DC's Best Dive Bars

Walking into a night at Jimmy Valentine's -- if you can find it, because it has no sign -- feels like entering a house party of all your best friends. Jimmy V carries a … wide selection of bottled beers and, to top it off, Sparks and Mickey's grenades, which may be a first for any bar, really. The bar can be summed up with the word 'comfortable' -- comfy chairs and tons of couches, the freedom to spin music to your heart's content and cozy claustrophobic smallness. [link]

Polly's only takes cash, has a nice selection of brews and an insanely cheap happy hour, and makes ridiculously good food. You can go there to feel like you're drinking … in a basement, not to mention getting your vegetable of the day. There's nothing like ordering a fat burger and topping it off with kale or brussel sprouts to make you feel like you care about your health. The teensy patio, if you can score a table, makes for excellent U Street people-watching and smoking. (photo) [link]

While most Clarendon-goers flock to the abysmally fratty Whitlow's on Wilson or Clarendon Ballroom, those who just want a beer, good food, and rock 'n' roll head to the Galaxy Hut for just that. The owner knows the regulars, and the ambiance will help you forget that you're in yuppy Northern Virginia. The place has a little patio and will … allow you to get within an arm's reach of fantastic local bands. Art featured on the walls is from the area's creative folk. No liquor, just brews and wine. When you wanna go where everybody knows your name and indie rock jukebox preference. [link]

Wonderland is a hip, hip place with a killer jukebox in the Columbia Heights area. It's not really surrounded by much except for rowhouses, which makes sitting out on the … expansive patio feel like you're in your own backyard. Numerous beers on tap, fun DJ nights, and a brunch that includes the "Wonderland Mimosa" -- orange juice and Miller High Life -- all make this place truly special. The food's pretty good, too. (photo) [link]

At Dan's, you can get drunk for next to nothing. My advice? Definitely spring for a fancy dinner before bringing a date here. Then treat him or her to a ten ounce glass of Jack Daniels, a can of Coke, some ice, and two glasses for $14. It took me about five years of living in DC to even notice it was on the hip strip of Adams Morgan. Once … you realize it's there, it feels like the two neighboring buildings parted ways to reveal the illusion of this less than zero frills hole in the wall. There's a pool table, a toilet I wouldn't put my heiny on if you paid me, and crazies abounding. Nurse your next heartache here. [link]

I've been to Pharmacy Bar at 2:15 a.m. on a Saturday when 18th Street in Adams Morgan was a sea of halter tops and I needed to escape. Sure, most of the tables were … filled, but I found a seat to nurse a pint of Yuengling in peace. The themed tabletops are covered in little pills, and there's a sweet booth facing the street where you can judge passerby. This bar fills up with regulars, and you'll see friendly and familiar faces every time you go. (photo) [link]

Ever since the DC smoking ban went into effect, the Raven has casually set loose cigarettes in glasses on the bar for the taking. If that doesn't spell "welcome mat," I … don't know what does. Despite the bar's name, ain't nobody grilling in there. They serve up a delicious assortment of cheap beers and rail liquors, and you can get your Neil Young, Van Morrison, or Patsy Cline in on the jukebox. And if you find yourself drunk and stuck with no one to walk you home safely, one of the regulars will surely pony up to escort you to your door. The worker and patrons' shared sense of grumpiness creates a familial glow that settles over the entire establishment. (photo) [link]