Reviewing this for the experience at night once it converts more to a country bar. Cool spot, but super crowded. They take cover at the door but probably need to start slowing the rate at which people can get it. It was super crowded. It felt like there was always someone trying to squeeze right by us and staff is constantly moving from one side of the room to the next and causing the crowd to shift and people to lean on each other. Not to mention the density led to an extremely hot environment. We were trying to get some air because of how hot and stuffy it was but they were only opening the patio space up for smokers. Finally, on the second floor, there's only 2 bathrooms. The line for this took about 30 minutes. read more

I live 400 feet from this bar. I was actually pretty excited to get a taste of home here. 5 Spot is anything but. Anyone saying that this is the destination country bar in the City is absolutely bonkers. I spent 27 years in Nashville and this bar is nothing like you'd experience in Nashville. Lets do a little comparison: It's a Friday night. Imagine you're walking down Broadway, you hear the drums, vocals, and wonder, where is that coming from. You look up at Tootsies Orchid Lounge and what do you see? A firey band playing and vibing, and the crowd rocking along enjoying their time. Now, imagine you're in Union Market and you can hear that same sound. You look up and what do you see, curtains. Because here at the 5 Spot, hospitality means you can only see the band if you decide to go in. Ohhh, and what does also mean, you'll only be able to go in if you pay the cover. Right now, its a "reasonable" $10.00, but we all know it's going to be increasing over time. Once you get inside you also realize that this place wasn't meant to be a country bar. First of all, there are a couple hundred people crammed inside but there's only a tiny public bathroom stalls available, i only noticed 3 on the first floor, and a few upstairs. The wait time wasn't as long since I was there later in the night, but I imagine those folks earlier might have had a hard time. And then there's the upstairs DJ portion. After waiting in a terribly long line, that also blocks the only entrance, you finally make it upstairs. (fire marshal issue, so i don't blame them for the wait.) The only country song this person played was "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. He had breaks at the weirdest part of the song where no one filled in by singing. And lets be clear, I love some good Miley. But I'm not going to a country bar to hear Party in the USA. Desert 5 Spot is the place where kids from Georgetown and Navy Yard can finally have an excuse come into NOMA for their friends. It's complete cowboy cosplay and you should be very warned before going inside. I'd give it a chance strictly for food but I have a feeling I know how's that gonna go. read more

It's ok, a lot of pros and cons. They have a very basic drink selection so nothing special on that front, though prices are lower than your average DC bar. It is a huge space and gets very crowded. If you want a space that is full of people and energy, this is a good choice. On the flipside, if you don't like crowds, keep in mind you will get jostled and bumped by drunk people constantly. They play country music and frequently have events, including live music on weekends, which is what drew us in. Before the music started, we also tried one of their appetizers, the crispy corn bread, which is served as four corn bread sticks topped with thick salt and a side of a jalapeno honey. Those were excellent, so I do recommend sampling if you visit. I'm not sure the experience is worth a second try for us, but if if you have a cowboy hat and/or boots gathering dust in your closet, this is your excuse to bust them out. read more

Had a silly goofy time at Desert 5 Spot. It can get crowed in there, so prepare yourself mentally for that. read more

Desert 5 Spot - Silly Goose - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Chicken wings were good and fries were pretty good too. came here to grab a quick eat and drink before going bc to the movies and it was great. service was great, and music was country and a vibe. i did go around 6pm so it wasn't packed at all and they were setting up the live band. curious about what the late night vibe is like. they also seem like they have great late night eats. hopefully i'll be back read more

Desert 5 Spot - chicken wings and fries - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Best country bar in DMV. Great food - ordered the pork ribs and cauliflower entrees with corn, brussel sprouts, and cabbage slaw. Cocktails are on the sweeter side and the Italian red wine on the menu is actually a rose. The place is extremely busy with lines around the block outside. Make a reservation around 8 pm to catch two live bands. Rooftop is impressive. We will be back! read more

