There are around 2,600 bars in Washington DC, which shows there are plenty of great spots to choose from.
Spending the evening in a buzzing establishment lets you unwind with loved ones, meet new people, and try different cocktails. But because not all bars are created equal, it’s important to know what to look for. Perhaps you’re currently struggling to find great bars in the DC area and you’re searching for inspiration.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five attractive qualities of a Washington DC bar.
1. Friendly Bartenders
Your local tavern should have a team of friendly bartenders who greet everyone who walks through the door. In fact, staff should know their regulars’ favorite drinks and be willing to catch up as it shows they care.
If you’re currently browsing properties in the area, like these condos, then check that the nearest watering hole has at least one friendly bartender.
2. Great Atmosphere
A great way to check whether a restaurant bar is worth your time is by considering the atmosphere over the weekend. Is it packed? Are patrons having a blast? If the answer is yes to both questions, then you’ve found yourself a keeper.
3. Theme Nights and Drink Specials
Most popular bars will have weekly themed nights to draw a large crowd. There is a huge selection of options such as Trivia Night, Karaoke, and ’80s Nights, which are great for weeknights.
You should also find a bar that offers drink specials like Happy Hour on a Friday. For instance, it could be BOGOF (buy one, get one free) or discounted cocktails for a limited time.
4. Inviting Decor
Unless you’re hanging out in dive bars, you want somewhere to relax and the decor should reflect that, especially if it’s got a theme. For instance, if you’re in a sports bar, then you’d expect large TVs and sports memorabilia dotted around the room. And you mustn’t forget a killer outdoor seating area for the warmer months.
For historical or fantasy-themed bars, they should be able to effectively transport their guests into another time or world. Any bar worth your time will have realistic art or items from that era to transform the atmosphere. They might have full suits of armor, coats of arms, or striking Viking ax replicas on display. Their staff might even be in full costume and using accents or slang from a specific period. This level of dedication is a great sign that this bar is one of your best options in the area.
Further, look for a bar that prioritizes cleanliness. Bartenders should be regularly wiping the bar so it’s not sticky and swiftly clear tables when patrons leave. Also, most reputable establishments will clean the bathrooms hourly so that it’s spotless regardless of how busy the bar gets.
5. Awesome Music
There’s nothing more off-putting than a quiet bar on the weekends. Because of this, you should search for venues that entertain their patrons. For instance, look for places that have DJs or live bands as these spots have the best atmosphere.
Visit a Washington DC Bar Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll visit a Washington DC bar.
There are many qualities to look out for such as friendly staff, clean bathrooms, and a great atmosphere. You should also search for bars that offer themed nights and awesome entertainment as you’re guaranteed a superb night. Good luck with your search!
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