Royal Sands Social Club
Bar · Near Southeast
26 N St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Highlights
Florida-inspired eats & drinks in a lively pool-themed space
Florida-inspired eats & drinks in a lively pool-themed space
"DC isn’t Miami, but going to Royal Sands is like taking a quick South Beach vacation. The whole space looks like a beach club, including a tiled “pool” bar and indoor umbrella tables. On weekends, a DJ spins from the lifeguard booth as you and your friends go all-in on tap cocktails and sushi rolls. Things move a bit slower at the upstairs bar, where a dusky Miami sun never sets, and friends laugh over drinks around a cabana-style bar." - anne cruz
"DC isn’t Miami, but at Royal Sands, you can get a bit of that South Beach swag. Stop by the pool bar when you first come in to check out the premade cocktails and some pretty good sushi rolls. On weekends, expect the pool—and nearby umbrella tables—to be full, as a DJ spins from the lifeguard booth. Things move a bit slower at the upstairs bar, where a dusky Miami sun never sets, and friends laugh over drinks around a cabana-style bar." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed
"Royal Sands brings the South Beach party to Navy Yard. From the fake palm trees, umbrella-covered tables, and downstairs bar built into a pool, you might wish you were bumming it in a swimsuit instead of dressed for the DC weather. Just be clear, you’re coming here to fist pump to EDM in fake Miami, not to eat the salty cubano. The bar takes the dance party up a notch on the weekends, when the “Lifeguard on Duty” box turns into a DJ booth. It’s the best party off Half Street during the offseason, so bring your friends and try the cocktails served from the tap. Make sure your “designated boat captain” checks out the ginger mule mocktail." - tristiana hinton, mekita rivas
"For those who would rather be swimming in South Florida, the winner of Eater DC’s 2023 Design of the Year is the place for you. Staying on brand, its bathrooms mimic pool club changing rooms with rainbow-painted shuttered doors and shades of blue tiles splashed on the floor and across the walls." - Abi Newhouse
"A debate-watch–favorite spot serving $6 Kona drafts, $10 frozen drinks, $6.50 themed shots (including the Swing State Slammer and Poll Party), a $10.50 slider trio deal, and $2 off any sushi rolls; results will be on all TVs with full audio." - Kalina Newman
