Best Bets
Best bars for a 'Mad Men' vibe
By Julia Beizer | Washington Post Staff Writer | Updated 11/08/2009
Capture the spirit of the AMC show and 1960s Manhattan at these evocatively lighted establishments.
Bourbon Steak
Washington, DC
At night, the tastefully appointed dining room in the Four Seasons glows with a subtle warmth. There's a mid-century feel here with oversize lamps and cushy brown banquettes. But butter-poached steaks and lobster potpies don't come cheap. Find a less-pricey menu and classic cocktails in the dimly lighted lounge.
Daniel O'Connell's
Alexandria, VA
The Old Town pub leans more toward "Cheers" than the AMC show. Focus on architectural features such as dark wood moldings and tucked-away booths, which call to mind the places to which younger Sterling Cooper staffers (think Peggy Olson and her pickup) gravitate in their off-hours.
The Gibson
Washington, DC
The decor is speakeasy cool, but the 14th Street bar oozes that brand of undercover discretion that a man like Don Draper would appreciate. The bartenders here mix drinks with care; sip the potent concoctions at cozy two-tops and candlelit tables.
The Jockey Club
Washington, DC
Once a destination for celebs and politicos in town, the legendary dining room reopened last year, offering classic dishes such as Caesar salad (tossed tableside), steak tartare and lobster thermidor. Outfitted with equestrian-themed paintings, the dining room brings a country-club feel to Embassy Row.
Morton's, The Steakhouse - Vienna
Vienna, VA
There's a timeless quality to most steakhouses, and the Morton's chain is no exception. But there's something even more old-school about this particular outpost. In the windowless subterranean space, the white tablecloths and dark-wood bar read as authentic vestiges of a long-ago era.
Old Hickory Steakhouse
Oxon Hill, MD
The grand dining rooms at this National Harbor destination call to mind the kinds of places where the ad agency's principals might meet with prospective clients over dinner. They'd bring their wives, enjoy polite conversation and look out on the picture-perfect view of the Potomac River.
More Best Bets
Bars & Clubs
- Best Wine Bars
- Best beer selection
- Best bars without televisions
- Best People Watching
- Best Bars for Flying Solo
- Best Dance Floor Action
- Best Rock Club
- Best dive bars
- Best bars with fireplaces
- Best Jazz Clubs
Restaurants
- Best outdoor seating
- Best gumbo
- Best cheap eats
- Best cupcakes
- Best for groups
- Best romantic restaurants
- 2009 Dining Guide: 10 sweet endings
- Best sushi
- 2009 Dining Guide: 10 top tables
- Best desserts
Events
- November Mixtape
- Best Happy Hour Deals
- Best bets for music this week
- Best Events for October-December
- Best Quick Trips
- Best of FotoWeek
- Best bets for theater this week
- Best bets for museums this week
- Best bets for movies this week
- Best Ongoing DJ Nights
Visitors Guide
Questions/Comments?
Send Us Your Feedback
Use this form to submit questions and comments about washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide.
Submit a Listing for the Going Out Guide
This form is to suggest a listing to be included in the online Going Out Guide only. We welcome community submissions, but we are not able to publish all listings we receive. The Going Out Guide only publishes entertainment listings. If you would like to submit an event listing to the Washington Post newspaper, call 202-334-6000.
Thank You
Your update/correction will be reviewed by the Going Out Guide staff.
Thank you for writing to us about washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide.
Thank you for submitting a listing for washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide. We will review your submission for consideration.
You should receive an SMS shortly.
Your e-mail has been sent to the following recipient(s) :
Thank You
We're sorry. We experienced an error in submitting your request. Please try again later.