There is a time and a position forfancy cocktailsand workmanship beer , but let ’s confront it : booze in DC can be absurdly expensive . And sometimes , going to the bar is about drink for as little money as possible . That ’s the glory of the brassy beer - and - a - shot pairing , usually nothing more than a quick hitting of booze washed down with some refreshing light beer . But while mostdive barsstick to basics like Natty Boh or PBR paired with rail whiskey , some bars in the expanse are stepping up their quality and pose more creative with their combos , pairing the variety of beer you really sip and consider with liquors that you actually pledge for the penchant . We ’ve attack up the skilful of both worlds here , so no matter what your taste or budget this weekend , you may knock back a beer and a snap at one of the dependable places in the dominion .

Left Door

provide Door is one of DC ’s hottest Modern cocktail bar , and it also suffice an off - fare beer - and - a - shot combo for $ 9 . It ’s ultimately the mixologist ’s pick , and things can switch up , but have a bun in the oven something along the railway line of a Tiger lager and a pour of Old Overholt whiskey … or something interchangeable .

The Looking Glass Lounge

The beer - and - a - shot combo at this free-and-easy neighborhood pub draw in thirsty regulars for everything from legal community trivia to patio drinking . The $ 6 Bo - Beam jazz band pairs a can of Baltimore favorite Natty Boh with a pour of Jim Beam . More discerning drinker can attempt the valet de chambre ’s combo : a bottle of Yuengling paired with a shot of Clontarf Irish whisky ( $ 8) . There ’s a full bill of fare of originative and tasty cake food , too – ( heyyy , grilled shishito pepper ) – which you ’ll undoubtedly need , after a few of these .

The Codmother

As the name suggests , this lively cellar dive boast killer fish & chips , sticky floor , safe euphony , and hatful of cheap beer . Codmother does n’t serve light brews , so the $ 6 jazz band pair a generous pour of basic rail whiskey with a can of PBR , Natty Boh , or Genesee Cream Ale .

Scarlet Oak

The cocktail lean at this perfunctory American restaurant near Nationals Park includes the 909 triplex Play ( $ 9 ) , which consists of a three - pronged punch : George Dickel Whisky , a can of PBR , and a shot of fix juice . The aptly advert drinking is perfect for a Nationals pregame session … or a post - mettlesome crapulence .

The Pub & the People

Despite the fact that its carte is graced with items like duck confit , this North Capitol St gastropub and cocktail bar still has something to offer budget - witting booze drinker . Case in item : the $ 6 " Family Banquet " combo of Coors Banquet beer and Old Grand - Dad bourbon . The tinny beer on the menu go $ 4 a pop music on their own , so going for the pair is n’t really a hard selection to make ( but was it ever go to be ? ) .

Showtime

Showtime is one of the city ’s most beloved dive bars , and might even be one of the best in the land . The go - to drink in at this immediate payment - only lacrimation hole is the timeless $ 5 " Comb’oh " – a can of Natty Boh and a whisky back . For a dollar more , you could grab a shot of tequila and wash it back with a Tecate .

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Whiskey rightfully takes center stage at Jack Rose , but the beer broadcast is self-colored as well . They offer several high - end boilermaker conjugation with flavor , not value , in mind . Among the pick is the Harvey Fry ( $ 14 ) , which correspond a 12 oz IPA with 1 oz of barrel - strength Islay Scotch . There ’s also the Hasta La Vista ( $ 10 ) combo , boast a 16 oz Stiegl Radler and a 1 oz guess of Cabeza Tequila Blanco .

Red Derby

The Red Derby has an entire section of its menu dedicated to beer & shot combinations , and it goes beyond ( far , far beyond ) sleazy beer and whisky . Some of the more affordable option let in $ 6 for a Tecate and a tequila , $ 7 for a Natty Boh and a Bulleit , and $ 9 for a Dale ’s Pale Ale and a pour of Old Overholt . On the gamy end is an $ 11 conjugation of Guinness and Jameson , and even $ 12 for a DC Brau Corruption and a cognac ( which might just be the fanciest boilermaker ever ? ) .

Boundary Stone

Late Night at the neighborhood Boundary Stone mean a can of DC Brau Public and a shot of Jameson for $ 8 . This gamy - end boilermaker is available Sunday - Thursday from midnight to come together , making it a substantial choice for a nightcap during the week .

DC Reynolds

DC Reynolds has a relaxed atmosphere and spacious back terrace , which is ideal for enjoy one of its three special beer - and - a - shot combo . The P2 ( $ 7 ) is a shot of Powers Irish whiskey served with a stock - publication PBR can . If you desire to get fancy , order up the " Sweet and Smooth " combo , which consist of a crack of Jameson Caskmates and Duck - Rabbit Milk Stout ( $ 10 ) , or the " Refreshing and Mello " duet : Traverse City bourbon with a Denizens Pilsener back ( $ 10 ) . And in news that ’s equal parts terrifying and amazing , this special is also buy - one - get - one daily from 5 - 9pm . We dispute you not to get utterly soused .

Eat the Rich

oyster and a tilt ' n ' curl soundtrack are iconic aspect of this Shaw cutting bar and seafood situation from mixologist and restaurateur Derek Brown . But do n’t overlook the menu ’s jazz band option . Wash down dinner with a " Broh’sville " – a can of Natty Boh and a shot of Pikesville Rye ( $ 7 ) – or go for " America ’s Main Street , " a Yuengling and Old Overholt ( $ 8) . The bar also sling the H St. Bohemian , which is a PBR highboy and Mexican Fernet jazz band ( $ 12 ) . Plus : oyster shooters , y' all .

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Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Looking Glass Lounge

Looking Glass Lounge

Scarlet Oak

Scarlet Oak|Laura Hayes/Thrillist

Pub and the People

Pub and the People

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Red Derby

Red Derby

Boundary Stone

Boundary Stone|Laura Hayes/Thrillist