48 Best Cocktail Bars near Potomac

“I am struggling to figure out why this place does not have a 4.5+ on yelp....a true hidden gem! We DoorDashes from the Colada Shop to try it on a whim and wow...were we taken by surprise. In my experience it's common to not get the best service through food delivery apps, so our expectations were not set high for this at all. However they blew us away! We tried... The Cuban sandwich, and it was a pretty good standard cuban! The Guava Bbq sandwich was sooo good! The guava really made the sandwich something special! The Chicken empanadas...amazing! Perfectly cooked & seasoned. The sauce they came with was the cherry on top! A Breakfast empanadas were a hit with my husband! He absolutely devoured them! The Churros were so light and fluffy! The fry was perfect! & the Tres leche was an amazing way to finish! Light and delicious!!! We will definitely be going in person! Best door dash find ever!!!!“

“Most poor reviews are around service. I'm here to talk about the food. As a Philadelphian I struggle with finding good sandwiches in DMV. This place has great bread and hot/cold options. I love the turkey, Italian and cheese steaks especially. Highly recommend.“

“We celebrated our wedding anniversary at Royal Tandoor and had a wonderful experience. The food was definitely the best Indian food we have had in the Gaithersburg area, the service was excellent and the atmosphere very pleasant. We’ll be back for sure!“

“Why don't we see asian dining experiences as "elevated"? Ingle Korean Steakhouse proves that it can be. We had the prix fixe and every dish was well executed with quality ingredients. The meats melt in your mouth. Restaurant interior design was pleasant and comfortable. The service is the best I've experienced in an Asian restaurant in North America - our servers were knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly.I would highly recommend this place when hosting or for special occasions.“

“Ellie Bird has been on our list to try since they opened. Like their sister restaurant Rooster & Owl, the menu is both refined and rustic, with an emphasis on small plates great for sharing. We went for dinner and ordered the bread basket, spring green salad, Vietnamese french onion soup, salted cod rangoons, pomelo larb, braised lamb shank and chocolate cake. The pineapple buns are a carry over from Rooster & Owl that I’d happily eat with every meal. The Vietnamese french soup is aptly named, a wonderful combination of richly aromatic braised oxtail broth reminiscent of a fabulous pho with the oniony, cheesy, crouton goodness of a classic french onion. The rangoons are a perfect execution of an American Thai staple and the pomelo larb burst with flavor. The lamb shank, expertly cooked and glazed, was easily split between the two of us and sat on a bed of herbaceous tabouleh.A delay in getting us to our seats at the chefs counter resulted in several comped plates throughout the meal and we were very grateful for the above and beyond. The asparagus and pine berry salad added to our starter course was a true delight, who knew they were such a good pair!I’ll be interested to see how the restaurant continues to evolve. While Rooster & Owl remains our go-to for special occasions, we will absolutely come back to Ellie Bird with friends and family in tow and certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal.“

“I love Great American Restaurants and can always count on Patsy's American for a perfect casual dining experience. The comfortable seating and airy space with high ceilings give us a unique experience that other restaurants don't provide. The food, drinks, and desserts are always perfect; even a simple hot fudge sundae is delicious at this restaurant. Nothing can go wrong when we dine at Patsy's American.Parking: Although the restaurant has a parking space in front of the premises, it fills up quickly. An adjacent free parking garage is available.“

“Recently, I had a wonderful lunch with my friend to celebrate our birthdays. Service and food were top-notch. Our server surprised us with a complimentary dessert (and no reminder was needed...the restaurant read the notes on the reservation). The booths are so cozy and comfortable with a unique design. I also took takeout home to my family, who loved it.Parking: Lots of free complimentary guest parking spots in attached building on the ground floor.Wheelchair accessibility: I noticed an easy smooth entrance from parking lot into the restaurant... no steps.“

“After being turned away at the restaurant upstairs due to overcrowding the awesome receptionist pointed me to an unmarked door downstairs in their entrance way. And that’s how I found this incredible tucked away gem! Joined the bar alone,but was soon socializing with some of Rosslyn’s nicer residents. The Wagyu Burger, that everyone around me ordered was incredible! Too bad all my random stumbling can’t end up with great wine, good food, and new friends like this? Btw, I do recommend if you can find it.“

“Excellent service from hostess and staff, Tenley, Santiago and Nicole. They checked on us so many times making sure we had a great experience and everything we needed at all times. The meats were deliciously fresh and very juicy. I really enjoyed celebrating my anniversary there.“

