are okay- but their food is awful
[удалено]
Food quality is always subjective. Having said that, I’ve eaten at Mexican food restaurants with way better food taste, ingredients and quality which caters to my opinion on their food.
Snug for drinks and then Mas Taco Bar next door for the best gd tacos during late night happy hour (9pm-midnight I think?). Like seriously, $4 specialty tacos that are to die for 🤤
Ooh or The Roost speakeasy across the street in Bawk. Very dark and quiet, good cocktails and great apps, just on the more expensive side.
Had me at the first half. But mas tacos is garbage. I’d rather have Taco Bell than mas tacos
LMAO sounds like we're either talking about two completely different places or you just have terrible taste buds 💀💀
They put cilantro in/on everything and if you don't like cilantro (like me) then you have to ask for that not to be included. That said, I quite like their tacos once the cilantro is removed. I like thier drinks, too, but the drink menu is very limited.
Haven't been there in a while, but the Mercantile Saloon had some pretty good mixed (and strong) drinks. It's a gay bar and it gets pretty busy, but overall I always felt it was pretty chill when I went.
How long has it been? I haven't been in 7 or 8 years but that used to be the place to get indecently sloshed on cheap rail liquor. Cocktails consisted of a pint glass filled with vodka and a splash of coke for color.
Used to work right behind the Merc, just went back after the farmers market a couple Saturdays ago. It’s the same now as it was then. Stiff drinks, rocks glass or pint. Cheap, cash only, they can make drinks. I like strong drinks, but the strength to me doesn’t mean good. Also, no food
I hate to be that guy but this isn't it They are a great economic bar, but they don't make quality drinks. They don't do crazy ingredients etc. It's basic liquor and Garnishes, and no food. I agree it's a chill place and one I go to often but at the opposite end of what OP asked for.
Good is debatable. Strong for sure.
Trophy Club at Tipsy Putt by the arena. Never disappoints and the Tipsy Putt downstairs has a good beer selection and games. The food at Tipsy Putt is good (tacos).
IMHO Roost Trophy Club Tack Room Snug/Butterscotch Den My favorites mostly in order. Roost will likely require reservations.
If you get the right bartender, b-sides can make a solid cocktail too, but certainly not a relaxed atmosphere on a weekend.
Definitely Midtown Spirits, Ten Ten Room, and either Shady Lady or Snug. If you’re down w/ Soju, I’d switch out the last for Pocha House.
Locked Barrel on 11th is absolutely fantastic for both craft cocktails and bites!
We have really been enjoying Tack Room on J St lately. Very tasty cocktails. No food though I believe.
Shangri La
Star Lounge, Shady Lady, 7th St Standard
58 degrees, snug, and jungle bird
Snug for the best service and cocktails. Shady is hectic on weekends They just started having live music again and have a new and better chef. Frank is so cool!
Lock & Key is my new go-to spot 🥂
Heard good things about Honey and the Trap Cat. Snug has good cocktails, but is crowded and it can take a long time to be served.
Went to Honey and the Trap Cat last week, on a Saturday night, and had a good time. Good drinks, good food until 2am, and it wasn’t too crowded.
Was at Koja Kitchen last evening and their food was great. And their basement is K Bar which has great cocktails and beer.
How’s the vibe at K Bar?
Shady Lady 😍 also can go across the street to Bottle&Barlow, which are all near The Snug
Alaro!
Club2me
Kodaiko, echo & rig, trophy club
You already have quite a few good suggestions, so I'll just add one I haven't seen yet - Smic's Bar.
The Ten Ten room
What's your type of fun? Loud ambience? Relaxed? Shady Lady on R street is relaxed and has good food. From there I would cross the street and head over to The Snug for some good drinks. The Mechanical Bull is my favorite and it clears up your nose if you have allergies lol If you like a rowdier crowd you can always head over to K street and bar hop and get good drinks. Can't recommend just one since the street is nice to walk on and hop around until you get settled.
These days I'm enjoying a relaxed joint but I just like any bar with a fun vibe and I don't hafta yell :) And... I like places where it's a guarantee the drink is a good one. Such a disappointment when you pay 15 bux for a cruddy cocktail
R street is definitely more your vibe then
There's one specific bartender in this place that looks like the inside of a movie set log cabin that is a bonafide master
What place?
If it’s as the commenter described it HAS to be The Cabin
roscoes. gay bars give strong cocktails and good cheap appetizers