Lyman's Tavern

Lyman's Tavern

Lyman's Tavern logo

✨ 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 🍗

Fri

Weekly food special: Chicken littles are $16.00.

DC Pinball League (Monday Afternoon) 🕹️

Mon

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) 🕹️

Sun

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) 🕹️

Thu

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 🌭

Wed

Weekly food special: All hot dogs are $6.00.

Hot Hero Thursday 🥪

Thu

Weekly food special: All Italian heroes are $15.00.

Monday Pinball League 🕹️

Mon

DC Pinball League sub-league. $10 entry fee. Play 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.

PEOPLE'S pierogi PARTY Saturday 🥟

Sat

Weekly food special featuring half-priced pierogis.

Pita PARTY Mondays 🥙

Mon

Weekly food special: All pitas are $11.00.

Slider Sunday 🍔

Sun

Weekly food special featuring beef sliders for $16.00.

Sunday Pinball League 🕹️

Sun

DC Pinball League sub-league. $10 entry fee. Play 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.

Thursday Pinball League 🕹️

Thu

DC Pinball League sub-league. $10 entry fee. Play 4 weeks to qualify for WPPRs.

Wings NIGHT Tuesday 🍗

Tue

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

RANGE Jul 4, 2025

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.

The Washington Post Nov 21, 2023

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.

InsideHook Apr 21, 2023

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.

District Fray Apr 29, 2022

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.

Washington City Paper Sep 19, 2020

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.

← Back to Home
×