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Desert 5 Spot is new country bar in dc. The decor was great with a western vine and the outside area had a view. They even have a mechanical bull! That said, it does get very packed we had to wait about 15-30 minutes just to get in. Once inside, the energy is great with classic country songs, but I was surprised they didn't have cranberry juice or Red Bull at the bar (kind of unusual for a place like this). Overall, it's a trendy and unique country bar with a great rooftop, but just be prepared for crowds and limited mixer options. read more

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I honestly had a disappointing experience here. From the overpriced drinks (a vodka cran cost $16) to the mechanical bull being broken for the most of the night, this was not a place I would come back to anytime soon. This place reminded me of my time living in Nashville, and that's why this place didn't get a 1 star rating as the live music was good. Not sure if my review reflects Desert 5 or bars in DC in general, but it seems like I still have yet found a country bar that I like in this city. read more

Desert 5 Spot - Drinks - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Very fun new spot in Union Market! Really caters to everyone depending on what time you go as it can be fairly laid back early in the evening and then very clubby later on. The band is amazing! Drinks are not the best and service can be slow when they're busy but overall very worth a visit. read more

I went to the Sunday night line dancing lesson and it was such a good time. I love dancing and had never tried line dancing, would definitely recommend! They taught some line dances at a range of levels. I went kinda by myself and it was a great vibe, friendly people, lots of dancing I could join in. I got a margarita. Only way it could be better is if they turned on the bull riding. read more

Extremely crowded bar even on a Friday night at 9. Which makes sense for a Friday but it just felt unmanaged. Long line starts to form for upstairs which in my opinion is a bad space. Tables to sit are reserved and the bar seating is limited. Music is loud but a good mix of country. Bull riding line wrapped into the bar which also made the space awkward. Drinks were expensive but I feel like part of the price was them not charging a cover fee. There was outdoor seating but no heat lamps. The bar did not seem LGBTQ or mobility friendly (stairs to second level where bar is). There is a separate restaurant downstairs but doesn't allow you access to upstairs. If you really want to go to this bar I would suggest during the week when it's less crowded. read more

Stopped by here on a Friday evening and there was live entertainment, which drew us in. We tried their spinach artichoke dip, which came with chips and veggies. Our server Georgia was really nice and was always willing to check in although it did get pretty packed quickly. They have a really cool western theme set up, with a mechanical bull upstairs. I'd love to come back when they have the Wild West Thursday's, with beer and a shot for $5 till 9pm. read more

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What a fun spot! Nothing in DC like it - I truly felt like I stepped into Nashville. Riding a bull, Photo Booth photos, rooftop cocktails, live music - this bar has it all!! The bartender upstairs made us amazing cocktails. Everything was so aesthetic and clean. I can't wait to return! read more

Desert 5 Spot - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Welcome to DC, Desert 5! If you're into country/disco, this is the spot - they have table packages in which you can reserve for (6+), which includes assorted alcoholic beverages (beers, margaritas, etc.). They feature live performances, so we wanted to check them out - they are pretty good in posting the schedule, so you could pick-and-choose. Their menu offers various apps and shareables - we ordered the Cowboy Nachos, the Cherry Wood-Smoked Pork Spare Ribs, and the Black Pepper-Crusted Brisket Sandwich. If you're into bull-riding (requires a signed waiver) or line dancing, they have it! Staff were pleasant and attentive! The space is well-decorated, with the snakeskin wallpaper and whiskey barrels for seating. Plenty of parking in the Union District area! +shareable apps +friendly staff +reservations accepted +ample parking read more

This is such a fun addition to the neighborhood! Everyone is so friendly and provides the best service and all the food is fantastic! Go enjoy their music, a drink, and don't miss out on the brisket sandwich and the cornbread sticks! read more

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Howdy baby! A honky tonk in Union Market - we have landed the plane! I've been 3 times at this point and I just can't get enough. Saddle up for some amazing energy whether it's on the first level with live bands (literally every night) or upstairs for some rooftop action, Yellowstone lounge vibes or bull riding action. Drinks are delicious too - I recommend any of the tequila concoctions. Big tip - make a reso if you're coming after 6pm on a weekend night. Bonus - they have karaoke Wednesday nights. Yes, I was the one belching "I've got friends in low places" last night....yee haw! Locked in on Desert 5. read more

