The most anticipated bar opening of the winter has finally arrived in Penn Quarter. And Yes! Paying with Bitcoin is preferred at PubKey. While they do accept standard cash and credit, the venue is built around the ethos of sound money and encourages the use of Bitcoin for all purchases.
A New Home for Freedom Tech and Fun
PubKey Bar and Media Haus is officially planting its flag in the capital on December 19, taking over the massive 12,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Hill Country. Far larger than its original Greenwich Village location, this new DC flagship is designed to be a “Cheers”-like destination where the conversation flows as freely as the drinks. The venue functions as a hybrid social hub, combining a rustic tavern atmosphere with a media studio, event stage, and podcast recording capabilities.
While the founders—including former Fidelity and BlackRock alumni—built the concept around the principles of sound money and Bitcoin, the ethos remains strictly “free and open to the public.” The space invites everyone to gather for dialogue, debate, and connection, regardless of where they stand on the political or digital currency spectrum!
Elevated Tavern Bites and Satoshi Sips
The menu at PubKey is far from standard pub grub, thanks to Chef Alexis Samayoa, who brings experience from Espita and Starr Restaurants to the table. Guests can tear into elevated staples like the “Chop Cheese” sandwich, a nod to New York bodegas, or the “Stek Frets,” a hearty ribeye served with lemon-herb butter and tallow-fried potato wedges. For a local twist, Samayoa has added a Half-Smoke to honor the bar’s new DC roots.
On the beverage side, the cocktail program features inventive pours like “The Washington Place” and the “Cydonia,” alongside the “Pleb,” a High Life-infused play on the negroni sbagliato. For those feeling particularly bullish, the $100 “Orange Pill Whale” tiki drink—that can only be purchased with Bitcoin.
Where Policy Meets the Pour
True to its reputation as a “Media Haus,” the venue is geared up to host a robust calendar of programming that bridges the gap between Washington policy and internet culture. The original NYC location has hosted heavy hitters ranging from President Trump and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to tech titans like Michael Saylor, and the DC outpost aims to foster that same level of high-impact, nonpartisan exchange.
Beyond the serious talks, the schedule is packed with community-focused fun, including trivia nights hosted by Capital City Showcase, weekly Bitcoin meetups, karaoke sessions, and art parties. It is a rare venue where you can catch a fireside chat on monetary policy one minute and belt out a ballad the next.
Rustic Charm with a Digital Twist
Designed to feel familiar yet forward-looking, the space preserves beloved architectural details like exposed brick and ironwork while integrating modern blockchain-inspired metal accents. A sprawling screen anchors the room for game-watching, ensuring it remains a go-to spot for sports fans heading to the nearby Capital One Arena.
In the coming weeks, the venue will expand its offerings with a business lunch menu tailored for the 9-5 crowd, featuring dishes like King Salmon and Braised Short Ribs, followed by a meat-forward chophouse opening in early 2026. Whether you are paying in cash, credit, or satoshis, PubKey offers a dynamic environment to eat, drink, and ideate.
Pubkey.bar/DC. 410 Seventh St. NW, Washington, DC. Entrees $16-$30; Cocktails $14-$100. Instagram.
