Best Cocktail Bars in Southwest Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighbourhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonChevy ChaseDowntownDupont Circle

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

44 restaurants available nearby

1. Moonraker

4.5

Awesome(376)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 40 times today

Moonraker at Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf stands as a beacon of exceptional Cocktail Bar cuisine. Nestled in the vibrant Southwest Waterfront, Moonraker offers an exquisite selection of handcrafted cocktails, perfectly complemented by a curated array of Japanese whiskeys. The bar's ambiance is "elegant and energetic," providing a stunning backdrop for intimate gatherings with its breathtaking panoramic views of the Potomac. Guests rave about the "well-made cocktails" and describe the experience as "amazing food and drinks with outstanding customer service!" Whether you're enjoying a casual drink at sunset or celebrating a special occasion, Moonraker promises a delightful, unforgettable night out.

A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant

2. Dirty Habit | The Glass House

4.3

Awesome(2316)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Penn Quarter

Booked 37 times today

Dirty Habit | The Glass House is a standout for Cocktail Bar cuisine in the heart of Penn Quarter, Washington. This vibrant spot offers an unparalleled cocktail experience that leaves guests raving about the "deliciously prepared" drinks. The bartenders craft each cocktail with precision, ensuring every sip is a testament to their skill and creativity. Patrons frequently highlight the "great cocktails" as a key reason for their return visits, with the old-fashioned being a particular favorite. Whether you're unwinding after a day in the city or starting a night out, Dirty Habit provides an exceptional cocktail journey in a hip, edgy setting.

3. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2139)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 63 times today

dLeña in Mount Vernon Square, Washington, is a standout Cocktail Bar, renowned for its exceptional Latin-inspired cocktails. With an expansive bar offering hand-crafted margaritas and unique concoctions, patrons consistently praise the drinks for their intriguing ingredients and perfect balance. Guests rave about the "exceptional drinks" and "beautifully crafted cocktails," highlighting the bar's commitment to authentic flavors and high quality. The vibrant and sophisticated ambiance further enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for social gatherings or a memorable night out. If you're seeking an unparalleled cocktail experience in a cozy yet energetic setting, dLeña is the place to be.

4. Press Club

4.9

Exceptional(55)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Dupont Circle

Booked 24 times today

Press Club is a record bar and cocktail lounge with a focus on the curation of guest experience and providing maximum levels of hospitality. The name is an homage to DC while also evoking the pressing of records and the ingredients used to craft our cocktails.Our Playlist Experience is a four course cocktail tasting flight featuring culinary techniques and seasonal ingredients. Each cocktail will be paired with accompanying snacks from our kitchen. Our standard reservations are for an a la carte experience featuring our cocktails and izakaya bites. To reserve for parties of 6 or more, please email us as hospitality@pressclubdc.com. The standard duration of this experience is one hour and thirty minutes. This time has been carefully chosen to accommodate the full range of our delicious cocktails and unique ambiance. We do not have a phone number. To connect, please use the OpenTable messaging system or send an email to hospitality@pressclubdc.com.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(34524)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Foggy Bottom

Booked 345 times today

Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom is a standout destination for Cocktail Bar cuisine, expertly blending vibrant flavors and authentic craftsmanship in every drink. Situated just a short stroll from the White House, this iconic venue has garnered praise for its "great cocktails" that perfectly complement its Southern-inspired dishes. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and "wonderful atmosphere," making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists. With a commitment to using high-quality ingredients from trusted farmers, each cocktail is a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or new to the scene, Founding Farmers promises an unforgettable experience.

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC restaurant

6. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

4.2

Awesome(1783)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 144 times today

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC is a must-visit destination for authentic American cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC. This vibrant restaurant brilliantly reimagines classic comfort foods with a flavorful twist, offering delights like shrimp and grits, and creative waffles that leave diners raving about the "extraordinary food." Patrons praise the "amazing" atmosphere and the "friendly and attentive staff" who make every visit feel special. As a culinary mecca for southern food, Kitchen + Kocktails ensures a ten out of ten dining experience, capturing the essence of American cuisine with its seasoned-to-perfection dishes and unique kocktails.

7. Service Bar

4.8

Exceptional(11)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Mount Vernon Square

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.

A photo of Figleaf Bar & Lounge restaurant

8. Figleaf Bar & Lounge

4.4

Awesome(60)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 2 times today

Figleaf is a place to savor global Mediterranean cuisine with a Latin influence. Its menu is like a passport, well stamped. Wind your way from Barcelona to Miami, Lima to Istanbul, Dubai to Rio de Janerio - all while knowing: Everything is there to honor culture and inspire exploration. Figleaf's setting matches its boundary-breaking spirit: The lounge-style space features a bold array of international artworks, as bold as the cocktails mixed and dishes served."

9. Dauphine’s

4.6

Exceptional(1431)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 27 times today

Dauphine’s in downtown Washington DC brings the vibrant essence of New Orleans to life, brilliantly showcasing the rich flavors of Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. This modern culinary haven dazzles diners with its creative menu, seamlessly blending classic New Orleans fare with contemporary twists using Mid-Atlantic ingredients. "Every bite bursts with flavor," raves one satisfied guest, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to both tradition and innovation. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, complemented by an exquisite bar that serves delightfully crafted cocktails. With a fantastic raw bar and live jazz brunches, Dauphine’s promises an authentic, unforgettable dining experience that's "a must-visit" for Creole cuisine lovers.

A photo of Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

10. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13895)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Georgetown

Booked 135 times today

Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown is a cocktail enthusiast's paradise nestled in the vibrant Washington Harbor. This farmer-owned gem boasts an impressive lineup of classic and tiki cocktails that truly embody authenticity and craftsmanship. Patrons rave about the "handcrafted bevs," highlighting the fresh, high-quality spirits from their very own DC-based distillery, Founding Spirits. The enticing cocktail menu perfectly complements the lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a casual happy hour or a memorable evening with friends, the "creative fun menu" and picturesque location along the Potomac River ensure an unforgettable experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was my first time there, very cool ambiance and decor.
More info
Dirty Habit | The Glass HousePrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Penn Quarter
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was fantastic, Jose our waiter was great
More info
Founding Farmers DC: Foggy BottomPrice: Moderate• American• Foggy Bottom
•
4.6
E
Ericka
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Came here for a birthday celebration, food and drinks were great. The ambiance and decor of the restaurant was amazing. I did make the reservation a month in advanced and had requested a table underneath the chandelier, however that request was not fulfilled. Our server Alexandra was very sweet, but we had to flag her down a few times to keep ordering.
More info
dLeñaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
F
foodreviewer
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
great service, tasty food. limited seating. priced slightly high but the vibe was good
More info
MoonrakerPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Atlanta •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 27, 2025
Great service and cocktails. Really love the vibe and the intimate space.
More info
Press ClubPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Dupont Circle
•
4.9

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