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Came here on a Friday night just for the bar - arrived before 9 so there was no line to enter. Very elaborate western decor, lots of different areas to explore - upstairs bar + dj, outdoor area, downstairs had live music. It did get very busy - had friends show up around 10/11 and the line wrapped around the street. They also have a deal on Wednesdays for 20002 residents, will have to check that out! read more

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This place was awesome! Can't wait to go back and bring my friends! I love the vibes and the atmosphere

Desert 5 Spot is a cool place. I had never heard of it. We had dinner nearby in NOMA and stumbled upon this place. It's big, there's a rooftop, and there's live music. Staff is great, and the food and beverages are affordable for this area. We will have to come back again when we have more time. There are multiple locations. read more

I live across the street and was so excited about this place, given the upscale hospitality group that helmed the project & the fact that it seemed like a fun neighborhood addition. I really, really want to love it. Unfortunately, the two times I've been here were pretty lacking. The decor is the real standout - it's very fun and kitschy and not at all "cheap" as another reviewer mentioned. They have real leather saddles as barstools and really paid attention to details. The drinks, however, are not very good. I've now had 3 different "signature cocktails" and all were mediocre at best. The drink recipes themselves are overall not very appealing. Service was slow both times. I was willing to overlook this the first time we went, as it was only a few weeks old. But the second time, around halloween, it was very difficult to get served and we were standing at the upstairs bar. None of the bartenders seemed friendly except for one brunette woman. Another annoying factor is the crowd itself. This bar skews younger than most of the spots in the area, and both times what I can only describe as large packs (8+ people) of 20-somethings acting very obnoxiously basically took over the bar, like physically you had to almost push between people to get a drink. I'm all for bringing new people to the neighborhood, but this was just rude and inconsiderate. You'll also likely be packed in - the downstairs gets so busy that it's unpleasant. Upstairs is more chill before 9 but then also becomes chaotic. I want so much to like this place, but they really need to improve their drinks - the whole point of a bar in the first place - and crowd control. read more

This place is great for dinner or a night out. We went on a Friday and they had live music all night. Upstairs they have a mechanical bull which was fun. The chicken sandwich was delicious, it had a little heat and a lot of flavor. The service was a little hard to track down at points. read more

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From the moment you walk in, the energy is electric. Literally like you've stumbled into a secret party everyone wishes they were invited to. The live band absolutely kills it with high-energy, insanely talented, and clearly having as much fun as the crowd. It's the kind of vibe that keeps you dancing between sips. And the cocktails? Unreal. Perfectly balanced, creative, and dangerously drinkable. You can tell the bartenders actually care as they mix with flair and know exactly how to match your mood. The space itself strikes that rare balance between cool and comfortable. It's sleek enough for a night out, but still chill enough that you actually want to stay awhile. Whether you're here for a date night, group hang, or just to catch the band, Desert Spot 5 nails it. Honestly, DC's nightlife just leveled up. Desert Spot 5 is where the fun's at. Go now before the rest of the city catches on. read more

Desert 5 Spot - Live band - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's about time DC got a Honky Tonk! Overall the atmosphere and staff were amazing! The spinach artichoke dip was a favorite and came with chips and some assorted veggies. The drinks were a bit of a miss as they were all overly strong with the taste of cheap alcohol. Even the drinks with Malibu didn't taste like Malibu. After two drinks a piece we all switched to beer. read more

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Line dancing on Sunday's is the most fun I have all week. Multiple lessons with a lot that are easy to catch onto in the moment. The dances get more advanced as the night goes on, but by the time you can't keep up a rest at the bar and watching really talented people dance is a great way to wrap up the night! Wednesday karaoke is legit too! Live band playing with you really makes you feel like there's singer of the band dude. read more

Kinda like if Cracker Barrel had a bar.... This is a western themed bar, decor like a cheap restaurant pretending to be something it is not. Bar stools way too low for the bar (which itself is a cheap wood). I would not return. read more

