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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in District of Columbia

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in District of Columbia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Eatopia Eatery restaurant
4.8
4.8 (13)
$31 to $50
Ethiopian
U Street Corridor
About the restaurant
Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review
Michelle
Dined on Oct 18, 2024
Great restaurant. The restaurant was hosting a wedding party and they still had time to be kind hosts for the two of us.
A photo of The Arsenal at Bluejacket restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1067)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Navy Yard
About the restaurant
The Arsenal is the 200-seat restaurant & bar housed within the brewery, Bluejacket. The menu updates, refines and extends the classic fare of beer halls and public houses by featuring the best locally sourced products available and highlighting reinterpretations of hearty classics such as steamed mussels, artisanal sausages and more. Gourmet sandwiches, seasonal salads & vegetables, alongside approachable bar snacks are the perfect accompaniments to a signature Bluejacket brew.


Top review
timvip
Dined 3 days ago
The best craft brewery in DC with an outstanding range of beer and consistently good. Ambience and staff are great.
A photo of The Sovereign restaurant
4.7
4.7 (657)
$31 to $50
Belgian
Georgetown
About the restaurant
The Sovereign is a Belgian bar & bistro committed to celebrating the rustic cuisine & fabled brewing culture of Belgium. Located in the vibrant Georgetown neighborhood, the Sovereign's kitchen is led by Executive Chef Andres Zuluaga whose classic, ingredient-driven Belgian dishes draw on French, German & Dutch cooking techniques & traditions. The Sovereign features 50 drafts & more than 350 bottles meticulously curated by Beer Director, Greg Engert.


Top review
Marlavip
Dined on Oct 20, 2024
The food was excellent! It was abundant and arrived looking authentic bistro. If you are into “bistro dining” this is the place.. Service was prompt and efficient!
A photo of Bar Chinois restaurant
4.7
4.7 (581)
$30 and under
Chinese
Shaw
About the restaurant
Bar Chinois is recognized for its constantly-evolving Chinese menu and French-inspired cocktail and wine program. Recent accolades include being listed in the Michelin Dining Guide USA, the Washington Post Fall Dining Guide, Modern Luxury DC Best of the City and 2024 RAMMY Award Winner for Best Bar in DC.

Located in Mount Vernon Triangle, Bar Chinois is a short walk from the Washington Convention Center, Capital One Arena, National Mall and Union Station. We offer happy hour specials Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm-7 pm and a bottomless brunch on weekends.

If you are looking for an energetic Washington, DC dining experience with great food, drink and service, we would love to host you!

Top review
David
Dined on Oct 23, 2024
We sat outside, which helps with the noise level. Always a wonderful meal.
A photo of Fitzgerald's restaurant
4.7
4.7 (77)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Georgetown
About the restaurant
Fitzgerald's is a cocktail-centric restaurant and bar located in Georgetown with an inviting club chair lounge, intimate tables perfect for date night, and a beautifully welcoming bar well stocked with your favorite spirits. The restaurant's menu features a fusion of American and international cuisine, with dishes that are both innovative and uniquely flavorful. Fitzgerald's also boasts an extensive beverage menu, with expertly crafted cocktails and a long wine list that is sure to impress. Live music on Friday and Saturday evening.
Top review
Michaelvip
Dined on Oct 18, 2024
Another great meal and nice evening at Fitzgerald’s!!
A photo of Code Red restaurant
4.7
4.7 (41)
$30 and under
American
Adams Morgan
About the restaurant
CODE RED : We’re a celebration of freedom that transports you back into the Prohibition Era while embracing modernity with classic cocktails, eclectic cuisine, and outstanding service.


Top review
Erica
Dined 7 days ago
Great food options. Drinks were good. The service was excellent. Our waitress was super sweet and the entire staff was very welcoming. I was on a first date and she toasted with us lol. We really enjoyed ourselves. The ambiance was perfect. We went on a Wednesday evening.
A photo of Boqueria - Dupont restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2298)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Dupont Circle
About the restaurant
An energetic yet intimate Barcelona-style tapas bar serving Spanish favorites, seasonal specials, and curated cocktails in a contemporary space with a lively patio several blocks away from Dupont Circle.

Perfect for a shared meal of small plates, happy hour with the team, a memorable date night, or weekend brunch!

Let us know if you have any seating requirements when making your booking. Parties of 10 or more will enjoy our Chef's Tasting Menu ($52pp plus beverage, tax, and gratuity).

Please note that by making a reservation through OpenTable you are agreeing to receive marketing communications from Boqueria.

Top review
Ulises
Dined on Oct 26, 2024
Very good traditional spanish food, great service.
A photo of Pinstripes - Georgetown restaurant
4.6
4.6 (372)
$30 and under
American
Georgetown
About the restaurant
Where Sophisticated Fun Meets Exquisite Dining. With over 30,000 square feet of entertainment space, indulge in scratch-made Italian-American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a robust wine list. Enjoy our weekday happy hour from 3-6pm, or don't miss our famous bottomless brunch buffet on weekends. Experience modern bowling and bocce with full-service dining and entertainment options. Perfect for corporate gatherings, celebrations, or family events, our versatile spaces accommodate parties of 20 to 1000 guests. Book your unforgettable experience today!
Top review
Pamela
Dined on Oct 13, 2024
Food was good. Omlette line was prohibitively long.
A photo of Service Bar restaurant
4.6
4.6 (8)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Mount Vernon Square
About the restaurant
Service Bar, opened by Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley, has provided Washington DC with a relaxed and intimate alternative to the typical stiff-upper-lip cocktail bar.
Top review
Bobby
Dined on Sep 13, 2024
I LOVE SERVICE BAR. This place seriously rules and I always take my people to this place.
A photo of The Alchemist restaurant
4.6
4.6 (62)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
McPherson Square
About the restaurant
Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC


Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
The drinks were amazing and so fun! Only drawback is that a lot of young people come in thinking it’s a dive bar or stand around bar when it’s reservation only. Took away sometimes from the ambience. They could definitely use a host/hostess stand.
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