The Dignitary

Tucked away - dignified- bar and small plate spot. After traversing through the spacious almost cavernous lobby of the Marquis Marriott, this was a nice spot to hide out and chat away the evening. Food was plentiful and nicely priced. We got what we paid for.

The staff is so nice and friendly. The cocktails are soooo good. the Whisk-cello was definitely my favorite. I also has the Mediterranean salad and it was very good. The vibes are kind of laid back speakeasy. Definitely recommend

I walked into dignitary bar and I was greeted with a warm and bright welcome by John and I think the young man name was bj. John took me on a whiskey tour which made me feel like I was at distiller. I’m going to give this bar a five star because of the customer service I received today. By the way, 1792 Sweet wheat is my new go to Bourbon. And I want to mention the ambience is Stunning

Staff is horrible. No personality and not friendly. I sat at the bar and the bartender just looked at me. Minutes later after I stared him down he came and asked what I wanted to drink. I requested a martini, and he didn’t even ask if I’d like vodka or gin. Vodka it is 😔

Great selection, great vibe, weak pour and didn’t love Manhattan which was a bit pricey that was on their drink menu.

When I sat at the bar, John greeted me with a great smile. I asked for an old fashion and he provided me one of the best. Not only did he provide me that, but spoke to me about all the whiskey and Bourbon you all had. I told him I had not had good service like that in a while and I would be returning. Thanks!!!!!

Brahim was an excellent bartender. Very personable and made great drinks!

I was looking for late night eats after my train ride from New York and Dignitary popped up. When I saw the reviews and the menu I decided to head straight there. John G. Was my bartender and he UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT! I had an incredible old fashion with ginger paired with steak, puree of cauliflower, and perfectly seasoned broccoli. I’m smiling 😁

Located in the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. there lives The Dignitary. First, if you're staying at the hotel, how convenient is this location. You never have to leave your hotel for a quaint, romantic, lounge vibe. They have food and drinks. Good menu options. Didn't try food but the drinks were great. Excellent customer service. Would return!

The Whiskey bar is located inside the Marriott Marquee Hotel although there is an entrance outside of the hotel as well. I am not a Whiskey drinker however, the bartenders can make any drink requested. The bar food menu is provided by a restaurant inside of the hotel. We got traditional bar food items like wings, potstickers and drinks of course. It is a very low key Whiskey bar which gave us plenty time to talk and catch up with one of our favorite couples. If in the DC area~ I will definitely return again.

Great for whiskey lovers I have written a haiku: Colonel's spirits flow, Whiskey bar, where names endure, Legends in each sip. The lounge space is very interesting - but there's definitely enough seating. It's located next to a hotel lobby ( I think this is considered a type of lobby bar) but it opens late and people host a lot of networking events here

When you're visiting DC, you have to stop at this bar at least once or twice. It's located right inside of the Marriott Marquis. The vibe here is super chill. The lighting is dim, so you can just gather around with your friends while sipping and enjoying good company. What's pretty unique about this place, is their drinks are all named after the U.S. presidents. They're known for their burbon, but you can order pretty much anything, and they'll make it. The bartenders and our server were on point every time we visited this bar. They even took the time to take a nice group photo for us on a busy night. As you know, there are a lot of bars around the city. Next time you're in the area, try to make it a point to check this place out. You can thank me later!

I was attending a conference and staying at the hotel. So it was convenient to dine at the restaurant but beyond that the salad was totally wilted and main course was cold. They did not have any cold sparkling water. I was super unimpressed. I will do delivery from somewhere else next time pass on this place.

Well... Pete and Tom are gone. The rest of the staff are perfectly likable, but they just don't have the same panache. Without the color Pete and Tom added, this place is still a nice upgrade from a standard hotel bar but a little overpriced for sitting and enjoying a night with friends.

Great selection of whiskey! Highly recommended for a nightcap before bed. The ambiance is fantastic!

