DC's Most Accessible Bars
D.C. loves its tiny speakeasies, at the tip-top of rickety row houses … in theory. But staircases, narrow halls, and crowded tables can result in dangerous and unwelcoming situations for many.
One in four adults in D.C. have a disability, yet D.C. bars are struggling to get up to snuff on accessibility. Kristin Duquette — former U.S. paralympic swimmer — shared her favorite mobility-accessible bars with us.
Penn Social (Penn Quarter): This drinking hall/events space is enormous. There are no steps into the bar, and it has an elevator down to the dance floor, which is spacious and wheelchair-friendly.
Board Room (Dupont): Fun for drinks and games with friends, this bar has a mix of high- and low-top tables, no stairs to enter, and lots of fun games to play.
Red Bear (NoMa): This brewery has 10 rotating beers and an in-house food truck. It is one floor with a ramp and long picnic-style tables.
Aslin Beer Co. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
All Souls Bar (Shaw): This lowkey bar is small, but friendly with accessible bathrooms, handrails, and a variety of table types. However, it can get quite crowded.
Aslin Beer Co (14th Street): Aslin is built in an old parking lot with a mix of seating. There are no stairs and it’s completely paved. It’s also mostly outdoors.
As You Are (Capitol Hill): A queer-friendly bar and cafe that hosts tons of events. They have a permanent ramp to the first floor, accessible bathrooms, and no strobe lighting. Plus, they encourage masks and have ASL interpretation at events.
