Punk bar that doesn't have punk bands, charges $3.50 for budweiser....I mean.... Nah man. I know you need to make money, but that's just lying. read more

Great Bloody Mary's, delicious food, amazing overall rooftop experience. Thank you Conor for helping us have an amazing time and discover delicious new brews. I plan on coming back hungry and thirsty for more! read more

Red Derby - It's supposed to look like a monkey - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Red Derby is your local dive bar: no frills, come as you are, and keep the bougie at home. How does it separate itself from other bars? Let's say CA$H ONLY!!! Drinks are cheap ($2-9ish/beer) and food is cheap too. They've got a brunch with tater tots & breakfast burrito type places too. You can't complain about what you get here given prices are so divey! While the ca$h only rule is annoying, the place also reeks college. Take it for what you will. Either way, Red Derby is a cool place to come to when you're looking for a dive bar and you've got some extra ca$h! read more

An excellent dive that represents the best that DC has to offer! No frills, great beer selection, and good people. Nothing super fancy but legendary. When in the mood, the fried food hits the spot. This is as good as it gets. PS: Half Off Burgers on Monday! read more

My very first pickle back. How special, eh? Pickle juice as a Jameson chaser sounds just plain wrong. Yet, how come it's delish? It's kind of like when two really unattractive people create an amazingly beautiful baby. It doesn't quite make sense, but it is what it is. And you're happy about it! I'm open minded, non-judgmental and will try just about anything once. Especially a drank. Thank goodness I did. Normally: Pickle Juice = blah Jameson shot = blah Pickle Juice + Jameson Shot = blaaaaaah-dow! To my amazement, pickle juice as a Jameson chaser was spectacular. No heart burn and it cut the after taste of the Jameson immediately. But this is neither here nor there, since this is not all what Red Derby is about. It is just a mere experience on the roof deck that I had the chance to relish. (Pickles, relish...whatev.) The roof deck is super chill and low key, with red light accents glowing. Downstairs is a similar vibe, albeit a little darker with a bit more mood, and some bar games in the far back. Overall though, divey, delicious and filled with devilish conversation if you attend with a group of loquacious ladies. And if not, you'll still have a good time. Just come with an open mind and alcohol palette. read more

Red derby red derby red derby...! Even though you're super north of where I live in Columbia Heights, I've had an amazing time every time I've been to your establishment for brunch or late night kicks. The vibe is super divey and hipstery, which always makes feel a little out of place because most people identify me as a high maintenance Arab valley girl from California, but you can get super cheap food and drinks while sitting on a rooftop. This is a formula for success and keeps me winning on a budget. The bartenders, waiters, and waitresses are super easy to get along with and are very attentive. Today I ordered the veggie burger with tater tots. I always top this dish with ranch and Tabasco sauce...because I can. So solid. My friend ordered the breakfast bowl (tater tots, eggs, tomatoes, onions, and cheese). Also super delicious because you know I snagged a bite! They also brought us bread to start off our breakfast. As for the drinks, while they don't have a bottomless special, the mimosas and bloody mary's are super cheap at just $3/glass. Used to be $2 but not sure if that business model was sustainable for them or if orange juice got more expensive? I guess we will never know... All in all, great place, lots of veggie options, awesome service, affordable, and overall screams five stars on Yelp. Closest Metro: Petworth and Georgia or Columbia Heights (both green and yellow). 52, 53 and 54 bus also drop you right at the Derb (just stop at Spring!) *Mentioned this in my tip but I still want to reiterate that this place is CASH ONLY! They have an ATM but who wants to pay that extra fee? #letsbereal #comeprepared read more

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I got confused with Lyman's Tavern and went to both! Weirdly, kind of the same bar but with Derby concentrating on the roof scene and smallish downstairs bar area that screamed "locals only, but okay if you come in" vibe I kind of dug. Dig the shot combos as well. Nicest waiter upstairs (Asian cat - wish I had grabbed his name) who served my dive-bar chicken fingers and fries (good!) like if I was at the Four Seasons. Attentive, no attitude and helpful. Cool duck in...Didn't meet the owner, whom several reviewers (of different colors) have commented is a bit of a racist - but I was treated well. I was reluctant to go because of those posts, but didn't see it while scarfing down pony Buds. read more