“The meal was exquisite. The dishes were well presented, creative and delicious as well as showing upon rather generous, dare we say it, North American portions. Our server (and others passing) was/were fantastic but we did sit at the bar and not at a table. This was a choice that we consciously made because we were celebrating our 19th anniversary sans children. Intimacy. A few reviews complain about price or the lack of selections on the menu. All we can say is: post-COVID prices have gone up significantly but that is true for everything that we, as a community, consume today. It might be harder to stomach the price increases for discretionary expenses like a fancy meal. In any event, please do not expect 1980s or even 2019 prices. Secondly, yep, it is pricey, but it is worth every centime. The "limited" menu is what really good restaurants do, not to gouge you, but to spoil you with a core set of dishes that will tantalite the palate of almost every true gourmand. NUE hits the mark rather well. Finally, one kink in the armor, is how food is served today and how waitstaff interact with customers. Partly caused by the clash of generations, e.g., servers and the served may have 30 to 40 years between them, partly because due to COVID the new wave apparently did not get to learn from the OGs who did not return to the hospitality business sector, and is likely partly due to the pace of life in the DMV as practiced by folks with maybe too much money. That service process part needs to be ironed-out, but it is not just an issue at NUE, but at most, if not all, DMV fine food establishments. We, for one, will be back to NUE very soon. We just need to save up for it and we won't have to wait a year.“

“Coming from Los Angeles, one of the best cities for Mexican food in the US, I have high standards for Mexican food, especially street tacos. When I learned they had a location in Bethesda, I ran as fast as I could to visit. I fell in love when a coworker let me try a spoon of esquites. What differentiates them is their Mayo. They do their own twist by making it spicy and delicious with some godly seasoning. I loved it so much I tried making it at home, but wasn't able to exactly replicate it (please tell me your recipe haha). I am on the hunt to find something like this in LA! Service at Tacombi is always superb. Super fast service here. I went on Easter Sunday, and was attended to by a lovely person. He was super accommodating to a picky family member I brought. Appreciate the great vibes, food, and amazing tacos. Love ya Tacombi.“

“Last night I had an incredible time at Kumbia, the DJs played the best music, my wife and I didn't stop dancing and we liked Ivanna's attention, that's why we always ask her to attend to us because she already knows what we're drinking ?thanks kumbia and thanks ivannita for the attention and affection... you are the best!!!“

“Love the fact that you can just order seafood à la cart and not all the extra stuff if you just wanna go for hard-core seafood. Honestly, my husband does not eat seafood and the burger was excellent. My daughters salad was excellent and I like how they talk to you about the sustainability in the fish they buy. Will definitely be going back.“

“This used to be my neighborhood sushi restaurant. I live in NYC now and I never miss an opportunity to dine at SushiKo when in DC. The fish is super-fresh and beautifully prepared. The staff is attentive without being overbearing. The wine list is very good. Am already thinking about the next visit.“

“The Fountain Inn is beautifully designed, cocktail lounge, whiskey and craft drinks bar in the upper Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. We came in a group of four and really enjoyed the unique setting, classic decor, their absolute dedication to the bar craft, amazing selection of unusual whiskey and gin, innovative drinks and very knowledgeable service.The Fountain Inn felt perfect for a late night drink, or a before dinner hop-in. The Fountain Inn is a very small and beautiful place with a speakeasy vibe, you definitely need a reservation here. It could get loud due to it's small size.Service was very helpful and steered each of us toward perfect drink and booze choices! The Fountain Inn is absolutely perfect for trying something new, exploring new brands or flavors of your favorite liquor. Drinks: 5 starsVibe: 5 starsService: 5 starsTips:Street parking is okay in this part of GeorgetownReservation are a mustKnowledgeable service Amazing drinksPhenomenal selection of whiskey, gin, scotch Beautiful setting and designSpeakeasy vibe“

“Delicious!We visited on saturday lunch and were seated after few minutes of a wait.We ordered the wild mushroom flatbread, chicken benedict and the tuna salad.Everything was amazing!Flatbread had nice truffle aroma with ample mushroom toppings, tuna salad was fresh and cooked just right, but wow the biscuits on the benedict blew me away!!Service was cordial and straight to the point.Will return to try more menus“

“We have been a few times over the years the experience is always great. The staff are always very helpful and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is great. The food is delicious, we have always enjoyed our meals. Take your time and take it in. We always like to just slow things down a bit and enjoy when we visit. It will be on the more expensive side but worth the cost.Parking: Paid parking but Validated up to 2 hours. Small garage underneath/near the restaurant.“

