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.
Monday Afternoon Pinball League 🕹️
Weekly competitive pinball league. Players compete across four games in randomly drawn groups. Entry fee is $10 for the season.
Happy Hour
Daily food specials including 1/2 off appetizers on Tuesdays, 1/2 price breakfast on Fridays (12pm-5pm), and 1/2 price pierogis on Saturdays, plus fixed-price deals on sliders, pitas, hot dogs, and heroes on other days.
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!