Overall nice clean bar. The prices are ok especially for a Marriot Marquis. Some of the menu items on previous reviews are outdated. I would come here again. Good chocolate cake as well.

Although there is an extensive bourbon/scotch menu, they did not have several in stock that we ordered, & it took 30 minutes for the server to tell us we would need to select something else. My bill for my single pour was $6 more than listed on the menu! The server said the "price went up & we charge $2 for ice." I was not happy.

Very nice ambience, especially if you are into noir. Nice, but pricey, cocktails. Very nice music. Excellent waitresses!

Ok, now I have a style to replicate for my man cave. Wood, leather and velvet but well done. Intimate nook tucked away in the corner of the Marriott Marquee. Reminds me of stepping back in time to a modern speakeasy with just enough lighting to keep focused on your crew but also make you wonder about what's happening on the other side of the room. Selection of bourbons range across the golden brown spectrum as the sit perked behind the bar like a stadium of finely attired gentlemen ready to melt away your troubles.

Nice looking hotel bar. Was here hanging out with friends who were in town for a conference and when the lobby bar stopped serving at 11:30, we decided to get a drink here. The place looks like it should be a high class cocktail bar, but it's really just a hotel bar at a Marriott (I don't even think it befits a Marquis). Service was somewhat friendly, but mostly disinterested, and the menu had a special old fashioned with ginger syrup which sounded good. Before I had a chance to ask what types of bourbons they had, the bartender walked off to start making it. I was dismayed when I saw him fill the glass with ice chips (no big ice cubes here?) but was mortified when I saw him filling up the glass with Jim Beam. No disrespect to Mr. Beam, but I'd prefer an option if I'm paying hotel bar prices for a drink. My review of the old fashioned is "meh". No ginger flavor at all, but at least the harsh flavor of the Jim Beam was immediately diluted by the melting ice. They had beers and wines that seemed fine, so if you stick to those, you shouldn't be disappointed.

A big meh C+ food B+ booze list B- service Too dark If you are staying at the hotel or attending an event there might as well stop in for a drink. Otherwise its not worth your time

We came here for birthday drinks. It had a great vibe and friendly staff. We had two drinks each and man were they strong. I loved my Perfect Manhattan and everyone seemed please with what they ordered (since we did the second round). Fabulous snacky spicy mix in small personal bowls- a nice touch!

Really comfortable lounge area with plenty of seating. Wide variety of whiskies on the menu.

Had great drinks here with a friend recently. Been meaning to try this place for years! As others have pointed out, Pete is the man. He knows his stuff and is very helpful. We ordered some small batch Colonel Taylor and he gaves us a taste of a casket strength that blew my mind. I think I've discovered my favorite! I also liked the bar decor and ambiance, it was perfect to sit and catch up with my old buddy. The bar's mixed nuts are amazing, too. Will definitely return.

The Dignitary is in the Marriott Marquis Hotel though there is also an outside entrance. It is a very cozy, traditional bar with great bartenders. They offer a full bar including barrel aged cocktails. This is a great place to meet for a few drinks with friends. It's not noisy and is a classy place. They have a great looking patio in warmer weather from which I'd really enjoy kicking back and people watching. I recommend stopping in if you're in the neighborhood.

The Dignitary is a calm, quiet, dimly lit oasis in the bright, shiny and noisy Marriott Marquis in downtown DC. I've stayed at the hotel a few times and always found The Dignitary a great spot to spend some time during each stay. They offer a wide variety of high end beverages, perhaps some of the best bourbons and scotches around. They also have some very unique beers on tap. On my last visit, they had Dogfishhead 120 minute IPA ON TAP! I'm a dogfishhead fan and didn't even know there was a 120 minute IPA, nevermind someone actually having it on tap. This is not your sports bar with buckets of hot wings, but if you're looking for a place to unwind amid the hustle and bustle of downtown DC, this is it.

