The bartender wasn’t terribly effusive or attentive. He was just “there”. And if you needed something, you had to look for him. He had a large group of friends visiting, one who took up an entire booth and told us we couldn’t have it “because he had friends coming.” His friends didn’t arrive until 45 min later. The bartender never intervened on our behalf, and it became clear why: when they arrived, he hugged them all and kept talking to them, sending them drinks, and ignoring us. The six of us crammed into the wall space and corner bar area. I paid $50 for three glasses of Syrah (David Reynaud from Elite Wines dist) that retails for $22 a bottle. And the bartender didn’t offer to give me a bottle price or at least negotiate it down, given I was paying an unintended premium from a single glass to three. He wasn’t interested in anything except the game on tv and his friends. In hindsight, he didn’t say anything to us. He gave us the drinks we ordered and handed us our checks. Never “how are you?” “What do you like?” “Is there anything you need?” “I’m glad you’re here.” Nothing. Overall, it wasn’t awful, but pretty close. It’s not a place I’ll return until they get a better crew. FWIW: the drink selection and bar availability is quality and the location is great.

Seeking the solace of a simple, divey bar for somber drinking during a rain storm, a few colleagues and myself piled in, shook off, and took a seat at the big curved copper bar in the small grey cinderblock building. We were presented with a brief but delightfully varied draft list, and a list of cocktails that was straightforward and no-nonsense. After ordering our drinks and settling in, we got into some small talk with the bartender, a affable, well-dressed man with an impeccable beard and a friendly smile. Through the course of the chit-chat we requested recommendations for other, similarly dispositioned drinking holes, and this gentleman provided us with a list written on a coaster that would act as a roadmap for our own little puddle-hopping bar crawl through downtown DC. This casual act of honest kindness sent us on one of the most delightful jaunts through an unfamiliar city that I've ever had, and I'll be forever grateful for the priceless information that this gentleman and scholar provided us with that night. If it weren't for All Souls, it never would have happened. I can't think of a better place in the entire town to start your night than this humble little neighborhood bar.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I used to live in the neighborhood and recently came back for a visit and stopped by the old haunt. Drinks were fantastic, as always. A negroni is often considered a bartender's cocktail. At All Souls, it's called a number 3. Sub-in Cynar for Campari and you've got a ripe, sweet gin sipper. Their version of a French 75 (No. 7) is also tight. The flour tortilla chillito and veggie-lito are nothing to shake a stick at, but All Souls is a bar you come to drink at, not one you're pairing expert cocktails with lavish small plates. Their arrangement and staff are also well-equipped to handle COVID restrictions. A large outdoor patio means a few tables can be set out with a good deal of distance between stations. A little fence sets the sidewalk a good distance away too. A great off-the-main-drag spot, this little Shaw joint has a quiet neighborhood feel just two blocks off one of the busiest bustles in the city.

All Souls Bar is becoming one of the most up and coming bars in the city. It's in a great neighborhood (Shaw) and they have perfected the art of cocktails. If you like sweeter drinks (but not too sweet), order the No. 7. I was told they have the best negronis in the city and they are definitely not bad! The atmosphere is definitely trying to be a dive bar, but it's more like a hipster forced dive bar. You know? Hipsters think they love dive bars, but real dive bars are a little too out there for them. In comes All Souls Bar giving the hipster a dive bar with people in it like them and a cleaner space and more elite cocktails. They don't serve any food outside of a few $3 snacks like olives and amazing cheddar and pecan biscuits. The only downside is that it's becoming popular that it's usually full of loud people so don't go here to have an intimate date.

The bar is nicely decorated and there are cool cocktails and beers that you can get there. However, when I was visiting, the music was tuned way down and it created an awkward situation- I could overhear all the conversations in the place so everyone spoke even more quietly. Besides this, there was a football game on that took everyone's attention so instead of it being a hip, groovy cocktail bar that I expected- it turned into a group of silent people watching sports. Maybe it's better on the weekends. I got good recommendations for the place. Prices are fair.

