Whether you live in our nation’s capital or if you’re just visiting and want to meet local singles who can show you around, you’re going to want to hit up some of the city’s best locations. There’s no denying that Washington DC is brimming with fun and unique restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions, we’ve scoured through them all to find some of the best places to meet singles in Washington DC. As you read through our list, you may come across some of your favorites, but also may find new spots to check out!
Let’s get started!
Mythology is in the heart of the Altas Neighborhood, because it is located near the Atlas Theater. Atlas, according to Greek mythology was the Titan god of Astronomy and Endurance and was forced to hold up the sky for all eternity. As you stroll down H Street, you’ll find many locations with names that pay homage to Atlas and Greek Mythology.
When you step through the doors of Mythology, you’ll be seated at a table where you can dine under the clouds. Now, this doesn’t mean the dining space is outside – the venue has hung numerous cloud lights from Richard Clarkson Studios throughout the venue. Appetizers are served on colorful ceramic head stands and the meals are served on abstract but beautiful dishes. It’s truly a sight to see and experience for yourself!
The Lore lounge opens Thursday through Saturday and it is the perfect place to meet people or even go for the first date. If you’re a fan of Greek Mythology, then this is going to be your new favorite spot – even if you aren’t trying to meet someone!
Visit Them At:
816 H Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
202.847.0098
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 5pm – 10pm
Friday: 5pm – 10:30pm
Saturday: 11am – 3pm | 5pm – 10:30pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
Coffee. Coffee is the life force that turns many people from zombies into functioning members of society. Tryst is a venue that can be found in the center of DC and it is a coffee house, unlike any others that you may have tried before – it certainly sets itself apart from that overpriced corporate coffee shop that releases a cotton candy colored, sugary “Frappuccino” that has absolutely no coffee in it! But, Tryst isn’t just a coffee shop because it offers craft cocktails that are flavorful, potent without being obnoxious, and delicious.
At Tryst, you can break away from the normal confines of what you’d expect from a coffee place. You can order breakfast at any time of the day, you can order a whole pot of tea or just a glass of wine. The décor isn’t pristine by any means, but that doesn’t mean it is dirty or unkempt. It’s a comfortable spot where you can get some work done if you’re a blogger, can enjoy a great cup of specialty coffee, or sip on a unique cocktail while chatting up some cutie you just met out on the patio.
The food here isn’t going to be anything fresh and new – as it mostly features sandwiches with odd names like Liam, Kitty, or Hot Cindy), baked goods (mostly sweet), and an all day brunch fare. However, if you’re looking for a new regular spot, give Tryst a shot.
Visit Them At:
2459 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20002
202.232.5500
Sunday-Thursday: 7am-12midnight
Friday and Saturday: 7am-1am
Okay. Now if you’re looking for a place to get a great blowout and have a cocktail at the same time, then look no further! Sip & Dry Bar (located in the renovated Hecht Warehouse building) offers services with a craft cocktail. While you may not be going to get a blowout every day, this is going to be a great spot to hit up before a girls night out, a big party, or any other reason where you’re going to want to look your best. Do keep in mind that it appears the cocktails only come with a blowout, but you can order the cocktails a la carte at sit at the comfortable bar where you can watch a movie or sports game (whichever may be playing at the time).
The full-service bar is only open during regular salon hours, which is pretty great, especially if you’re going for that late night drink – may as well get a haircut too!
Fellas, this is going to be a great spot to meet ladies. Come on! Think about it! Not only will the place be brimming with beautiful ladies, but they just may think you’re uber confident because you’re basically in a hair salon trying to pick up chicks. To prove that you’re a manly man who is hot, order yourself a drink and offer the woman you fancy a cocktail, too.
Visit Them At:
2004 Hecht Ave. NE
Washington DC, United States 20002
202.635.6483
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Thursday: 2pm – 10pm
Friday: 12 pm – 11pm
Saturday: 8am – 11pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
After a long day at Capitol Hill, you’re probably going to want to check out one of the hottest bars with a kickass Happy Hour. 1831 Bar & Lounge is known for their happy hour specials and their unique design aesthetic. The venue is inspired by Jules Verne and Steampunk, so if you’re into that aesthetic, then you’ll enjoy sipping on affordable selections of unique cocktails created by expert mixologists and even listen to a live DJ.
What really makes 1831 stand out is how friendly the staff is. They make you feel like VIP, even if you’re only there for a glass of wine. You’ll find that when you are relaxing at one of the tables, either inside or outside, you may want to stay for dinner. The food is typical bar fare, amped up tater tots, salads, flatbreads, and wings, but these items just add to the charm of the whole venue.
There’s a casual bar downstairs if you’re making a quick stop, but if you want to stay a while and maybe meet locals to flirt with, then we suggest you head upstairs with comfortable seating and a more relaxed vibe. We want to point out that although this isn’t quite on people’s radar as a hot spot, we feel that it is going to become quite popular!
