Looking to try the best wine bars in town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top wine bars in Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Barcelona Wine Bar
Logan Circle's Barcelona Wine Bar, located at 1622 14th St. NW, is the top-rated wine bar in D.C., with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 1,305 reviews. With 40 wines by the glass, this dimly lit tapas spot is a great place to try Spanish and South American labels, many of which are exclusive to the Barcelona Restaurants mini-chain, according to the website.
The evolving menu has included such small bites as spiced meatballs, asparagus with harissa aioli, and roasted garlic bulbs, plus there are plates of paella to share. On a nice day, consider the patio.
2. Proof Restaurant
Proof Restaurant is another go-to, with four stars out of 905 Yelp reviews. The wine list is huge, with examples from nearly every wine-producing country (and American state), with an emphasis on producers in Burgundy, the Rhone and Bordeaux. (See the full wine list here.) It also serves beer and cocktails, which you can get at a discount during happy hour.
Sample menu items include ahi tuna tartare, banana leaf-wrapped halibut and lamb tacos. Head over to 775 G St. NW (between North Seventh and North Eighth streets) in Penn Quarter to see for yourself.
3. Room 11
And then there's Room 11, a Columbia Heights favorite with four stars out of 431 reviews. Perhaps best known for cocktails, there's also a solid list of reds, whites, fortified and dessert wines, all of which are available by the glass. Cheese and charcuterie pair with the wine for a light meal.
There are also starters from gazpacho to cauliflower with tahini vinaigrette, and mains like banh mi sandwiches and sea bass. Stop by 3234 11th St. NW (between North Lamont and North Kenyon streets) the next time you're in the mood for wine and New American cuisine.
