Best & Cool Bars in Bull Run

"Georgetown epicurean restaurant Fiola Mare is one of three Fabio Trabocchi restaurants in Washington, D.C. This impeccably tasteful waterfront seafood restaurant is the place to rub shoulders with Washington’s political and social elite. It’s been featured in national publications like O Magazine, Travel + Leisure, and Hollywood Reporter as well as in countless notable D.C."

"If you want to enjoy waterfront views and one of the most highly rated restaurants in town, then go to Fiola Mare. Whoever you take will be greatly impressed by the freshness of the ingredients, selection of menu items, and creative take on plating and presentation. Expect luxe and modern both in the décor and the food."

"The stylish younger sister of the famed Fiola restaurant, Fiola Mare fronts the lively Georgetown waterfront and features sophisticated Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh seafood dishes, which are complemented by an extensive wine list. Interiors are elegant and..."

"Reopened in 2013 under the direction of executive chef Anthony Chittum, this venue dates back to the days of the Civil War when it was used as stables for its cavalry officer owner. Today, the original carriageway hosts the bar and year-round dining area and features a cozy courtyard complete with grapevines and wisteria. Focusing on Mediterranean inspired mezze driven dishes, a winter entrée menu recently featured caramelized ricotta gnocchi, spiced lamb sausage and whole roasted Maine lobster."

"Tall ceilings, white-brick walls and a cozy fireplace all add up to make Iron Gate one of the nicest dining rooms in our neighborhood of Dupont Circle. The seasonal menus here are comprised of Mediterranean-inspired, Mezze-driven dishes created on a wood-burning hearth and rotisserie."

"This swanky, cool restaurant dishes up small Greek and Italian plates, in addition to a tasting menu and a high-end brunch menu. There are few places as cozy as Iron Gate, as diner..."

"Named the best new restaurant in America by Bon Appétit in 2014 and also the recipient of a Michelin Star, Aaron Silverman’s Rose’s Luxury on Capitol Hill has plenty of ways to wow you. Diners have especially marveled at the lychee salad, a staple dish that has remained steadfast on an ever-changing menu. This dish featuring sweet lychees, pork sausage, red onion and peanuts is topped with a cool coconut cream and, like the restaurant itself, leaves quite the impression."

"Celebrating their 6th anniversary, Rose wants to delight its diners with a “Best Of Menu” featuring all of the best dishes that made Rose’s success. With room for large parties, this venue is sure to be a fun thing to do in DC at night for the over 21 crowds. Experience savory dishes like lumanconi Alla Norma and South Carolina Brisket, and explore some of the greatest hits, 5% of all proceeds benefit nonprofits."

"Chef/owner Aaron Silverman's farmhouse restaurant, in the heart of Barracks Row, serves creative (and Michelin-starred) cooking inspired by his travels and culinary training in the American South, Mexico, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia...."

"Fiola, which is situated squarely between the Capitol Building and the White House, is a prime destination for Washington, DC’s upper echelon of diplomats and politicians. The proprietors of Fiola embrace a commitment to quality in every aspect of the restaurant. The menu is updated daily, with a constantly evolving assortment of finely crafted Italian dishes."

"Look for a red door just off King: If the blue light’s on, PX is open for business. Knock, and a server will guide you to an upstairs lounge with wood-paneled walls, floor-length mirrors and a gilded chandelier straight out of the Roaring Twenties. Order the Wet Money ($14) with Espolon Blanco Tequila, New Amsterdam Vodka, Blue Curacao, passion fruit, lime juice and salt water: Smooth and refreshing with a slightly sour tang, it provides the perfect end to a busy day in Alexandria. Wednesday through Saturday nights."

"Situated in the Shaw, Espita gives traditional Mexican dishes a modern Mid-Atlantic spin, resulting in some unique, seasonal dishes filled with exciting, bold flavors. Expect a chilled out, trendy vibe, complete with an industrial-chic interior design and a massive, edgy skull mural. Make sure you try the mezcal (straight or mixed in a cocktail) while you’re here to really get the full Oaxaca meets Mid-Atlantic experience."

"Espita Mezcaleria serves Southern Mexican cuisine in the happening Shaw neighborhood, and, as you may be able to glean from its name, plenty of mezcal. Take the taste buds on quite the trip with the barbacoa tacos, which consist of slow-roasted lamb shoulder, salsa verde and onion. That flavor explosion goes hand in hand with a strong mezcal drink."

"This Oaxaca-influenced restaurant responded to the pandemic by launching a Ghostburger pop-up and relying on its fully covered side patio."

"The popular gay bar in Logan Circle offers a “XL” happy hour daily until 8 p.m. with $5 beers and wines and $15 bottles and pitches. Walk up for to-go service or hang out on its lengthy back patio."

"ArlingtonWhen they aren’t showing second-run films or particularly popular sports events (Hello, World Cup!), the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse offers the best comedy shows south of the Potomac. The main room has played host to several SNL and Last Comic Standing veterans, as well as to bigger names such as Trevor Noah and Patton Oswalt. Between Thursday and Saturday, the Green Room off the main entrance is also a hot spot for the best local and regional stand-up comedians..."

"Cross the district boarder and head on over to the the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. This 1930s art deco theater features top-notch comedy and live music shows, movie showings, and a restaurant. Comedy shows are performed on their main stage and in a smaller green room."

"Silver SpringThis Silver Spring space’s motto is “Anyone Can Do Theatre.” In addition to being the only theater on this list that hosts workouts-cum-theater techniques (yes, this exists), it provides many performance opportunities for local improv teams. Their long-form comedy competition, Cagematch is on a brief hiatus, but they’re still hosting improv most Fridays."

"Be sure to dress up, whether grooving to jazz or getting down to slick beats at a dance party. Howard Theatre has been refurbished to honor its original glory, anchoring the easternmost end of the U Street and Shaw neighborhoods and hosting big-name acts across R&B, pop and other genres."

"Pupatella’s certified Neapolitan-style pizzas are some of the best around D.C. The location near Ballston is the original for the franchise, which has since expanded into south Arlington as well as Dupont Circle, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia. Those interested in eating al fresco can do so in its new tented outdoor seating."

"Certifiable Neapolitan pizzeria Pupatella is accepting phone and online orders only for pickup at its two locations in Arlington. The original location at Wilson Boulevard is also on UberEats. View this post on Instagram"

"If you want to save on delivery, check out Eats Pass, as subscribers are eligible for $0 delivery fee. Subject to terms, fees & availability. Learn about Eats Pass here."

"A cool little "mom and pop" pop shop that just so happens to also have coffee. With tons of seating options, this is the perfect spot for a date or some light reading. Just don't let your pop drip on the pages."