The Dew Drop Inn — Restaurant in Washington

My colleague lives in the area and invited me for a drink and I had never heard of the spot. It was chill around happy hour, kinda empty. Classic dive bar. The beer was cold. By the second drink the place started to fill and it seemed like the male/female ratio was very lopsided to the female persuasion and at first I was like “cool”, and then I reeeally took it all in and started to wonder if I was at a gay bar (which is still totally cool). Maybe it was the vendor selling “Dyke” merchandise, or the fact that for once I was able to enjoy a drink without being bothered by strangers or crowded by yuppies. Either way the atmosphere was conducive to minding my own business and having a good time. The outdoor area is great.

The upstairs had vendors with various art and wares they made. I have since learned that the event was actually “Dew Drop’s Dyke Party”. I would gladly come to another Tuesday “Dyke Party” if it’s always so chill (albeit not very diverse).

The downstairs also had a bar and around 8 there was Christmas-themed live music of the R&B/Soul/Jazz persuasion. This crowd was substantially more eclectic and in my subjective views couldn’t be categorized as homogenous. Free live music in DC is unheard of so I was extremely gracious.

My only complaint is that this is a dive in the heart of the dmv that doesn’t serve National Bohemian. But I have since learned that they allow dogs so I won’t hold it...

Great space. Plenty of parking which makes this niche bar appealing. However, I must have gotten the worst bar tender in the history of DC.

I was the only person standing at an open bar waiting to order.... The middle aged blond bar tender seemed to be blind and def. As i have worked retail for most of my life, i try to be very polite and respectful when ordering (which perhaps was my problem). A new person walked up and was immediately served. I waited and figured it must be a mistake. The middle aged blond bar tender was then face deep in the computer, Im thinking "hes just putting in orders." I have my credit card in my hand raised up showing im trying to order. GIVEN: there are no other customers at the time. Another gentleman walks up and is helped by said bar tender. I waved my hand and in a indoor volume spoke, "excuse me" a few times. The middle aged blond bartender then helps the next random person to show up to the bar AFTER LOOKING ME DEAD IN THE EYE.

Im not saying he was ignoring me. It didnt feel like that, he was just bad. Just a horrible bartender that made my first time at this establishment miserable. I left after that. I dont have any reason to return to this bar. Its far away from anything and very hard to get to. I would highly recommend you spend your money where the bartenders care about...

Coastal folks who found bars in Middle America and bemoan their lack in DC, rejoice. There is the dew drop inn. This dive bar exists without that pretense of intentionally being a dive bar. Taking over the space from chocolate city brewing, they installed a classic American bar. Unlike some of the other divey offerings in the area, it isn't an institution fighting against the great cultural homogenization of gentrification, nor is it a loud assertion of it's div-ness. It has darts, a patio, sells beer, slings cocktail, and has regulars from the Brookland and Catholic neighborhoods. It doesn't try to do more, and it is simply perfect the way it is.

Worth a visit if you're looking to escape to the rest of America for a spell. Worth a visit if you want to mingle with the non-transient locals. Worth a visit because it...