5 Great Rainy Day Bars

Grab a stool at Stoney's to wait out the rain.
photo: stoneysdc.com

The forecast calls for rain through midweek, which has me thinking about the best local bars for hunkering down, cold drink in hand, to ride out the rain. Requirements: good beer, a casual vibe, and maybe some big windows for watching the dreary raindrops fall.

Here's a few ideas to get our list going, heavy on my 'hood since hey, who wants to walk far in the rain? Gimme some geographic diversity, and let me know your favorite rainy days spots in the comments.

• Stoney's: My favorite spot is a seat in the front window for some P Street people watching.

• The Passenger: A kimchi hot dog and a well-balanced cocktail from one of the Brown brothers should banish the rainy day blues.

• Room 11: Order me a panini, oozing cheddar and mozzarella, at this cozy Columbia Heights corner bar.

• Tune Inn: You haven't lived in DC until you've enjoyed a beer under the dusty stuffed animal heads at this 60-plus-year-old Capitol Hill institution.

• The Saloon: No TV and a no standing policy make the Saloon my favorite low-key gem on U Street. The amazing beer selection helps, too. (Closed Mondays.)

Comments

Anonymous said…
Dang, these are about my top 5 bars - wish you wouldn't share 'em with anyone ;) But don't forget Saloon is closed on Mondays!
5/17/2010 3:54 PM
Anonymous said…
It's hard to beat the window seat at Nanny O'Brien's in Cleveland Park.
5/17/2010 3:54 PM
Amanda said…
Thanks for the reminder, anon, and maybe I'll see you on the same circuit!
5/17/2010 3:57 PM
mieldog said…
The Raven- you can bring your own food and board games/cards to keep you busy. The juke box is the best- spend $5 for 18 plays and pick every song with crappy weather-related lyrics. Best part is that drinks are so cheap you can wait out any storm.
5/17/2010 4:03 PM
Anonymous said…
Ditto Raven, add Red Derby and Granville Moore's.
5/17/2010 6:10 PM
Anonymous said…
Rustico in Alexandria!
5/18/2010 9:23 AM
Olesh said…
How about any of the bedrock management bars? No windows so you don't know its raining. Although, if you are older than 26 you may feel a little out of place.
5/18/2010 10:34 AM
DS said…
To me, rainy days = dives. Quarry House, Jay's, etc.
5/18/2010 12:15 PM
monkeyrotica said…
I've spent many a rainy afternoon in the Brickskellar watching the thin rain glide down the windows. Something about a basement bar that enhances the rainy day drinking experience. I also miss their old 45 jukebox, with Earl Bostic ripping the hell out of "Harlem Nocturne." Perfect rainy day bar music.
5/21/2010 7:39 AM
Zac said…
Or under the tiki at Calypso Bay in Deale, MD overlooking the bay....
5/23/2010 11:13 AM
Amanda said…
Zac - Ah, yes, watching the water under cover while it rains may be one of the most underrated drinking scenarios out there!
5/25/2010 9:10 PM
Calypso Bay said…
The kimchi hot dogs are absolutely the best! We fell in love and had 3 in one sitting once!
1/27/2011 5:31 PM
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