Solly's
✨ Vibe
Solly’s is a warm, high-energy neighborhood staple where red brick walls and low lighting create a quintessential, unpretentious tavern atmosphere that welcomes everyone with open arms.
🍸 Best For
Affordable beer-and-shot specials, legendary themed karaoke, watching live sports, neighborhood camaraderie, and casual comfort food.
🔥 Highlights
- Kostume Karaoke: A famous U Street tradition held every Thursday where singers perform in costumes provided by the bar, ranging from tiaras to judo gis.
- Community Spirit: Known for its deep local roots, Solly’s proudly supports veterans, hosts charity-driven trivia nights, and serves as the home base for the Washington Irish Rugby Club.
- The Covered Patio: One of the best perches in the city for people-watching, this massive outdoor space allows you to soak in the energy of U Street while enjoying a signature Solly's burger.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Keep it casual—this is a "come as you are" venue where the bartenders often become your best friends and there is never a dress code.
- Game day is a big deal here, featuring $3 High Life specials on "Football Sundays" and occasional free shuttle services for DC United fans.
🔄 Weekly Events
🧠 Bi-monthly Trivia Night
A recurring trivia night held in the upstairs event space.
🏈 Sunday Football
Watch football on Sundays in the Upstairs at Solly's venue, featuring an in-place sound system and 8 HDTVs including a projector.
Happy Hour
Happy hour specials including $5.00 items, $3.00 items, and $4.00 house liquors.
📰 In the News
Yes, DC is actually a great place to party
Solly's is a quintessential DC dive bar in the Shaw neighborhood, offering a classic tavern atmosphere with red brick walls, low lighting, and affordable beer-and-shot specials. The venue serves as a local favorite for raucous games of Uno, weekly trivia nights, and live sports in a simple, unpretentious setting.
Solly's Washington DC - When regular karaoke isn't enough
Solly's in Washington D.C. features a unique "Kostume Karaoke" every Thursday night where singers perform in costumes provided by the bar or brought from home. This neighborhood venue also offers a weekly lineup of events including stand-up comedy, trivia, and live music, complemented by affordable happy hour prices.
PoP Profile: John “Solly” Solomon – Owner/Proprietor Solly’s Tavern
Solly’s Tavern is an unpretentious neighborhood bar located at the corner of 11th and U Streets, featuring a relaxed atmosphere with video games, trivia nights, and costume karaoke. Owned by John "Solly" Solomon, the establishment is a local staple known for its lack of pretension and its strong ties to the Washington Irish Rugby Club.
A New Lounge Is Taking Over Part of Solly’s Bar — and Bringing Legal Baggage With It
Solly’s Tavern is downsizing its U Street NW space to its original 2006 layout to accommodate a new, independent venue called DNA Lounge. The opening has been complicated by a trademark dispute with a famous San Francisco club of the same name, which issued a cease-and-desist letter that entangled Solly’s ownership in the legal conflict.
A Solly’s Burger Frame of Mind
Solly's showcases its signature burger, highlighting the venue's long-standing reputation as a classic U Street destination for comfort food. The establishment remains a local favorite for its laid-back tavern atmosphere and consistent menu staples.
Recent Reviews from Google
First time here, vibes were good. Bartender called Sam was a little weird but nothing to be concerned about. He made me the house cocktail, this baby really knows his way around a bar. Be sure to ask...
Hands down my all time favorite dive-bar in DC, and I say that with tons of love and respect. There is no pretension here, and all are welcome, you won’t go broke drinking, you can bring your to-go...
Hey guys want to give you all a big shout out for taking care of our Vets that are sitting in protesting the national guard and educating them about attacking our own citizens in your city. they said...
Any place that supports community, takes care of veterans is a great spot to be! Thank you Sollys and staff, your countrymen and. Women see you! Ty
Decent boozer. It's quite cramped, but the atmosphere is fun and energetic. Bit of a shame that there is no draft beer, just cans and bottles. Their sister bad The Golden Clover is a good bit better...
