Calico
Category: Beer Gardens, Cocktail Bars, Happy Hour Spots
Neighborhood: Gallery Place / Chinatown
Price: $$
✨ Vibe
A hidden urban backyard oasis in Blagden Alley that blends a chic, cozy brick interior with a festive, string-lit patio perfect for year-round socializing.
🍸 Best For
Large group gatherings, spirited happy hours, casual dates, weekend trivia, and playful seasonal events.
🔥 Highlights
- Recently recognized as one of the "33 Best Bars in Washington, DC," the venue is famous for its signature "Adult Juice Boxes" and refreshing draft lavender lemonades.
- A vibrant social calendar that keeps the energy high with weekly trivia, bingo, sip-and-paint nights, and board games.
- Delicious, elevated bar fare including their fan-favorite loaded tots, massive pizzas, and Philly-style tomato pie.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Take advantage of the weekday happy hour (Tuesday–Friday, 4–6 PM) for $3 tomato pie slices and $2 discounts on select drafts and pouches.
- Exceptionally group-friendly, the space accommodates up to 30 guests on weekdays without food or drink minimums.
🔄 Weekly Events
🎱 Bingo Night
Free Bingo hosted at the indoor bar every other Tuesday, alternating with Trivia. Play for fun and win prizes.
📝 Tuesday Night Trivia
Hosted indoors at the bar every other Tuesday. It is free to play with prizes to win. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Happy Hour
All-day artsy happy hour featuring FREE craft projects and discounted draft drinks. Supplies provided free with any food/drink order.
📰 In the News
33 Best Bars in Washington, DC for Top-Tier Drinks
Calico features an al fresco backyard patio and a brick interior, providing a casual atmosphere perfect for outdoor drinks in Blagden Alley. The bar is recognized for its signature 'Adult Juice Boxes' and hosts regular trivia nights for guests.
D.C. bars and restaurants that are great for big groups
Calico, located in Shaw's Blagden Alley, accommodates groups of up to 30 guests on weekdays without food or drink minimums, making it a prime spot for office happy hours. The indoor/outdoor bar also welcomes smaller groups of up to 10 people on weekends.
11 Great Outdoor Happy Hours Around DC
Calico, an outdoor hangout in Shaw’s Blagden Alley, features a happy hour with $3 slices of tomato pie. The venue also offers $2 discounts on Pacifico drafts and its signature pouched “adult juice boxes” Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 PM.
Warm up with some hot, winter cocktails at Calico DC
Calico DC features a selection of seasonal winter cocktails designed to warm guests during the colder months. Beverage Director Ian Fletcher and Assistant Manager Kyle Flora showcased the venue's signature warm drinks, highlighting the bar's creative approach to its winter beverage program.
Thursday at Calico: “a one-night-only Build-Your-Own Tater Tot Bar and Happy Hour”
Calico is a Blagden Alley bar featuring an urban backyard setting and a specialized menu of crispy tater tots ranging from crab to poutine-style disco tots. Since its opening in 2017, the venue has become a neighborhood staple known for its creative comfort food and casual outdoor dining environment.
Recent Reviews from Google
A gem within Bladgen Alley! Amazing spot for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. The lavender lemonades are the absolute best! They also have a variety of board games and host events like Bingo.
Meal: Dinner Day Visited: Thursday Budget: $50 Closest Station: Convention Center Reservation Needed?: N/A Payment: Cash; Credit Kid Friendly?: Yes English Menu?: Yes Very cool atmosphere, indoor and...
Went here Saturday with my sibling, it was a vibe and a great bar but the pour she got for her Smello was less than desirable. Tots were great but if you’re gonna charge people make the pricing...
I’ve been to Calico before and had a great time, enjoyed the drinks and the board games but last night was different. My group arrived at 11:30 pm (1.5 hrs before closing). The bouncer told us the...
A Hidden Gem in Blagden Alley: Calico If you’re searching for a place that feels like home but comes with great drinks and an inviting vibe, Calico in Blagden Alley is your spot! This charming spot...
