Washington welcomes first bitcoin-themed bar

A well-known Washington, D.C. bar popular among Republican staffers is closing down, creating a new social space – a cryptocurrency bar. Hill Country, a Texas-style barbecue restaurant and nightlife spot near power lobbying firms is shutting its doors after 14 years.

It will reportedly be replaced by a D.C. outpost of Pubkey, a New York-based bitcoin-themed bar known for its casual vibe and crypto payments. Pubkey first opened in 2022 in Manhattan and quickly became a gathering spot for crypto enthusiasts.

The bar gained national attention when Donald Trump visited during his 2024 campaign and used nearly $1,000 worth of bitcoin to buy food for patrons, making him the first US president to complete a bitcoin transaction. Pubkey owner Thomas Pacchia confirmed that a Washington location is in the works and that it aims to welcome a bipartisan crowd.

The shift reflects a broader cultural and political trend as cryptocurrency gains more influence in American politics. Once viewed with scepticism, the crypto world now has strong ties to Trump’s circle, with figures like Elon Musk and David Sacks pushing the agenda. Trump has further embraced the space, launching a memecoin, appointing a ‘crypto czar,’ and proposing a national cryptocurrency reserve.

While PubKey proudly accepts Bitcoin as a form of payment, cash and credit payments options are also available.

Why does it matter?

The arrival of Pubkey in D.C. is symbolic of crypto’s growing presence in national discourse—both politically and socially. While Hill Country offered smoked brisket and karaoke nights for Capitol Hill insiders, its crypto-centric replacement signals a new kind of power player is stepping onto the scene.

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