Bar Betsie
Category: Cocktail Bars, Happy Hour Spots, Romantic
Neighborhood: Ivy City
Price:
Address: 1328 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
✨ Vibe
A moody, 1960s cabaret-inspired lounge featuring vibrant red neon lighting, theatrical velvet booths, and a swanky, nostalgic party atmosphere.
🍸 Best For
Romantic dates, creative cocktails, late-night bites, LGBTQ+ outings, and stylish group gatherings.
🔥 Highlights
- Expert Mixology: Created by the award-winning team behind Jane Jane, the cocktail program features inventive house originals like the spicy, tequila-based "Devil in a Red Dress" and the rye-forward "Silent Star."
- Nostalgic Comfort Food: The menu offers a playful selection of "finger foods" including buffalo chicken dip, Lil’ Smokies, and their signature complimentary cheese balls.
- Acclaimed Atmosphere: Recently recognized by Resy as one of the top spots in D.C., the venue blends a "divey-chic" aesthetic with high-end service and a vibrant, inclusive energy.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- As one of the most anticipated openings in the Union Market district, it is an ideal destination for both pre-dinner cocktails and late-night socializing.
- The venue is LGBTQ+-owned and operated by a seasoned team of D.C. hospitality veterans known for creating warm, community-focused spaces.
Happy Hour
Enjoy happy hour specials at Bar Betsie, a craft cocktail bar with neighborhood bar vibes.
📰 In the News
These DC Restaurants Are Winners Of The 2025 Eater DC Awards
Bar Betsie was named the "Best New Bar" of 2025 by Eater DC, recognized for its unique atmosphere that blends a chic cocktail lounge with a laid-back dive bar feel. Located in Union Market, the venue features a visually striking interior with dark-red lighting and neon accents, serving a menu of elevated snacks and signature drinks like the prickly pear mezcal cocktail.
Introducing the 2025 Eater DC Award Winners
Bar Betsie was named D.C.'s Best New Bar in the 2025 Eater DC Awards for its masterful blend of a glitzy cocktail lounge and a cozy neighborhood dive. Located in the Union Market district, the venue features dramatic mirrored walls and nostalgic decor alongside a menu of elevated comfort snacks and creative cocktails like the mezcal-based Margaritini.
The Top Restaurants in Washington, D.C. Right Now — Resy | Right This Way
Bar Betsie is a swanky nightlife hub in Union Market featuring neon decor and a nostalgic menu of finger foods like Lil’ Smokies and Buffalo chicken dip. The bar offers a party atmosphere with inventive cocktails, including the rye-based Silent Star and the tequila-based Devil in a Red Dress.
The Top Restaurants in Washington, D.C. Right Now — Resy | Right This Way
Bar Betsie is a neon-filled nightlife hub in Union Market featuring a "divey-meets-swanky" atmosphere and nostalgia-fueled finger foods. The menu includes items like Lil' Smokies and Buffalo chicken dip, complemented by inventive house cocktails such as the rye-based Silent Star and the Tequila-based Devil in a Red Dress.
Ten Wonderful LGBTQ+-Owned Restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Bar Betsie is a vibrant Union Market spot that evokes a swanky 1960s party vibe with its vintage signage and red neon lighting. The menu features nostalgic comfort foods like Lil’ Smokies and buffalo chicken dip, complemented by a cocktail program that balances classic drinks with inventive house originals.
Recent Reviews from Google
I was super happy to be able to sneak here on a Friday night, our prior attempt when they first opened was unsuccessful so it felt very satisfying! I love Jane Jane so was excited to check out Bar...
Amazing drinks. Amazing atmosphere. So happy for this team (Jane Jane) for expanding across the city! 12/10 for sure. Drinks pictured are the Devil in a Red Dress( rocks glass) and Midnight Bloom...
Stopped by Bar Betsie for some before-dinner drinks last night… and ended up going back for after-dinner drinks too. It’s hands-down the best new cocktail bar in DC — especially in the Union Market...
The little bar is so cool! I love the vibe in here. My friends and I were visiting DC for the weekend and made a point to take the subway over here. The drinks were so good. We even got the buffalo...
Bar Betsie is an incredible and much-needed addition to Union Market! It has such a great ambience, and the service is top-notch! A group of us went last week and really enjoyed the cocktails and...
