The closest thing D.C. has to Bourbon Street, 18th Street in Adams Morgan on Thurs-Sat nights after 10p is a wild, barely contained party. Scores of bars and jumbo slice spots entertain the young crowds in or straight-out-of college who either take Lyfts/Ubers or make the hike from the Woodley Park Metro a 15 minute walk away.  Still, even if you are not part of this target demographic, Adams Morgan is terrific the rest of the week (seriously, walk around on a Sunday afternoon), and even on weekends, a few spots can be an oasis from the crazy crowds that often occupy the sidewalk eating enormous slices of pizza.

(I have not visited the bars in italics)

18th Street (North to South)

Songbyrd Record Cafe & Music House ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Live Music, Chill
Smoke & Barrel ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Restaurant, Chill, Beers
Bossa Bistro & Lounge ¤ Live Music, Dancing, Outdoor Space
Madam’s Organ Blues Bar ¤ Live Music, Roof Deck, Outdoor Space
Tryst ¤ Restaurant, Chill
The Diner ¤ Restaurant, Chill
Shenanigans Irish Pub ¤ Irish Bar, 22-Year Olds, Meat Markety
Grand Central ¤ Dancey, Sports Bar, Meat Markety, Outdoor Space
Bukom Cafe ¤  Restaurant, Live Music, Loungey, Dancey
Club Timehri ¤ Dancey
Meze ¤ Restaurant, Loungey, Dancey, Outdoor Space
Roofers Union ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Restaurant, Beer, Chill, Roof Deck, Outdoor Space
Jug and Table ¤ Wine, Beer, Chill
Mellow Mushroom ¤ Restaurant, Beer, Chill, Roof Deck, Outdoor Space
The Game Sports Bar ¤ Chill, Sports Bar
Tiki on 18th ¤ Cocktails

Grand Duchess ¤ Chill, Cocktails
Johnny Pistolas ¤ Restaurant, Outdoor Space, Live Music
Club Heaven & Hell/Green Island Cafe ¤ Dancey
The Town Tavern ¤ 22 Year Olds, Meat Markety, Outdoor Space
Pitchers / A League of Her Own ¤ Lesbian/Gay, Sports Bar
Dan’s Cafe ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Divey
sPACYcLOUD Lounge ¤ Restaurant, Music
Muzette Lounge ¤ Karoake

Soussi ¤ Loungey, Hookah, Outdoor Space
The Green Zone ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Cocktails
Asmara ¤ Restaurant (Ethiopian),

Jack Rose Dining Saloon ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Beer, Chill, Outdoor Space, Roof Deck
The Blaguard ¤ Divey, Chill, Outdoor Space
The Imperial  ¤ Cocktails, Restaurant
Dram & Grain ¤ Barred in DC, Pick, Cocktails
18th & U Duplex Diner ¤ Gay, Diner
Lucky Buns ¤ Barred in DC Pick, Restaurant, Chill, Live Music, Outdoor Space

Columbia Rd (west to east)

Lapis / Metropolitan Lounge ¤ Restaurant, Loungey, Dancey, Outdoor Space
Bedrock Billiards ¤ Divey, Games
Habana Village ¤ Restaurant, Dancey
El Rincon Español ¤ Restaurant, Divey, Dancey
Pop’s Seabar ¤ Restaurant, Chill, Cocktails, Outdoor Space

A Reveler’s Hour ¤Restaurant, Wine Bar
Brother’s and Sisters ¤ Hotel, Chill, Lounge