Alexandria R.
Yelp
A Hidden Gem for Cocktails in DC
After an amazing dinner, finding a great bar to continue the night is a must, and I'm so glad we followed our ramen spot's recommendation. They claimed it was one of DC's best cocktail bars, so of course, we had to check it out.
This bar is first-come, first-served, so if you want a patio table or a good indoor spot, arrive early and be prepared to wait. Being on the second floor, the space is tight, but it adds to the intimate ambiance--perfect for a girlfriend hangout or a date night. The lighting is dim and moody, setting the perfect tone for a cozy evening.
I told the bartender I'm an Old-Fashioned girl, and he surprised me with a Sazerac--a New Orleans twist on my go-to cocktail that I rarely see on the East Coast. It was phenomenal. My friend wanted something sweeter, so she first got a Hot Toddy, but when it wasn't quite her style, the bartender thoughtfully crafted another fruit-forward drink, which she loved. The level of attention to detail and skill in mixing these drinks was next level--some of the best cocktails I've ever had.
A Little Something to Eat
We also ordered the somber soup, which was like a pork dumpling soup without noodles--a perfect balance to our drinks. However, the wait for food was long--over an hour. Because of this, they comped both our food and drinks, which was unexpected but appreciated.
Final Thoughts
I'd definitely return for the drinks and atmosphere, but keep in mind:
*Come early if you want a seat without a long wait.
*It gets crowded and loud, so it's not a quiet wine bar experience.
*Service is thoughtful, but food can take a while.
Even though I didn't see our final bill, I'd estimate it would have been around $80 assuming an auto-tipping policy. Regardless, the cocktails alone make this spot worth visiting--it truly lives up to the hype.