Paris B.
Yelp
After indulging in some bomb-ass Italian at Grazie)my homegirl and I decided to keep the vibes going at one of DC's secret bars--Segreto. Let me tell you, this was a journey.
So here's the tea: to get into Segreto, you need a passcode according to TikTok which they email after you make a reservation. Simple, right? Wrong. I realized halfway through my pasta that I'd entered the wrong email address. Naturally, I called to fix it, but instead of updating my email, the hostess accidentally put me on the waitlist. Sigh.
Once you make a reservation, don't just sit back and relax. Confirm it through the Yelp text they send:
"You're booked at Segreto for 12:00 am 11/24.
Download Yelp app to confirm your reservation: yelp.to/YFTHzrLWev"
I was so focused on fixing my email that I almost missed this crucial step. Don't be me.
After confirming, we debated driving closer or Lyfting to the bar. I risked it, drove, and ended up parking two blocks away because the street Segreto is on was chaos. When we arrived, we almost missed it because Segreto is inside the Minya's Pizza. Yup, it's giving speakeasy vibes.
A security guard greeted us (past the pizza display--yes, pizza), asked if we had reservations, and then informed the hostess. This is where things got...messy. Despite my confirmed reservation, I was told there was no seating and I was still on the waitlist. At this point, my homegirl was ready to flip a table. I mean, we walked here, and now they're telling us "wait." Make it make sense.
Meanwhile, another couple without reservations arrived, and another girl was denied entry even though her party was already downstairs. (How are y'all gatekeeping her own friends?) Luckily, the manager stepped in like a knight in shining armor and saved the day. He quickly bussed some seats at the bar, and we were finally in. Mood = restored.
Now let's talk about the bar itself. It's small but undeniably cute, with a bold, modern aesthetic. The blue-and-gold decor is chef's kiss, and the glowing blue bar feels futuristic yet cozy. The bartender, Trenton, had the music on lock--so good we had to ask who playlist was playing of course it was his.
When it came to drinks, Trenton delivered. I told him I'm an Old Fashioned kinda girl, and he suggested the "Side Peach." (Although I hilariously asked for the "Side Piece" because clearly I can't read.) My homegirl went for the "Golden Ticket." Both drinks were on point. So much so, she ordered a second round.
Not wanting to be left out, I tried the "Campfire Sling." While it was excellent, the Side Peach still took the crown for me. But honestly, these drinks were neck-and-neck in deliciousness.
We closed the night with a music request, which Trenton happily indulged. He's not just a bartender; he's a cocktail artist. Some people just mix drinks. Trenton? He creates.
Our bill came to $78.10 for four drinks, which felt fair for the quality. Heads up: tip isn't included, so tip generously--crafting cocktails is no joke.
Would I return? Absolutely. But Segreto needs to get their door game together because that initial chaos was a buzzkill. Shoutout to the manager for being personable and fixing the vibe, and props to Trenton for keeping us happy with good drinks and even better energy.
Final verdict: Segreto is worth the hassle, but make sure you dot your i's, cross your t's, and confirm that reservation. And maybe bring a snack for the wait--just in case.