I made a split decision (while on foot) to come for brunch based on the 4/5 star rating. I was hosting some hungry sports spectators, so I had to be yelp savvy and find us somewhere to eat quickly. I guess I wasn't being too savvy and failed to read the fine print description that this was a dive bar. Super divey. (Hey I didn't have time to indulge in reviews or I would have realized. ) I guess with the novelty beers concept and some rock music, this dive bar becomes hipster with 5 stars ? I put my shock of dive bar culture behind me and just went in for the no frills experience. We dined rooftop. Tater tots were delicious (I hate that I've succumbed to a trend that was once rebuked by school children everywhere when they showed up on school breakfast plates.) I got Huevos Rancheros-- decent with cheap morning libations, plus a Tokyo Black beer, but served on paper thin plates (come on, double up! ) and watching the guy make them. ..I saw him do a tired yawn and scratch in his shirt, over his chest and under arm made me a bit queasy. Sorry, maybe I couldn't put the dive factor behind me. Well until I started to feel my drinks.... After that, it was all coming together nicely! I wouldn't mind stopping by again if I'm ever in the neighborhood. Not in a rush to get back though. Cash only. ATM in the back. read more

Wasn't there too long, just stopped by to get a drink. The bartender and the setting was nice. Got the raspberry beret it was great

Cool space upstairs - it is rooftop style but also covered and heated nicely in winter with colored string lights. What more do you need? Must be one of the best dive bars in town. The menu is filled with canned beer options, plus they offer several beer and shot combo deals. The stimulus package has a miller high life (champagne of beers) and double espresso vodka. Two great tastes that taste great together. I also enjoyed a can of a coconut porter. Good times. They have an indoor bar downstairs as well that seemed cozy. **Cash only! They do have an ATM inside, though. read more

This place is great. I went on a Monday for happy hour and we sat up at the roof level. There is an extensive beer selection and during happy hour it is $1 off all beers. There are also cool beer/shot combos available if you are going for that kind of night. On Mondays they have 1/2 off all burgers which is an awesome deal. Most of their burgers are in the $10-12 range and they are a good size and come with a side of fries. The menu also lists 1/2 off food specials for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday nights as well. In my experience, awesome bars don't always have good food but Red Derby hits the mark on both. If you come with friends and cash in hand (as it is cash only), you are destined to have a good time. read more

Red Derby - So many beer choices. $1 off all beers at happy hour - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If I'm ever back in DC, this would be my go-to spot! Quality and friendly service. Check. A rockin' menu filled with TOTS. Check. Spicy and potent Bloody Mary's. Check. Rooftop, and a fun atmosphere. Check. So many good things to say about this place! I got the breakfast burrito with sausage over tater tots. The burrito was filling and tasty, and the TOTS! Cripsy, not mushy. Just how I like them. Probably one of the best parts of brunch was the Bloody Mary. Very good, and only $3! What a steal! I added tabasco sauce into mine for an extra kick! If a BM is not your brunch drink of choice, then you could get a mimosa, screwdriver, or a Harvey Wallbanger (screwdriver + galliano). Coffee, with free refills, is only $2. Self-service makes it super easy to get your caffeine fix to gear up for a Sunday fun day. It is cash only, but the place is super affordable. Brunch options were between $7-$11! I highly recommend this place! Do come early to avoid the brunch rush! read more

Red Derby - Breakfast burrito with tater tots! $3 Bloody Mary's. Yes. - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Only in DC would Red Derby be considered a Dive Bar. The rooftop bar is actually quite nice when it is open (and why is it NOT open in the wintertime? In dis dem dare America we have these things called HEAT LAMPS!) and in addition to the best non-happy hour pricing in the District (eg., $2 Natty Bo's, $3 PBRs, etc.), you're treated to some great views of Upper Columbia Heights. I have heard from others that their brunch is solid but have only been here to imbibe the Drink. 5 Stars for the cool rooftop bar and the kindness that Red Derby has shown my poor little wallet the dozens of times I've patronized it in the past. read more

Came here for brunch with a group of 12 people for a bachelor(ette) party. This place is definitely divey so if you're looking for a fancy brunch place, this isn't it. They have a nice upstairs seating area that has nice open windows to let the sun in and you can oversee 14th street. Their mimosas and brunch drinks are only $3 so drink up! Its nice and cheap for a Sunday day drink. I ordered a breakfast burrito which came with tater tots that were honestly the star of the meal. The burrito wasn't super flavorful, but the tater tots were nice and crispy and hot. The wait for food was a little long due to an order mix up but outside of the long wait, the food was ok. I would recommend going for the drinks. read more

