If you like inexpensive, relaxed bars with a good vibe, the Red Derby is the spot for you. The Derb’ has tons of beer but only in cans, as well as a full bar, and is located in northern Columbia Heights.
You can get beers starting at $2, plus they have a raft of shot-and-beer specials, ranging from $ 6 for the cheap stuff to more for fancier. There’s also a fun let-the-bartender-choose option for $ 10. Happy hours deals are good, too, like inexpensive daily cocktails, classics like a gin fizz or white Russian. (It’s cash only, but they do have an ATM.)
The vibe is neighborhoody and friendly, and they also have a lot of board games and darts, from Connect Four to Rock-em Sock-em Robots to my favorite, Cards Against Humanity (a dirty card pairing game, which always seems to attract the interest of folks sitting nearby.)
They also have a big roof deck overlooking 14th Street, great for nice weather.
Their food is basic bar food but tasty, with specials during the week like the Monday half price burger one is solid – the Derby Burger (sprouts, avocado and more) is delicious, one of my favorite burgers in the city. The seafood is good as well, especially the fish dog (basically a fish sandwich) and the fried shrimp po’ boy. Brunch is also good: I’m a big fan of the tater tot, egg, bacon and tomato bowl.
It’s a fun, chill neighborhoody spot with cheap eats and drinks – what’s not to like?
