This place always reminds me of frat parties. It's always a packed, busy and drunken night. It is Adams Morgan so if that's what you're going for, check it out. I will say they never seem to have enough bartenders. It's usually a fight or long wait to get a beer. If you get drinks, I'd "stock up" with a pitcher or getting 2 at a time. read more

Another bar to check off my list of AMo bars. We probably got there around 11? Yeah, I'll say 11. The front bar was full but not too full. One TV had Olympics on and the other had preseason football. Beers were reasonable(read: $5 for sam adams or bluemoon draft) and the crowd was fun minus the obnoxious so-drunk-i-might-puke-on-you girl who kept bumping into/leaning on me. But her friends were cool and finished their drinks and took her home. The dance floor was PACKED, so I didn't go down there. Its big and can't really be classified into one type of place so I like it. Got pretty crowded around 1am but still movable. And they have a little deck/patio! Overall fun times! read more

Ew, ew, and ew. Did I just come here on a bad night, or was I too sober after walking all those blocks from the Adam's Morgan metro stop in the BLAZING heat. This place was ridiculously packed and sweaty. The crowd also looked mostly like under-age hopefuls and really bad dancers. I'm going to say that I was definitely too sober to be here on too hot of a night, and perhaps maybe I may have had a little more fun if I was wasted? My friends and I stood at the bar slugging down drinks, and after about three in a row, we were still running to the door to get out from the over crowded bar. If I were to ever come back here again, I think I'd have to be really drunk. read more

I wasted $10 and 2 hours of my life at this pretentious, disgusting place. I would never have come here of my own volition, but my organization had an event here. First, the door guys were unbelievably rude to our few late-arriving attendees, even though we had an event going on and wrist bands and all. One of them threatened to pull out his "400 pound bouncer". Although I was very curious to meet this fellow, I didn't think that 3 small female students really required an additional 400 pounds of charm. The drinks were crappy, but I only paid $3 (group discount) for my crappy vodka tonic. The bar tenders were incredibly neglectful and rude to both men and women, insisting on taking only one drink order at a time. I wouldn't have even bothered, but I NEEDED to booze at this place. The only thing this place has going for it is A/C in the summer. I can't imagine why anyone would ever go here except to get out of the heat when every other place on 18th is packed. I guess there is no cover, either, but I would pay to NOT go inside. read more

Get the Nachos! Best in town! Been here a few times, always seems to be when I'm craving Nachos and they always satisfy the craving! Service is OK, not memorably amazing, but not memorably awful either I guess. I've noticed that they seem to have several regulars that come in and occupy their time, not that it's a bad thing.....but I think it affects how welcome you may or may not feel. That said, if you're just looking for a pint and pub grub this place will suit you fine. read more

I have been to grand central a few of times. My first visit was to catch an out of market NFL game drinks and the second was for dinner. On my first visit I had a few beers and the staff was very friendly periodically checking in with me. My only real complaint on this visit was the HD feed wasn't working so I had to watch the game in SD. If fairness to Grand Central, they were apologetic about it and even had a tech out there to look at it towards the end of the game. On my second visit I went for dinner using a Restaurant.com coupon ($25 off $35 or more). The certificate was only valid for food, but with all draft beers $3 till 9:00p on Saturday drinks were still cheap. That said I was only there with one friend and we struggled to spend $35 on food. Out server was very friendly and reviewed the ins and outs of the Restaurant.com deal before we ordered. We had the hummus and nacho appetizers. Both were solid options and meet my expectations, sure I have had better, but would definitely order both again. For our entrées I asked our server's opinion of the crap cake sandwich which she said was only 'alright.' So I opted for the Mediterranean chicken wrap. I asked to substitute the fries for a salad. I wasn't expecting much on the salad part as I am usually disappointed with the side salads many places offer instead of fries. I was pleasantly surprised to get what could have been an entrée salad complete with chunks of feta and other goodies. Best of all, there was no surcharge for the salad. After eating the salad and appetizers, I was so full I couldn't eat the wrap. However it made for a great lunch the next day. read more

-no cover -the line moves quickly -it's usually pretty packed, but not to the point that you can't move -the dj is crap (can we say 'transition'??), but most songs are still danceable -pretty girls -as for the guys... a few have tried to reach out and touch someone, but i've never seen/met anyone i would dance or hook up with read more

