Bar Charley Washington DC
Craft cocktails cool vibe
Look at the reviews for Bar Charley and everyone mentions the cocktails. That's because the list at Bar Charley is creative, portions are generous and prices are decent -- and because this place has soul. Set in a speakeasy type ground floor space with exposed brick, comfy banquette seating and low lighting, there's a small bar and dining room inside with a spacious outdoor patio. Sit outside under the string lights if you've a crowd, and pick your poison: the bartender mixes some creative one-offs as well as old standbys from a deep list of craft liquors.
The 11-page drinks menu features multiple versions of Manhattans and Martinis (10 each!). Conversely, the food offerings occupy a half page. But this doesn't mean eats are an afterthought: there's something for everything, and the small menu ensures all are done right. The Charley burger was perfectly pink, with just the right amount of fries, the steak just a little crisp outside, but also cooked to our liking. Appetizers include charcuterie, wings and crispy Brussels sprouts, and if you're off the red meat, there are fish entrees, as well as duck. Bar Charley is a cocktail destination with the heart of a neighborhood bar: the natives are friendly and children are welcome. Masks required as per DC law.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
Open City at the Cathedral – Coffeehouse and café
"Open City at the Cathedrail" is a little cafe tucked in the shadow of Washington National Cahtedral & we love it! Try the house-made soup.
By
Lydia
Strohl
Julia's Empanadas – Delicious on-the-go snack
"Julia's Empanadas" is one of my favorite places in DC. While Latin food isn't hard to find in DC, empanadas can be, especially good ones...
By
JR
Denson
Smoke and Barrel – Delicious barbecue
"Smoke and Barrel" Washington DC is one of my favorite spots in the city for barbecue. The cozy rustic decor creates a warm summer feeling, even in winter!
By
Kelley
Smith
GoodWood – For a vintage-chic home
"GoodWood" in Washington DC looks like a general store, but it holds many vintage treasures. It's like an antique store that doesn't take itself too seriously.
By
Lydia
Strohl
Cafe Citron – Spanish conversation and dancing
Everyone's been to "Cafe Citron" in Washington DC - for the lovely South American food, the free salsa lessons & Spanish conversation practice happy hour!
By
JR
Denson
Bombay Street Food 3 – Spice it your way
"Bombay Street Food 3" in Washington DC features Indian and Indo-Chinese foods. Its street food versions have less heavy cream and more spice & herbs...
By
Lydia
Strohl
DC Writer's Homes – Follow In their footsteps
What do Langston Hughes, Tallulah Bankhead, Ezra Pound, Roald Dahl and John F. Kennedy have in common? Find out at "DC Writer's Homes"...
By
Lydia
Strohl
The Salsa Room – Dance all night
There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
By
JR
Denson
East Potomac Golf Links – In the shadow of the Mall
"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
By
JR
Denson
Hill Center DC – Events on Capitol Hill(ish)
"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
By
JR
Denson
The Bullpen – Chill outdoor hangout
"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
By
JR
Denson
DC Brau – The DC beer
Dublin has Guinness. New York City has Brooklyn Brewing. And DC has "DC Brau." It isn't just a local beer. It's the local beer...
By