Washington has a thriving and varied bar scene. But just when you think you know all the hot spots, a spate of new ones pop up. If you want to be sure to visit the latest bunch, travel to U Street NW between 9th and 18th streets, and to 14th Street, just off U Street in either direction; to H Street NE, between 12th and 14th streets; and to the Penn Quarter -- these are the current favorite areas for revelry in the city. Lounges are all the rage, so be sure to stop in at restaurants such as IndeBleu, Zengo, and Rasika.
If you're in the mood for a sophisticated setting, seek out a bar in one of the nicer hotels, like the Willard, the Sofitel Lafayette Square, the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, the Hay-Adams, and the St. Regis. Otherwise, here is a range of options, from upscale to low-key, but each with its own character.
Wine Bars Woo the Capital
It isn't that Washington didn't have wine bars before now, it's just that, overnight, it seems, we have so many. Pioneers Bistrot Lepic, Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar, and Sonoma, restaurants all, deserve credit for being there first, whetting locals' appetite, perhaps, for the whole idea. Now the city is home to at least 10 wine bars, most of which serve food, while still focusing on the wine. The following list directs you to some of the best:
- Bistrot Lepic and Wine Bar, 1736 Wisconsin Ave. NW (tel. 202/333-0111; www.bistrotlepic.com) -- The Asian-accented, cozy wine bar and lounge on the second floor of its charming French restaurant offers complimentary tastings every Tuesday, 6 to 8pm. Open daily 5:30pm to midnight.
- Veritas, 2031 Florida Ave. NW (tel. 202/265-6270; www.veritasdc.com) -- Located at the northern end of Dupont Circle, just off Connecticut Avenue, this tiny, exposed-brick-walled place holds no more than 50 people and serves 70 wines by the glass. A few nibbles are on the menu: small plates of cheeses and charcuterie, and some desserts. Open daily 5pm to closing.
- Vinoteca Wine Bar and Bistro, 1940 11th St. NW (tel. 202/332-WINE [9463], www.vinotecadc.com) -- Like many of its neighbors in the U Street neighborhood, Vinoteca is open late -- until 3am on weekends, 2am all other nights (It opens at 4:30pm.). Its town-house setting offers seating at a bar, on banquettes, in the upstairs lounge, or outside at sidewalk tables. Wine lovers can choose from 68 wines by the glass; a full menu of American cuisine is also available.
- Cork, 1720 14th St. NW (tel. 202/265-CORK [2675], www.corkdc.com) -- Another cozy place, Cork features no American or Australian wines, choosing instead to highlight "Old World" wines. The bar offers 35 wines by the glass and a menu that serves small plates of light fare, meant for sharing (think french fries, olives, cheeses, and so on.) Wine tastings and classes are also on tap. Open Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 5pm to midnight; Thursday to Saturday 5pm to 1am.
