DC's 12 Best Wine Bars

A “smart”, “sexy” design makes this midpriced Eclectic wine bar on U Street seem “more NYC than DC”, with its “extensive” wine collection displayed on three open floors, and young folks catching views of the action around them; “enjoyable” small plates (foodies “recommend” the pork belly banh mi) are designed to match the vino and fancy cocktails ferried by the “caring” staff.

The staff will “steer you right” for “imaginative food with tasteful wine pairings” at this vine-centric Bethesda New American whose contemporary space includes “romantic” two-person booths for “date night”, private “wine cellar” rooms for small groups and a chef’s table overlooking the kitchen that keeps kids “occupied”; a few sour grapes say it’s “noisy” and “pricey” but they’re crushed by great bunches of folks who “love this place.”

Columbia Heights has the number on what “may be the perfect restaurant” concept: take a “cozy” zinc-topped wine bar, add a large patio and serve “excellent, inventive” Eclectic small plates paired with “fabulous” wines; with its “Brooklyn”-“hipster” vibe and “tremendous bang for the buck”, no wonder its neighbors say it’s “worth the wait” (though waits may subside after an upcoming expansion).

“Dough my god, the crust!” gush groupies wowed by the “ambrosial” DOC-certified Neapolitan pies at this “popular” Cleveland Park pizzeria (some tout the “exceptional” small plates too); the scene inside the “sunny”, white-tiled premises can be “mayhem” – it’s a “yuppies-with-kids” magnet – but once the “friendly” staff delivers the “excellent-for-the-price” food, most “everyone is happy” – especially after swigging one of the “treasures on tap” or something from the quieter wine bar’s “adventurous selection.”