Time: Saturday 11:30pm- Sunday 12:15am
Clientele: hipsters and alcoholic regulars who you’ve met many times but they still don’t remember your name (Hi Jerry!)
cost:
$3 Yuengling
$4+ decent beers
$3 rail

For me this bar marked the beginning of my downturn for the night (maybe it was the mid-range tequila at Social). I was definately buzzed by the time we made it to the Red Derby and with 2 more bars to go we had to keep moving. Despite this I ordered their newest and most expensive beer at $7 the Gubna Imperial IPA at 10% ABV, which was definately worth it.

I have to admit, I’m partial to the Red Derby, since it was the second bar I fell for after moving to DC (it is a biker-bar after all…granted, they’re fixed-gear hipster-bikers). It reminds me of the low-key bars I’d venture to in Chicago (specifically the Continental for those of you that know). The Red Derby is a true neighborhood bar located on 14th st. on the northern edge of Columbia Heights, where gentrification is still in its beginning stages. It has a solid cast of regulars, friendly staff, and great food, prices, and decor.

In fact the place is so great that I’ve been able to wrangle up a game of Apples to Apples with the bartender, chef, bouncer and couple regulars. The Red Derby features films displayed on a wall without sound. The music selection is generally impeccable ( ask bartender Nick to sing for you sometime). Plus, they’ll take song requests with their grooveshark account, or even plug in your ipod for a while. The overall character of the place and their outdoor space makes it a very worthwhile stop.

The beer selection is pretty impressive, though they keep nothing on tap. If you can’t find something at the Derby to drink, you should just give up drinking altogether (Dale’s Pale Ale, Ten Fidy, Pork Slap, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, Iron City). And the prices! What can you say about the prices other than they are fan-fucking-tastic! The guy at the door remembered Samedi from his last visit over a month ago (apparently, Samedi did not make a scene the last time but I don’t believe that). However, despite the fact the door guy is always at the bar (not necessarily at the door) when I’m at the Derby he still checked my ID. Really dude? I swear you stare at me everytime I’m there.

All in all this is a excellent bar.