Dan's Cafe
✨ Vibe
Dan’s Cafe is a legendary Adams Morgan institution that offers a one-of-a-kind, unpretentious dive bar experience celebrated for its gritty charm and storied six-decade history.
🍸 Best For
Self-mixed cocktails, budget-friendly group outings, nostalgic dive bar fans, and festive holiday celebrations.
🔥 Highlights
- The Iconic Squirt-Bottle Service: A truly unique D.C. tradition where patrons receive liquor and mixers in condiment-style squeeze bottles to craft their own perfect drinks.
- Historic Family Legacy: Proudly maintained by the Dickens family for over 60 years, this venue remains one of the city’s most authentic and enduring neighborhood saloons.
- Spectacular Seasonal Pop-Ups: During the holidays, the venue transforms into a stunning two-floor winter wonderland featuring elaborate decorations and a specialized "Miracle" cocktail menu.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- This is a classic cash-only establishment, so come prepared or use the nearby parking garage's facilities.
- For more space and entertainment, head to the upper floor to find additional seating and a pool table.
📰 In the News
Our Best Reporting in 2025
Dan's Cafe is featured in a historical retrospective highlighting the legacy of its longtime owner, Clinnie “Dickie” Dickens, who passed away in early 2025. The reporting traces the Adams Morgan dive bar's history back to the early 1910s, detailing its origins as a neighborhood grocery store and its evolution into a local landmark known for its squeeze-bottle service.
How A Man Not Named Dan Came to Own Dan’s Cafe for Six Decades
Dan's Cafe is an iconic Adams Morgan dive bar famous for its unique squirt-bottle drink service and storied history dating back to the mid-20th century. Following the passing of longtime owner Clinnie 'Dickie' Dickens in early 2025, his family continues to operate the venue, maintaining its reputation as one of D.C.'s most authentic and unpretentious neighborhood saloons.
Rest in Peace, Owner of Dan’s Cafe, Mr. Clinnie “Dickie” Dickens February 24, 1934 – February 21, 2025
Dan’s Cafe mourns the passing of longtime owner Clinnie “Dickie” Dickens, who operated the legendary Adams Morgan bar for decades before his death in February 2025. The historic venue is expected to remain open under the management of Dickens' sons, continuing its legacy as a neighborhood staple.
Visit 8 of DC’s Best Dive Bars If You're Feeling Nostalgic
Dan's Cafe in Adams Morgan is a quintessential dive bar known for its intentional "permanently closed" aesthetic and indifferent service. The no-frills venue offers a unique self-service experience where patrons can get mixed drinks served in condiment squeeze bottles.
News of engagement at DC's Dan's Cafe goes viral
Dan's Cafe, a legendary Adams Morgan dive bar known for serving liquor in squirt bottles, gained viral attention after a couple got engaged at the venue during a birthday celebration. While social media users reacted with surprise at the choice of such a gritty location, the couple embraced the unconventional moment at the iconic DC establishment.
Recent Reviews from Google
The miracle pop up was amazing! Met friends for an early hh so the place was pretty empty during our reservation. The bartender (Dominic I believe) was fantastic - explained each of the drinks on the...
If you’re coming here for the Miracle Popup … it’s totally worth it! The atmosphere is great, and the holiday cocktails are totally awesome. Plus those cups they come in … hysterical. Highly...
Amazing place! Decorations were beautiful and themed for Christmas, good vibes, good music. Eric was our bartender, super nice and even took his time to explain us the drinks. Food was fresh and...
I went to the place for the holiday experience and grabbed some food. In terms of decoration, it was so beautiful, and the spirit of Christmas is there for sure. I also planned to have a drink...
Went here for the Miracle Pop Up. The pop up takes place on two floors. The first floor (which is really the second floor of the building) is where most of the seating is, the bar, and restrooms. The...
