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    The Betsy

    4.1 (140 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Belgian
    Closed 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Betsy Photos

    THE BETSY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Betsy

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    fries with mayo
    Lily F.

    Came here for brunch with a group of 6 while in town for a wedding. I was worried that our group would be too big for the space, but we made a reservation around an hour before heading out, and they had pulled together a few tables for us. Really cute space, and the weather was perfect for a rooftop setting. The semi-secret feeling entrance in the alley was a lot of fun too. I split the avocado toast & some fries with my partner. The prices were about what you would expect for brunch in DC, but I will say that the toast was incredible and the fries were perfect! I also got a drip coffee, which they refilled regularly. We didn't get any cocktails, but the table next to ours got several and appeared to be regularly raving to the bartender about how great they were.

    Malfy Blood Orange Italian Gin Fries Special #1 "The Classique"
    Colby V.

    Drinks are amazing! I love the drinks so much perfectly crafted and menu i easy to visualize. food is cool i usually go for fries or oysters service is poor. tbh they are all super inattentive and takes awhile to get a GIN AND TONIC but it's good once you get it. some people also got their cocktails before us even though they had sat. but again the drinks are really great and i'm not a huge drinker so i would recommend this spot. the layout of the bar is super weird and hella small so be aware but cute once your sat. :-)

    Nancy M.

    Cute hidden bar on a rooftop! There's painted arrows on the walls/sidewalk to guide you. Mainly gin based cocktails, so I hope you like gin. I'm not the biggest gin fan, but I still enjoyed my drink. Very refreshing for the hot night we had. The drinks are also very cute! This one is for the girlies.

    Bobbi D.

    I just can't get past the entrance, maybe if it was half the price and you walked by trash cans to get in and get out I could get over it but the trash cans kill it for me... so stanky. But once you get inside, it's a great little ambience yummy appetizers tasty drinks, good service, but I cannot get over the alley entrance and walking past the stinky trash cans.

    Linnea E.

    Cool rooftop spot to hangout and try some unique drinks. If you like gin, this is definitely the place for you! I usually pass on alcoholic drinks but I enjoyed the passionfruit mixed drink I tried from the Friends themed menu. I don't think the gin drinks would've been my vibe but the group I was with really liked theirs. And it was cool seeing the different drinks come out especially the butterfly one!

    Unagi description
    Marivic L.

    Stopped by Betsy because I was too early for a dinner reservation at Little Pearl. I'm happy I was early, so I could find this place. In an alley, super casual, and comfortable - with a chicken theme. Really, it's lovely. Service was good and friendly. Walk in, take any available seat, and be prepared to get a great drink. I got the Unagi because of Friends. Haha. I typically don't choose whiskey drinks but I this was delicious. I looked over at the bar and saw the smoking of it. It smelled great because of the grapes and fig. The drink was well balanced and presented really well. I'm a fan and will be happy to come back when it's nicer out.

    Jack the Rabbit
    Dwayne C.

    Cool spot. If you're in DC I highly recommend the establishment for a nice personal brunch.

    Brie Waffle Sandwich
    Rachel C.

    What a gem! Betsy has such a lovely atmosphere, amazing nibbles, and GORGEOUS gin drinks. No notes, simply loved everything. I swear there's just a single man who runs it all so do NOT waste his time. Have your order ready. Be prepared. He has an incredible memory and will get you everything you need but he will not wait for you to contemplate the meaning of life.

    Alison W.

    Betsy is a super cute little rooftop tucked away on a side alleyway. We really enjoyed awesome vibes and delicious cocktails.

    Belgian Chocolate Croissant, Crispy Egg on Mushroom Toast, La Quiche "The 3 Piggies"
    Aimee H.

    This the cutest little rooftop tucked away in Eastern Market. The ambiance is so charming, the food and drinks were impeccable, and the service was top notch.

    The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies
    Mary E.

    Fun hidden spot for a drink and a small bite. The "Friends" themed drink menu was cute. I had "The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies" which is a great twist on an espresso martini. My boyfriend had the "Pivot" and the best way I can describe that is that it was "bright." Loved the sip that I had. My Mom ordered the "Unagi" which had a smoky element too it, that I'm sad to say was just too much. It was overpowering and smoked for a really long time. Fun to try, but not something we would order again. For a nibble we tried the BBQ Pork Belly Stem Buns which are always a hit. Two things to note; it is jam packed inside the Besty. Leave your bulky coats and bags at home, there is no place to put them. Also, there are seats immediately at the door when you walk in. If you can, avoid these, otherwise you'll be blasted by cold air all night long.

