Private Bars for Rent in Washington, DC

Booking costs of private bars average $2500 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Washington, DC, based on Tagvenue data:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

• Tavern Second Floor Space at Shaw's Tavern in Shaw - rated 5/5
  Our user said: ‘This was a marvelous space with a very friendly staff that made for a marvelous event.’

• The Speakeasy at Capo in Northwest - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘I hosted The Speakeasy at Capo Deli for my 50th Birthday party.’

• Interior at Barkada Wine Bar in Northwest - rated 4.9/5
  Venue said: Barkada Wine Bar is an all natural wine bar with a unique list of low intervention wines, specialty cocktails, and shareable snacks, featuring local and imported products.

You'll find private bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Washington, DC, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):

These are the venues within 0.3 mi from central Washington, DC, available to book on Tagvenue:

• Bar Area at Le DeSales on 1725 Desales Street Northwest - 0.1 mi from center.
  Venue said: Just come join the party with our fully-equipped bar and tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere. This place is perfect for smaller gatherings. With our capacity of 40 people, we are one of the most sought-after venues in town...
• Room 52 at Tabard Inn on 1739 N Street Northwest - 0.2 mi from center.
  Venue said: Welcome to the Tabard Inn... Since opening our doors in 1922, the Tabard Inn in the historic Dupont Circle is proud to be the longest-continuously operating inn and restaurant in Washington, D.
• Speakeasy at Decades DC on 1219 Connecticut Avenue Northwest - 0.3 mi from center.
  Venue said: Located in the heart of the Nation’s Capital, Decades is the only 15,000 square foot Retro Nightclub Venue Washington DC has to offer — featuring 6 Floors, 8 Bars, and 5 DJs who play various sounds dedicated to each floors...

Smaller private bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Washington, DC, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:

• Snug at Quadrant Bar and Lounge, rated 5/5 - lounge for 30 guests
  Venue said: The venue features three distinct spaces: the Snug, the Windows Lounge, and the Main Bar. Each area offers plush seating, stylish decor, and flexible layouts.

• Street Patio at Tom's Watch Bar DC - Navy Yard, rated 4.3/5 - outdoor space for 15 guests
  Our user said: ‘I typically select a venue based on the initial interaction.’

• Mezcalería Room at Paraíso, rated 5/5 - bar for 50 guests
  Venue said: Looking for a vibrant space for your next event? The Mezcalería Room at Paraíso on Pennsylvania Avenue is a semi-private bar area, surrounded by an extensive collection of mezcal and tequila, creating the perfect atmosphere...

Cheap private bars in Washington, DC start from $95 hire fee per hour or $1000 minimum spend per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

• New Bar and Lounge at Lux Dc Bar & Lounge, from $95 hire fee per hour (up to 100 guests standing)
  Our user said: ‘Nate and CJ were so friendly, responsive and easy to deal with.’

• Outdoor Space at Tonic At Quigley’s Bar and Restaurant, from $1000 minimum spend per event (up to 100 guests standing)
  Our user said: ‘The space is a great size and very versatile. Service was great.’

• Main Floor at Dupont Italian Kitchen, from $21 per person (up to 100 guests standing)
  Venue said: In the mood for some fresh homemade Italian food? Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving up fresh homemade Italian dishes since 1986. We offer great food, unbeatable prices, and we’re conveniently located in the heart of...

Yes, you can bring your own food to a private bar, provided the bar has a BYO (bring your own) food  option. It's important to check this with the venue manager beforehand as policies can vary greatly from one bar to another. In some cases, the bar might have an exclusive contract with a particular caterer, or they might have their own in-house catering services, so it's always best to discuss this with a venue manager before finalizing your event.

Private bars in DC are perfect for any big or small intimate event you have in mind. They provide a chill and intimate setting that creates a classy but casual atmosphere. By having the venue to yourselves, you can tailor the space to fit the theme of your party, and enjoy the evening without the interruptions that come with public venues. Additionally, many private bars in DC offer customizable packages, allowing you to select and tailor your drinks menu, catering options, and even the music. In a city known for its vibrant nightlife, a private bar in DC is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Yes, plenty of late-night bars in DC offer party packages, which generally start around $20 per person. These packages generally include a selection of drinks, appetizers, and reserved seating. Some bars also offer special deals for groups or special occasions. For instance, Johnny Pistolas in Adams Morgan provides packages starting at $20 per person. For a more upscale option, we recommend checking out bars like Pikio Taco Washington DC in the Kalorama Triangle Historic District or Barkada Wine Bar near U Street Metro Station which have packages for around $50 per person.