Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Melting Pot - Fredericksburg

4.8

4.8 (911)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Fredericksburg

About the restaurant

The Melting Pot is Fredericksburg’s premiere fondue restaurant. We offer both a romantic and family friendly atmosphere for your fine dining fondue experience. Our staff operates with one goal in mind - to provide you with the perfect night out.

Top review

Cassandravip

Dined on Sep 23, 2024

Always a great choice. Love the uniqueness of the experience

Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

4.8

4.8 (353)

$30 and under

European

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

---- IF FOR SOME REASON, ALL RESERVATIONS SLOTS ARE GONE, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ONLY ALLOW FOR 30% OF OUR ENTIRE RESTAURANT TO BE RESERVED AT ANY ONE TIME TO ALLOW ROOM FOR WALK-INS ----
Opened in 1978 and located in the heart of historic Old Town, Alexandria, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is one of Alexandria's best-loved and most inviting restaurants. Murphy's offers an extensive menu and top-class traditional cuisine in the welcoming ambiance of its cozy settings.

A short 10-15-minute drive from the nation's capital, this landmark establishment is located at the main intersection in Old Town, King & Washington.

Today, the tradition of great food and drink remains as steadfast as when the doors first opened back in 1978

Murphy's has Live Irish Music seven nights a week and on weekends, on both floors.

Top review

Karin

Dined 7 days ago

We were given a table upstairs so it would be quieter. The food was excellent and our server was attentive but not overly so.

a.kitchen+bar D.C.

4.8

4.8 (19)

$50 and over

American

Washington

About the restaurant

Located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington DC, James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin's High Street Hospitality Group brings their acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, to the nation's capital. Exploring the seasonality of the Chesapeake, the menu is a culmination of hyper-seasonal American small plates and an acclaimed natural wine and beverage program.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Wow....finally there is a west end / foggy bottom mid priced restaurant that has memorable food with a great wine list. The physical transformation from the dingy place that was there before is remarkable...can't wait for the back patio to be open. The tuna and lamb were delicious and all of the gluten free items were some of tastiest I have ever had. If they had six stars...a.kitchen and bar would get it from me!

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Experience

Family Style Pre-Fixe Dinner

Boqueria - Dupont

4.7

4.7 (2293)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

An energetic yet intimate Barcelona-style tapas bar serving Spanish favorites, seasonal specials, and curated cocktails in a contemporary space with a lively patio several blocks away from Dupont Circle.

Perfect for a shared meal of small plates, happy hour with the team, a memorable date night, or weekend brunch!

Let us know if you have any seating requirements when making your booking. Parties of 10 or more will enjoy our Chef's Tasting Menu ($52pp plus beverage, tax, and gratuity).

Please note that by making a reservation through OpenTable you are agreeing to receive marketing communications from Boqueria.

Top review

Lauren

Dined on Sep 23, 2024

Wonderful food and a great experience! Service was excellent and it was very walkable from the metro station.

The Arsenal at Bluejacket

4.7

4.7 (1062)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

The Arsenal is the 200-seat restaurant & bar housed within the brewery, Bluejacket. The menu updates, refines and extends the classic fare of beer halls and public houses by featuring the best locally sourced products available and highlighting reinterpretations of hearty classics such as steamed mussels, artisanal sausages and more. Gourmet sandwiches, seasonal salads & vegetables, alongside approachable bar snacks are the perfect accompaniments to a signature Bluejacket brew.

Top review

Terri

Dined on Sep 8, 2024

Good food. Liked the beer! Terrific coffee. Liked the ambiance.

Service Bar

4.7

4.7 (8)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Mount Vernon Square

About the restaurant

Service Bar, opened by Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley, has provided Washington DC with a relaxed and intimate alternative to the typical stiff-upper-lip cocktail bar.

Top review

Bobby

Dined on Sep 13, 2024

I LOVE SERVICE BAR. This place seriously rules and I always take my people to this place.

Fitzgerald's

4.7

4.7 (75)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Fitzgerald's Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, located two doors down from the 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown at 1232 36th St NW. Featuring classic & creative cocktails, Japanese whisky, extensive wine list.

Top review

Christinevip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Burrata with beets, Korean wings and wild mushroom risotto delicious with craft cocktails. Excellent service. Lovely refuge in the heart of Georgetown.

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Experience

Wednesday - Saturday | 5 - 6:30 pm

Kirby Club

4.7

4.7 (6)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Merrifield

About the restaurant

Kirby Club is a casual Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant with a focus on kebabs! We recommend mixing and matching flavors throughout your experience. Grab some bread and one of our signature kebabs, add some dip or sauce (maybe some rice) then dig in! Don’t be afraid to make a mess!

Kirby Club is a gathering place; somewhere for people of all sorts to come together over great food and drink! Whether it is a visit to the gorgeous bar, dinner in a comfortable booth or enjoying drinks and snacks on the colorful patio, we want every visit to be a celebration!

The “OG” Kirby Club was an actual Lebanese social club started in the 1930s by Lebanese immigrants from a small village named Kherbet Khanafar. We pay homage to them and their journey by sharing the food and flavors of their ancestors! We want to share kebabs with people of all backgrounds!

All of our meats are halal and we have a lot of vegetarian options. We are located in the Mosaic District.

Come on by to spread the love!

Top review

Melissavip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

I didn't know much about Kirby Club, but needed to book a table for 5 for lunch in the area. And what a treat! I've had my share of middle eastern food, but the food was so fresh and the flavors amazing, that the meal really stood out. The wait staff are also very kind. Will definitely come back!

Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown DC

4.6

4.6 (2163)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

What began in Chicago in 1978 is now one of the most award-winning steakhouses around. For over 30 years, Morton's The Steakhouse has been on a mission to provide "The Best Steak… Anywhere." Focusing on quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton's seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine, but a memorable experience. With fresh, succulent seafood and famed USDA prime-aged steak, it's no surprise that Morton's has thrilled diners all over the world. For a glimpse of a higher standard of steakhouse, come see the legendary Morton's experience for yourself.

Top review

Brandon

Dined 3 days ago

Food was amazing, my server made my birthday a special one!

Bar Chinois

4.6

4.6 (575)

$30 and under

Chinese

Shaw

About the restaurant

Bar Chinois is recognized for its constantly-evolving Chinese menu and French-inspired cocktail and wine program. Recent accolades include being listed in the Michelin Dining Guide USA, the Washington Post Fall Dining Guide, Modern Luxury DC Best of the City and 2024 RAMMY Award Winner for Best Bar in DC.

Located in Mount Vernon Triangle, Bar Chinois is a short walk from the Washington Convention Center, Capital One Arena, National Mall and Union Station. We offer happy hour specials Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm-7 pm and a bottomless brunch on weekends.

If you are looking for an energetic Washington, DC dining experience with great food, drink and service, we would love to host you!

Top review

Waltvip

Dined 2 days ago

Very fun. Loud, but quieted down after happy hour. Recommended.

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