This place has the best happy hour on 18th street with $3 drafts (including Guinness!), wine and cheap rail drinks but what makes it great is the chef, Tony. He makes unique dishes and takes care with everything. The menu looks like normal bar food, but the ribs are Asian-styled and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The sliders are some of the best around. Even the waffle fries are just perfect. The location is also perfect for people watching, with an outdoor deck with an awning. I don't know what this place is like late night, but for meals, daytime drinking, and happy hours its perfect! read more

My friend and I were out looking for brunch food in Adams Morgan on a Saturday around noon. We were looking for somewhere with good food, a brunch cocktail and al fresco dining on a beautiful day. We put our name in at the Diner, but it was going to be a bit of a wait, so we took a peak at the resturant next door. It was Grand Central. I had never really noticed it before, so with low to no expectations we took a seat. They had tables for two available immediately on their outdoor porch, covered with an awning for shade from the sun. I ordered a $5 Spicy Bloody Mary and my friend ordered a $3 Screwdriver. We both liked the Bloody Mary best, despite its brownish color, it it the spot and was very tasty. I ordered their #1, which was a standard breakfast (2 eggs, meat, starch and toast). It was a lot of food for $7 and my bacon was cooked just right. My friend ordered the hot cakes and they were light, fluffy and yummy. On top of the good food, the waitress and cooks were very friendly and efficient. And while they have limited space, it seemed like there was always a table available and it was very relaxed and quiet compared to the loud music and crowds next door at the Diner. So, next time you're looking for a calm weekend brunch without pretension..stop in at Grand Central. read more

I was hesitant for a 4th star. When I choose to go to Adams Morgan on a late night, I always go to Grand Central but something always turns me off once I get there. It could be a bouncer, some idiot in the crowd, the particular bartender, or the music. I can never thoroughly enjoy myself without going through some bullshhh first. Naturally after a few drinks, I'm cool. read more

Probably the best bar in Adams Morgan. Drinks were awesome and service was great. I'll be back.

Oh dear. On the one hand, it's my fault for going on Kickball Night. On the other hand, this is the kind of place that has Kickball Night. So I feel it's totally relevant to the review to note that. I came. I saw tee shirts. I had a pitcher of DC Brau in a Bud Light pitcher with plastic cups. The experience cost me $30 before tip. I was also treated like a small child by the bartenders. This. This is the reason I despise Adams Morgan. read more

I love dancing so I naturally gravitated to Grand Central a few years ago when Nolan's closed down. Now, Grand Central can be fun sometimes bit I'm giving it only 2 stars based on my last experience, which was last Friday. Here are my gripes: (1) The DJ explicitly told me that management ordered him not to play hip hop music. (2) If you open a tab, they automatically charge you gratuity. (3) There's only so much Lady Gaga and Ke$ha I can take. (4) The place can get a bit hot when it's crowded. I've had fun at Grand Central over the years but after my last experience, I need to find a new place to dance and have fun. read more

Came here yesterday after zombie crawl. Service was a little slow but four stars to the bartender who gave me an extra shot of tequila for my tequila sunrise when I asked for it. The drink wasn't that weak but it was too sweet (blame it on the grenadine) for my taste..so needed something to balance it out. Good music too! Was playing funk but switched over to top 40s music later on in the night. read more

I went here last Friday. You know, the night where it started pouring just as everyone was showing up to 18th street to find a bar. When it started we were just walking past grand central and decided to jump inside. Anything to get out of the rain. It was cool because they had an awning on the front. Something to keep all the smokers dry and such. There is no cover, which is definitely a plus. A small dress code, which just means that you shouldn't wear your gym clothes something I think is reasonable. A coat check at the door for $2, super helpful on those rainy nights and such. Drinks are reasonable. A jagerbomb was $8, A Hypnotic and vodka was $7, a rum and coke was $5 and a bottle of miller lite was probably around $3 or $4. We got to the bar around 11pm and had no trouble finding some seats at the bar. Definitely a lot of security at the place but they were all really friendly about things. Things didn't start getting crowded till 1am-ish. I liked the bar because it played top 40 and I could dance like crazy and didn't have to listen to a crappy band that played so loud I couldn't talk to my friends. The DJ was a bit annoying in that he didn't take our request but whatever. Life goes on. I would recommend Grand Central if you just want to dance and have a good time and especially if you're carrying around a coat or umbrella. read more

