Washington, D.C., is one of the top 10 cities with the largest number of singles. It’s a popular haven for recent grads and young professionals, therefore, a great place to meet the future Mr. or Mrs. Farmers’ markets and concerts are great places to meet other singles, but the most popular and traditional means is the regular old bar. Try your pick-up lines at these after-work or weekend happy hours. – Allie Moore

Public Bar

1214 8th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 223-2200
www.publicbardc.com

Public Bar’s four floors of sports, dancing and beverages make it one of DC’s biggest sports bars and also one of the most likely places to find single sports fans. Dance music escalates as games wind down at night, and the rooftop bar offers a lounge-y vibe for more intimate conversation. When your favorite team is playing, head to Public Bar and strike up chatter with fellow fans. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Marvin

2007 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-7171
www.marvindc.com

Marvin, named for Marvin Gaye, has a Belgian theme, meaning hearty dishes and delicious beer. The downstairs restaurant is dimly lit and a bit crowded, but head upstairs to the outdoor patio, where 20-somethings gather and sip Stella Artois. During the winter months, Marvin’s patio is kept warm with heat lamps. Inside, eclectic music blasts as patrons sway from side to side. It’s not the ideal dance party, but it’s a great place to start the night. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Tony & Joe’s

3000 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-4545
www.tonyandjoes.com

What’s better than outdoor imbibing while overlooking the Potomac River and mingling with attractive singles? Tony and Joe’s, located down the hillside from Georgetown’s bustling M Street, is part of the Georgetown Waterfront’s array of dining and drinking. The centrally located bar is surrounded by tables and chairs that overlook the picturesque waterfront architecture and the boats that float down the river. Take in the particularly enchanting sunsets with young professionals, or catch a sports game on one of the bar TVs. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; bar open until 1:30 a.m. every night.

Rock & Roll Hotel

1353 H Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 388-7625
www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

The name says it all: Rock and Roll Hotel is a place to let loose, whether it be to live bands that play downstairs or to beat-heavy house music that blasts upstairs. There’s something for all types at Rock and Roll Hotel, including “hotel rooms” located in the corridor beyond the dance floor upstairs. Couples or singles can chat in private in chairs or couches, or just take a breather from busting moves on the dance floor. Hours: Most shows begin at 7:30 p.m.; upstairs bar, 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Rocket Bar

714 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 628-7665
www.rocketbardc.com

Across from the Verizon Center, Rocket Bar’s Chinatown location makes it a great after-game spot for fans of the Wizards, Capitals or for those just leaving a concert. The fun never stops with pool tables, shuffleboard, Skeeball, video games, and even some card games and board games, if you ask the bartender. What better way to break the ice with the opposite sex than a rousing game of Uno? Hours: Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.