Visit Them At:
1831 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
202.223.1831
Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 2am
Friday: 3pm – 3am
Saturday: 12 pm – 3am
Sunday: 12pm – 2am
Happy Hour
Monday – Friday: 3pm – 8pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
For a great night out with good food, great cocktails, and live music where you’ll want to dance, head on over to Madam’s Organ. This unique place has three floors – the main floor features kitschy finds that you might find at a garage sale, a large dance floor, 2 bars, and an elevated dining room in case you work up an appetite. The menu features soul food dishes and delicious BBQ. Because the dress code here is relaxed, you don’t have to worry about getting a dribble of BBQ sauce on that expensive Hermes tie. Well, you don’t want BBQ stains on any clothing, but… You get what we mean.
On the second floor, you can challenge your dance partner from the first floor to a game of billiards or chill out and catch your breath while watching a bit of TV or watching the dance floor from the small balcony. If you want to escape the crowd from either floor and get a bit of fresh air, head on through the saloon doors to the rooftop deck and sip on a whiskey neat or a Rolling Rock. If you’ve got red hair, you can get your Rolling Rock at half price! Sweet!
You should be aware that there will probably be a cover charge ($3 to $7) if you arrive after 9 pm. It’s a small price to pay for a full night of entertainment, don’t you think?
Visit Them At:
2461 18th S. NW,
Washington, DC, 20009
202.667.5370
Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 2am
Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 3am
One thing you should know about Dirty Bar is that although it does have its own entrance, you can get that 1920s taboo feeling when you ask your server in the Dirty Martini to show you how to get to the Dirty Bar. They’ll lead you to a discreet door where you can go up three stories to a spot that feels like you went back in time to the Prohibition Era.
The appeal of Dirty Bar is that you can flirt, dance, and drink with socialites and the who’s who of DC. You’ll be able to peer out over the city, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. Sip on cocktails that have been infused with absinthe (though you probably won’t be seeing any little green fairies) and admire the retro ambiance this venue has to offer – from the velvet curtains of the VIP area, velvet couches, a tufted wall, and exposed brick. If you’re looking for a place that evokes a naughty vibe, this is going to be your prime spot.
Fellas, with a mere $20 cover charge, you’ll be able to enjoy DJs spinning Euro-Trance, techno, and house remixes of your favorite old school rap or reggaeton music. Ladies, if you show up before midnight, you get in free. There isn’t food served here, so be sure to have a snack or dinner before heading up to Dirty Bar. Oh, and don’t forget to dress in your best and sexiest outfit.
Visit Them At:
1223 Connecticut Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20036
202.503.2692
Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10pm – 2am
Friday – Saturday: 10pm – 3am
Listed as one of Zagat’s hottest bars and restaurants in DC, Hawthorne is a great bistro that boasts four floors of dining, drinking space and five bars. Hawthorne’s roof has been dubbed one of the best by Washington Post, Conde Nast, DC Modern Luxury and Eater publications. So it’s no surprise that people are flocking to Hawthorne, whether it is for dinner (Wednesday through Saturday) or Brunch (Saturday and Sunday).
Speaking of Brunch, there’s a bottomless option for less than $40 that’ll get you mimosas, bloody Marys, crushes, Bud Light, a shot, and an entrée. After getting your fill at brunch, head on up to the rooftop for a drink or two. Oh, if you’re worried about the bad weather while dining at Hawthorne, there’s no need! The venue features a retractable roof to protect you from rain, wind, and snow. Of course, when the weather is beautiful, the rooftop will be open, allowing patrons to enjoy the fresh air.
If you want to have a bit of fun and dance, you can visit Hawthorne on the weekends to listen to the DJ work their magic until the last call. What’s nice about this place is that you never have to worry about a cover charge, so you can save that money to buy someone a drink and really sweep her off her feet while you dance the night away under the stars. Now, how romantic is that?!
Visit Them At:
1336 U Street NW
Washington, Dc 20009
202.853.9194
Monday – Tuesday: Closed, but available for private events
Wednesday – Thursday: 5pm – Close
Friday: 5pm – 3am
Saturday: 11:30am – 3am
Sunday: 11:30am – Close
Happy Hour
Wednesday – Friday: 5pm – 7pm
For a feisty night out on the town, check out Mission in DuPont Circle. Mission features Mexican cuisine, two large bar areas, three dining rooms, and a large patio dinner outside in the fresh air. Mission features a large open skylight over the bar, which is flooded by sunlight. When the sun goes down, the stars will shine down on you, creating a romantic backdrop to help you sweep that date off their feet as you order them another cocktail.
If you’re hungry, you can enjoy dishes like fresh guacamole, taquitos and 10 different kinds of tacos. Vegetarians won’t feel left out with tasty options like portobello and plantain tacos. Do you like tequila? Mission has over 75 types to sample with tequila flights, with all different kinds and price points.
Did you meet someone at the bar and have a great conversation, but you aren’t ready to call it a night? Head to the dance floor where you can continue sipping on margaritas and dance to a DJ until the early hours. Recover with bottomless brunch where you can have bottomless margaritas, mimosas, bloody marys, tecates, and a shot!