“The food was fresh and delicious! The service was excellent and the owner came around to talk to us! He was so sweet!! He made us feel like family! I will definitely recommend this lovely establishment to my family and friends! I should have taken more photos, but I forgot- it was as sooo goo!!“

“This is a great small venue. The kind of place where you can get up close to the stage, or get reserved seats in the back. But basically, you'll have a great view no matter where you are. Nice restaurant and bar adjacent. I wish I had known about all the food options beforehand. Great selection of beer and wine.“

“Enjoyed RASA opening day in Crystal City, Arlington, National Landing location. Many dining options with classic bowls and DIY selections. Food is superb and inexpensive, staff is fast, efficient and friendly. Start off with cocktails, blended with masala, cardamom, tamarind. Try the masala chai soft serve. Look forward to return visits, best wishes for continued success.“

“Ok ok, so I've been in the US for 5 years since leaving the UK this is without doubt the best Indian restaurant I've had since leaving.I didn't even get pictures lolThe key to any good Indian is not being asked a spice level, the dish itself should dictate the spice level“

“Great restaurant. Very casual and delicious food. Great variety of food. My husband and I enjoy the shrimp tacos, chicken quesadillas, guacamole, salads and drinks! So many other tempting items to try. Didn’t have room for Gifford ice cream. Looking forward to returning.“

“They have rebranded the restaurant as "Glenwood's". If you want to compare it to an existing chain, think Copper Canyon, as they are under the same corporate umbrella. This was my first visit here and I wasn't disappointed. Our server was very attentive and pleasant. The atmosphere is on the subdued side, even though most of the window views are of Wootton Parkway. The food was very good. The jumbo lump crab cakes were filling and meaty. I enjoyed their cocktails as well; just the right mixture. Highly recommended!“

“Absolutely amazing. Tapas style, so you get to try lots of different dishes, especially if you share with your party. Great service, phenomenal food, and a beautiful view. Our server was extremely knowledgeable, informative, professional, and very kind.One of my new favorite restaurants in DC.“

“Beautiful Atmosphere! The thai art is at authentic and it is shipped in from Thailand! The time art clock is a must see And there is a realtor Tuk Tuk inside the restaurant!Vegetarian options: Most dishes are vegan and must add a meat selection.Dietary restrictions: Vegan and keto friendlyKid-friendliness: Kids would love the art!Wheelchair accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible!“

“We came here late on a Saturday afternoon, technically while happy hour was going on, but we chose the dinner menu. My son had the fresh burrata an appetizer (tasty) and hanger steak (good). My husband and I both started with the seasonal soup -- a carrot ginger which felt a bit thin. He and my mom both had the blackened salmon -- she thought it was great and he thought it lacked some flavor. I had the smoked duck breast which was fine -- the side it came with was great. The restaurant wasn't full which meant we could hear well and the hostess became our server was nice -- though maybe a bit nervous. The bathrooms were clear though it felt a bit like a rest stop bathroom -- odd given their menu and prices.“

“It was quite busy on a Sunday. The patio hadn't been opened up yet, but you could order to go and sit there. We arrived without a reservation and were told it would be a 20 minute wait, but didn't get seated for ~50 minutes. Our server seemed harried.The crab cake eggs benedict was the highlight for us. The English muffin is toasted thoroughly and didn't get soggy, the crab cake was crispy and seasoned well. The breakfast potatoes were also seasoned and flavorful - just wish they had been crispier. The huevos rancheros was fine. The Werewolf in London was a touch watered down even before the ice melted.“

“Really delicious, cat-themed restaurant with the same vibe as its counterpart, Lost Dog Cafe. My burger was juicy and flavorful and the cocktails were spectacular — pricey — but super fresh and creative.Vegetarian options: All burgers come with a vegetarian option and most of the other sandwiches are riffs on a grilled cheese.Parking: There is a small parking lot out front, but the spaces are a bit tight.“

“Ethiopian Guy started his first kaldis in silver spring ,md and expanded to Arlington.Service and quality always been consistant with the brand everytime i'm stoping by and just wanna give props to the managment,baristas,chefs and team members ?“

“My first impression was with the young lady at the door. We had a brief conversation about the place before she seated me. My server Elle was just as impressive. The eggs Benedict and very creative hsshbrowns were fantastic. Can't wait to go back.“