Pages and pages of bourbons and scotches together choose from. A very speak easy feel with the darkness and cool seating / atmosphere. Our server immediately brought out mason jars filled with ice water as she introduced herself and gave us menus which I greatly appreciate. The prices were a bit high but it is in a high end hotel so makes sense. The reason for four stars is the old fashion was good but not the best I've had.

Eeek. No. I was expecting upscale since it's the hotel bar in a Marriott Marquis but it was dingy and divey. We were in the mood for cocktails so we decided to try one cocktail each: *Old Fashion Four Ways - your choice of..Classic, Clean, Walnut-Infused Sweet Vermouth or, Ginger Infused Simple Syrup. I picked the walnut-infused because I didn't want something traditional and I love my bourbon and I love a good old fashioned drink. I almost spit the drink out. I could only muster a couple sips and then I just gave up. Not the worst drink I've ever had but definitely in the bottom 5% of all time that's for sure! *Frozen Highball -- House Made Frozen Ginger Ale Ice Cube, Bourbon, Punt e Mes, Old Fashion Bitters. My friend didn't love her drink either, she drank about a third. We both left not finishing either of our drinks and I would never come back. The drinks was disgusting.

Came here for a business drink. Was very nice, good service and good selection. Can't speak to the food, but the environment was nice with the lights low. Brick walls made the space comfy and warm. Basically a very good hotel bar that does not feel like a hotel bar. Can't speak to the food or it gluten freeness :-)

So we came to The Dignitary after dinner, mostly because of the 4.5 star review on Google if I'm being honest. When we first walked in we were a little nervous because the bar was fairly empty, but we are very happy that we stayed. The bartender, Pete, was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. Additionally, he made us feel like we were regulars more than we have felt in a long time. The customer service and friendliness alone will ensure that we return after work again for more happy hours to come. Looking forward to our next visit.

Not bad for a hotel bar. The interior is nicely decorated with comfortable ornate chairs and a fireplace in the corner. It definitely has a vintage vibe and is a great place to lounge and grab a few cocktails. They also have a great outdoor space on the corner of Mass Ave. We ordered a few appetizers - food was a bit overpriced and lacking in flavor, so would not recommend going for food here. The cocktail menu was limited, but they had a range of bourbons and whiskeys, with most of the cocktails made with one of these two as their base. Overall, a good spot for a quiet night and cocktail or two, but not a destination spot.

We stumbled into The Dignitary for a nightcap after dinner at Kinship - didn't realize it was part of the Marriott! Nonetheless, they had comfy chairs and a good selection of whiskeys as usual. Quick service and quiet atmosphere - couldn't ask for more for a nightcap, whether staying at the hotel or not.

This is my favorite bar in DC. I've never tried their food; there is no need. I have no idea if there is a happy hour because I truly don't care. If you're looking for the most knowledgeable people who know bourbon, whiskey, and other alcohols - you've come to the right place. Pete and Dave make a team unmatched by any I've ever seen or encountered. Every time I've been here, Pete somehow remembers what I've already had and offers suggestions based on what I like. I now stay at the Marriott Marquis frequently - my experience at this bar makes my stay at the hotel. I can't sing Pete's praise enough. If you're in town and nearby, you owe it to yourself to visit this place. Sit at the bar, ask for Pete. Tell him what you like and sincerely listen to his recommendations. I promise you will not be disappointed.

I went here for private event and it was amazing. Crab cake sliders had no filler and were served on a lovely brioche bun. Amazing charcuterie spread with amazing veggies. Green goddess dressing was heavenly. Macarons were only okay; less chewy than they should be. There was a pastry tart thing filled with pumpkin (which I usually hate), whipped cream and a dollop of jam that was delish! Would come here even if I had to pay myself :)

Horribly slow service. Cork pieces in our glass of wine. It took literally an hour to have and pay for one glass of wine. Our server kept inexplicably disappearing for 15 minutes at a time even though the place was dead.

What a great bar with several hundred bourbons / ryes / scotches ready to pour. Nice atmosphere and, best of all, the brands I am familiar with were reasonably price for being attached to a hotel in the middle of DC.

