Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Proper Bar

    4.1 (43 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Services - Proper Bar

    Venue rental

    Proper Bar Photos

    PROPER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Proper Bar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Meka M.

    Proper Bar in DC is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels inviting and lively, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual dinner. The food here is truly spectacular. If you love dill, their pasta is an absolute must-try, full of flavor, perfectly cooked, and unlike anything else you'll find around the city. Every dish I've tried has been thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showing they really care about quality. The drinks are amazing too. Creative, well crafted, and perfectly balanced, they pair effortlessly with the menu and really elevate the whole experience. Overall, Proper Bar hits all the marks: incredible food, standout drinks, and a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere. Definitely one of the best spots in DC, and I can't wait to go back!

    Marry Mae
    Jamie B.

    I visited Proper Bar with a group of 7 for a 5:30 PM Saturday happy hour, and it ended up being the perfect time to go. It was still pretty empty, so we had room to relax, take photos, and really enjoy ourselves. The atmosphere here is so beautiful, intimate, and cozy. The interior design is immaculate. It's swanky and intentional with perfect lighting and attention to detail. It feels upscale but still warm and inviting, and it's absolutely the kind of place you'll want photos in. The food and cocktails were just as impressive. I tried the Patatas Bravas (potatoes with lemon aioli, smoked paprika, and brava sauce) and the Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon). Both dishes were absolutely delicious. I think I could have eaten three orders of the Patatas Bravas all on my own--they were definitely a crowd pleaser. Service was prompt, warm, and attentive throughout. Overall, such a great experience! I'd definitely come back next time I'm in D.C.

    Resturant inside
    Shinada P.

    My first visit was for a New Year's dinner, and I absolutely loved the ambiance. The lighting, décor, and overall aesthetic were beautiful -- dark, calming, and relaxing. The atmosphere alone makes you want to stay awhile. Even though they were hosting large parties and preparing for a New Year's holiday event later that evening, we were seated quickly. The staff was communicative about the upcoming events, which we appreciated, and we still had a wonderful experience. My food was really good -- no complaints. The bread was delicious, and while the Smashburger was a bit messy to eat, it was still flavorful and satisfying. The drinks were also well done. I'll definitely be back to try other entrées and would love to explore their happy hour options as well. Overall, a great experience and one I would recommend.

    Menu
    Ama A.

    My night started in the back at a private birthday party, and we eventually made our way to dinner, best decision. Even though they were short-staffed, the team worked seamlessly together and communicated well, so nothing felt chaotic or dysfunctional. For dinner, I had the Pesto Campanelle, and it was so effortlessly good I could've easily ordered a second portion. Absolutely delicious. The ambiance here is spot-on: perfect lighting, not too loud, and close seating that still feels comfortable. You can actually have a conversation without feeling awkward. A great all-around experience. I'll definitely be back.

    Tyquain M.

    I came with a friend to celebrate us graduating with our masters degrees/my birthday. This place is beautifully designed and customer service was excellent. Our server, Marian (spellcheck) gave us great suggestions to try as first timers. Because of her we ended up trying Patatas Bravas, Confit Tomato & Cucumbe, Gambas Al Ajillo, Pappardelle Bolognese, Tiger Prawn Tagliatelle and everything was soooo delicious. We ended up meeting the owner, Will who was gracious enough to talk with us and offer us dessert on the house. Truly worth trying!

    Kailee B.

    The food was fantastic 10/10, the service was well done my waitress Maddie was great. The space was beautiful with a old school charm i appreciate it.

    Audrey C.

    Very cute cocktail bar in DC. Came in on a Saturday without reservations and was able to be seated at the bar. Drinks were excellent albeit a bit pricey but worth it for the ambiance!

    Happy hour
    Victoria M.

    I've been wanting to try this bar out for a while, so decided to pop in on my way home. I set up the bar, and I really took in the decor. It's a very cool spot. They paid a lot of attention to the design concept. I wouldn't say it's super dark in there, but it's definitely a more dim lit place that pushes you to unwind a little bit more and allows. You to relax. Even walking in, it definitely feels like a cooler, more relaxed spot. The service was spot on. As soon as I sat down on the bar, the bartender greeted me within the first few minutes and provided me menus. I do love that they have happy hour every day of the week. The options are pretty good too, with some wine and cocktails. I ordered a glass of wine, and then ordered their version of a coffee based martini. Both were very delicious and served very nicely. Overall, the ambience is very nice. I would definitely return. This is a spot where you can go in and grab a drink by yourself, or with a smaller group of friends. If the latter, I would make a reservation. Also, while I did not order any food, the man next to me had ordered a few bites and everything looked and smelled amazing. The food when I looked at the menu looked to be more Spanish influenced based.

