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Where to drink alone this Valentine's Day

Posted on February 14, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Espresso Martini

Just one drink because it’s you, alone, remember? (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)

Here are five casual places that will be free of that gooey, sappy nonsense (no I’m not bitter, you are).

Burn your quarters on the pinball machines in the back and enjoy a fully-dressed hot dog (no, this is not a euphemism).

Enjoy their “red flags” cocktails, like the “rude to service staff” or “doesn’t own any books” to reassure yourself that single is the way to be.

This is where you go to get trashy. The purple mood lighting hides all manner of sins (or sobs). 

Stuff your face with free popcorn and try to forget about the fact that your ex is already dating someone new. Again, this is about you, not me.

The vibes here scream elderly gentleman drinking a whiskey neat, and silver foxes don’t feel sad about drinking alone, so you shouldn’t either.

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