Proper 21
Category: Sports Bars, Cocktail Bars, American
Neighborhood: Downtown
Price: $$$
Address: 1319 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
✨ Vibe
Proper 21 offers a polished "millennial bistro" atmosphere that seamlessly blends the high energy of an upscale sports bar with the sleek, sophisticated feel of a modern American lounge.
🍸 Best For
Game day celebrations, craft cocktails, polished casual dining, group happy hours, and elevated pre-club bites.
🔥 Highlights
- Elite Sports Viewing: As a Penn Quarter stalwart, the venue features wall-to-wall 4K TVs and a high-tech sound system, making it the premier destination for Football Sundays and playoff action.
- Top-Tier Gastropub Fare: The menu shines with expertly prepared favorites, including their signature "burnt crust" Smashburger, fan-favorite Birria Eggrolls, and a variety of gourmet flatbreads.
- Exceptional Hospitality: Renowned for its attentive and knowledgeable staff, the venue provides a welcoming, high-end service experience that keeps locals returning weekly.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Keep an eye out for their popular weekly food and drink specials, which offer incredible value for premium downtown dining.
- Building on their success, the ownership team has recently expanded their D.C. footprint with the opening of the swanky Proper Bar in Mount Vernon Triangle.
📰 In the News
Proper Bar Opens With Elevated Bistro Fare, Caviar, and Cocktails in Mount Vernon Triangle
Proper 21 owners Rob Zahn and Will Strozier have expanded their DC presence with the opening of Proper Bar in Mount Vernon Triangle. This new 5,500-square-foot venue pivots from a sports bar atmosphere to a sophisticated cocktail lounge, offering elevated American bistro fare such as caviar service, specialty pastas, and a 32-ounce tomahawk steak.
Four new D.C. bars just opened for your weekend fun
Proper 21's ownership team has expanded their D.C. presence with the opening of Proper Bar in Mt. Vernon Triangle. The new, swanky venue features a classy atmosphere with live piano music, deep booths, strong cocktails, and thick burgers.
Proper Bar opening in D.C. this week, owners undeterred by shutdown
Proper Bar opened in October 2025 on the ground floor of The Crosby, a residential building in Washington, D.C. Despite the challenges of a government shutdown during its launch, the owners moved forward with the opening of the new venue.
Downtown’s Proper 21 Sues for Coronavirus Insurance Coverage
Proper 21 filed a lawsuit against its insurance carrier, Seneca, after being denied business interruption coverage during the 2020 pandemic. The legal action sought to recover lost income and expenses resulting from government-mandated restaurant closures in downtown D.C.
Proper 21 Is Opening a Second Sports Bar In D.C.
Proper 21 is expanding its presence in Washington D.C. with a second upscale sports bar location in Foggy Bottom at 2033 K Street NW. The 6,000-square-foot space features a modern American menu, extensive patio seating, and a high-tech sound system with wall-to-wall 4K TVs.
Recent Reviews from Google
Proper 21 is by far one of my favorite restaurants in DC. I am weekly bar sitter and I love everything from the ambiance, drinks and food, to the amazing staff. I recommend this place to anyone...
Seriously everyone needs to stop into proper 21 on F st as of yesterday! Where does one start? I came in wanting to watch MNF and every other game I also wanted to see was on too so off the bat +50...
Cool Millennial bistro vibe. Kind of like where you would go out to eat before you went out to the club. Arrived after the lunch rush and had the place almost to ourselves. Excellent bartender and...
Came from Dallas to DC on a trip and came to this place to watch the Aggies beat South Carolina! The Smashburger is honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had. It had a slight burnt crust to it,...
So I have to say this place being downtown is a little pricey but not to bad. The food was really good and the drinks were cold and delicious. I tried their s’mores old fashioned and damn it, it was...
