Alexandra K.
Yelp
It's been nearly two years since my last visit to Binge Bar, and as I anticipated would be the case, today's experience made it clear get it was two years TOO long. I'm glad to be writing this review now though, because I get to share a story:
Gigi, the owner, founder, and hostess extraordinaire of Binge Bar, immediately recognized me when I walked in, even though she's likely has thousands of faces pass through her since I was last here. It's always nice to be recognized, and Gigi is warm, engaging and so friendly - we caught up a bit, she made sure I was comfortably seated and then she flew off to make sure other guests were also being taken care of, and that her staff had everything they needed, and that the woman organizing the day's brunch event was copacetic - Gigi is a FORCE of so much positive vibes and energy. What really moved me though, was when she complimented my coat before getting a photo with me. It's cool for late May in DC, but I characteristically always overdo it with the heaviness of my outerwear, and I was kind of self-deprecatingly commenting about that. Then Gigi was like, I can see exactly how a coat like this would work for this kind of weather, how it looked just right to her. And honestly, even if she was just being nice (it felt sincere though, she didn't miss a beat) it was nice for once to not get a reaction like I must be completely bizarre to need a wool coat when it's less than 65 degrees outside. As hyperbolic as this might sound, Gigi's empathy and positivity just made me feel SEEN, you know?
It might seem odd to see such a personal experience reflected in a review for a bar. But would I really be saying anything original if I mentioned the gorgeous decor and chill ambiance? The extensive menu of delicious non-alcoholic beverages (that Cucumber Gimlet, WOW)? The attentive and friendly, but not pushy, service from the entire staff? The immaculate bathrooms? You could learn about all those things from any other review. I shared my story because it exemplifies how great it feels just being at Binge Bar, how affirming and energizing and motivating. (The Cucumber Gimlet helped too, beyond being delicious I literally felt amazing after in a way thats beyond my capacity to describe.) Whether with friends, or by yourself, whether to socialize at an event or to sit quietly and meditate in the midst of beauty in views, in sounds, in scents and in tastes, Binge Bar brings it all. After today, I've got a new addition for my faves in DC list.