I had a pretty good time here. There is a lot of space and there are several bars. There is a lot of dance floor space. The bartenders were friendly and always willing to refill your drink before you even could ask. The shooters are fantastic and they taste like pixie stix. Drinks are reasonably priced during non-happy hour times. Wide selection of beer. I would definitely come here again. read more

When I enter Grand Central, I feel like I'm entering a virtual reality. The people here cannot be real. They are too ridiculous. And the design of the space makes it seem like I'm in Tron or something. This is why I love it though. I can just observe ridiculous people while dancing to whats usually a good mix of Top 40 bangers. Oh, and last time I was there, the upstairs TVs had Reservoir Dogs AND From Dusk Till Dawn playing. The drinks aren't bad for DC standards, and prices are average. All in all, good for an entertaining time. read more

Spent NYE at this place! It was incredibly overcrowded and the staff incredibly rude. Except the sweet lady at the coat check (hence two vs. one star)! Some bouncer told my friend to move away from the stairs and as she was trying to explain to him that there was nowhere else to stand he called two more bouncers and had us pushed to the exit. We didn't understand what was going on and wanted to wait to get our jackets bc it was freezing outside to which the response was to call the cops...LOL really? Unless you're a fan of drunk teens dancing to badly remixed mainstream music and being thrown out of mediocre clubs AVOID by all means! read more

THEY HAVE A PHOTO BOOTH (let that sink in) This place is great! I have been here numerous times but this was my first time going for NYE. It was ppaacckkeed (as usual, but not annoying packed ya know?) and drinks are still cheap (Patron Margarita $11..AWESOME) I will now give you the rundown of cost/ dress code on a normal night vs NYE Cost: -FREE all night (normal night) -$20 (NYE) Dress Code: - Casual (jeans and a party top...heels if you're feeling adventurous) - Dressy ( I wore disco pants with a tank top tucked in and a blazer. Some women wore dresses...Men wore suits mostly or a button up shirt and slacks.) The women's bathroom is kind of small and the ground is slippery. I saw two girls fall but they also could have been drunk (hey we've all been there). There is also a woman who hands you a paper towel to dry your hands. The music is Top 40s mostly like stuff you would hear on Hot 99.5 although on NYE they did play more hip hop than usual which was exciting. I only gave 4 stars because on NYE they said our ticket included a buffet and a midnight toast and I saw no signs of either read more

From 97-2001, Adams Morgan was a regular haunt of mine and a lot of fun for me and my college friends and boyfriend to go out and have fun on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. We would usually hit several bars (Cities, Heaven, and eventually-eyeroll-Tom Tom's) and though it was always a little seedy when compared to G-Town, it was still safe, fun and an atmosphere created by a bunch of drunk college kids looking to have a good time. Fast-forward 10 years-- I just returned back to DC from NYC and thought it would be fun to hit up the old neighborhood and see how it had changed. I expected us to be the older people at the bar but what I didn't expect was for AM to have become sooooo lowbrow. There were tons of fights, cops, and so many guys grabbing and yelling obscene comments to women that it was scary. Grand Central was packed and the music was good but the crowd was bad. Guys were sticking their hands up women's dresses ( and I mean UP), the dancefloor was packed full of women attempting to re-create the "Single Ladies" dance and men standing on the stairs, literally putting their hands up dresses. Getting a drink was also an issue: bartender screwed up a "Vodka Cranberry" order not one but three times. Maybe it's because I am a little older but I doubt it. I just think there are a lot of places where you can go and drink, dance and even find Mr./Mrs. Right for Tonight without having to feel unsafe or that you're surrounded by Jersey Shore/Tila Tequila rejects. . read more

Vanessa is the best bartender ever! I was there last week and she did not miss a beat; honestly this chick deserves a promotion lol. Will be back again soon. read more

- Dig the music selection - Really hot downstairs in the music area, but better ventilated upstairs - Photobooth is cool, we managed to squeeze five (5!) people in there Also, my friend lost her wallet here and the owner contacted her to get it back to her. It's very sweet, so brownie points. read more