    Hendricks Midsummer Solstice

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Open air, fun atmosphere, located down the alley and behind Belga café... Great gin drinks, and loved the falafel waffle and old Bay frites!

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Best gin cocktails in DC! FLAVORED ICE. Great atmosphere, tables were spread out , excellent service. Highly recommend!

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    9 years ago

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    Bart V.

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Absolute spot! Service was great, drinks were outstanding, and vibe was perfect. we loved the gin and tonics. Highly recommend!

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Came to Betsy for happy hour and the bartender was lovely and made some super delicious cocktails! Will come back again!

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    My favorite happy hour spot in Cap Hill. Food and drinks are amazing and Arslan was awesome!

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Delightful spot -- super cool environment and amazing staff. Cocktails are awesome. Highly recommend

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    Page 3 of 4

    Ask the Community - The Betsy

    Is this an all ages establishment?

    It didn't appear to be in the few times I've been. And honestly, it's a cramped space.

    View All 3 Questions

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    The Sovereign - Mariniere Mussels | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

    The Sovereign

    4.0(612 reviews)
    4.0 miGeorgetown
    $$

    More of a 3.5, rounding up because I would have probably liked it a lot more if I ate meat…read more Which probably makes it clear that if you are vegetarian this is not the friendliest menu. The beer selection is incredible, vibes are solid - it is pretty old world and upscale for a beer joint - but if you are looking for a full meal vegetarians should go elsewhere. They *have* vegetarian options but it's one of those things where they do the bare minimum because they have to and your choices are like...the one thing. Which leads me to the one vegetarian entree, the risotto. It was fine. Not mindblowing. Small portion for the price - small portions all around, frankly. See my pic. Our server, who was impressively attentive/efficient given that he was the only person making the rounds to all of the tables in the upstairs room, which were packed because of the World Cup, recommended getting.the brussels sprouts small plate without bacon, so I did. I did not like it. It came with pomegranate seeds and a sauce that were sweet but then had parmesan and savory flavors that did not go. I suspect the salty, fatty bacon was important to balancing out these flavors. People I was with got house pickles, fries and meatballs which all appeared solid. The portions for the fries and meatballs were pretty teeny for the price IMO. Like I said, beer selection is out of this world. Not mad at the prices or portions there, especially given that it's largely imported. Is this personally a place I would make a go to? No. Only if I am taking out a friend who is super into beer tasting. But if I were super into French and Belgian beer and or really liked that kind of food (eg mussels and very meaty Northern European dishes) ? Maybe. So my personal recommendation is to come, have beer, enjoy the ambiance, and treat food as an afterthought for if you need something to eat.

    The Sovereign is alright. I went here for a work thing. It was PACKED on a wednesday night which is…read moreimpressive. Not sure what to make of DC crowds but there were a lot of people. I had a hard time making an order. I really don't like standing around at a bar aimlessly hoping for the bartender to call on me. That was the situation I was in here. Once I got the bartenders attention it was easy and quick to get my drink, it just took a while and its annoying when they go to other people who got there after you first. The bar is full of seating too, so you have to stand behind people who are already sat and drinking to try to flag them down which feels awkward. The drinks were good though and the atmosphere was decent.

    Photos
    The Sovereign - Bottle room

    Bottle room

    The Sovereign - Steak frites & eggs, saffron mussels (ig @fanaticdiner)

    Steak frites & eggs, saffron mussels (ig @fanaticdiner)

    The Sovereign - The bar

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    The bar

    Cock and Bowl - Moules

    Cock and Bowl

    3.8(547 reviews)
    19.8 mi
    $$

    I came on a Thursday afternoon and enjoyed this charming little restaurant. The French fries and…read moreBiscoff waffle was our favorite! We also tried the crab cake sandwich and French onion soup (also yummy). The ambiance is wonderful with French music playing and a darling patio. The service could improve a little, but I think that was an issue of being understaffed because I could tell he was trying very hard. This a great spot for a leisurely afternoon!

    Deliciousness - 4/5 Happiness - 5/5…read more I love Belgian beer, and Cock and Bowl is my favorite place to nab some of this great nectar. This place keeps the Belgian brews stocked across the spectrum. From fruity Lambics to Tripels (my personal fave) and Quadrupels, pales to darks. There's a lot to explore here. The food is pretty good too. The frites (fries) are excellent and pair well with the beer. They are thick without veering into steak fry territory, nicely crunchy, and packed with a pleasing amount of salt (and I believe a hint of vinegar). The waffles are also a standout, typically topped with light and airy cream. The merguez lamb sausage is also hearty and delicious. I wish the building itself was larger. There's only a few tables, meaning you may be in for a wait if you go during the colder months. And I recently had the chocolate mousse and didn't care for it. It was much more akin to pudding, and there wasn't a deep enough chocolate flavor to contrast with the whipped cream. There's no better place I've found in Occoquan to eat, drink, and be merry. I highly recommend you stop here when you visit.

