It’s nearly New Year’s Eve and if you don’t already have plans, you might be panicking. Ticketed events are either too expensive or sold out and the group chat isn’t being very decisive about where to go. Don’t stress: These no-cover bars will have you ringing in 2020 without breaking the bank.
If you want no-hassle and no-frills…
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Jack Rose Dining Saloon is having what it calls a “no hassle-style” New Year’s Eve party in Adams Morgan. There will be no cover, and happy hour will extended in the saloon from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be several specials, including bottomless champagne, and a specially themed menu of whiskeys. The full dinner menu will be available until 11 p.m. and bar bites until 1 a.m.
Church Hall
It’s just another night at Georgetown’s Church Hall, which will be having a “no-fuss” New Year’s Eve party with no-cover and free arcade games.
Boundary Stone
Boundary Stone says it’s going to be having the “best damn no-cover party” of New Year’s Eve, but you be the judge. Happy hour specials will be available from 4 to 10 p.m. with $5 wine and select DC Brau. Live music from local band Reed Appleseed starts at 9 p.m.
The Boardwalk
This new beachy Chinatown bar will be holding its first New Year’s Eve party with no cover. The party starts at 9 p.m. and will include party favors, champagne, games, and more.
Ri Ra
Say goodbye to this Georgetown bar reportedly closing at the end of January 2020 with their New Year’s Eve party. The bar will first be ringing in the Irish New Year at 7 p.m. and then again at midnight with live Irish music, a balloon drop, and a champagne toast.

If you’re hungry…
The Royal
If you want a no-cover, yet festive party head to The Royal. The restaurant will host two separate happy hours: the first from 3 to 7 p.m. with $7 classic cocktails and the second from 10 p.m. to close at 2 a.m. with more $7 cocktails and $5 rail shots. Meanwhile, starting at 5 p.m., the chef will be serving a $42 lobster cazuela (a stew) and three celebratory champagne cocktails, including an apple-infused pisco sour and an French 75 with gin, lemon, champagne, and coffee bitters.
Doi Moi
Doi Moi’s full Southeast Asian menu is available until 10 p.m. and a DJ will be at the 14th Street restaurant from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The menu will include scallop carpaccio, char kuey teow noodles, and ho hos made with pandan. There will also be complimentary champagne at midnight.
If you like a good themed party …
Red Bear Brewing Co.
It’s the Roaring 20s at Red Bear Brewing Co in NoMa. There will be a balloon drop, a champagne toast and both a DJ and live music.
The Big Hunt
If 2019 has left you a zombie, the Big Hunt’s 80s Zombie Prom is perfect for you. According to their Facebook event, you can expect brains and flesh, as well as post punk dance hits at the Dupont Bar.
Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social’s no-cover New Year’s Eve party in Arlington promises to be out of this world … because it’s outer space-themed. This multi-level bar will have specially-themed punch bowls, a live DJ, and a midnight balloon drop.

If you have kids…
Noon Yards Eve
If you want something to do with the kids before it gets too late, head to Yards Park. The free Noon Yards Eve event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes face painting, live music, and a balloon drop at noon.
If the whole squad is coming …
Franklin Hall
Franklin Hall is massive, so if you have a big group, head here. There will be a free food buffet and $5 drink specials from 8 to 11 p.m. There will be a champagne toast as the ball drops, televised from Times Square.
Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown
If you like piano music, Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown is kicking off its piano bar at 9 p.m. There will be drink specials and larger parties are welcome to make reservations.
If you’re a college kid (or just want to feel like one) …
Breadsoda
Glover Park’s Breadsoda, a favorite college kid haunt, will have a complimentary champagne toast at midnight as well as some old-school hip hop playing. All games—including shuffleboard, pool and darts—will be free all night.
The Tombs
A favorite of Hoyas, The Tombs will be celebrating the past 10 years. It will include champagne, a midnight toast, party favors, and a DJ.
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