The Pug
Category: Dive Bars, Neighborhood Bars, Late Night
Neighborhood: H Street NE
Price: $
Address: 1234 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
✨ Vibe
A quintessentially cool H Street hole-in-the-wall that pairs a laid-back dive bar atmosphere with eclectic decor and a welcoming, homey energy.
🍸 Best For
Affordable drinks, late-night hangs, neighborhood vibes, meeting locals, casual solo drinks.
🔥 Highlights
- An impressive and reasonably priced beer selection featuring everything from reliable cheap cans to seasonal treats like their famous spiked hot apple cider.
- A warm and inclusive environment with a diverse crowd and friendly staff that make you feel like a regular the moment you walk in.
- Tasty and convenient food options, including an upstairs kitchen and popular local pop-ups like Starvin Marvin on Sunday nights, Mondays, and Wednesdays.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Plan your visit for Sunday evening, Monday, or Wednesday to catch the highly-rated food pop-up service.
- The atmosphere is strictly casual and "come as you are," making it one of the most unpretentious and inviting spots in the city.
📰 In the News
DC restaurants navigate worker shortages amid immigration crackdown
The Pug navigated significant staffing shortages and kitchen closures during a federal immigration enforcement surge in Washington D.C. in late 2025. Owner Tony Tomelden, who also leads the D.C. Capitol Chamber of Commerce, highlighted how the heightened enforcement climate created a culture of fear that prevented many hospitality employees from reporting to work.
Progress, remembrance in Washington’s H Street Corridor
The Pug is a long-standing punk-inspired bar on Washington D.C.'s H Street Corridor known for its quirky "no-nonsense" atmosphere and community-focused vibe. Established in 2007 by Tony Tomelden, the neighborhood staple serves as a gathering spot for residents while maintaining its distinct identity within the evolving commercial district.
DC business owners: Initiative 82, less federal workers will close more bars, restaurants
The Pug, located on D.C.'s H Street Corridor, is facing significant financial pressure due to the implementation of Initiative 82 and a decrease in foot traffic from federal workers. Owner Tony Tomelden reports that the doubling of payroll costs and the loss of local clientele threaten the long-term survival of small, neighborhood establishments.
The 10 Best Dive Bars in Washington, DC
The Pug is highlighted as a quintessential Washington, DC dive bar that avoids modern trends in favor of a cramped, dark, and straightforward atmosphere. The venue maintains a strict, no-nonsense ethos that forbids politics, shots, and "idiots," focusing instead on a relaxed environment for its patrons.
‘Radical change is coming’: DC restaurant owners say they’re barely hanging on
The Pug owner Tony Tomelden highlights the economic pressures facing his H Street bar, including a 65% payroll increase and rising operating costs. The neighborhood institution is focusing on serving local residents as it navigates industry-wide shifts toward fast-casual models and automated service.
Recent Reviews from Google
nice fun bar - solid beer selection and some extras just like that hot spiked spiced Apple cider which was super yummy
Enjoy going the The Pug on H St… good atmosphere, good vibes…. Food served on Sundays evenings (brunch occasionally early Afternoon) Mondays and Wednesday served by Starvin Marvin (@starvinnmarvinn on...
5 star dive bar! Outstanding representation of a true hole in the wall dive bar. Eclectic decor and inviting staff. Diverse patrons made me feel right at home like I’ve been coming here for years....
My favorite place to grab a cheap beer in DC. Laid back, dive bar atmosphere. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Visit every time I’m in the city.
Great atmosphere and service. I went to go get cigarettes and they sent Jesse with me to get them, for safety, unprompted, LOL. love it here. Shoutout to chaz.
