Left Door
Bar · U Street ·
Classic & creative cocktails served in a funky, intimate speakeasy parlor
Classic & creative cocktails served in a funky, intimate speakeasy parlor
"Behind an inconspicuous door off S Street, Left Door is a dark and moody speakeasy that’s perfect for a nightcap. For walk-ins only, this intimate space above a laundromat feels like you’ve disappeared from the District and entered a completely different time period. Serving classics and experimental drinks alike, you’ll feel cozy and tucked away from the rest of the world." - Abi Newhouse
"Tucked above the Bus Stop Saloon, the new lounge Left Door debuted to the public on Wednesday, November 22 after new-ish owners Joseph Wallace and Robert Lemons transformed the space into a caviar- and dirty martini-strewn lounge intended as “a toast to the spirit of the city.” The mood is elegant: drinks are generally north of $20 and include dirty martinis composed of Monterey Bay seaweed, olive brine, and Hog Island sea salt brine, and Manhattans finished with TCHO chocolate bitters. Food skews luxurious, with wagyu beef bites with miso butter for $65 and caviar service that can run up to $210. The bar asks guests to “limit phone usage” and “dress to impress,” and will operate 5:30 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Wednesday and 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday (closed on Thanksgiving)." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Order a martini at Left Door, and the bartender will immediately ask you what gin-to-vermouth ratio you are looking for. The martini spin on their current cocktail menu, Revenge of the Gibson Girl, is a mixture of Beefeater, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Genepy, celery bitters, and a big onion they pickle themselves (be warned it’s on the sweeter side)." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"For the new year, bar manager Mick Perrigo created a piping hot option using the Baltimore Whiskey Company’s Pechuga-style Apple Brandy — which takes inspiration from mezcal made with chicken by throwing a Maryland country ham into the still — Calvados, amaro, apple cider, and cinnamon. It’s all topped off with a jerky garnish ($14)." - Tierney Plumb
"For a very spooky October, I'd head to Left Door, which is celebrating the cult favorite film Beetlejuice all month with themed decor and cocktails; the “Tally Me Banana” mixes rye whiskey and pineapple rum with banana syrup and walnut bitters and is sure to make drinkers involuntarily dance." - Adele Chapin