“First time coming here. Loved it, great service and ambience.My husband and I ordered gluten free pasta, his was Carbonara with fetuccini gluten free pasta and I ordered penne pasta with bolognese sauce.The flavors were amazin especially my husband's pasta. Mine, unfortunately the pasta was undercooked, not even al dente, I don't like to complain so I kept on eating it. At the end i asked for a doggy bag (hoping i could cook it more or something for another day lol) but I couldn't help it and mentioned the waitress about my pasta, as a suggestion to the chef that GF pasta cooking time usually is a bit different that regular pasta.The manager approach us and insisted on making me a fresh new dish to take home, making sure this time was cooked properly. I felt bad about it but accepted and this second round was perfect! Thank you so much for making a new dish that i will definitely enjoy this week.I will come back again to this restaurant again since the rest of the menu looked delicious especially the GF dessert!Thank you Abby (the manager on duty on saturday April 7th) he was very kind and the rest of the staff as well.“

“Managing Part Owners of BTP & db, Kat and Kristina, bring to Life a really cool place where Bronx Pizza used to be right near the Clarendon Metro. They both have lots of experience in the Arlington Restaurant Bar scene, and have brought in only great, friendly employees at the wonderful dive bar section and also in the kitchen. And, by association, they also have brought in great, friendly customers. The food is solid and reasonably priced. The HH, now Monday through Friday, is a standout, and runs 4 to 8 PM. This place at times when I am there remains a hidden gem, and now I am afraid I have let the cat out of the bag, and that really is a great thing, like BTP & db !!“

“We recently had date night at Ballston Quarter Market and sampled through several establishments. This one was our favorite. The short rib sandwich is deeeelicious and packed with flavor! The ancho-braised & pulled short rib was so tender and juicy. It paired really well with the bitter arugula and creamy avocado. I also really liked the bread, which sandwiched all the fillings together perfectly and without any of the filling spilling out. I got the waffle fries as a side and they were crispy and perfect potato-to-fry ratio. We also tried the sangrias - red for him and white for me. This was a blend of wine, brandy, passion fruit, lemon, simple syrup and aromatic bitters. Very refreshing and delicious as well. Will definitely be back!“

“Food is excellent. Flavorful and appropriately portioned. Cocktails are crafted and taste great. Service is top notch, attentive, friendly, and accommodating. The manager and server adjusted to accommodate our seating needs on a busy Saturday evening. This involved the last-minute addition to our party that included need for wheelchair accessibility. They opened up the private dining area to make room. They went out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable and valued. We have a new favorite place, not only because of excellent food and service, but because the staff and management were kind, caring, and made everyone feel welcome and valued.“

“Visited for the first time this evening and loved it! Sat at the bar and talked with the really friendly and helpful waitstaff/bar tenders. There was music playing, but not nearly as loud as some of the other places, so it was very nice to sit and talk with the person I was with. The happy hour drink and food specials are great and go on until 7pm every day! Once our food arrived, we were completely sold. We got 4 different tacos and all were wonderful! Very full tacos with lots of flavor. All the meats were juicy and delicious and the pico and corn salsas were obviously fresh and full of color and flavor. We will definitely be back!!“

“Cafe Kindred is the best! I placed a catering order for an event I was hosting at my business. Everything and everyone was so great and helpful! From answering my questions to placing the order and picking it up, everything was seamless! My event was successful and everyone raved about the food!! Thanks Cafe Kindred!!!!“

“We just went for drinks. A little difficult to maneuver when it's crowded. However, this is a pretty cool environment. Knowing that it was part of St. Elmos Fire makes it that much better. While we were there, there was the male singing group from Georgetown University was in a booth entertaining everyone. Be careful going up and down the stairs to the establishment.“

“Lots and lots of food options (don’t forget to look at their Menu Specials, separate from their regular menu). Loved that their menu was marked for dietary restrictions (I.e., GF) so we did not have to ask additional on how the dish was prepared. The server was very attentive and all dishes came out fast and fresh. Absolutely loved their garlic fried rice, good to have in addition to sushi rolls.Dietary restrictions: Menu is marked with all GF options.“

“After reading good reviews, we recently dined at this restaurant and were impressed. The food was perfectly cooked and delicious, with flavors. Moreover, the menu had a wide variety of food options. The drinks were also excellent, and the service was good. The interior was eclectic, with large graphics on the wall, artificial plants, small decorative pieces, and combinations of colors. Overall, we had a satisfying dining experience and would recommend this restaurant to others.Parking: There is a free parking space in front of the building, and it gets packed fast.“

