PX in Old Town, or Captain Gregory's. I would not plan on having dinner at either place, just pre-dinner drinks.

Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown has a gorgeous bar across the courtyard from the actual restaurant. Very cozy and intimate.

Fiola has a nice bar, and you can order food there (they have happy hour specials too). Also the one at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown--their cocktail list looks amazing.

Much more casual would be Bar Charley or Archipelago (tiki drinks!). Not cheap, but probably not upscale.

+1 for PX and Barmini

Or Captain Gregory's is fun.

Anonymous wrote:Columbia Room (cocktails), Bar Dupont, The Next Whiskey Bar (Watergate)

How is this??

The upstairs bar at The Gibson is lovely and intimate. No food though if I remember correctly.
Have fun, OP! (Feeling a bit nostalgic as I think back to my pre-kid life!)

+1 for PX. Love that place!

These are great ideas! Thank you!

Barmini - fancy, need reservations (this is the separate bar section of the fancy restaurant Minibar). you can order fancy drinks and small bites.

Harold Black - above Aqua al 2 in Capitol Hill. Much more subdued, but very intimate and perfect for date night! I think you still need reservations, but I think this place is perfect for what you describe. You can also get food there.

PX in Old Town. Get reservations. They don't have a menu but you can order fries from the fish and chips place down stairs and they will bring them up!

Columbia Room (cocktails), Bar Dupont, The Next Whiskey Bar (Watergate)

Have a fun new relationship and we're going on a date Wednesday night. Going to wear my new LBD. Suggestions for fun but intimate bar? We'll be dressed up but not looking for anything stuffy. Bonus if there's food and we can actually hear each other talk.