Solly's

One of my favorite chill bars in DC. Solly's has two floors and a patio. The first floor is just a bar, a couple tables (built into glass wall nooks, which is cool for people watching), bathrooms and a slot machine. They play decent music and have solid beer-shot combos (I go for the PBR and Powers, $9.50).

The upstairs is an event space, and they do Kostume Karaoke on Thursdays (its just like it sounds, you wear one of the many costumes they have and you do karaoke). My rugby team does events up here, its pretty cool.

The patio outside is one of the best parts. They have like 4 picnic tables on an outdoor patio, right at the corner of 11th and U. Great spot to smoke cigs and people-watch. (They have a proper fence between the patio and the street (now), so you can people watch, not get screamed at by homeless people who sneak under the railing.)

Very much an after-work bar vibe, the music isn't too loud, the people (a lot of regulars) are mostly just boozing and talking after a long day. The drinks are cheap ($10 for a combo and like $6 for a rail).

There's a guy who's always at the slot machine, very excitedly playing $3 spins; he'll take a break if you want to play and you ask him nicely. The bartenders will remember you if you start coming often, and so will the regulars. Overall, a great chill bar.