Service Bar
✨ Vibe
A chic neighborhood staple that expertly blends high-concept, award-winning mixology with a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere and a nostalgic pop-punk soundtrack.🍸 Best For
Award-winning cocktails, legendary fried chicken, casual date nights, pre-show drinks near the 9:30 Club, and elite-tier happy hour deals.🔥 Highlights
- World-Class Mixology: Recently ranked No. 23 on the 2025 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, this spot features inventive, bird-themed creations like the Golden Pheasant and the savory Road Runner, which comes paired with a cooling herbal popsicle.
- Acclaimed Fried Chicken: Beyond the drinks, the bar is famous for its "incredible" fried chicken thighs and tenders, often cited as some of the best in the city and served with signature house-made sauces.
- The Snug Room: For a more intimate experience, the venue offers a specialized six-seat private tasting room perfect for exploring their seasonal, elevated riffs on classic spirits.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Stop in for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for $9 classics like Old Fashioneds and Daiquiris.
- Reservations are highly recommended for peak hours, though the "grunge-chic" environment welcomes guests in casual attire.
Happy Hour
$9 Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, or Pisco Punch; $7 High Life combo (shot and a beer). Ask about our featured HH cocktail.
📰 In the News
3 DC bars on a list of North America’s Best Bars
Service Bar was ranked No. 23 on the 2025 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, maintaining its reputation as a staple of D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood. The venue is celebrated for its unpretentious atmosphere, high-quality classic cocktails at reasonable prices, and its popular fried chicken offerings.
Worker smacked by bar patron she asked to stop blocking area near bathroom, staff says
Service Bar DC reported an incident where a staff member was assaulted by a patron who had been asked to leave for disorderly conduct near the restrooms. The establishment collaborated with the Metropolitan Police Department to identify the individual and noted that local outdoor seating regulations have impacted their ability to maintain a fully secured patio environment.
Service Bar’s Christine Kim Puts D.C.’s Cocktail Scene on the Map
Service Bar is a renowned Washington D.C. cocktail destination led by beverage director and partner Christine Kim, known for its unpretentious atmosphere and elevated riffs on classic drinks. The venue gained international acclaim after being ranked among North America's 50 Best Bars, featuring unique elements like the private 'Snug Room' and seasonal menus highlighting Asian-inspired ingredients.
Tip Your Bartender: Service Bar, Washington, D.C.
Service Bar in Washington, D.C. features a signature French 75 variation called Le Royale Baie, created by bartender Glendon Hartley. The recipe combines Dussé VSOP Cognac with Champagne, chamomile tea, and a house-made strawberry oleo saccharum to evoke the flavors of summer in the Cognac region.
Inside Service Bar, Which Starts Serving Thursday
Service Bar is an affordable cocktail destination on U Street in Washington D.C. featuring an all-night happy hour and a fried chicken-based bar menu. The venue includes a specialized six-seat tasting room called the 'Snug Room' alongside a main bar area offering a rotating, seasonal beverage program.
Recent Reviews from Google
This unassuming place was surprisingly sophisticated and delicious, with top notch service. A lot of thought went into the presentation and preparation of each cocktail. Of the 5 we tried, each...
I almost don’t want to write this because I’d love to keep this place a secret. Service Bar is that good. The drinks are adventurous but always delicious, the food outshines most restaurants in DC,...
I think the server was having a bad day or had other personal things going on because they were pretty short and were not too helpful when we had questions. The establishment, however, probably had...
This is going to be our new go to bar before going to see shows at DC9, The Atlantis, or 930 Club. Drinks here are amazing, the fried chicken is fantastic, and the happy hour deals aren’t bad. We...
Noisy but otherwise incredible. The cocktails are fantastic and well balanced. The fried chicken? Soooo good. Great sides and I'm not usually a Mac n cheese guy. Server took great care of us. ...
