Denson Liquor Bar
Bar · Downtown ·
Atmospheric Art Deco bar serving old-school drinks & elevated nibbles
Atmospheric Art Deco bar serving old-school drinks & elevated nibbles
"Denson Liquor Bar is a tiny speakeasy in the cut along 6th St. that serves small European bites and incredible cocktails (and mocktails, though there isn’t a specific menu for these). Walk down the metal steps near the corner of 6th and F, with lanterns on either side of the black doors lighting the way, and into the dimly lit bar with a handful of leather tables and an art deco style bar. Make a reservation for a booth in advance, otherwise there’s a decent amount of walk-in bar seating. It does get packed whenever there’s an event happening near the arena, though, so plan accordingly. And while the drinks are the main event here, the spiced pork belly with roasted potatoes topped with blueberry chutney is the kind of dish you’ll dream about." - tristiana hinton
"There’s a solid chance you’ve walked past Denson 100 times and never knew it was there. The Chinatown speakeasy, which is down a semi-shady metal staircase, is best known for its craft cocktails like the Maltese Swift, a rye drink served with blood orange, honey, and egg white. Because it’s across the street from Capital One Arena, it gets packed if the Caps or Wizards are in town, and reservations are required if you want a leather booth. The bar is always first come, first served, though, and it’s the best place to sit if you want to ask for a drink (or mocktail) that’s not on the menu." - tristiana hinton
"Splurge on Petrossian caviar at Penn Quarter’s ritzy underground lounge. Creme fraiche and blini accompany the 12-gram servings, and you can either order one of the three choices or a flight for $144." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"Denson Liquor Bar in Penn Quarter is a tiny speakeasy in the cut along 6th St. that serves small European bites and incredible cocktails (and mocktails, though there isn’t a specific menu for these). Walk down the metal steps, with lanterns on either side of the black doors lighting the way, and into the dimly lit bar with a handful of leather tables and an art deco style bar. Make a reservation for a booth in advance, otherwise there’s a decent amount of walk-in bar seating. It does get packed whenever there’s an event happening near the arena, though, so plan accordingly. And while the drinks are the main event here, the spiced pork belly with roasted potatoes topped with blueberry chutney is the kind of dish you’ll dream about." - Tristiaña Hinton
"Denson looks like a set from The Great Gatsby. The subterranean, Art Deco-inspired space glitters with backlit shelving behind the bar stacked with colorful liquor bottles and stylish glassware. Black and white tiling, cognac leather banquettes, gold accents, and herringbone-patterned ceilings complete the scene. The cocktail menu is straightforward and approachable. For a stiff sip, take a peek at the 17-page spirits menu." - Vox Creative