Washingtonian : The Best Bars in Washington, D.C.

Brine

2985 District Ave., Fairfax; 703-280-1000

Sauvignon Blanc might initially leap off the page at this supersized oyster bar, but we also like pairing briny bivalves with brown liquor. Here, the whiskey library holds nearly 200 bottles, including the increasingly rare Yamazaki 18-year from Japan. The spirits menu runs longer than many Thanksgiving grocery lists, but four-glass flights can help ease indecision.

 

B Side

8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax; 703-676-3550

We wish all Red Apron Butcher locations came with an adjoining cocktail bar like this one—laid-back, just dark enough, and with a top-notch drinks list to accompany all the meaty fare, such as ranch pork rinds (genius). Cocktails, all named after B-side tracks, get creative without being fussy: The smoky That’s What You Do—with mezcal, Manzanilla sherry, and golden Chartreuse —deserves to go platinum.