2 DC Bars That Are Absolutely Worth A Special Trip, Top 100 List Says

WASHINGTON, DC — Two Washington, D.C. bars are shaking up the metro's cocktail scene after being named among the top 100 in North America.

Silver Lyan and Allegory in D.C. came in as two of the best 100 bars on the continent, according to 50 Best's North America's 50 Best Bars 2026 list. The annual, globally recognized list ranks top-tier venues across the U.S., Canada and Central America.

50 Best released the first half of its list of the top 100 bars on Tuesday, revealing the spots ranked from No. 51 to 100. The list is compiled through votes cast by the "voting academy," which includes more than 300 independent cocktail experts, renowned bartenders, educators and drink writers.

The full ranking of North America's 50 Best Bars 2026 will be revealed at a live awards ceremony in Vancouver on April 22.

Silver Lyan came in at No. 55 on the list. Situated inside a former bank vault, Silver Lyan is an underground DC den that offers a brilliantly playful take on Americana, according to 50 Best.

"Merging rigorous, avant-garde techniques with remarkably unserious delivery – hugo spritz jell-o shots with a champagne chaser, anyone?" 50 Best wrote. "Silver Lyan is precision disguised as an outrageously fun, subterranean party."

Meanwhile, Allegory came in just a couple spots behind at No. 57. Hidden behind an unassuming door in D.C.'s Eaton Hotel, Allegory is a collision of art, literature and history through the lens of complex cocktails, according to 50 Best.

"Inspired by the stories of 'Alice in Wonderland' and young civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, expect to find thought-provoking drinks like the 'Censor This!', made with de-alcoholised gin, tomato and lemon preserve," 50 Best wrote.

See the first half of 50 Best's 100 Best Bars.

If You Visit Silver Lyan

• 900 F St. NW, Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.
• Average price per cocktail: $21
• Open Tuesday through Sunday
• 202-788-2799
• Visit Silver Lyan's website

If You Visit Allegory

• 1201 K St. NW #1, Downtown, Washington, D.C.
• Average price per cocktail: $16
• Open Monday through Saturday
• Visit Allegory's website