Behind Washington, D.C.’s buttoned-up reputation is a thriving mix of cocktail innovators, neighborhood mainstays, and globally inspired concepts that reflect the diversity of the people who live and work in the capital region. This year’s crop of exciting new bars offers guests everything from intimate speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors to rooftop lounges with skyline views and Parisian-inspired wine bars. Together, these openings reveal a city that celebrates creativity, connection, and the art of the drink.
Maison Bar à Vins
Housed in a restored rowhouse in Adams Morgan, Maison Bar à Vins brings Parisian wine-bar energy to Washington, D.C. This latest concept from the Popal Group—the team behind Lutèce, Lapis, and Pascual—centers on an expansive wine list curated by Chris Ray, one of the only advanced sommeliers in the city.
The list features more than 1,000 bottles, with a focus on organic and biodynamic selections. Roughly 60 percent of the bar’s wines hail from France, while the rest showcase regions from around the world. Suzy Critchlow leads the cocktail program, crafting drinks that incorporate wines alongside French spirits. Signature sips include Poire et Poivre (“pear and pepper” in French), a blend of rye, cognac, poire liqueur, sauternes, black pepper, and Angostura, garnished with a candied pear.
Chef Matt Conroy’s menu expands beyond the usual wine-bar small bites with items like seaweed choux buns, smoked-eel croquettes, and brioche-stuffed chicken. The bar’s design evokes a cozy multi-story dinner party with Victorian fireplaces, imported antique chandeliers, velvet curtains, moody wallpaper, and distinct vibes on each of the three floors. Guests can enjoy a walk-in bar and dinner on the first floor. In 2026, a more formal dining area will be opened on the second floor, along with a space for private events on the third floor.
Casamara Rooftop
Located at the top of Sixty DC in Dupont Circle, Casamara Rooftop transports guests to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. Guests can enjoy a menu that incorporates the coastal flavors of Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, with dishes such as octopus casarecce with nduja, branzino crudo with lemon and basil, and a double-boned Iberico pork chop. The cocktail list includes drinks such as the Pepperoncini-tini, a briny martini topped with a feta garnish, and Donatella’s Kiss, which infuses tequila with chili and a touch of southern European flair.
Spread across about 5,000 square feet, this rooftop lounge and restaurant has a spacious indoor-outdoor setting. Inside, you’ll find striking black-and-white marble floors, a showstopping central bar, and a custom Spanish tapestry. Outside, the terrace offers a sophisticated space to lounge while taking in views of the city.
Florería Atlántico
Florería Atlántico has made its U.S. debut in Georgetown, one of Washington, D.C.’s most historic neighborhoods. Part flower shop, part wine boutique, and part cocktail bar, the concept weaves together themes of migration, culture, and botanical beauty. Inside the 50-seat lounge, warm lighting, vivid florals, plush green velvet seating, and a sleek eight-seat bar anchor the space.
The menu draws inspiration from Argentina’s layered identity, with cocktails and wines that highlight immigrant influences from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and beyond. Menu items include light bites like king crab empanadas and drinks, such as the Amoretti, crafted with sake, Aperol, mandarin, honey, and calendula. Adjacent to the property, the brand has also just opened Brasero Atlántico, a wood-fired restaurant that continues the same spirit of creativity and cultural exchange.
Sly
Situated atop The Morrow Hotel in Washington, D.C.’s NoMa district, Sly, created by Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Anthony Jones, offers cocktails, light bites, and incredible skyline views. The cocktail list features drinks like the “Old Soul,” a reimagined Old Fashioned infused with berbere and mole, and the “Electric Sly,” a spirited blend of tequila, passionfruit, and a spicy fire tincture. On the menu are shareable plates of local and popular dishes from around the world, including crispy crab croquettes and Sly’s chicken sandwich with mambo sauce.
Visually, Sly embodies modern rooftop chic, with open sightlines that frame the city skyline. Greenery softens the space, and the layout encourages guests to relax, connect, and soak in the atmosphere. The bar complements Samuelsson’s new Marcus DC restaurant, also located inside the hotel, which opened in June.
Manifest 002
Manifest + Out of Office, also known as Manifest 002, isn’t your typical barbershop or bar. It’s a trendy hangout in Adams Morgan where you can get a fresh haircut, browse fashion finds, and grab a really good coffee, all in one place. Creator K.J. Hughes envisioned something beyond a traditional barbershop that celebrates style, creativity, and connection.
By day, it houses a fashion boutique and a high-end coffee bar. At night, the focus shifts upstairs to Out of Office, a speakeasy-style lounge that trades caffeine for cocktails and daylight for ambiance. The experience goes far beyond what’s poured into your glass, though the cocktail list deserves its spotlight, with creative cocktails like Mumbo or Mild, comprised of sweet potato shōchū, clarified tomato, bell pepper, pineapple umami, and bitters.
Here, the magic lies in the atmosphere: the curated soundscape, the warm, dim lighting, and the palpable shift that lets you know you’ve stepped into another world. Designed by Snarkitecture, each space has a sleek, modern aesthetic, tied together by curved walls, wood archways, and a mix of contemporary design elements, including terrazzo counters and white tiles that seamlessly transition from day to night.
Proper Bar
Proper Bar is a stylish bistro serving New American fare and craft cocktails. This latest concept from restaurateurs Will Strozier and Rob Zahn marks their first new location in five years. Designed in collaboration with Bolt Living, the space draws inspiration from the three cities that have shaped the owners’ lives: New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
The seasonally inspired menu features signature items like the 40-day dry-aged burger and the R&R, also known as the Rum and Rye Manhattan. With live piano music on select days and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Proper Bar is an ideal destination for casual nights out, special celebrations, or any occasion that calls for great food, drinks, and vibes.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com.