This was the place my team "That's What She Said" and I played our bocce ball game. (lovely team name, I know, it came in handy during the game.) Yes, yes, I know the place was a bit cramped to throw any ball and we probably made huge dents on the floor (that's what she said). The food was decent but we had specials so I didn't mind shoving out a $5 to be satisfied (that's what she said). But with the season now over, I wont go here without a beer in one hand and a bocce ball in another. It just wont be the same and the place is not special enough to go while at Adams Morgan. However, I did enjoy playing (that's what she--yeah, I probably could have come up with a better one, but seriously it was the entire season of this and it was a bit exhausting) read more

My Saturday night out centered on Grand Central, I was meeting up with some friends and they decided on the location. Normally I would prefer Brass Monkey, I really like the different levels and outside options. Alas, Grand Central it was and it was an OK experience. It was of course very crowded, it was a Saturday night. What bothered me was the lack of air/ventilation. It was very sweaty and stuffy, there was no type of air conditioning on despite it being over 70 degrees outside and there is no outside area like many of the other bars in Adams Morgan. The drinks are pretty normal priced at $5 for rail and $4 for domestic bottles. Not a fan of credit card minimums, they are technically illegal under the agreement they sign with the companies, but $10 is not so bad and he let me close at $8 with a $2 tip. I would say unless there is a specific reason for coming here skip it and go to Brass Monkey, especially if it is nice out. Nothing horrible, Nothing special just plain OK. read more

It's okay. Typical bar that's crowded and plays decent music. When I went they were actually playing lord of the rings on tv so that was interesting to see as I sipped my drink. Bouncers were nice, but they have to work on this thing called "DRESS CODE" my gosh, I saw some undesirables in there, but had they dressed up a bit they might've upgraded to gremlins. Anyways, this place is populated by regulars -- something I sure am NOT. But overall, this place could use a little bit more work, I just don't see myself going there on my own free will. I've only been there because other people have dragged me there and then I realized this would be the last place they ever drag us in.... Butttttt, I've been to much much worse so if you paid for ALL of my drinks I would consider going here again. read more

While bar hopping in Washington DC, we strolled down Adams Morgan and made Grand Central our second stop for not only one drink, but two to three because this place was somewhat more happening than the last bar we went to. We just had to stay a little longer. Young college crowd, quite spacious, and they had a table downstairs for beer pong. :) After a couple of Grey Goose shots, we left and came back about half an hour later for more. The bouncer outside seems like he was about to fall asleep, or perhaps he was just HIGH off of something. read more

Went there a couple of times both for a Friday and a Saturday night. Overall pretty decent place/ fun place. The music is good and love that the dance floor is separate but at the same time not far from the bar. I also was a fan of the "2nd" floor bar (more like loft area). The only thing about that bar is it is def hard to get a drink. The crowd is pretty decent and lots of people to dance with/ chat it up, but I completely agree with previous reviewers about the lack of ventilation which makes it kind of gross. The bartenders however are pretty good, they are fast for the amount of people they have to serve and the prices were not outrageous (not cheap but not bad). If you are with a group of girls/ or friends I highly recommend the photobooth, for $3 its a cute fun time. Con: the line. Ok, like I said i think this place is fun, however I generally will not wait for more than 10 minutes for a place unless it is absolutely amazing. So when I see a line I generally just will not go out there. read more

went for the first time last night to see Game Six of Sabres/Bruins. Sabres lost...so that sucked. But GC was fun--$3 drafts and house wine, nice venue. There were only a few dozen people there and the service was really slow, but that's my only complaint. Otherwise I'd add a 5th star. read more

OK spot here in AM. Not sure it evokes a 'grand central' feel but it does have a lot of open space. I am not sure if it is part dance club, part sports bar, part regular bar. It is a lot of things and I think that is all I feel I can write so I can move on to a better review of another place. Though I must say the picture with the thong from the bathroom stall is well classy, really classy! And for that, a third star. read more

I've been to grand central about five times. Four times to party, once to dine (chicken sandwich was tasty btw). Each experience has been wonderful! Grand Central gets pretty crowded on a Friday night. When we got there around 11:30pm, it wasn't crowded but boy did the crowd come in at midnight! The selection of music is good- top 40 hits. The DJ even took my request :D. The crowd is usually very fun, just looking to have a good time dancing to the music! AND THERE IS NO COVER! I generally refuse to pay to party, soooo this place is always a "safe place" lol. read more