A dive-bar with the extras that make it a great hangout place. Whether you come for brunch during the day, for happy hour after work, or to take advantage of their drink menu and enjoy the rooftop.. Keep this hole in the wall in mind (= The food was excellent for a great price you can't beat. There's a ton of beer options, boardgames, and it's a chill environment for hanging out with your buddies! They have a projection of a movie, a fully stocked bar, && a rooftop deck for the warm weather !!! I definitely recommend this place!! Minus 1 star because Parking is limited on the street, only cash ( but they have an ATM) && though the staff is friendly; they're pretty busy so service is slow. P.s. A lot of hipsters read more

Red Derby - Tater tots && cards for humanity - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Don't be mistaken by the term "dive bar." The staff and customers are super friendly and it was clean. Combo drinks are the specialty, and they're all well-priced. I went on a Saturday night but it didn't get super crowded. Nice spot to chill with friends. read more

Red Derby is a divey hipster bar in Petworth that reminds me of something you'd see in Bushwick. There's an ample beer selection, though only of the canned variety, and plenty of cocktails to choose from. There is a rooftop in addition to the ground level bar. Also, I love the bathroom wallpaper here. It adds a nice flair to the ambience of Red Derby. Friendly bartenders and staff make for a great time. read more

Cheap beer with wide selection that ranges from Natty Boh to DC Brau Cheap shots of Jameson Great breakfast burger Rooftop bar Yeah, I'm a fan. read more

Laid back bar, relatively cheap, and friendly staff and crowd. If you are looking for a chill, unpretentious bar in Columbia Heights then Red Derby is a good spot. The rooftop provides a nice change of scene and multiple tables, chairs, and bar seats (although be prepared to get doused in cigarette smoke). It's got a hipster vibe to it, which can be a nice change of pace from many of the other DC bars. Make sure to bring cash as they are cash only and while they do have an ATM downstairs, it does take a fee. read more

This is your typical hipster bar. I thought I was going to get killed on the walk there. Let me just say it's not in the best neighborhood.. The beer selection is decent. Cash only though.. so I guess that eliminates the "get drunk and ring up a hugeass tab and hate yourself the next day" problem. read more

A great place to have a good time and enjoy a beer. You have a large range of beers. There is a Rooftop and an outside area. If you don't have your ID you can stay outside. At midnight the Rooftop and outside area close. You can continue to have a good time inside. The bartender is really cool. read more

I suppose maybe I just went on a bad night? I went to the Red Derby back in the fall based on the rave reviews I read here (and this stranger at Alero's told me it was such a cool, chill, place). It was really dark... that wasn't a problem though. Once my friend and I were seated at the bar, we got no service. The bartender didn't speak to us AT ALL. Not a "Hi," not a "How are you doing?" Maybe I'm just crazy, but usually a bartender asks you what you would like... Whatever. I actually was offended that my friend and I weren't acknowledged at all. It put such a sour taste in our mouths, we decided to leave. But first, my friend had to use their bathroom. While waiting for my friend, some really creepy drunk began talking to me. I kept telling him I was not interested, but he did not care. He said a lot of crazy things to us, calling us killers O_o, trying to grab my hand, invading my personal bubble completely. I vowed that I'd never go there again... and I really wanted to play the board games and vibe with laidback people :(. read more

I liked The Red Derby, which surprised me, as I was prepared not to like it. I thought it would be more dive-y, but as Amanda pointed out, it is more hipster-y. Which is not at all my scene, but still, The Red Derby was nice. Red walls, dim lighting, detailed ceiling, plenty of tables and bar seats, patio seating, two huge bathrooms that were warm and clean, plus a cute, albeit small, roof deck create a chill, come-as-you-are atmosphere (skinny pants probably help your cause, but really, no one cares what you wear here). I can't remember the music, but I assume something was playing in the background - not really sure though. Service was attentive, though not friendly (I told you this is a hipster joint). Cash only (ATM inside); $7 for a medium-strength Tanqueray & tonic. I saw patrons eating; food looked like basic pub grub, but good. I would not visit on my own accord, as the neighborhood is a bit out of the way for me, but would not hesitate to return if someone suggested it or if I was in the area. read more

I've been here about 4 times and the last time was for a friend's party on a Sunday. The owners of the bar really know how to treat their long-time friends and definitely as an outsider it felt it had a cheers type atmosphere. Anyhow, this was my first time having their food since I've quit drinking altogether in preparation for my races and I must say their Po Boy sandwich is pretty good. It definitely hit the spot and I would go here if I'm in the area on sundays. read more