I'll give them 4 stars only cuz I couldn't find my song on the juke box. If it's called all souls, I feel mine should have found 1 or 2 good songs. I did not tho...so ehhhh.... It was so cute & dim in there tho!! I ordered 2 long islands for me & babe......but imma tell yall something. Mine was so good , I threw his back & we left then I threw somethin else back yaaaaaaahhhh meaaaan ?

All Souls is the perfect intersection of quality, unpretentious cocktails and reasonable prices; a rarity in the district. The atmosphere is relatively laid back and they have a nice outdoor space. I've always been served a quality cocktail at All Souls, even when the bar is packed. I would recommend All Souls to anyone that likes good cocktails and a place to have a decent conversation.

My experience was a bit different than some of the others posting reviews here. The bar was reasonably priced, fairly clean, and had some interesting options, but there was nothing low key about this bar. Wall to wall people. And LOUD. The bathroom is shared between males/females, which wasn't a big deal, but some folks care about that. I'd definitely go again though!

We loved our time at All Souls last night. The bartenders were great and really knew what they were doing - they made the evening special. We liked the menu and felt like you get a lot of bang for your buck. The atmosphere of the place was just right - not too loud, cozy, and safe. We will definitely come back here again and again. It’s a gem of a place!

Sweet bar with a dope patio. Not much seating inside. Cocktail menu is good, beer selection is awesome but service isn't the friendliest. Well priced considering the amount of effort some of the cocktails take. While dimly lit at most times and a minimalist interior, All Souls still provides a great venue for catching up with friends.

Great little corner joint/dive for affordable (most cocktails are 9$) and large cocktails and great draft beers (between $6-7). Awesome service which I quantify by the fact that the guy (Zachary) refilled my water after we paid the check. Props there. Great atmosphere and would highly recommend this place for anyone in the area.

The drinks were good. But the male bartender when we were there was very rude. His demeanor was standoffish and not welcoming. Additionally, I got two drinks, each $11 somehow he said my bill was $30 because he was including his tip in it. I was going to tip regardless but the way he went about it rubbed me the wrong way.

Long are the days gone of random date nights here. But I still never pass up a chance to go in for a quick pre or post game drink when wandering around U st for the night. Wish there was a bit more room but it’s a dive bar so that’s the vibe! Always has decent beers and great cocktails.

Good rooftop but horrible manners on the phone. Woman I spoke with did not say hello when she answered and immediately had an attitude when asking a question (when it was not their busy hours). It is very off-putting to encounter staff like that before I even step into the building.

this place does every cocktail right, truly the best pour for your buck. great spot to sit outside and make friends and what i would presume to be great first date spot. get rose and whiskey DUO!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice hole in the wall bar. The music is SO LOUD though - you can barely have a conversation or order. I’m not sure why other than to discourage people from lingering too long - it’s too bright and small in the bar to dance.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2

A great addition to Shaw with awesome drinks and beer. Order your own pizza from the place next door if you get a need for a nosh. I actually hesitate to write a review because I don't want to to draw too much attention to what's become my new neighborhood watering hole.

Great vibe and good drinks! My only comment was since everything has to be ordered at the bar, you're trying to reach and shout over the people sitting at the bar to talk to the bartender. and it's kind of tight too. But other than that it was chill.

Small, dark, and very tasty are all ways to describe this place. They have amazing drinks and I think this place only seats a total off 33 people, but it is well worth it if you can get a seat here. I think they get the speakeasy scene correct here..

Great customer service and drinks from the owner , he made me a tequila sunrise , my style with with olive and cherry for a sweet and salty combo . Bring your own food to this place , it’s always welcome. Very quaint area with bar and lounge seats.

Get there early if you want a seat or to avoid the line. Went here for date night and sat at the bar (had no trouble finding one at 6 on a Thursday). Small space, good drinks. Will get loud as the post-dinner crew “pours” in (pun intended).

Great, simple type of bar. Not at all overwrought. A bit hipster, sure, but nothing that'll kill anyone. Drinks are very reasonably priced, and some of the staff were warm and nice to interact with. If I lived here... I'd be here a lot.

