Going to a bar alone can be intimidating, but it’s one of the true joys of life (in moderation, of course). It can serve as much-needed solo time or as a time to meet new people — maybe even your future partner (like what happened to City Cast DC host Bridget Todd 👀)
D.C. lends itself particularly well to solo bar dates. So, if you’re a newbie, we’ve got lots of tips and tricks for how to get the most out of it.
Picking the Perfect Spot
Avoid places where the music is too loud, or that are too dark and moody. Both make it hard to strike up a conversation with strangers (or read your book if that's what you’re about). Instead, opt for somewhere with communal focus points, maybe they have a game on, or a jazz band — something that keeps you entertained and allows you to connect with others.
Hotel bars are a great place to start because most people there will also be solo and looking to make a friend. Dive bars and sports bars are also great at curating a friendly solo vibe.
How To Feel At Home
Going out alone is inherently a little awkward, but it doesn’t have to feel that way. To ease into it, go at an off hour, pick a seat at the bar rather than at a table, and come prepared with some kind of entertainment. Order something you can nurse for a while, like a negroni or an old-fashioned. Then, if you’re feeling social, strike up a conversation with the bartender or your neighbor.
Snappy’s Small Bar in Petworth. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann.Coty Cast DC)
Some Places to Start
Here are some tried and trues that the City Cast DC team keeps coming back to.
Showtime Lounge (Bloomingdale)
A neighborhood classic, this spot has no lack of solo regulars. TVs with movies and a long bar make it easy to strike up a conversation.
Kingfisher (Logan Circle)
This casual basement bar shows movies and has free popcorn, so you don’t need to bring your own entertainment; just show up and have yourself a little movie date.
McClellan’s Retreat (Dupont)
The vibes here scream elderly gentleman drinking a whiskey neat, and silver foxes don’t feel awkward drinking alone, so you shouldn’t either. The warm wood bar and lots of corners make it the perfect spot to hunker down with a book or eavesdrop for an hour or two.
Snappy’s Small Bar (Petworth)
The bartenders at this tiny bar act like they have been your BFF for years and make killer drinks besides. The small bar means you’re literally on top of your neighbor, so it’s impossible not to meet someone new.
Last Call (Union Market)
Cheap and friendly with lots of board games and solo games to pass the time. Just avoid peak hours as it can get kinda rowdy, unless that's what you’re after, of course.
