A Night Out in NoMa-Union Market: Bars & Nightlife

Photo Deliciousness Credit: @slymarcusdc

Nightcaps, rooftops, and neon.

The industrial warehouses of Northeast D.C. have traded wholesale crates for a more refined era, evolving into the city’s newest essential corridor for a night out.

The Brewery Tour

These are the neighborhood’s "town squares"—perfect for a Saturday afternoon that turns into a Saturday night.

• Red Bear Brewing Co.: Located in the Uline Arena, this 100% queer-owned brewery is a neighborhood anchor known for its massive taproom and board games. It’s a community hub where you can catch legendary events like drag bingo or high-energy RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties. (NoMa)
• Lost Generation Brewing Company: Housed in a 100-year-old former Nabisco factory, this brewery perfectly captures the neighborhood's soul with award-winning lagers. The taproom doubles as a vintage art gallery, offering a moody, sophisticated atmosphere that’s a far cry from your average warehouse brewery. (NoMa/Eckington)
• Crooked Run Fermentation: A creative hub specializing in sours, natural wines, and ciders for those who want something beyond a standard IPA. Pro tip: grab a slice from the built-in J&J Pizza window to enjoy on their sunny, dog-friendly patio. (Union Market District)
• Other Half Brewing: A destination for "hop-heads," this Brooklyn-based powerhouse is famous for its world-class hazy IPAs and experimental small batches. Its massive outdoor space is a staple of the local "beer trail" and perfect for large groups. (Ivy City/Union Market)

Elevated Cocktails & Rooftop Views

For when you want a sophisticated drink paired with a stunning D.C. skyline.

• Sly Rooftop Bar: An exciting addition to the skyline from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, located atop The Morrow Hotel. This lounge pairs panoramic views with an elite cocktail program and plush, velvet-clad interiors that feel like a cinematic escape. (NoMa)
• Desert 5 Spot: The newest heavyweight in the neighborhood, bringing vintage Palm Springs and country-western vibes to D.C. Expect live music, a mechanical bull, and a massive rooftop terrace that feels like a desert oasis in the heart of the city. (Union Market District)
• Hi-Lawn: A sprawling rooftop "picnic" bar atop Union Market with stunning views and seasonal slushies. It’s the ultimate spot for a low-key hangout, featuring regular DJ sets and plenty of green space to lounge under the sun or stars. (Union Market District)
• Serenata: An upscale Latin-inspired cocktail bar in La Cosecha specializing in masterfully crafted drinks featuring tequila, mezcal, and pisco. The bartenders here are true chemists, using unique ingredients that tell a story of Latin American heritage. (Union Market District)
• Elegancia: A high-end cocktail bar that brings a sophisticated, high-design energy to the La Cosecha market. It’s the perfect spot for an intimate date night or a pre-dinner cocktail in a space that feels both modern and warm. (Union Market District)
• The Mirror: A classic speakeasy hidden behind a literal mirror for those who take their cocktail craft seriously. Once you find your way in, you’ll be greeted by a dark, candlelit atmosphere and a menu of perfectly executed prohibition-era classics. (NoMa)

Distilleries & Local Spirits

NoMa and Union Market are the heart of D.C.’s craft spirits movement, where the drinks are made just feet from where you're sitting.

• Cotton & Reed: D.C.’s first rum distillery offers creative, award-winning cocktails in a sleek, industrial setting right next to the market. Their botanical rums are a game-changer, and the tasting room is always buzzing with locals stopping in for a quick, potent drink. (Union Market District)
• Republic Restoratives: A women-owned distillery and craft cocktail bar specializing in house-distilled whiskey, bourbon, and vodka. The space is massive yet welcoming, often hosting community events and offering some of the best spirit flights in the city. (NoMa/Union Market)
• metrobar: A NoMa icon built inside a refurbished 5000-series Metro railcar, celebrating the city's transit history. This outdoor venue features fire pits, local spirits, and a massive patio that makes it one of the most unique places to grab a drink in the District. (NoMa)

Dives, Darts & Late-Night Bites

Where the energy stays high and the kitchen stays open late.

• Last Call Bar: A stylishly gritty dive bar from the team behind Buffalo & Bergen. It’s the neighborhood’s go-to spot for reasonably priced "high-low" drinks, free darts, and a friendly, unpretentious vibe. (Union Market District)
• Pastis: A bustling French bistro with a high-energy bar that feels like a cinematic escape to Paris. It stays lively late into the night, making it the premier spot for a midnight martini and a side of salty fries. (Union Market District)
• St. Anselm: While it's a premier steakhouse, the tavern-style bar is an "insider" favorite for its incredible whiskey list. The dark wood and cozy booths make it a perfect hideaway for a late-night drink and a shared snack. (Union Market District)
• Sid Gold’s Request Room: A contemporary piano karaoke bar where the crowd is the entertainment. Whether you’re singing or just sipping a cocktail, the high-energy, sing-along atmosphere is contagious and keeps the party going until the early hours. (Union Market District)
• Songbyrd Music House: Part café, part bar, and part music venue, this spot is essential for indie music lovers. It hosts a dynamic range of touring artists and local record-listening parties, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. (Union Market District)

Discover a New Theory

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