Decent place for drinks, the no 7 was good, however no 37 was terrible. Bartenders are kind and you can tell them what kind of drinks you like and they’ll whip something up for you. Parking is hard to find nearby, recommend ubering!

Fantastic cocktails in a comfortable, somewhat loud space. Ask the bartender or check the website for the full menu, since there are some recurring gems that aren't always on the main menu. More importantly, trust the bartender.

Had a bad experience- friend and I didn’t like the drinks (one on menu, one off). Bartender not friendly or helpful. Good if you like 7/11-esque snacks, mediocre service, and aperol. The drinks are cheap for a reason y’all.

$10 cocktails all day, every day. Check out the detailed menu on their website, there’s way more than what appears on the board. Great bartenders and great vibe all year round, especially when the patio is open.

Friendly, personable, and accommodating staff. Good music from rock to jazz and beyond. Unfussy yet creative cocktail list with prompt service. Authentic and reliable neighborhood bar. Give them a visit!

Little corner bar with great (strong) cocktails and lots of beer choices. There's no kitchen, but they encourage people to order take out to the location. Nice big patio for when it's warmer outside.

Popped in on a whim, and fell in love with this spot! My only worries about posting about it is that next time I go it'll get too busy. Do yourself a favor though and grab a cocktail …

Excellent neighborhood corner bar! The drinks are strong and sophisticated, the bartenders are friendly and knowledgable, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. My favorite bar in DC!

possibly DC’s best bar. been coming here since 2016 and recently came back since not living in DC for about a year. great cocktails at great prices with great ambiance. all souls 4ever

Friendly bartenders, happening spot, good drinks.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
BYO Pizza

This is an intimate and comfortable spot with plenty of seating options and drink options! What a friendly staff and helpful, too!
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Solid option for reasonably priced cocktails and a good beer selection. Can get packed and a bit loud, but that's not always a bad thing. New outdoor patio is nice

All Souls is a fantastic place for cocktails. They actually pour full strength drinks, which is rare in general in DC but especially in the Shaw/U Street area.

Great little local cocktail bar. Bartenders are excellent. Their version of the French 75 is incredible. They also require vaccination still - an added bonus!

Solid spot for low key cocktails in a fun neighborhood! Both in an outdoor seating, this place a bit more chill than most of the bars you’ll find in the area.

The best French 75 in town. They're delicious and troublesome. The service can be spotty, but the atmosphere is intimate and I enjoy sitting at the bar.

Rude staff, was told not to sit outside because I was alone and "seating is limited." Should be able to enjoy my overpriced cocktail outside, how crazy.

Friendly, attentive service, good beer. Enjoyed the outdoor seating. Didn't try the food, so can't speak to that, but would definitely come back again!

Last call was 10 seconds before we left. Left a 30% tip and they took our drinks out of our hands. Not a bad late night place but the service is rude.

Chill spot. Good beers. Too little floor space. Crucially, you can bring food into the bar and it's right next to Pizza D'Oro (pizza place open late).

Great beer selection and great atmosphere. Bartenders were very friendly and the service was great. We ubered there so I can't speak to the parking .

Great place to grab a beer or drink and hang out with friends. Classic rounded bar bar inside and a very nice outdoor space. Nice neighborhood spot.

Bartenders were rude and took my drinks away when I split them into separate cups. We were pretty disappointed because this place got good reviews

Good drinks and great ambience. Wish they had a little more on the food menu besides snacks. Otherwise, will definitely be back for cocktails.

The worst bar I’ve ever been too drink was horrible it was a margarita shouldn’t be hard… the cocktail menu was subpar and overall wack vibe

Strong drinks, lively vibe, friendly service! I had the French 75 and it was tasty. We'd love to come back to try more cocktails and snacks.

Not a great selection of food. Good drinks. The bar itself and the layout are simple and inviting. Big windows offer great people watching.

All Souls is a super chill bar in Shaw. The "all souls" is a shot of Makers and a glass of rose and it pairs like perfectly. Trust me.

This bar is pretty awesome and the service was great. Everything was priced reasonably and the bar is a very chill environment too.

