Nightlife & Music

Best Outdoor Bars in Washington, D.C.

May 28, 2011 10:25 AM

Weather, like politics, can be pretty unpredictable in Washington, D.C. But regardless of when the warm weather hits, which is possible at almost any time of the year, many bars open their patios or set up their heat lamps so D.C. locals can enjoy both sunny and moonlit skies. – Allie Moore

(credit: http://www.tonyandjoes.com)

Local 16

1602 U St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 265-2828
www.localsixteen.com

One of the most popular places for young professionals to gather for happy hour, Local 16′s fantastic wine and beer selection make it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. The spacious upstairs outdoor deck provides an authentic urban vibe and a view of historic and cultural U Street. When the sun sets, the deejay inside the second level spins a hodge podge of music styles for a dimly lit dance party.

Biergarten Haus

1355 H Street N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 388-4053
www.biergartenhaus.com

New just in time for the 2010 World Cup, Biergarten has enjoyed much success as part of the bustling H Street N.E./Atlas District. Celebrate Oktoberfest any day of the year by ordering one of the authentic German beers in either half-liter or one-liter mugs. Satisfy your appetite (and that of many, many friends) by ordering pretzel rolls with cheese dipping sauce or the giant pretzel sandwich with mustard, ham and all the trimmings, topped with pickle spears.

Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place

3000 K Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 944-4545
www.tonyandjoes.com

Overlooking the majestic Potomac River, Tony & Joe’s is situated among fellow Georgetown waterfront restaurants and bars as part of a collective nighttime scene that is a haven to college undergraduates and young professionals. If the crowd gets hectic, hop beyond the velvet ropes and try one of the other bars on the dock, like Sequoia or Nick’s Riverside Grill. Both Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s have symmetrical outdoor bars with televisions for sports fans.

Bar Dupont

1500 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 483-6000
www.doylecollection.com/locations/washington_dc_hotels/the_dupont_hotel/eat__drink/restaurant__bar.aspx

Part of the the Dupont Hotel, the comfortable couches and lounge-y vibe of this centrally located bar in Dupont Circle make Bar Dupont one of the best outdoor bars in Washington, D.C. During Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m., specialty cocktails drop in price from $8 to $5. Each table is served a triple dish platter of wasabi peas, salted cashews and popcorn chips.

Poste

555 8th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 783-6060
www.postebrasserie.com

Located in the original General Post Office that dates back to 1841, Poste Modern Brasserie is the epitome of class. The garden bar and the courtyard offer pleasant outdoor dining. The Punch Bar in the garden serves up signature cocktails made with vodkas infused with seasonal fruits and herbs from the garden. Plan your next event at one of the many rooms at Poste, or within the Hotel Monaco.