Upscale Bars in D.C.

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We work hard here at Sterling Motorcars but when it’s time to unwind we know exactly where to go. The D.C. metro area is full of upscale bars for you to kick up your heels and enjoy a night out on the town. So, if you’re looking for an upscale bar or lounge near D.C., here is a list of our top 15 hottest spots to get your evening started right. 



Barmini

Address: 501 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Website: https://www.minibarbyjoseandres.com/barmini

From the culinary innovator José Andrés, Barmini is an innovative cocktail lab that goes beyond just serving drinks. This luxury lounge in D.C. is located adjacent to Minibar, one of Andrés’ other creations, and will leave you speechless with over 100 drink combinations to choose from.

2941 Restaurant

Address: 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042

Website: https://www.2941.com

Nestled in the heart of Falls Church, VA 2941 is a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant and upscale bar near D.C. Indulge in cuisine with a Gallic flair while taking in the ambiance of koi ponds, waterfalls, and the lakeside view.

Sax Dinner Theater and Lounge

Address: 734 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Website: https://www.saxwdc.com

What happens when reinvented American cuisine meets Las Vegas-style entertainment? You get Sax Dinner Theater and Lounge! D.C.’s most intimate upscale lounge offers creative craft cocktails alongside continuous live theater productions from aerialists, pole ballet dancers, contortionists, and even a burlesque show during Sunday brunch!

Denson Liquor Bar

Address: 600 F St NW Washington, D.C. 20004

Website: https://www.densondc.com

According to the Washington City Paper, this upscale bar is like a scene from the Great Gatsby. Enjoy a bourbon on the rocks and go back in time at this intimate speakeasy joint.

Quadrant Bar and Lounge

Address: 1150 22nd Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20037

Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc/dining/quadrant

Located inside the lobby of the Ritz Carlton hotel, Quadrant is one of D.C.’s most upscale bars. Quadrant Bar and Lounge offers original craft cocktails and rare spirits with a classy vibe.

Beuchert's Saloon

Address: 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Washington, D.C. 20003

Website: https://www.beuchertssaloon.com/

Housed in the historically rich Eastern Market neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Beuchert’s Saloon is where you can go to enjoy a ‘farm American” dining experience. Beuchert’s is known for its quintessential house cocktails, so be sure to take a long look at the menu to confirm you don’t miss out on anything.

The Dabney

Address: 122 Blagden Alley NW Washington, D.C. 20001

Website: https://thedabney.com/

The Dabney’s menu was developed to reflect the soul of the mid-Atlantic with 6-courses and available wine paring. This is no doubt the place to go for a high-end dining experience.

Left Door

Address: 1345 S St NW Second Floor Washington, D.C. 20009

Website: http://www.dcleftdoor.com

This spot was uniquely named Left Door due to the entrance being a thin door immediately to the left of the Capital Valet. If you’re into a more intimate vibe, Left Door is the place for you.

Dirty Habit

Address: 555 8th Street NW Washington D.C. 20004

Website: https://dirtyhabitdc.com

Dirty Habit is a mood for any time of day. Indulge your guilty pleasure during bottomless brunch on the weekend or a pulsating party around a campfire in the hottest D.C. courtyard.

Quill

Address: 1200 16th St NW Washington, D.C. 20036

Website: https://www.jeffersondc.com/dining/quill

As one of D.C.’s best cocktail bars, Quill is the place to be for classic and signature cocktails, plus wine and a food menu that ranges from Charcuterie to Prime Filet Mignon. Located inside the Jefferson hotel in downtown D.C., you are sure to have the upscale experience you’re looking for.

Le Bar

Address: 806 15th St NW Sofitel Washington, D.C. 20005

Website: http://www.iciurbanbistro.com

Le Bar is a luxury lounge in D.C. where you can stop by for a drink before or after dinner. At the recommendation of a Yelp reviewer, make sure you try their impressive array of martinis.

Round Robin Bar

Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20004

Website: https://washington.intercontinental.com/food-drink/round-robin-bar

Coined the “Oval Office of Bars” by Conde Nast Traveler, Round Robin Bar has been a meeting place for D.C.’s political and social elite since 1847. This iconic establishment is not your average luxury bar in D.C. Well positioned inside Williard InterContinental, Round Robin Bar is one of the winners of the 2022 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award for Best Hotel Bar!

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Address: 2007 18th St NW Washington, D.C. 20009

Website: https://jackrosediningsaloon.com

Known for their extensive whiskey collection, Jack Rose Dining Saloon is an upscale bar with a hometown vibe conveniently placed in the heart of D.C. The staff is highly knowledgeable on all things bourbon and whiskey and the food is top-tier.

Off The Record

Address: 800 16th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20006

Website: https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record

Chosen by Forbes.com as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Bars”, Off The Record is an upscale bar with a superb wine selection. Known by the locals as downtown Washington, D.C.’s best “place to be seen and not heard” you can expect a high-class experience here.

CUT Bar and Lounge

Address: 1050 31st ST NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/washington-dc/dining/cut-bar

Relaxed sophistication is the theme at CUT Bar and Lounge, located in the metro D.C. area inside the Rosewood hotel. With a passion for fine spirits, you can choose from 2,500 bottles from around the world.

Get More D.C. Recommendations at Sterling Motorcars

No matter where you land in Washington D.C., you can rest assured there will be an array of upscale bars, shopping, and eats to fit your taste. 

Check out our exclusive restaurant guide and the best luxury shopping to get more top picks for your best D.C. experience, or reach out to us for more local recommendations!