Best Bars in Washington DC for People Over 40

The best bars in Washington DC will make you feel at home even if you are way over 21. These are 3 bars that are friendly for people over 40 including Russia House, Bistro Lepic, and the Jefferson Hotel.

Best Bars in Washington DC for People Over 40: Russia House Restaurant and Lounge

Russia House occupies a gracious old stone building on the edge of Dupont Circle. The lounge is at the top of the winding stairs with no conspicuous signs except the burly Russian bouncers standing there. I hear that it's very lively in the late hours, but after work it's cozy and lives up to its claims of Tsarist charm with a huge selection of vodka and caviar. A martini costs $10 but it's as big as my head, and they don't make you feel embarrassed about sharing it. (1800 Connecticut Avenue)

Best Bars in Washington DC for People Over 40: Bistro Lepic and Wine Bar

This is an outstanding French restaurant that added an upstairs wine bar featuring a French Asian look with trompe-l'oeil cork flooring and rattan couches. Weekly specials include complimentary wine tastings on Tuesdays and half price wine by the glass on Wednesday through Monday. You can go downstairs to eat or they serve most of the menu in the lounge with most main courses costing about $20. (1736 Wisconsin Avenue NW)

Best Bars in Washington DC for People Over 40: Jefferson Hotel

There are many beautiful hotel bars in Washington DC, but it was nice to get the Jefferson Hotel back late last year after it shut down for renovations in 2007. The halls are still lined with historical memorabilia including rare prints and letters by Thomas Jefferson. Now, the handsome original skylight has been revealed and the bar itself looks gorgeous in softly lit orange glass. The bartenders are skilled, and even the glasses are stylish. I'm not paying $23 for macaroni and cheese, but you can make a decent dinner out of the free bar snacks with spiced nuts and white asparagus and olives in vinegar. For heartier appetites, the $14 spinach and enoki ravioli is flavorful, and the serving is generous for the price and setting with several ravioli and decent bread. (1200 16th Street NW)

Whether you get a jumbo martini at Russia House or take in some history at the Jefferson Hotel, people over 40 can enjoy some of the best bars in Washington DC.