Dan's Cafe

Bar · Adams Morgan

Dan's Cafe

Bar · Adams Morgan

2315 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Highlights

Patrons mix their own drinks using squeeze bottles of booze & mixers at this cash-only dive bar.

2315 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

@eater

"Adams Morgan’s cash-fueled fixture that lets customers mix their own drinks hasn’t messed with much since opening in 1965. Bartenders famously serve shots in squeeze bottles, floors are frequently sticky, and a DIY gin and tonic comes with a tall glass of gin, tiny tonic bottles, and ice bucket. The gloriously dingy dive was famously the unlikely site of a marriage proposal around Valentine’s Day 2023." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

The Most Lovable Dive Bars Around D.C.

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@eater

"In late February, the Adams Morgan dive known for squirt bottles full of liquor, reopened for indoor service on Friday and Saturday nights with food from next-door gay bar Pitchers." - Tierney Plumb

Dupont’s Subterranean Club Heist Returns With a Luxe New Look - Eater DC

View Postcard for Dan's Cafe

Greg Davis

Google

One of the best Dive bars I’ve ever been too. They specialise in ketchup bottle cocktails. $28 for half a of bottle of spirits and mixer. But you get $5 back when you return the bottle. Great value beers here too. Love the hanging plants from the ceiling and faded browning walls, it’s just a fab place. Don’t miss it! And the miniature spirits bar is fantastic!! It’s cash only - ATM next door is pricey, so come prepared! The staff are really funny and friendly too!

Devin O. Stewart

Google

A truly unique experience. Horrifying or wonderful depending on your perspective. This is a quintessential dive bar. Squeeze bottles of booze and cheap beer. Sticky floors, cramped booths and a ceiling that looks like it's about to fall in. Worth a visit.

Fernando Robinson

Google

Best Dive Bar in DC. Cheap drinks, Impeccable Dive Bar Atmosphere. 3 rounds of drinks for 3 people with 20% tip was just under $100. Bring Cash

Review Bro

Google

Legendary DC dive bar! Be ready to have a great time when you come here. Pro tip is to order the tequila with pineapple juice! Trust

Michael Shepherd

Google

Strange, the bar was almost empty at 11PM and there was a homeless man attacking anyone who tried to enter the bar. I assumed he was the bouncer but he claimed he didn't work there. With so many bars in admo idk how this one stays in buissness.

CSW

Google

Magical. For me, this place is an essential part of the DC experience. The squeeze bottles, the atmosphere, the staff: I would never consider visiting DC on a weekend and not stopping by.

Emmet O'Shaughnessy

Google

Probably the best dive bar I've ever been in! Fantastic squeeze bottles and cheap drinks, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Great place to spend a weekend night in. Will definitely be back

Darian Feysa

Google

Had a great time going to Dan’s, squeezing cocktails out of a ketchup bottle as Leonard skynyrd blasted in the background. I really appreciated the employee who purposefully placed himself in front of the women’s bathroom. That small gesture made me feel much safer. Thank you for that!!

@eater

The Most Lovable Dive Bars Around D.C.

View Postcard for Dan's Cafe

@eater

"In late February, the Adams Morgan dive known for squirt bottles full of liquor, reopened for indoor service on Friday and Saturday nights with food from next-door gay bar Pitchers." - Tierney Plumb

Dupont’s Subterranean Club Heist Returns With a Luxe New Look - Eater DC

View Postcard for Dan's Cafe

Greg Davis

Google

Devin O. Stewart

Google

Fernando Robinson

Google

Best Dive Bar in DC. Cheap drinks, Impeccable Dive Bar Atmosphere. 3 rounds of drinks for 3 people with 20% tip was just under $100. Bring Cash

Review Bro

Google

Legendary DC dive bar! Be ready to have a great time when you come here. Pro tip is to order the tequila with pineapple juice! Trust

Michael Shepherd

Google

CSW

Google

Magical. For me, this place is an essential part of the DC experience. The squeeze bottles, the atmosphere, the staff: I would never consider visiting DC on a weekend and not stopping by.

Emmet O'Shaughnessy

Google

Probably the best dive bar I've ever been in! Fantastic squeeze bottles and cheap drinks, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Great place to spend a weekend night in. Will definitely be back

Darian Feysa

Google

Dan's Cafe

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