Single and ready to mingle? D.C. has plenty of places to go and things to do for singles. If you’re looking to have a good time and meet lots of people, then consider this list of best bars for singles in D.C. and find that special someone now.
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-7638
www.busboysandpoets.com
What better way to meet someone new than over a book and an adult beverage? Busboys and Poets features a variety of literature aimed to make you think about the world around you. As an independent bookstore, one of the many popular features about Busboys and Poets is the wide variety of hosted events including open mic nights, poetry readings, author readings and movie screenings. The popular bookstore is also a full-service restaurant and bar with a variety of delicious menu items including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. Sip on DC Tap Water, the bar’s signature cocktail, or the Langston Cooler and talk politics with the cutie sitting next to you.
Local 16
1602 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-2828
www.localsixteen.com
Voted Best Singles Bar in the Washington City Paper, Local 16 is a great place to mingle and munch on delicious organic meats and sustainable agriculture. Head upstairs to the rooftop deck and enjoy a beverage underneath the stars or find a cozy booth and share dating war stories. The food at Local 16 features traditional American fare with a touch of Italian. Try the house-smoked salmon, chicken cordon bleu or the roasted barbecue brisket. Local 16 maintains a strong relationship with local farmers and producers. The full-service restaurant and bar also offers bottomless brunch where guests can enjoy an entree and bottomless beverages like mimosas or bloody Marys for a deal.
The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 232-5263
www.thewonderlandballroom.com
If you’re looking for a livelier destination to meet your future boyfriend or girlfriend, head over to the Wonderland Ballroom where you will find a lively bar, large dance floor and popular patio. Events at the Wonderland Ballroom include karaoke, trivia nights, live entertainment and comedy shows. The full-service restaurant and bar offers plenty of snacks to share including nachos, loaded fries and wings. Or, nosh on tasty menu items like the chicken and waffles or the grilled triple cheese. Step outside and enjoy the bohemian beer garden. Food and drink specials include happy hour and Taco Tuesdays.
The Board Room
1737 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 518-7666
www.boardroomdc.com
Relive your childhood, and meet someone new, at the Board Room. DC’s latest game bar features a variety of vintage games to rent including Sorry, Battleship, Don’t Break the Ice, Uno, Scrabble and Jenga. The full-service bar also offers 21 beers on tap. Enjoy daily happy hour specials, like $4 rail drinks and house wine. Bottled beer is also available. Although the Board Room doesn’t serve food, outside food is welcome. Or ask for a menu at the bar. Nearby restaurants include Flippin’ Pizza, Glen’s Garden Market and City Lights of China, all of whom deliver for free.
Hill Country
410 7th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 556-2050
www.hillcountrywdc.com
For a little honky tonk action, head to Hill Country where you will find southern comfort foods, line dancing and live entertainment. Pop in on Wednesdays and enjoy Texas-style karaoke or stop by any other day of the week and catch the latest in country music. Or enjoy daily happy hour specials like a pitcher of Shiner beer for $20. Hill Country offers a variety of delicious meats and tasty hot and cold sides including mac n’ cheese, chili, potato salad and coleslaw. Signature cocktails include the Texas Tornado, 8-Layer Dip and the Kreuz margarita. Don’t forget to save room for some dessert. Enjoy hand-scooped Blue Bell ice cream or the cake of the day.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