“Guajillo is my go-to spot for awesome Mexican food! Seriously, I can’t believe I haven’t written about it sooner. Been here 7+ times and, it’s like a party! The salsa is always fresh, and they never disappoint with their tasty dishes.My kids are obsessed with the cheese quesadillas, and I can’t get enough of the sombrero salad. And guess what? The shrimp camarones Al ajillo? Pure yum! And do try the El Pepino!If you want to get some seriously good Mexican grub, Guajillo is the place to be. Trust me, you won’t regret it!“

“We had our second annual gathering for high tea here. Lovely atmosphere and wonderful staff! Thank you!Dietary restrictions: I'm lactose intolerant and I ate everything!! Very considerate of dietary restrictions. It was all delicious!Wheelchair accessibility: Valet parked our accessible van. One of our guest uses a power wheelchair and she had a very delightful time. Staff was wonderful. High marks all around!“

“Maaaannnnn let me tell you now ima give this a 86 out of 5 cuz good lord the burger to the fries to the shake all was straight bussin id say it was worth the money service was awesome inside ambiance was nice to be in for a lunch break would go back if in the area! I would share a picture but it was gone before i thought about it“

“First time at the Hip Flask on our Anniversary. Free Parking on the weekends, beautiful views from the rooftop, trendy vibe inside, very helpful wait staff…..what’s not to like? Finally a chic, rooftop bar in Montgomery County that saves you from driving all the way to the DC Wharf or Baltimore.“

“Came here with my happy hour group for happy hour. They had a decent size drink menu and about 20 food items on their menu. Their food is good but expect small portions for some items (slider, oyster shot, etc). We also ordered the mushroom ragot and was not a fan of it. Definitely not what we expected it to be or taste like. Over food and drinks were good. Service was really good.“

“Thai Treasure is a culinary gem that shines brightly in the constellation of local eateries. This isn't just another Thai restaurant; it's a vibrant homage to the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine, served up in a modern setting that's as inviting as a warm smile. With service that makes you feel like royalty, it's no wonder this place has become a treasure trove for those in search of flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Thailand.Our culinary expedition began with the Crab Rangoon, a playful yet sophisticated take on the classic appetizer. The delicately crispy pouches served with a side of sweet & sour sauce were a surprisingly great way to start the meal, much better than what we typically think of. It's a dish that says, "Welcome to flavor town, population: you."Then came the Lava Beef, a dish so sizzling, it could melt even the coldest of hearts. The combination of beef, onion, bell peppers, and pineapple, all lovingly tossed in a honey pepper sauce and kissed by sesame oil, was a sweet and savory ballet that pirouetted right onto our taste buds. It wasn't just hot; it was volcanic, in the best possible way.The journey continued with Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles. This dish, with its wide rice noodles, onion, bell peppers, tomato, and basil, was like a late-night adventure in Bangkok--bold, spicy, and utterly unforgettable. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to dance in the rain, or at least order another round.Speaking of rounds, the Panang Chicken Curry was a knockout. The spicy, rich curry, infused with the zest of kaffir lime and studded with bell peppers and broccoli, was a masterclass in balance and flavor. It was like a hug from an old friend who just happens to be a Thai spice merchant--warm, comforting, and slightly spicy.And let's not forget the cocktails and classic beverages, a liquid odyssey that's as daring as it is delicious. Thai Treasure's beverage menu is a treasure map that leads to bliss, with each drink more inventive and refreshing than the last. It's the perfect complement to a meal that's already overflowing with flavor and fun.In essence, Thai Treasure is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Thai culture, cuisine, and conviviality. With its modern vibe, exceptional service, and a menu that's both adventurous and authentic, it's a place where every meal feels like a fantastic discovery.“

“I made reservations ahead of time for Valentine's Day and we were immediately seated. We ordered the pizza del campo, ravioles 4 quesos, rigatoni frank sinatra and the fettuccine alla bolognese. The service and atmosphere were excellent. The only comment I have is that the sausage was missing from our pizza. Otherwise, I'd recommend La Panetteria to anyone looking for good Italian food!“

“First time here tonight. Our group of three had the cod tacos, steak wedge salad and Cubano sandwich and all was delicious. Our server was Shauna and she did a great job for us - listened well and made good recommendations for us - very personable and very good at her job. It was a little loud due to being crowded so a little hard to hear - otherwise nearly perfect experience. Would definitely go back!“

“I love this little hidden gem! It could have just been a bad night, but the last time I went, the cocktails weren't as good as I remembered, but I still had a great time. And if I'm honest, it's labeled a Champagne Lounge so I guess I shouldn't continue to expect a lot when it comes to cocktails “