Prefer to two-step over twerking? You may not be aware but the D.C. area has plenty of places that provide good old fashioned country music and cuisine. Check out this list of best country bars in the D.C. area and set yourself up for a thigh-slapping good time.
Hill Country Barbecue
410 7th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 556-2050
www.hillcountrywdc.com
For a taste of Texas, head on over to Hill Country Barbecue where you will find decadent barbecue, specialty drinks and cocktails and live music. All barbecued meats are smoked and slow cooked over Texas post oak, providing a distinct flavor you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Hill Country also offers treats from Texas, like Bluebell Ice Cream and Big Red Soda. Head downstairs to the Boot Bar and enjoy live music in a variety of styles including honky-tonk, western swing and alternative country. Happy hour specials include Shiner and margarita pitchers for $20 and $5 well drinks.
Stetsons Famous Bar & Grill
1610 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-6295
www.stetsons-dc.com
Grab your favorite cowboy hat and make your way to Stetsons, U Street’s oldest neighborhood bar and grill and the first Tex-Mex saloon in DC. Play some pool at the upstairs bar or catch the game on one of many high-definition televisions. Stetsons also offers darts, a foosball table, arcade games, an Internet jukebox and an outdoor patio. Enjoy country-style meals, like the Longhorn Burger or the El Paso chicken sandwich. Bring your pooch on Monday nights and enjoy drink specials and half-priced burgers sitting out on the doggie patio. Or stop by Wednesday for open night comedy night.
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Jack Rose Dining Saloon
2007 18th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 588-7388
www.jackrosediningsaloon.com
Mosey on over to the Jack Rose Dining Saloon and enjoy a true country western dining experience. Book a reservation in one of five different areas of the restaurant and bar, each with its own rustic look and feel. Dine on delicious creations like the smoked whiskey wings, dry-aged roseda rib eye or the deviled eggs. In addition to a variety of delicious entrees, Jack Rose Dining Saloon also offers a large variety of whiskeys plus craft beers, wine and signature cocktails. Try the El Silencio is Golden, which includes El Silencio Mezcal, Golden Grahams-infused milk and chocolate syrup.
Acre 121
1400 Irving St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 328-0121
www.acre121.com
Enjoy hickory-smoked barbecue, signature cocktails and live country music at Acre 121. This full-service restaurant and bar features a low country menu combined with local fusion flavors. Order up a plate of beer-battered fried pickles, pork belly grilled cheese or the ice cream jubilee. Kick up your heels to the tunes of live local bands or stop by on Tuesday nights and test your smarts during trivia night. Friday nights feature special discounts on Sam Adams lager and seasonal drafts as well as a prize raffle once a month.
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Nick’s Nightclub
642 S. Pickett St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 751-8900
www.nicksnightclub.com
Two-step your way to Nick’s Nightclub for a fun night out with the girls. Recognized as the “bachelorette headquarters,” Nick’s Nightclub features live bands, line dancing and karaoke nightly. Chow down on mouth-watering entrees, like the Cajun chicken wrap, New York strip steak or the redneck taco. Tuesday nights feature karaoke, line dance lessons and couples lessons while Wednesday and Thursday nights feature swing dance lessons. Local live bands perform Friday and Saturday nights.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