    Bolognese and tempura aspargus
    Erica R.

    Went on Super Bowl night and it was 90% empty, perfect for our Galentines dinner. The waitress was very attentive, explained the menu (everything is from scratch) and provided recommendations for us. Atmosphere and decor were excellent. Behind the bar decor was my fav. There was a pianist playing. Food and drinks were delicious and came in a timely fashion. Please don't skip the bread!

    Sara N.

    Prepare yourself for Proper. This place is it. Gorgeous, vibey, and officially my go-to when I want to impress out-of-town guests. The bar is stunning, the drinks are next level (get the Proper Martini, no debate), the food hits every time (Brussels + burger = unreal), and the service is consistently impeccable. And the happy hour? Basically unheard of for this city - $8 craft cocktails and a legit wine program by the glass. Nothing but praise. Proper doesn't miss.

    Daniel Y.

    I went to Proper Bar and it definitely felt upscale from the moment we walked in. I was wearing a dress shirt that cost a bit of money and white pants (clearly white Dickies) but we were almost not let in because they said it looked like I was wearing sweatpants. That part was honestly frustrating since the outfit was put together and appropriate for the setting. Once inside though, the vibes were really cool. We sat next to the piano, which added a great touch to the atmosphere. It felt classy and intimate in a way that made the night feel elevated. The drinks weren't even that bad price-wise, especially for DC, around $18-$20 a drink, which felt pretty standard for that type of place. Overall, I'd go again for the ambiance. Just be prepared for a stricter door situation depending on what you're wearing.

    Pesto pasta and burger
    Mary C.

    First time here and will likely be back. The jazz music and dim lighting make this place a romantic dining experience. My husband and I started off with the Parker rolls and Brussel sprouts. Both were delicious. Then we split the burger and the pesto pasta. The burger was excellent, cooked perfectly and the aioli sauce was delicious. The pesto pasta was also great, good pesto/ pine nut flavor and the sun dried tomatoes were a great touch. I got the Hermes and a pineapple rum signature cocktail. Both were very sweet and could only drink one. The service was good and prompt. We missed the live pianist so I'd recommend booking a resy for after 7pm.

    Prawn Pasta & Brussels sprout
    Ciera M.

    Ambiance is super cute. Smaller space but feels warm & inviting. Ordered the Ceasar salad which was huge & delicious. The Brussels sprouts are a must. Unique flavor but would order again. The pasta was good but I don't know if I would order it again. The prawns were cooked perfectly but the pasta lacked flavor a little. I love pasta so I may be a tough critic. Cute spot for date or girls night, if you're not looking for anything too heavy to eat. Didn't have a drink because they didn't have baileys for my espresso martini.

    R&R, Marry Mae

    See all

    Photo of Nicole D.
    150
    72
    2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    The ambiance and music is a 1000/10. I also enjoyed my Barbetta's martini - it is not too sweet for an espresso martini

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Marin S, was mf phenomenal. Girl ordered my entire meal and was spot on, give her a raise!! I WILL be back

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Proper Bar

    You might also consider

    Ted's Bulletin 14th

    Ted's Bulletin 14th

    4.0(2.4k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$
    Large group friendly
    Happy hour specials

    5/5 dining experience. High top tables were great for seating 4. Both the server and the hostess…read morewere very nice. Recommend making a reservation because it gets busy! Chicken and waffles meal was really delicious! The farmer's scramble was really nice as well, and it had a ton of vegetables. Really loved the vegetarian options! Breakfast is available all day. Pop tart was so delicious that we got two more to go. Enjoyed the blueberry, peach, and cherry. These are rotated out seasonally! The strawberry milkshake was a nice portion and they even brought out the extra in another glass.

    We were in the area for an errand, but the shop didn't open until 12pm, so I had about 15 mintues…read moreto kill. I had not had coffee yet that morning, so I was on the hunt for my coffee fix. Google led me to Ted's, which is both a sit-down restaurant, but also a cafe/bakery in the front. I had an iced Americano, and asked for a tiny, tiny splash of half & half. I also had a strawberry "poptart". The "poptart" was pretty good. When my coffee came out, it was white. Literally, white. It was whiter than the iced chai latte with whole milk that my husband had gotten. I had to send it back. I asked for it just black this time around, because I just didn't trust them to get "a splash" right. They were willing to do it, which was nice. The coffee was good, but it just wasn't what I had originally wanted.

