Drink at DC's 8 best cocktail bars

BNOYL Cocktails DC
Laura Hayes
Laura Hayes

Your night out wouldn't be complete without a cocktail -- our picks for DC's best cocktail destinations are below, from mad-scientist mixology, to underground speakeasies, to rooftop terraces.

The Columbia Room BNOYL Cocktails DC
Jim Webb

The Columbia Room
Mt. Vernon Square
With more accolades than can fit in your dad’s trophy case, cocktailing mecca Columbia Room continues to bring it. Snagging a reservation for their drink tasting menu can be tricky, but take heart in the fact that you can also raise your at-home cocktail game and sign up for one of their classes -- though they still won't turn out nearly as good.

PX BNOYL Cocktails DC
PX

PX
Old Town, Alexandria, VA
This Alexandria speakeasy with a '20s vibe (that's 1920s, though 1720s would have been a bold move) is still moving the bevvy that helped put them on the map -- the Smoker's Delight. Four different types of tobacco are steeped before being hit with sugar, bourbon, honey and lemon. Even if Marlboros aren't your thing, you'll like it.

Spirits Bar at Rogue 24 BNOYL Cocktails DC
Laura Hayes

Spirits Bar at Rogue 24
Shaw
Back in high school, cheftender Bryan Tetorakis was carving craziness at National Ice Carving Association competitions while you were playing NHL '94 (you stand by your decision… Roenick was unstoppable). Try three of his elixirs paired with three bites at his four-seat bar in the back. Green Chartreuse and liquid nitrogen are two of his secret weapons.

Bar Charley BNOYL Cocktails DC
Leo Schmid

Bar Charley
Dupont/Adam’s Morgan
Everyone’s talking about Bar Charley’s The Stepdad. Why aren’t you? The drink is more DC than Jayson Werth will ever be. Fortunately, he makes $16.5 mil so he can afford two Stepdads. Check out the fire-based wizardry that goes into making one right here.

The Gibson BNOYL Cocktails DC
The Gibson

The Gibson
U Street
Like a real speakeasy, it’s hard to find even following the little blue dot on your smartphone. If you find it, act like a regular and go off-menu -- they'll know how to take care of you. But mind the rules: a two-hour limit and absolutely no standing.

Off the Record BNOYL Cocktails DC
Off The Record

Off the Record
McPherson Square
For a little historic elegance, step inside the Hay-Adams Hotel's lauded drinkery. Stare at the caricatures on the wall repping Washington's elite. Try not to stare quite as obviously if one of them happens to be drinking next to you as you sip your David's Washingtonian (potato vodka, limoncello, Chambord).

POV BNOYL Cocktails DC

POV
Metro Center
The view is somewhat built into the drink price at this rooftop hotspot, but it's worth it to admire the majesty of DC, and the scaffolding on the Washington Monument. Warm your insides with a Rock and Rye, made with… rye, along with Jamaican rum, orange, lemon, and spices.

Lincoln BNOYL Cocktails DC
Lincoln

Lincoln
McPherson Square
Four score and several rounds ago you were enjoying your first Gettysburg Address at Lincoln. Ready to move on from their signature cocktail? Grab a group and try the Emancipation Punch -- ginger syrup, lemon sour, homemade beet puree, and aromatic bitters boozed up with botanical vodka and acai liqueur.