A Night in Adams Morgan: DC's Best Bar Crawl
Jonathan Barlow
The Route
Adams Morgan sits on 18th Street NW, a compact strip of bars, restaurants, and late-night spots that has been DC's most reliable night out for decades. Everything is walkable. Everything is within four blocks.
Stop 1: Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Start sophisticated. Jack Rose has one of the largest whiskey collections in the Western Hemisphere — 2,700+ bottles. The rooftop terrace overlooks the neighborhood. Order something you've never heard of and trust the bartender.
Stop 2: Songbyrd Music House
Live music venue and bar with a vinyl shop attached. Check the calendar — the acts are consistently excellent and the cover is always reasonable.
Stop 3: The Diner
Open 24 hours. Hit this between bars for loaded fries or a milkshake. The people-watching from the window seats is peak Adams Morgan.
Stop 4: Madam's Organ
The blues bar with the famous mural on the outside. Live music every night, cheap beer on the roof, and a crowd that's been coming here since before DC was cool.
Stop 5: Bukom Cafe
West African cuisine and a dance floor that doesn't quit until last call. This is where the night peaks. The jollof rice is legitimately great.
Adams Morgan doesn't try to be trendy. That's why it outlasts every trend.