Visit Them At:
1606 20th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.525.2010
Monday – Wednesday: 5pm – 11pm
Thursday: 4pm – 1am
Friday: 4pm – 3am
Saturday: 11am – 3am
Sunday: 11am – 11pm
Happy Hour
Monday – Wednesday: 5pm – 7pm
Thursday – Sunday: 4pm – 7pm
For those who are tired of the same old neighborhood bar scene, you’ve got to check out Exhale, located in the heart of DC’s historic Trinidad District. This is a beautiful bar where you can enjoy intimate music upstairs, or relax in a 20th century-inspired lounge downstairs. Exhale is always having some kind of event, whether it is a Wine and Unwind Wednesday, IPOD Battle on Thursday, or Live Entertainment on Saturdays. When you check out Exhale, they strive to make your experience unlike any other in the city.
If you’re hungry while flirting at the bar, you can snack on traditional bar fare that’s been provided by the Sicilian Pizza Shop. Of course, that’s not why people come to Exhale. They come for the signature cocktails that are sure to help you break the ice and approach that lovely lady at the other end of the bar. Some cocktails include the Perfect Gentleman (hint!), Captain Ron, Seasonal Mules, and Liaison, to name a few.
Locals love Exhale Bar & Lounge because of the homey atmosphere, with its exposed brick walls, comfortable chairs to relax on, shelves filled with books and other decorative touches. The venue looks more like your stylish best friend’s house than a neighborhood bar – and you know what? We aren’t mad at it, either!
Visit Them At:
1006 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.399.0816
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – 12am
Friday: 4pm – 3am
Saturday: 1pm – 3am
Masa 14 is a collaboration of NY-based chef Richard Sandoval and Chef Kaz Okochi. Together they have created a venue that combines Latin and Asian flavors – flavors that you may not have thought would work, but at Masa 14, they work beautifully. They make this list of great places to go to meet singles in Washington DC because they have a fantastic brunch tapas menu, where, for only $39, you can take advantage of the Unlimited Prix Fixe brunch.
During the brunch, you can dine on things like Chorizo & Potato Hash (SGF), Breakfast Tacos, Chipotle Bacon & Mushroom Quiche, Chicken Torta, and Asian Pork Belly Kimchi Benedict. The delicious drinks include your typical brunch drinks, but with a touch that only Masa 14 can give. For example, the Lychee Bellini is to die for, as is the Masa Mimosa.
Of course, if you aren’t interested in brunch, you can head to Masa 14 for Happy Hour. This is when the button-down professionals can pull up a seat at the whopping 60-foot polished stone bar to same $4 specials or just watch one of the games on the overhead flat-screen televisions. If you want to find someone to dance with, you’ll want to check out what the DJ is spinning on Friday or Saturday night.
Visit Them At:
1825 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.328.1414
Happy Hour
Monday – Sunday: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Dinner
Monday – Thursday: 4:00pm – Late
Friday – Sunday: 3:00pm – Late
Brunch
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
When you think of Washington DC, you might imagine steakhouses on every corner and it doesn’t need another one. That is where you’d be wrong. This steakhouse is unlike others in the city because the meat that is served here is treated as a side. This Latin-Asian fusion (Toro is Spanish for Bull and Toro is Japanese for Tuna… See the fusion?) menu is comprised of 30 dishes that you can share with someone special or someone that you just met while standing in line.
What’s really cool about Toro Toro is that former President and First Lady, Barak and Michelle Obama, dined at the restaurant. So in the past, wherever the Obamas dined has gone on to be popular spots for locals to dine. After all, if it’s good enough for the President and First Lady, it has got to be good, right? Of course, it is!
If you’re looking for a sophisticated lounge, then you’re going to want to visit Toro Toro’s upscale modern lounge. The deep amber/onxy walls, Latin cocktails, and music prove to be a fantastic way to cozy up to someone. If you really want to impress someone, order bottle service and see where that gets you!
Visit Them At:
1300 I (Eye) Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
202.682.9500
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Thursdays happy hour is from 4pm till close
Bar & Lounge
Monday – Friday: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Dinner
Monday – Sunday: 4:00pm – Late
Brunch
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Okay, we know you’re probably thinking that we’ve talked about enough restaurants on this list, and we feel you. If you love a good round of Karaoke and into role playing, then you may want to check out Solly’s Tavern on Thursday nights. Here, you can drink, dress up and sing to your heart’s content. You can also dress up in your own “K”ostumes if you’d like!
If you want to make someone in the audience swoon over your crooning abilities, their extensive song list will help you find that perfect song to let that person know how exactly you feel – you can be low key and sing Aaliyah’s Are You That Somebody or you can sing Prince’s P*ssy Control. Whatever song you choose, you better make sure you rock it!
Visit Them At:
1942 11th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.232.6590
Every Thursday Night
Note: Also Available For Private Parties
While Washington DC is the place where lots of important things happen, it doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t have a nightlife. In fact, as you can see by this list, there are some pretty cool places to go and meet locals. These are just a tiny fraction of all the places in Washington DC where you could go. What are some of your favorite locations? Leave a comment below and share!