Bar
9:30 Club
A 1,200-capacity independent music club on V Street NW that opened in 1980 and moved to its current home, a former music hall, in 1996.
An Adams Morgan whiskey bar with more than 2,700 expressions, a dining saloon, a year-round rooftop terrace and a cellar spirits shop.
Good to know
Jack Rose Dining Saloon on 18th Street NW is a whiskey bar with a collection of more than 2,700 expressions that it describes as one of the largest in the world. Even if you only know a little about whiskey, the wall of bottles behind the bar is a sight in itself, and the staff can guide you towards something to suit your taste and budget.
The venue has several distinct spaces. Downstairs is the dining saloon, which serves a contemporary American dinner menu alongside the drinks. Upstairs is a glass-enclosed rooftop terrace that is open all year, with happy hours, DJs and late-night food. Below is a cellar tasting room and spirits shop, Premier Drams, which sells bottles to take away, including whiskeys bottled exclusively for Jack Rose.
The drinks list goes beyond whiskey, with handcrafted cocktails, wines and draught beers. Jack Rose regularly holds tastings and single barrel releases, and it hosts themed events through the year, such as a Repeal Day party. Sign up for the newsletter on its website if you want to time a visit with a special event.
Reservations for the dining room are taken through Resy, and online orders go through Toast. The rooftop is the busiest part of the building on weekend evenings, so arrive early if you want a seat there. Look at the hours page on the website before you go.
Jack Rose suits whiskey lovers, groups of friends and anyone looking for a relaxed evening in a lively neighbourhood. The rooftop is a good choice for a night out with music, while the saloon and the tasting room suit a more focused evening of tasting. Allow at least a couple of hours. Tell the bartender what you usually drink and ask for a suggestion; it is a sensible way to explore such a long list.
Adams Morgan has many bars and restaurants along 18th Street, and Tryst is further up the street for coffee the next morning. The LINE DC hotel is a few minutes away on foot. The neighbourhood is busy late at night, especially at weekends, so take a taxi or ride share home if you are staying further away.
More than 2,700 expressions.
Yes. A glass-enclosed rooftop terrace is open year-round, with happy hours, DJs and late-night food.
Yes. The downstairs dining saloon serves a contemporary American dinner.
Yes. Premier Drams, the cellar tasting room and shop, sells bottles including Jack Rose exclusives.
Reservations are made through Resy.
Yes. Tastings, single barrel releases and themed parties are held through the year.
Cocktails, wine and draught beer.
On 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan.
Restaurant
A family-run U Street institution since 1958, serving its original half-smokes and chili from a building that was once a silent cinema.
Thing to do
Capitol Hill's historic public market, trading since 1873, with an indoor food hall all week and outdoor produce and craft stalls at weekends.
Attraction
The Smithsonian's flagship aviation and space museum on the National Mall, home to the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command…
Tour operator
Narrated hop-on, hop-off trolley tours with 15 stops around the National Mall, plus a Monuments by Moonlight night tour of the major memorials.