As a desert girly with serious AZ and TX cred, I was excited to give this a try. The good: The live music was great! Service was very kind. The cornbread was nice and crispy. The bad: Wow the menu is ... a complete miss. Nothing Texas about it. No queso, no tacos, no Texas beers, no Mexican beers, no Micheladas, no chilaquiles. My best guess about BBQ is that it was Carolina style. Definitely not a dry smoked Texas beef rib with a spicy baste and dip. It's like someone from New York heard Texas was cool and made a restaurant about it. The margaritas were made from a MIX(!). Shameful. If the old 1990s Pace Picante commercial (New York CITY?!?!) was brought to life, it would be this restaurant. The TBD: I was there on a Wednesday, so we didn't get to see the rooftop, upstairs music set-up, or the line dancing. Might give that a shot and skip the food if there's a next time. read more

Decided to try something different for our anniversary, so we dusted off our cowboy boots and headed to Desert 5 Spot, a self-proclaimed slice of "NashVegas." What a blast! We grabbed seats at the upstairs bar--complete with adorable saddle seats--and listened to all our favorite country hits. Our bartender, Karen, was a gem: friendly, funny, and attentive--she clearly loves her job. On her advice, we shared the hot chicken sandwich (huge and delicious) and paired it with perfectly mixed margaritas. We even caught a bit of the mechanical bull action before calling it a night. Next time, we plan to come back on a Wednesday for live band Karaoke. This place is a ton of fun--highly recommended. read more

It was such a treat listening to live music while enjoying our food, it was great ambiance. The performers on 10/1/25 were amazing! The star of our evening was an employee named Mohammad. He was a kind gentleman who provided exceptional service, checking in on us more than any other employee there. He was extremely attentive, quick, warm, and a joy to have servicing us. Thank you Mohammad for making our night extra special, you were the best staff member we interacted with during our visit! read more

Desert 5 Spot - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

TLDR: country-themed bar with decent music and expensive beer. I think managed expectations is the key here - this is not a "country" bar - it's a "country-themed" bar. Meaning they play country music early, later it's a mix of party classics with some country throw in. The music is fun. They clearly put a lot of money into the place and it seems well run. The staff are dressed country but the crowd was very much not - it was a pretty standard young DC / Nova crowd similar to what you'd see at Saufhaus. Crowd wasn't friendly - everyone just kept to themselves, staff weren't friendly either. It was fun for what it is, but I personally consider a country bar to be friendly, unpretentious, cheap beer and country music all night - this isn't that. The music is also uncomfortably loud for the style of music they are playing. A Miller Light was $8 which is ridiculous lol read more

the definition of gross in every way. managers and staff are rude and aggressive, crowd has a terrible vibe, literally saw roaches in the bar and rats around the building. I know it's DC but I have literally never seen that before. does not fit in with the rest of the neighborhood and seems extremely corny read more

Definition of trying to hard. This bar doesnt do anything well. Saddles instead of bar stools? Dimly lit so you cant see anyone. Too loud so you cant hear anyone. read more

1st time. Went to see a friend's band. Arrived solo, ordered a drink at the bar, privided a card to run a tab, had not decided where I was sitting. Bartender said, instead somebody would serve me at my seat. I asked him for the drink I ordered, left my tab open, then sat at a table near the stage. A friend joined me. For the rest of the evening (6-9 pm), the one waitress would not look at us and would not serve us. So I went to the bar for drinks and food. The place was almost empty. It made no sense to ignore my table. Is a not possible to start a tab at the bar and get service at my table for the next three hours? Additionally, mixed drinks are very expensive. read more

if you're looking for a country bar this is not the spot. staff is rude, vibes are off, mechanical bull wasn't on, employees paid to dance are snooty. Don't waste your time or money read more

Firstly, I would like to add that I attended this bar in the hopes of supporting a new business. I had a good time until I was accosted by a large grown man. I understand the bar is crowded but shoving people is never okay. The man attempted to put his hands on me again and out came the owner who instead of asking if I was okay told my friends and I to leave her bar. The owner proudly supports men putting their hands on women and for that, I can no longer support this business. The food was also subpar. read more

lexi is the goat bartender we love her shes so beauty queen also jts rly cutesy aesthetic men are kinda mid tho but women look great as usual read more