Red Derby - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Red Derby, not unlike a well-instagrammed corgi, wears many hats. The dinner hat - scrumptious. The nightlife hat - warmly amicable. But the essential hat - the raison d'être to experience the Red Derby - is the brunch hat. I ordered tots because I look like one. I always order food I look like. The tots came as part of the house signature brunch dish - the Derby Bowl, a naughty conglomerate of eggs, cheese, and potato that would make your tail curl on smell alone. A more ideal hangover cure has never been imagined. None would judge you for ordering it, for a mere glance its wholesome glory would silence even the sauciest protestation. Just the breakfast a sturdy yeoman needs before tending the herd. To you dear readers, I commend it greatly. The lox bagel is good too, if you're a cat. read more

This place is super awesome...if you're in need of recovery from the previous night. The food is inexpensive for the amount you get, it's the kind of "morning after" greasiness that hits the spot, and the bloody mary's are quite tasty. I highly recommend the "Derby Bowl." It's a dive-y place that I can't imagine wanting to go normally (I am a foodie who isn't opposed to a $30 meal if it's good), but for a chill group of people, it's a good find. Get there close to 11 AM for rooftop seating. read more

Awesome rooftop bar. Columbia Heights lacks good bars, but Red Derby is a rare exception. Super friendly staff. Our bartender Ton Ku, was fantastic. Really fun guy, knowledgeable on beers, who will make your visit to Red Derby awesome. They offer tons of drink specials, so be sure to ask. On Sunday they were offering $3 Bloody Mary's and mimosas. During the dog days of summer my favorite past time is sipping $2 bud ponies while sweating my butt off on the rooftop bar. read more

This is a cool dive bar in what will eventually become another hipster mecca. There are still signs of a grittier past but the inside is worth the trek. It looks cool and has a rooftop bar to boot! All kinds of games downstairs and a lone "Big Game Hunter" arcade in the back where the dart board is. The place is ALL CASH as many before me have posted. All the beers are in cans which is not normally my ideal means of beer conveyance but it works here. The happy hour is until 8pm! $1 off all beers which puts all the crappy bud light and friends at $1 per can. I still won't buy them but that price can't be beat. They have a lot of cool beers from strange locales. The coconut porter was pretty good I must say, not fruity at all and just a hint of coconut at the end. The Wittekerke was a good Belgin Wit beer I would recommend. The food is pretty standard bar fare. Had the burrito (Wednesday only) and it was fine. Not great but filling and had a decent flavor. Make you're way to this bar if you want to try odd beers and pay a lot less then in fancier dives. Great bartenders who know their products and are friendly and attentive. read more

I love me a good dive bar, and whenever I'm visiting my friend up the street, we always seem to end up at Red Derby. With it's fair prices, location, healthy options, and tasty food, Red Derby is a must stop on 14th Street! I've only gotten two entrees here. My veggie sandwich with fresh alfalfa sprouts, avocado, and other veggie goodness really hit the spot. The other time I was here, I decided to splurge for my birthday and got a bacon cheeseburger, which featured a really juicy half-pound patty. The drink of choice here among the younger crowd always seems to be Natty Boh, especially when it's on special, but they do have a wide array of craft brews as well. They also have creative "beer and a shot" type specials. I like that Red Derby is located next to the Arcade Bar and a pool bar as well, but no matter where I am, I always make sure that Red Derby fits somewhere in the mix! read more

Red Derby is a block away from my house, which is super convenient, but I never go there at night - I'm afraid of the hordes of hipsters I've heard take over the place, and I've got a love affair with Wonderland that prevents me from visiting other dive bars at night. Plus, cash only stresses me out. The reason I love this place is Monday Burger Night - despite the dive bar atmosphere, they have AMAZING burgers and DELICIOUS sweet potato fries. My personal favorite is a burger with Boursin and avocado. There are plenty of board games you can use, and the beer selection is extensive. The wait staff can be a bit brusque and hipstery, which I suppose just adds to the charm of the place, but over the course of the past year, I've noticed the waitresses seem to be getting friendlier, which I think is great. Conversely, I went for brunch one time this past summer, and I will never do that again. Their brunch menu came highly recommended, but the accompanying shambles were not worth it. Five of us came by, and although we found a table that was big enough, the waitress informed us that one of us would have to stand because she did not want to bring another chair out front. We asked for water and were directed to get it ourselves, and when we hadn't been able to order for 20 minutes, we flagged her back down, only to be told that "the cook was busy, and I want to give him a break, so I'm not taking orders now." WHAT? When we finally did get to order, one of the girls asked for the lox on a bagel, and said she'd prefer the poppy seed bagel to the plain, as those were the two choices listed. The waitress said, "I'm not going to write that down, because the cook is really busy, so he's kind of just going to grab a bagel and you get the one you get." WHAT? She seemed unaware that we were paying them money for a service. The food was underwhelming for what we'd gone through to get it - as I said, I'll stick to Monday nights. read more

