Calico
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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.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.
🔄 Weekly Events
🎱 Beach Party Bingo
Part of Sail Away Sundays, hosted in the alley.
🤘 MAYHEM MONDAY
Rock music and vintage videos in the alley. Last Monday of the month features a Vinyl DJ Set with DJ Free Candy & Friends.
⛵ SAIL AWAY SUNDAYS
Weekly beach party in the alley featuring Beach Party Bingo from 2-4pm, yacht rock, and disco tunes.
🎰 TUESDAY BINGO NIGHT!
Free Bingo hosted at the indoor bar every other Tuesday (alternating with Trivia). Play for fun and 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.
💿 Vinyl DJ Set w/ DJ Free Candy
Special vinyl DJ session featuring DJ Free Candy & Friends on the last Monday of every month.
🧠 Wednesday Trivia (Special)
A special edition of trivia night held indoors at the bar.
Happy Hour
All day specials on thermoses of hot cocktails and a $12 Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup combo.
📰 In the News
First Look: Drink Up The Nostalgia In Calico’s Urban Backyard
Calico is an urban backyard-themed restaurant in Blagden Alley offering a nostalgic atmosphere inspired by Eastern Shore backyard barbecues. The venue features a 3,000-square-foot outdoor space with a vintage greenhouse and serves creative offerings like "adult juice boxes," Maryland crab soup, and Philly-style tomato pie.
Calico - Bar Review
Calico is a hip patio bar tucked away in D.C.'s Blagden Alley, offering a playful outdoor party vibe with greenhouse seating and string lights. The menu features creative drinks like boozy juice boxes and lavender lemonade alongside picnic-inspired fare such as tomato pie, smoked ribs, and bratwurst.
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...