    Photos
    Cock and Bowl - Lovely indoor setting

    Lovely indoor setting

    Cock and Bowl - Bratwurst

    Bratwurst

    Cock and Bowl

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    Et Voila - Christmas Yule Log Cake

    Et Voila

    4.0(356 reviews)
    6.5 miPalisades
    $$$

    The food here is excellent and it is worth waiting for. That said, you will have to wait when it…read morecomes to take out. I have called and been put on hold so long that I drove to the restaurant and placed my order in person before they picked up the phone from being on hold and talked to me. In their defense it was a busy night and they looked understaffed. And again when I got the food it was worth the wait.

    Et Voila! presents itself as a charming French-Belgian bistro, known for its convivial European…read moreatmosphere and a menu rooted in classic brasserie traditions, complemented by an impressive selection of Belgian beers and wines. St. Patrick's Day special Irish red ale. The beer delivered a pleasantly full texture with a gentle sweetness, balanced enough to serve as a comfortable prelude to the richer dishes that followed. The French Onion Soup immediately set the tone. Beneath its bubbling cap of melted Gruyère, the broth achieved that elusive equilibrium between sweetness and depth, the caramelized onions fully developed without overwhelming the palate. It stands among the more refined renditions in town. A plate of escargots followed--classically prepared with garlic butter and toasted bread. While traditional and satisfying, the dish leaned more toward comforting familiarity than culinary revelation. Duck leg confit. Perfectly executed, the duck arrived with crisped skin and richly rendered fat, while the meat remained exceptionally tender. Each bite released a deep, savory aroma--earthy, succulent, and unmistakably French in spirit. It was a dish that quietly stole the show and lingered pleasantly in memory long after the meal concluded. 4/11/26 - The cod moussaka impresses with a crisp, golden top layer that delivers a bold, deeply savory cod flavor--rich, briny, and instantly satisfying. A touch of curry paste adds warmth and aromatic complexity, lifting the dish without overpowering it. Confident, balanced, and memorable--an easy re-order.

    Photos
    Et Voila
    Et Voila
    Et Voila

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    The Brewer's Art

    The Brewer's Art

    4.1(1.1k reviews)
    35.4 miMidtown Belvedere
    $$

    What an incredible spot on so many levels. My friend brought me here to enjoy their varied…read morewhiskey selection, craft beers on tap, and cozy architecture. We split a flatbread which was on happy hour special. The dough was perfectly worked, cheese was flavorful, as were the mushrooms on top. The sauce was a bit too sweet, but it didn't interfere with the overall taste of the flatbread which was a win. My Abbey Ale was cold, effervescent, and had a toasted biscuit finish - delicious! The dining room is beautifully appointed, intelligently lit, and the menu has varied options. I'd definitely come back for a full meal. The staff was engaging and friendly, the music was jazzy-hipster in an ambient way, and the downstairs "speakeasy" looks like the place I want to be on a Friday night with some friends. Check this place out, you'll be glad you did.

    Before our flight home, we came here with a reservation so we could grab a meal before heading to…read morethe airport. When we arrived, we were seated right away, but it seemed like there were very few staff working--possibly only one waiter. It took about 10 minutes before we finally had to flag him down just to place our order. The food then took around 25-30 minutes to come out, which felt very long since we were on a tight schedule for our flight. When the food finally arrived, I ordered the macaroni and cheese, and unfortunately it was the worst mac and cheese I've ever had. I don't want to be mean, but it was very bland and really needed salt. My sister surprisingly liked it, but it just wasn't for me at all. The rest of my family did enjoy their meals, and I thought the fries were decent, just lightly seasoned. My mom especially liked the grilled cheese. The waiter himself was nice and kept our drinks refilled, so I don't think the long wait was entirely his fault. The restaurant is very cute inside with cozy, old-style vibes and festive Christmas decorations, which I really liked. However, between the long wait times, the limited menu, and my disappointing mac and cheese, I wouldn't recommend that dish. Overall, it's a charming place, but the service was too slow for us--especially when trying to catch a flight.

    Photos
    The Brewer's Art - Dec 2007: Beacon, next to a few fallen Resurrections and St. Festivus

    Dec 2007: Beacon, next to a few fallen Resurrections and St. Festivus

    The Brewer's Art - Dec 2007: rosemary garlic fries!

    Dec 2007: rosemary garlic fries!

    The Brewer's Art - July 2008

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    July 2008

    The Betsy - bars - Updated September 2026

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