    Photos
    Ted's Bulletin 14th
    Ted's Bulletin 14th
    Ted's Bulletin 14th

    See all

    ChurchKey - Tots, fries, mushroom flatbread and a glimpse of chicken sando

    ChurchKey

    3.9(1.5k reviews)
    1.0 miLogan Circle, Downtown
    $$

    Great local bar with large rotating craft beer selection. Highly recommend for any beer…read moreenthusiast. They have wine and cocktails as well. They are happy to recommend beer for your taste, and let you sample. It can be very busy and difficult to get a seat at the bar or get a table on a Friday or Saturday evening. We ordered food, and were expecting elevated bar food. The tater tots were a huge disappointment- they were very large squares , bland, and not crispy. The wings were okay. The cheeseburgers were the best- from the restaurant downstairs- mallard. Huge burger, done perfectly medium.

    Here's a review written as part of a visit to both Churchkey and Birch & Barley (the downstairs…read morerestaurant -- together they form the "2 Enjoy Everything" concept by Neighborhood Restaurant Group): A DC Gem That Delivers on Every Level If you haven't made it to Churchkey on 14th Street yet, move it to the top of your list. I visited as part of the full experience -- dinner downstairs at Birch & Barley, then up to Churchkey for drinks -- and honestly, it's one of the best evenings I've had in DC. Churchkey itself is everything a great bar should be. The beer selection is absolutely unreal -- hundreds of carefully curated labels spanning every style, region, and flavor profile you can imagine. What sets it apart is that the staff actually knows the menu. Our server walked us through a few options based on what we liked and landed us on perfect picks both times. That kind of genuine expertise is rare. The tavern pizzas from the wood-fired oven were a wonderful surprise -- thin, crispy, and the perfect companion to a cold draft. The smash burger also deserves a mention: simple, well-executed, and hits the spot. The vibe is warm and lively without being overwhelming. Great for a date, a group, or even just sitting at the bar solo with a good beer and good conversation with the bartender. This place has earned its reputation as one of the best beer bars on the East Coast -- and then some. Highly recommend making a full night of it with both floors. You won't regret it. Feel free to adjust the tone or add any personal details from your actual visit!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Photos
    ChurchKey
    ChurchKey
    ChurchKey - Stairs

    See all

    Stairs

    The Capital Burger - Our namesake burger is served French onion-style with caramelized onions, Wisconsin Grand Cru gruyère and shallot aioli.

    The Capital Burger

    4.3(1.1k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Amazing service and food. Came here specifically for the parmesan truffle fries and it was so worth…read moreit. The best I've ever had! The Capital burger was good too. They also provide complimentary sweet pickles. Enormous thanks to our server, Stephon!! We loved his contagious smile, he treated us with so much respect and kindness.

    Have you ever been to a high end place and ordered a burger? You get that look like ordering steak…read moreat a great seafood place. Well I do enjoy burgers and plenty of places have upped their burger game. As much as it cost for a burger at certain fast food places you might as well hit up some of these other places. The prices are basically the same now. On a few trips to Capital Grille I did go with the burger and so I decided to check out its affiliate Capital Burger. Capital Burger actually has more burger options to choose for over Capital Grille and a more slimmed down menu. Still with the name burger in its name, you know where their focus is. I went with the bacon cheeseburger that comes with candied smoke bacon that came at $22 with your chose of sides (fries or various salads). It was cooked to the perfect medium rare and you can tell when a burger is cooked with better ingredients and cooked with a give a damn. It was not thrown together, and the fries were not just sitting under a heating lamp. I actually ordered a to go burger for the spouse. Here is where customer service comes in. I was asked how far I had to travel and the person taking my order said she will separate portions so it will travel better. Thank you. It is that little extra that goes a long way. This time I went with the Capital Burger to go along with some key lime pie to nibble on later. Great service and great food. There are plenty of good burger places but if you are a burger fan then definitely check this place out. Absolutely no disappointment. For a true high end burger experience I have no problem giving this place a solid five stars.

    Photos
    The Capital Burger - Our Stoli Doli spiked shake is long sought & loudly slurped. Stoli Vodka hand-spun w/rich vanilla ice cream & topped w/candied pineapple

    Our Stoli Doli spiked shake is long sought & loudly slurped. Stoli Vodka hand-spun w/rich vanilla ice cream & topped w/candied pineapple

    The Capital Burger - Blue Cheese and Truffle Burger topped with cabernet-braised red onions.

    Blue Cheese and Truffle Burger topped with cabernet-braised red onions.

    The Capital Burger - The Capital Burger offers signature burgers, handcrafted cocktails, local brews and award-winning wines.

    See all

    The Capital Burger offers signature burgers, handcrafted cocktails, local brews and award-winning wines.

    Proper Bar - bars - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...