Solly's — Restaurant in Washington

Hands down my all time favorite dive-bar in DC, and I say that with tons of love and respect. There is no pretension here, and all are welcome, you won’t go broke drinking, you can bring your to-go food, and there’s always something fun to do!

Aside from their massive, excellent cover patio that lets you watch all the fun of U St, there are also two bars inside. Downstairs is where all the regulars begin and end their night, where the owners are just as likely to be behind the bar as the employees. Upstairs they hold events almost every night of the week - from comedy, to trivia, to bands, to plays. And of course Kostume Karaoke every Thursday, which is a crazy night of doing shots with the KJs on your birthday, and meeting crazy strangers wearing tiaras or judo gis (provided by the karaoke hosts) to sing! The walls tell the history of the bar, especially behind the bar and in the bathrooms. But the bartenders and regulars will tell you just as easily themselves - and what a long crazy history it’s been! Ask them about when the car crashed through the window, or the Caps won the Cup, or the neighbors almost sent it all crashing down during an ill-fated renovation.

This is no a fancy dress up joint - although no one thinks twice if you walk in looking your best. You come here to be comfortable, to have well poured, affordable drinks, to have the bartenders become your besties, to meet your new best friends just...

The "wait experience" was disappointing. I've been to karaoke joints from OK to NYC. I've never felt so slighted as when I went to this place. I got there about 10:30pm & it was packed! Sardines in a small upper floor loft. So, I found a song, and turned it in soon after I arrived. I then nursed a drink until it went into a "coma". Seriously, I waited for two hours to do one song! Of course, it's "encouraged" to tip the KJ. Don't patrons TIP for GOOD SERVICE?!?!? Meanwhile, I saw several folks whose faces I got to know as I sat there perform twice. Ugh! Either the rotation is as long as it is from Earth to Pluto, or the tip concept is being abused.

Anyway, once my name was called at 12:15am (the next day), I got up to do my song. The crowd was well lit by then, so the partied as I sang "No Diggity" by Blackstreet. Then, I scratched Kostume Karaoke off of my to-do...

My friends and I walked into this establishment in hopes that they were serving food. We walked in and the bartender (a white man with a redish beard and blonde hair) and a bunch of his patron buddies proceeded to stare at us. Already off to an uncomfortable start. There was no greeting, no questions asked, so I approached the bar with all these staring, older men. We asked the bartender if they were serving food, to which he curtly said, “Not yet.” It was 7:00 o’clock. On a Saturday. Was this a COVID thing? Was the kitchen not yet open? He provided no further explanation. Truly a bizarre interaction. As we were preparing to leave, several of the patrons proceeded to harass us and catcall us. Guess you have to be in some sort of boys’ club to be welcome at this establishment. One of the most uncomfortable and strangest interactions in my life. Will not be...