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

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

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

Alero - Dupont Circle

4.8

4.8 (17)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Enjoy Mexican cuisine at Alero in Dupont Circle. Welcome to the animated Mexican ambiance and munch on our delicious fajitas. Alero has it all from nacho platter, fried plantains, to fajitas, burritos, tacos, and everyone’s favorite the Mexican seafood paella. Make sure to bring family and friends to savor Alero’s Margarita Tower, Pancho Villa. We offer a variety flavorful tequila, beers, and cocktails. This eatery and bar is an ideal spot for hanging out, dating nights, and just to purely have fun!

Top review

David

Dined on 7 May 2025

The service was professional and prompt. The food was delicious and the drinks were excellent.

Cafe Riggs

4.8

4.8 (178)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

In the grand tradition of French cuisine, Café Riggs presents a contemporary American brasserie that reimagines classic dishes within a vibrant setting.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Cafe Riggs is just what DC needed. Great food and gorgeous interior-superb staff.

Emmy Squared Pizza – Old Town

4.8

4.8 (372)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

Top review

Maureen

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and nice atmosphere. Elijah was an excellent server and made our first visit to Emmy Squared Pizza - Old Town very enjoyable. He suggested we try the Cheesy Garlic Sticks to start and, we loved them! When visiting Alexandria, we would definitely dine here again.

King Street Oyster Bar - Leesburg

4.8

4.8 (84)

$30 and under

Oyster Bar

Leesburg

About the restaurant

Step into our Leesburg, VA location and immerse yourself in a seafood lover's paradise, where fresh oysters take center stage alongside a delectable array of seafood dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and artisanal craft beers.

At King Street Oyster Bar, we take pride in offering the freshest and widest variety of oysters available. With over 10 varieties to choose from daily, each oyster is carefully selected to ensure it reaches your plate no more than 24 hours out of the water from the East Coast and no more than 48 hours out of the water from the West Coast. Our commitment to quality and freshness sets us apart, making every visit a true seafood experience to remember.

Join us at any of our four locations and indulge in the bounty of the sea, expertly prepared and served with a touch of coastal charm. King Street Oyster Bar - where every bite tells a story of the ocean's finest offerings!

Top review

Juan

Dined on 11 May 2025

Excellent service and food. Oysters were delicious!

Eatopia Eatery

4.8

4.8 (26)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

Arun

Dined on 11 May 2025

Excellent food and welcoming service. A bit slow taking order. But overall experience was excellent!

Él Bebe - Navy Yard

4.7

4.7 (20)

$30 and under

Mexican

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Welcome to El Bebe!

EL BEBE (translation: “he drinks”) is a new taco joint at the Navy Yard in DC. Wicked tacos, bangin’ queso, frozen margaritas, and Mexican fare served daily. Tacos before the game, tequila for date night – we’re not here to judge – we’re here to bring the flavor.

Two-hour time limit

Top review

Zach

Dined on 10 May 2025

Fantastic and quick service with a delicious brunch

Fitzgerald's

4.7

4.7 (92)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Fitzgerald's is a cocktail-centric restaurant and bar located in Georgetown with an inviting club chair lounge, intimate tables perfect for date night, and a beautifully welcoming bar well stocked with your favorite spirits. The restaurant's menu features a fusion of American and international cuisine, with dishes that are both innovative and uniquely flavorful. Fitzgerald's also boasts an extensive beverage menu, with expertly crafted cocktails and a long wine list that is sure to impress.

Top review

Greg

Dined on 12 Apr 2025

Intimate upscale bar with a small bites menu and access to the menu from 1789 next door. Great cocktail selection served by an excellent staff. Definitely recommended.

Discover more

Experience

Wednesday - Saturday | 5 - 6:30 pm

The Alchemist

4.7

4.7 (77)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

McPherson Square

About the restaurant

Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC

Top review

Ally

Dined on 3 May 2025

no food but drinks were amazing and the vibe was great, definitely pricey but the experience was worth it, will definitely be going back

Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

4.6

4.6 (381)

$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

JoanieVIP

Dined 3 days ago

If you don’t mind the traffic noise, I recommend sitting outside under umbrellas, sipping mimosas and people watching. Friendly staff and great food. Always a winner for Sunday brunch!

Fallen Oak Distilling

4.6

4.6 (67)

$31 to $50

Distillery

Olney

About the restaurant

*Please be aware that all guests of Fallen Oak must be at least 21 years of age*

A ground-to-glass small-batch distillery located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. We offer full service dining, a locally-driven food menu, craft cocktails made exclusively with Fallen Oak spirits, and several Lone Oak draft beers.

We have three seating areas that are uniquely different - the Lawn/Patio, Tasting Room, and Montgomery County's only Speakeasy. All online reservations are for our Speakeasy (shhhh, don’t tell anyone!). We also accept walk-ins for the Speakeasy and the other seating areas.

We are closed Mondays & Tuesdays. The Lawn/Patio & Tasting room open at 3pm during the week and noon on the weekends. The Speakeasy opens at 4pm during the week and 3pm on the weekends.

Please call Fallen Oak directly to book any group larger than 8. We also have have several event spaces that can be rented upon request for larger/private events.

Top review

Tracey

Dined 4 days ago

I really liked the way the Speakeasy looked however the noise level really detracts from the atmosphere. It is a fun place and I am sure I will go again but better prepared for the noisiness

Explore Diners' Choice best of Washington, D.C. Area

Explore more Diners' Choice lists