One of the best things to do near Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is to tour the traditional Washington, DC, monuments and museums, and the plentiful dining and shopping options in Old Town Alexandria. But there are also unique, tucked-away specialty spots close to the base that so many people crave—like a great whiskey bar.
If you’ve just started learning the whiskey ways, you’ll see that bars and restaurants refer to their collections as whiskey or whisky. That’s because the major producers (the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and the UK) differentiate. Those of us in the U.S and our friends in Ireland use the “e,” while our neighbors to the north in Canada and Scotland go without.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a new or seasoned whiskey or whisky fan; you’re in the right place. The area surrounding Fort Belvoir has some of the best places to sip and linger. These are seven of the top sites to try new and rare whiskey blends.
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1. Daniel O’Connell’s
Old Town Alexandria
You can’t have a “Best of Whiskey” list and not mention one of Ireland’s most famous adult beverages. Have a seat at the bar and sample one of the Irish whiskies O'Connell's has on the shelf. The bar is recognized as one of the top things to do in Northern Virginia, thanks to its authentic menu.
Try the lamb stew for a taste of traditional Irish fare. And, later, savor another Jameson’s and hear the live music. Daniel O’Connell’s is also regularly voted one of Washington, DC’s best Irish Pubs.
2. 219 Restaurant Basin Street Lounge
Old Town Alexandria
If you’d love a little jazz and blues music while savoring fine whiskey, Basin Street Lounge is calling your name. Operating since 1979, it offers an elegant atmosphere and, if you choose, a cigar bar, accompanied by an extensive whiskey list. The lounge is open every night of the week, and live music starts at 9 p.m.
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3. Union Street Public House
Old Town Alexandria
One of Old Town Alexandria’s most recognized restaurants and a frequent host to parties of all sizes, Union Street Public House also has the fan-favorite Whiskey Bar, dedicated to featuring more than 200 selections from around the world.
The colonial warehouse’s atmosphere is the perfect setting for enjoying your favorite blends and trying new choices. The Whiskey Bar has select hours Wednesday through Saturday.
4. King's Ransom
Old Town Alexandria
King's Ransom is where Japanese-inspired food meets Virginia’s first and only Toki Highball Machine. Newbies take note: This machine provides whiskeys and other rare spirits with a cold-water bath, chilling them to the perfect temperature for mixing, ensuring a perfectly smooth highball cocktail. You’ll find traditional highball drinks like a Bourbon Old Fashioned as well as creative combinations like Yuzu Whiskey Sour.
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5. The Whiskey Revolution Tasting Room
National Harbor, Maryland
Just a short drive over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in National Harbor, Maryland, The Whiskey Revolution Tasting Room offers more than 100 American whiskeys and bourbon. The staff is beyond knowledgeable about the beloved spirits and eager to recommend their favorites or introduce you to something new you’ve been wanting to try. Make a night or weekend of the location; the bar is in the Marriott Gaylord and is right in the middle of plenty of walkable shopping and dining.
6. Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Washington, DC
Not only Washington, DC’s, best, but a contender for one of the country’s most prestigious whiskey bars, the Jack Rose Dining Saloon has more than 2,700 bottles on its shelves, including some of the rarest collections. Don’t feel like you have to leave empty-handed; you can browse the Bottle Shop for exclusive single-barrel selections.
7. The Dignitary
Washington, DC
Crave a traditional whiskey experience? The Dignitary hits the mark with a cozy yet stately atmosphere. Leather furniture and low lighting exude sophistication—perfect for trying the hand-picked Scotch whisky and bourbon selections. Also, check the bar's schedule for its popular tasting events and specially priced whiskey flights.
Whiskey fans, this list should give you a good start for exploring the tasting menus around Fort Belvoir. Plan ahead for easy access to the best selections and follow the establishments’ socials to take advantage of specialty events like holiday menus.
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