Photo by Dave Newman

According to Food & Wine magazine, two local bars are amongst the 50 best in the entire country.

In the District, it was The Passenger that claimed the magazine’s recognition. It wrote of the Mt. Vernon Square bar: “Veteran bartenders and brothers Derek and Tom Brown run this menuless drink destination. It’s divided into two distinct spaces: a raucous saloon with a punk-rock sound track (Tom’s realm) and a quiet cocktail club (Derek’s).”

In Alexandria, it was PX gaining the acclaim of the editors: “Todd Thrasher makes the cocktails at this chandelier-lit speakeasy (there’s no sign outside, just a blue light). It’s owned by the team behind the terrific Restaurant Eve.”

Of course, a mere two bars for the region could be seen as something of a slight. That being said, these lists are hardly scientific, and there’s something to be said for the fact that drinking in the District has only started to get interesting in the last few years. (We’ve gotten some stellar mixologists, a signature city cocktail and our own homegrown breweries.)

“D.C. got a slow start to the cocktail game compared to a number of other cities, and while we have a number of fantastic bars, many are recently opened and aren’t necessarily worthy of “best 50 in U.S.” Perhaps next year Jack Rose will get a mention with Sergi’s cocktails and the incredible bourbon selection,” said our own resident booze guru John Fleury.

“Also, the title is misleading. It is definitely focused on the cocktail and skill-set of the bartenders. I would think ambiance, wine, and beer should play more of a factor for the complete bar experience,” he added.

In Draft magazine’s 2011 rankings, three places made the list — The Brickskellar (now Bier Baron) and Churchkey in the District and the Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring. For Esquire, it’s always been about the Tune Inn, which recently reopened.

The Washingtonian has compiled its own local list of the best bars here.