5 Great DC Neighborhood Bars
The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-232-5263
Metro: Columbia Heights (Green Line)
If
you’re looking for a lively bar with that neighborhood feel, then look
no further. The Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights is a hotspot
not only for locals but for all DC residents. Complete with two floors
and a deck outside for warmer weather, this bar is the perfect mix of
upbeat vibe with a laid back atmosphere. The lower level is dominated
by a jukebox with a fabulous selection of funk, soul, hip hop, and rock
music, and during emptier nights it is not uncommon for people to get
up and dance in whatever space they can make for themselves. If you are
looking for more of a small club feel, then head upstairs where there
is a second bar, and a small stage which caters to live DJ performances
on most nights. Whichever floor you decide, the beer selection will not
disappoint, with a great selection of both bottles and drafts,
including the coveted “Delirium Tremens.”
Pharmacy Bar
2337 18th St. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 483-1200.
Metro: Woodley Park/Adams Morgan (Red Line)
While the rest of Adams Morgan explodes with young people crowding the
streets, inside the Pharmacy Bar there is a safe haven for those
seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Despite being right on the 18th
street bar strip, the Pharmacy bar is rarely crowded enough to fill
it’s tables, while at the same time providing enough space so that you
are not constantly being bumped by people heading towards the restroom.
The soft, red lighting gives this bar a really mellow feel, and the
decor is fitting, with medicine cabinets lining the walls, and hundreds
of pills beneath the glass-finished table tops. With probably the
cheapest drinks in Adams Morgan, the Pharmacy Bar is a great place to
seek refuge from 18th street in, as well as a good place to start out
your night.
The Raven
3125 Mount Pleasant St NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202)-387-9274
Metro: Petworth (Green Line)
You would barely notice this hole-in-the-wall locale if it weren’t for
the neon Martini glass displayed in the front window. Once inside,
however, you will feel right at home. This bar is true to its
neighborhood origins, with thumping music and cheap drinks ($3 import
bottles). On off nights it’s a great place to go with a couple friends
to have a couple drinks, but beware of the weekends, where the crowds
come out in hordes, and getting a table may prove a little difficult.
If you like a lot of energy in a small space and you don’t mind
standing for a bit, give the Raven a try on a Friday night, as chances
are you will literally bump into somebody worth talking to.
Kelly’s Irish Times
14 F Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001
202 543 5433
Metro: Union Station (Red Line)
Whether you have just taken the train in to Union Station or you find
yourself exploring DC’s downtown attractions, the Irish Times is a
great spot to stop in for a beer or two. Literally across the street
from Union Station, this Irish themed pub has a fun atmosphere and
friendly bartenders. If you’re looking for a lively place to meet new
people or celebrate your day, stay upstairs in the bigger and louder
main room. If you’re just trying to sit at the bar and talk to your
friends, head downstairs to the smaller room for a cozier atmosphere.
Either way, this bar is guaranteed to provide a light-hearted time for
its patrons.
Nanny O’Brien’s
3319 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC
(202) 686-9189
Metro: Clevland Park (Red Line)
If you’re looking for an escape from some of the more ritzy spots in
Northwest, then stop by Nanny’s for some good, old Irish hospitality.
Right in the middle of Clevland Park, this bar maintains that authentic
neighborhood vibe, complete with bartenders with thick Irish accents. A
decent selection of Irish beers at modest prices, Nanny’s will be sure
to get you drunk enough to sing along with the acoustic live acts that
frequent this pub, belting out your favorite songs with a pint of
Guinness by their feet. This place can get lively and crowded, but you
won’t have any trouble getting a table or a seat at the bar.




