Crypto Bars Are Taking Over Washington – And the White House Is Watching

Washington, D.C. is about to get a new kind of watering hole—one that only takes crypto. The city’s popular Hill Country bar, known for its Texas barbecue and heavy Republican clientele, is reportedly being replaced by Pubkey, a pro-Bitcoin dive bar. Pubkey already has a location in New York’s Greenwich Village, where its unique mix of casual vibes, podcast studios, and crypto-only transactions has drawn visitors from across the political spectrum—including, controversially, Donald Trump. During a 2024 campaign visit, Trump used nearly $1,000 in Bitcoin to buy burgers for the bar, making him the first U.S. president to conduct a Bitcoin transaction. With cryptocurrency now enjoying growing influence in Washington, thanks in part to figures like Elon Musk and David Sacks backing Trump, the arrival of Pubkey’s D.C. branch signals not just a culture shift, but potentially a new political reality. As Pubkey owner Thomas Pacchia puts it, “Anybody that wants to come and talk about Bitcoin is welcome. Literally, anyone.”

Key Points:

• Goodbye Hill Country, Hello Bitcoin: The popular Republican-frequented bar Hill Country is reportedly closing, making way for Pubkey, a crypto-centric bar that only accepts digital currency.
• Pubkey’s Background: Originating in NYC, Pubkey is a combination of a dive bar, podcast studio, and crypto social hub with a menu designed by an Eleven Madison Park alum.
• Trump’s Crypto Embrace: In 2024, Trump made a surprise visit to Pubkey, spending $998.70 worth of Bitcoin on burgers—making him the first president to conduct a Bitcoin transaction.
• Crypto’s Growing Political Clout: Once dismissed as a fringe libertarian movement, cryptocurrency now has powerful allies in Washington, including Elon Musk and crypto investor David Sacks.
• Not Just MAGA-Friendly: Despite Trump’s visit, Pubkey aims to attract a bipartisan crowd. Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Ritchie Torres and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have also visited the original location.
• Upcoming DC Location: Pubkey’s D.C. outpost will feature podcast studios and event space, hoping to solidify crypto’s presence in the political landscape.

In short, cryptocurrency isn’t just a financial revolution—it’s now reshaping the social and political scene in the nation's capital. Whether this Bitcoin bar thrives or flops, one thing is clear: crypto is no longer just a side hustle for tech bros—it’s going mainstream, one round of drinks at a time. 🍻🚀
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