Lyman's Tavern
✨ Vibe
A warm, unpretentious neighborhood staple that blends the nostalgic charm of a classic dive bar with a vibrant, inclusive energy and a passion for retro arcade gaming.
🍸 Best For
Pinball enthusiasts, vegan-friendly bar bites, birthday celebrations, budget-friendly beers, and patio relaxing.
🔥 Highlights
- A Pinball Paradise: Boasting an extensive, rotating collection of retro pinball machines and a dedicated local league, Lyman's is a premier destination for arcade lovers and nostalgic gamers.
- Inclusive Bar Fare: Celebrated for having some of the city’s best vegan and vegetarian comfort food, including standout veggie chili cheese dogs and $5 hot dog specials on Wednesdays.
- Legendary Birthday Perks: One of DC’s most generous neighborhood spots, offering a special "drink for free" policy all night on well drinks and select beers for patrons celebrating their big day.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The venue is family-friendly until 9:00 PM and features a prime corner patio that serves as a perfect Petworth-adjacent hangout until midnight.
- Service is casual and friendly; head straight to the bar to order from an impressive list of "working class" cans, local craft drafts, and fresh-crushed fruit cocktails.
🔄 Weekly Events
Chicken Little Friday 🍗
Weekly food special: Chicken littles are $16.00.
DC Pinball League (Monday Afternoon) 🕹️
Monday sub-league pinball competition. Dues are $10 for the season. Players must play at least 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.
DC Pinball League (Sunday Night) 🕹️
Sunday night sub-league pinball competition. Dues are $10 for the season. Players must play at least 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.
DC Pinball League (Thursday Night) 🕹️
Thursday night sub-league pinball competition. Dues are $10 for the season. Players must play at least 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.
Hot Diggity Wednesday 🌭
Weekly food special: All hot dogs are $6.00.
Hot Hero Thursday 🥪
Weekly food special: All Italian heroes are $15.00.
Monday Pinball League 🕹️
DC Pinball League sub-league. $10 entry fee. Play 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.
PEOPLE'S pierogi PARTY Saturday 🥟
Weekly food special featuring half-priced pierogis.
Pita PARTY Mondays 🥙
Weekly food special: All pitas are $11.00.
Slider Sunday 🍔
Weekly food special featuring beef sliders for $16.00.
Sunday Pinball League 🕹️
DC Pinball League sub-league. $10 entry fee. Play 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.
Thursday Pinball League 🕹️
DC Pinball League sub-league. $10 entry fee. Play 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.
Wings NIGHT Tuesday 🍗
Weekly wings special: 6 wings for $13.00 or 12 wings for $21.00. Flavors include Buffalo, NC gold bbq, hot honey, Thai chilli, or Korean BBQ.
📰 In the News
A Warped Tour Adventure in Washington D.C.
Lyman’s Tavern is a low-key Columbia Heights gem known for its cozy atmosphere, pinball machines, and classic jukebox. This neighborhood dive bar offers a welcoming spot for cheap drinks and provides an authentic, unpretentious environment for patrons to unwind in Northwest D.C.
Review | A vegetarian finds hot dog bliss at Lyman’s Tavern
Lyman's Tavern offers a standout veggie chili cheese dog that captures the classic American dive bar experience for vegetarian diners. The venue provides a nostalgic and inclusive atmosphere where the plant-based staple is treated with as much care as its meat-based counterparts.
Visit 8 of DC’s Best Dive Bars If You're Feeling Nostalgic
Lyman’s Tavern is a popular Columbia Heights neighborhood bar celebrated for its extensive pinball collection and prime corner location with outdoor seating. Known for its comfortable atmosphere, it serves as an ideal destination for groups and couples looking for a classic dive bar experience.
9 Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems in D.C.
Lyman's Tavern features a rotating collection of retro pinball machines and a gritty, local atmosphere in D.C.'s Columbia Heights neighborhood. The bar offers a wide selection of beers paired with specialty hot dogs, making it a top destination for arcade enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Drink for Free on Your Birthday at Lyman’s Tavern
Lyman's Tavern in Columbia Heights offers a birthday special featuring free drinks all night for patrons celebrating their birthday. The policy covers well drinks and select beers priced at $5 or under, provided guests show a valid ID and tip the bartender for each drink.
Recent Reviews from Google
They've got a great selection of pinball machines—perfect for a bit of fun while you enjoy your drink or wait for your food. $5 hot dogs on Wednesdays! Delicious and a total steal. Definitely coming...
Edible but not tasty or pleasing to consume. I like to try new restaurants on occasion. I’ve had my eye on Lyman’s Tavern for a while, so I ordered on Postmates. I got the Philly cheesesteak with...
Food was amazing! Lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Bar atmosphere so had to split 2 tables for a party of 8. Gave service a 3 because they seemed put out that we had a 16yo in our group, even...
Came for the pinball, beer lines really need to be cleaned. Ordered a Pabst and sent it back it was so bad… they switched it for a lager but that also had a tinge of that never cleaning the lines...
staple for the pinball lovers, socialists, and columbia heights neighborhood. and some of the best bar food in the city — especially for vegans!