This is a great bar. I really liked it. Friendly bartenders and waitress, even if the kitchen staff is a little grumpy. Great roof bar. Great beer selection. They'll describe the different beers to you honestly without attitude. Doesn't matter if you get a $2 beer or an $8 beer, it's still served friendly. And they also have liquor! The burgers looked good. The sandwiches on multigrain looked great, but I had the fish tacos. Seriously, there are 20 authentic taco stands within spitting distance of this place so I figured they must make a good taco! Nope.... Imagine if your mom overcooked some frozen fish sticks, chopped them up, put them on a cold flour tortilla with some iceberg lettuces and cheese? You don't have to imagine it...you can buy them here for $5 on taco tuesday...but they're not worth the five bucks. Get a sandwich. ;) Beer and service is great! read more

Love this place. It's divey, it's fun, and it has Simon! You know, that game you never owned, but your friend owned, and you would play it all the time when you hung out with him. And it's here! Also, all the beers are in cans. Gotta give it props for that. Oh, the food is so-so and, surprisingly, not cheap. Though you can't beat their half-price burger nights. Still, I'd stick to fries and wings. read more

Friendly staff. Complimentary bread & coffee. Self-serve water & coffee. Huevos rancheros was delish! Wallbangers are good minty versions of screwdrivers. Rooftop is lovely. Brunch food less than $10/plate. Only disappointment were the French toast sticks & that they are cash only. I believe the French toast was a store brand : ( read more

Red Derby - 2 of their speciality drinks (similar to a screwdriver) + camp bread & huevos rancheros - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The Red Derby has been a constant throughout my time in D.C. I love everything about this bar. The drinks are cheap and the beer selection is extensive. The bartender's shot/beer combos are always interesting and surprisingly delicious. It's perfect spot for those looking to brunch on a budget, with most items on the menu ranging from $6-12. 10/10 read more

A coworker kept insisting I try this place so we went at midnight to celebrate his birthday. This place is past Columbia heights in a quieter block. They take the neighborhood quiet seriously and remove outdoor seating / close the rooftop after a certain time. Cash only and bottles only. To each their own I think. read more

Go to spot to grab drinks or a bite to eat. Prices for the drinks at any time of day (brunch/dinner) are great and they have a good selection of beers. Food is not amazing but very filling and not too bad. Your standard burger or chicken tenders. Only thing is that they can never seem to cook my burger the way I like it (medium rare); but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the food! read more

I've spent the summer in Columbia Heights, and have been coming here at least once a week. Good prices, good beer selection, good specials. If you can find a table on the rooftop, you're golden. Back game room is awesome and usually vacant. Had one incident with a group of gentrifier-haters, check the pics for that one. Prejudice assholes. But that goes along with the tensions in the neighborhood I guess. read more

Red Derby - A message left to us by a group of people in the game room. - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

FYI- Nope! You won't be able to pay with your phone. Or card. Cash-only type of bar. What in the world? Why the heck would I be carrying cash?? I haven't babysat in months! Welp! Don't let that deter you. Minor detail, really. ATM is readily available . We came SUPER HANGRY; both sweaty and icky after a long night of rock-climbing. Can I just say: SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS.. Besides the crazy SUBERB staff, they had drinks we could actually afford! Yah! I don't much care for beer, but my friend that does, was stoked. Verbatim: "Awesome selection, and it's cheap!" . I had a glass of wine and thoroughly enjoyed it! We ordered the grilled cheese, chicken fingers and tater tots/fries to share. Perfection. Exactly what we needed to recuperate :). LOVED the laid back and cozy kind of atmosphere. Unpretentious. Welcoming. Make sure you have some cash on hand (or bae..) and GO NOW!! You will not regret it. read more

I'm not sure if the bad food and service are attempts at being ironic or not. Bad ingredients, slow service, smokey, and all around mediocre. read more

The red derby isn't trying to be something it's not. With canned beer, cheap shots, an unpretentious crowd and average but unannoying music, it's the perfect place to get a group together for a casual night on the town - or an effective pregame. Be sure to check out the jelly fish portrait in the backroom rumored to be done by the renowned but elusive artist Banksy. A happy place to be but nothing to write home about. read more