Calico is a top-rated gastropub in Washington, serving guests who want more than just a meal—they want a memorable dining experience with bold flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service.
Known for its 4.40-star reputation, Calico brings together elevated gastropub cuisine, craft drinks, and a comfortable setting that’s perfect for casual nights out, social gatherings, and relaxed meals with friends or family.
If you’re searching for a highly rated gastropub in Washington, Calico delivers the kind of quality, energy, and character that keeps guests coming back. To experience a top-rated gastropub in Washington and enjoy standout food and drinks in a vibrant local setting, visit Calico today.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Calico
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
American Cheese, Lettuce, Pickles. Served with Chips
Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach
white sauce, italian sausage, basil
salsa, chipotle crema, pickled jalapeno, cheese
Corn Chips, Salsa Rojo. Add some Queso Dip for $3!
Served with Honey Mustard and Queso Dip
panko breaded tenders, served with tater tots, ranch & honey mustard
Hear from our valued guests
Super friendly and welcoming staff. Just an all around very good bar no matter the season. Not pretentious at all but has everything you’d want (great drink selection, creative bar tenders, game nights, tables for larger groups, great patio area) Food ain’t bad either. Tomatoe pie is a tasty snack and being from Philly I was pleasantly surprised by the Philly Cheesesteak! Generous amount of meat, soft bread, and balanced with some sweetness. VERY generous portion of tater tots too.
Came here for drinks and had a great time. It was a chilly-ish Saturday lunchtime and we were one of a few groups, which was perfect to sit at the bar and chat with the friendly bartender. Tucked away and quiet, but still fun. Creative drinks that were delicious! My friends ordered some bar snacks that they really enjoyed. Not a ton of gluten free options so I abstained. Overall, excited to go back this spring and summer!
A gem within Bladgen Alley! Amazing spot for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. The lavender lemonades are the absolute best! They also have a variety of board games and host events like Bingo.
I came to celebrate a birthday. The address is Blagden Alley, it is really in an alley. Calico is a cute and cozy establishment. I ordered the Green Goddess Pasta and my husband had the Pit Beef platter. They were both delicious. There is a drink on the menu called the Creamsicle. I am not a drinker and asked for a nonalcoholic version. It tasted like an Orange Julius but more grown up. It was very creamy and refreshing. The day I was there it was extremely hot. The feel like temperature outside reached over 100 degrees. The staff kept your water glasses full from the time you entered till you left. The staff was so friendly and customer service orientated. They checked on you without being overbearing. I also liked that music was not too loud. The bathrooms were very clean. I want to go back and try their loaded tater tots.
Too late! This hidden gem is no longer hidden. But this open-air bar centered around a garden-like patio and warehouse-style interior offers yummy draft cocktails, friendly staff, and great summer vibes. Perhaps upscale — both the menu and the crowd are dead giveaways — but probably worth the splurge. Volume is just right for good conversation — perfect date spot. Art, bingo, and grill nights during the week; $3 tomato pie slices(?) and $2 off (not am amazing deal) for HH. Definitely try the Lavender Lemonade. But uh...plastic forks?
Came here with friends for a while on New Year’s Eve and loved the vibe. They had a fun board game night, and their cocktails and juice boxes were amazing. The food was okay, but we’re glad we found this spot. Definitely coming back!
Really fun bar / restaurant! Cocktails are a bit sweet, but beer is good and vibe is on point. They have really cute outdoor and indoor areas with ivy growing all over the place. Have a solid happy hour special, but it gets really crowded on even weekdays if the weather is nice! Food was okay, but pretty affordable and def worth it for this unique experience!
A Hidden Gem in Blagden Alley: Calico If you’re searching for a place that feels like home but comes with great drinks and an inviting vibe, Calico in Blagden Alley is your spot! This charming spot combines cozy and chic, making it perfect for happy hour or a casual night out. Their cocktails are consistently fresh and flavorful, thanks to a skilled staff that knows how to deliver quality in every glass. The outdoor space is a dream, with beautiful seasonal décor, heaters for the colder months, and even a bar that stretches outside. Calico isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience. Whether you’re joining friends for bingo, sipping and painting, or carving pumpkins in the fall, there’s always something fun to do. The shareable plates are perfect for groups, and the main entrées hit the spot every time. Don’t miss out—ask for Randall, Kyle (the amazing manager), or any of their friendly staff to ensure your visit is top-notch. Calico is one of those places that can quickly become your regular hangout. Highly recommend!
I love Calico! Such a fun hidden gem down Blagden Alley. Theres spots inside and out but the best is inside their decorative outdoor gazebo. I arrived around 5 before the happy hour rush came in so we were able to get a seat. I got some beers and some tots - delicious! Recommend for a fun happy hour and chill atmosphere!
All the staff were so nice. They were super helpful getting us set up at an outdoor table when it was super busy inside. Food came out really quickly. Fries could be improved but otherwise food was great.
Common questions about Calico
Calico is located at 50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States, Washington, DC 20001, United States.
You can reach Calico by calling +1 202-791-0134.
Calico has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 687 customer reviews.
Calico features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Wheelchair-accessible car park.
Calico features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Calico features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Quiz night.
Calico features the following popular for: Lunch, Solo dining.
Calico features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Comfort food, Food, Food at bar, Late-night food, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Calico features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Calico features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Calico features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trending, Trendy.
Calico features the following crowd: Groups, University students.
Calico features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Calico features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Calico features the following parking: Free street parking, Paid street parking.
Calico features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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