Clyde's
Despite the enormity of the giant "central branch" of the local Clyde's mini-franchise, it is very attractive, wooden and dimly lit in a sort of Victorian grand-old-hotel fashion. The food here is virtually identical to the "traditional Washingtonian" that you would find at the famous Old Ebbitt Grill, although perhaps a little better prepared, and no reservations required. It's a great after-dinner or after-theater option, though, to sit at one of its three lovely bars and have a few drinks. Or finagle a table and have those drinks with a little dessert, or something off the fantastic oyster menu.
Passenger
This is a crowded bar specializing in craft-cocktails, and attempting for the look of a dive. It's a little busy for someone looking to actually discuss their drink with their servers, but judged by any other criteria, it's just a really good bar, with really good mixed drinks. If you make reservations far in advance, you can get a seat in the hidden Columbia Room in the back, where you will be treated to a private and customized tasting of craft cocktails and appetizers in one of D.C.'s classiest high concept bars, with likely the best mixed drinks you've had.
Proof
One of D.C.'s best wine bars is right across the street from the Portrait Gallery. The wine list is very extensive, and you can have it by the taste, glass, or bottle. The hosts want nothing better than to help you discover better and better wines, so be sure to ask. The cooking alone that is, discounting the excellent service and wine list would be reason enough to come here for an eveningâthe chef here could hold his own with any of the city's best. Great lunch deals, including wine.
RFD Washington
R.F.D. is a shoot-off of the Brickskeller, a Dupont Circle landmark. There are 30 varieties of beer on tap, and nearly 300 choices of bottled beer. R.F.D. serves standard American food, along with a selection of seafood and other regional dishes, and it's perfectly suitable for families eating in the early evening. Outdoor seating in good weather.
Zola
It has a nice, sleek look, which is appropriate for a bar attached to a museum of Bond gadgets. The food for the price is underwhelming compared to other top-options in the area although it is by no means bad, so it's ideal to come here later in the night for drinks. Although principally a wine bar, Zola also mixes excellent cocktails, which are quite reasonably priced around $8-10. Great date place.
If you ask a local about nightlife in the East End, they'll roll their eyes. Virtually every option here and there are many is very overpriced, and caters to tourists or people who otherwise don't know where to go. There are indeed a handful of good places, depending on what you are looking for, so you don't necessarily need to flee north to U St or Dupont Circle. Otherwise either have some drinks at a nice restaurant listed above PS 7's lounge has some of the best cocktails in the city, or resign yourself to chains you could find in any other cityâor the tourist purgatory of the Hard Rock Cafe 999 E St NW.
For the wine bars, make reservations.
Tantra Lounge
The "contemporary pan-Asian" food at the restaurant here is excellent, but the lounge downstairs is an even better reason to come. With its sexy decor and impressive drinks around $15, it is a bonafide after-hours hot spot, and major beautiful person destination.