Bartenders were really cool. Decent pub food. It was really empty when I went, but I could tell that with the right crowd it could have potential. This is also one of the few bars I have seen in DC that has beer pong/flip cup. read more

Ok, so my gal pal & I decided to get out at the last minute & somewhere different from the norm of our other hang outs...hence AM's night life. After we grabbed a quick bit to eat, we started to do a "stop & pop" where we stop & pop our heads in an establishment to see if it was fun/fitting for us. After a few S&P's, we came across the Grand Central. As soon as we approached the bar, NAME greeted us and asked what we were having. I mean in a jam packed crowd with the "Yung Gunz", yet she acknowledge us right away. So out with my faithful YELP APP & she noticed I was doing my Check In & offered a shot...I got a shot of wine! So over the course of 45 minutes we hung out at the bar and listen to the DJ who was spinning a great mix of R&B/Hip Hop...you're never to old to jam. A few more rounds of wine (which the selection was not too shabby for the environment) & few more dancing moves, we were on to the next S&P. I would definelty pop back in on my next last minute, late night excursion to AM. Thanks NAME for being a friendly & outgoing Mixologist! read more

Grand Central - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Drinks were pretty cheap but still big. I ordered a whiskey sour and struggled to finish the whole thing. The DJ was spinning all the latest hits and kept the crowd dancing. There was a table to play beer pong which eventually turned into a game of slap cup and even when the crowd started to die down I just kept on dancing. The mirrors in next to the bar are a great touch to get people dancing, taking photographs and just generally being happy. A lot of people ended up dancing in the mirrors (myself included). I stayed until about 1:30AM on a Thursday. I can only imagine how it is on a Friday/Saturday night. Look forward to finding out. read more

This place was a lot of fun because we had a very large party that basically took over, but before all the party people arrived, it was slightly awkward (weird guys getting all up in our grills). Beers were cheap, and the crowd was interesting! It was really hot downstairs until they turned on this ginormous fan...we had to ask someone to do it but they were happy to. read more

Grand Central - It was a toasty April eve until the A/C got turned on! - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

PISS POOR. Bar service at the first bar inside the door was absolutely pathetic. The female bartender was hot but only serves the end of the bar, and the old guy hates his job and throws drinks down, just has an all around shitty attitude. Definitely will not be getting anymore of my business. My tip on my tab reflected what I think of this establishment's bartending hires. Complete and utter garbage. read more

At this bar they take themselves way too seriously. The dance floor's not huge, and the music is okay but that, in no way, makes up for the staff. The bouncers were so rude to me and my friends when we were heading out just because we were waving/signing to our friends who were already outside through the glass (I guess they thought we would... break... it? With our... breath??) And then they started screaming and literally dragged one of my friends by her wrist (literally a small, 5'2 woman who left with physical bruises on her who totally would have responded to words), which was totally unnecessary (not to mention she wasn't even near the glass). There are way too many bars in the Washington D.C. area to have to settle for something like this that's just okay with rude staff that treat people however they feel like treating them that day. I certainly won't be back, and I can't recommend that you head there either. read more

Grand Central is my soccer league's post game bar. It's a pretty standard Adams Morgan bar. Not a great beer selection. The food is okay. Decent TVs. Probably wouldn't go here if they didn't give buy one get one free pitchers with our soccer league. read more

My first time time here but I had a great time! The crowd was cool and the drinks were very reasonably priced. I also could appreciate the relaxed dress code and the fact that there was no cover charge. I will definitely be back! read more

One of the AdMo spots my friends like to frequent if they want to dance. The mirrors lining the walls upstairs make for some interesting nights. Most of the guys we met there were a little sketch though. read more

Grand Central - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been here for a couple happy hours after kickball games, and occasionally on Friday and Saturday nights. There are two long bars at the entrance and one upstairs. There isn't any seating, so everyone crowds around the bars or dances in one of the separate rooms. If you're looking to meet random people out, this would probably be an ideal location. One thing I find kind of unique is they always have something bizarre on the Flat Screens. One Friday night people were dancing to hip hop and Dumb and Dumber was on mute, another time there was a violent Anime movie. Anyway, if you use your imagination you may catch of glimpse of charm here, but overall nothing special. read more