The owner is really old. Like so old that he broke his ribs checking the gas meter one night. Always entertainment here! 5 stars.

Bartender to patrons — regarding hospital doctors in COVID, “they weren’t really in the trenches.” Don’t need to come back here.

A good spot for a cocktail with a great location and a cool feeling bar. Even better when it's warm out and you can sit outside.

Enjoyed All Souls Bar a few times now. Very nice vibe during the week. Have not gone on a Friday or Saturday. Small and cozy.

We had a great night with some out of town friend. The atmosphere is excellent and the bartenders are remarkably attentive.

Great atmosphere, worst French 75 I’ve ever had. Couldn’t finish it because it was so sour.
Price per person
$10–20

The super black hole at the center of Shaw's galaxy. Home to possibly the most dangerous house 'cocktail' in the corridor

Great establishment. Not sure if there's wifi here but it's a chill litle spot with strong drinks and a chill crowd.

Quiet place (the 3 times I have been) with some nice cocktail specials and a fun (small) crowd. I'll be back often.

Was packed when I went there to an extent that is likely hazardous. Lack of ambiance but does have cheap drafts

Strong and well crafted drinks, good atmosphere and lighting. No that spacious inside but by no means cramped.

Great drinks and great service. They don't serve food beyond a few snacks, but pizza slices right next door.

Good beer selection, outdoor seating. And you get to watch the locals yell loudly at each other all night.

Great place! Very beautiful decoration but how could we enjoy when there is no seats and so much noises?

This is a great place if you like craft cocktails and an off the beaten path atmosphere. Very low key.

I love this place remind me of Chicago great neighborhood bar great people experience you must have

Quality cocktails with a cozy atmosphere. Great place to get a drink and relax with your friends

No doubt best bar, especially cocktail bar, in DC. Neighborhood joint that I go cross town for.

I like this bar to pre game, the drinks are great and you can meet really cool people there.

My favorite place to go for drinks! Super friendly bartenders. Clean & relaxing atmosphere!

Laid back cocktail bar with reasonably priced drinks. Check online for full menu of drinks.

Great dive bar with a solid back bar selection and tasty beers. Only drawback is no mezcal!

I love the rosé Cava and Maker's Mark combo. This is one of the best no frills bars in DC.

Nice place. Limited drink menu. It's either strong asf or stronger asf. No in between. lol

Great place with cocktails. Selection based on feeling but they are all listed on website.

Quiet but nice... Excellent cocktails... No food but you can bring some in if you like...

Amazing cocktails, great out door space and ambience. The olives and almonds were great!

One of the best bars in DC. Great cocktails, fair prices, and a nice neighborhood vibe.

Great bar. Tasty cocktails, fun ambiance, good music. Will be become regular for sure.

Love the atmosphere, drinks, service, and safety measures of All Souls. A great patio!

This pace is very chill. Be prepared to present you Vaccination Card and ID for entry.

Great cocktails, nice patio in the summer. Gets very crowded at night on the weekend

22% service fee. Long time patron and this mandatory service fee trend is a plague.

Get the rose and makers combo for $11. I'm enjoying one right now. It's fantastic!

Fun bar to go to! Luved the roof top! Drinks were great and the service also!

Great corner bar to hang out in. There is a number of small snacks available.

Simple bar hidden in a small street, nice patio and good selection of drinks

Great drinks and service. The best location for quality cocktails in Shaw

Great cocktails. And now that the patio is open, I can't wait to go back!

No food service but great music and cheap drinks help take the edge off.

The Asian bartender acted uncomfortable to serve my party. Rude service.

Great outdoor seating. Cocktails are delicious and won't break the bank

The perfect neighborhood bar. Great drinks, great service, great vibe.

Great bar with talented bar tenders. All the drinks are high quality

Great drinks, good bartenders, nice crowds. And rosé + whiskey shot!

This place is disappointing. Drinks are weak and they take forever.

Fantastic no non-sense neighborhood bar with delicious cocktails.

It's a classy joint! Good drinks in a chill, elegant setting.

Love All Souls! Such amazing people and wonderful drinks.