I came here and had a drink. I looked down and there was a fruit fly in my drink. Disgusted, I tell the waiter, "hey, there's a fly in my drink" He says, "Oh yeah we have those here." There was a pause... and I was confused. He then just took my drink away. I was so confused and I did not understand what was going on. Won't be returning if I have a choice.

Outside the Dignitary, exists a sign that just says "Bourbon", for me that's the most inviting sign you could have outside a business. We stepped in here with little knowledge of the place. All I knew was that it was in the new Marriott Marquis and there was bourbon somewhere in there. In fact, The Dignitary, is one of the least written (other than a mention in Thrillist) about and less hyped bars in this city, which is unusual cause usually every social or other media outlet in this town tends to g*(& in their pants over every "new" speakeasy/bar/dive in this town. The fact is this bar is ideally situated in a section of town by the Convention Center that is kind of a bar wasteland, and given that the Passenger will be closing after the New Year, it is going to be bar/nightlife desert again. This is not ideal for any tourists or convention goer in the area. Luckily, this might be The Dignitary's chance to shine. That night after I saw the "bourbon" sign, and dragged Lia M. in, what we stepped into was a classy yet cozy bar. I mean put on a smoking jacket, slippers and smoke a pipe by the fireplace kinda cozy/classy. Some people describe it as a "speak easy upscale lounge", I would say it's a sitting room in the Playboy mansion. Red leather club chairs by a fireplace, red bricked walls, the bar is lined with dark woods, and they have tin ceiling tiles. The place was filled at the 5pm on a holiday weekday with men in suits. Men in suits sitting around with a stiff drink and talking about whether it's appropriate to get a black diamond for an engagement ring. Perhaps some of the weirdest man talk we've eavesdropped on. Now let's speak to the cocktail/bar menu. For selection, I mean this place is not quite Jack Rose but that place is literally a Whiskey Library of Congress.The selection is a higher price point (keep in mind it's hotel bar), but they feature 40 bourbons from the Eastern US. The entire whiskey count is 80 (not a large number). If you can do the math, bourbon is 50% of the bottles here, so you better like bourbon. Their cocktail menu has drinks named after Presidents and also feature the standard cocktails. We made our way through a mint julep, moscow mule, and and sazerac. Of the four cocktails we sampled that night, my favorite was Lincoln Old Fashioned (Knob Creek, bitters, muddled orange and cherry, and house made simple syrup). Each drink was equally stiff. The best part was the bartenders. Completely engaging, the type of bartender who remembers your name and makes interesting small talk, and would kindly refill the bar snack mix (rice crackers, sesame sticks, wasabi peas, soynuts & cajun peanuts) and poke fun of us for not eating the peanuts. If I am in the neighborhood, I would be back no doubt. Maybe even to try some bar bites, but eating is never my intention at a whiskey bar so don't count on a food review.

I've come here a few times to watch sporting events but the crowd is blah. The food is hotel like and customer service was descent but not fast. The win? Several televisions and games going on at the same time. Other than that...I felt as if I could have done so much better.

If you are staying near the convention center...this place is a must!!! The Macallan 30yr is deal at $115. The prices otherwise is around average. I can't review the food. Service is

I really want this place to do well. It has all of the things I love in a great bar: darkness, comfy chairs, and bourbon. I have no idea why other Yelpers had such an awful experience, but I rather enjoyed my time at The Dignitary. It has a sexy atmosphere with leather chairs, and intimate spaces. I could see this being a good date place, to start or end the night. They even have dessert! The cocktails are indeed strong but really tasty. My bourbon cocktail was good and sweet with the fancy cherries that were like none I had every tasted. My server was wonderful, and really took care of us. Our food (just bites not a meal) came quickly and was DElicious. No complaints at all. Being a bourbon lover, I plan to return to The Dignitary.

My experience was soured by one of the bartenders who was rude and seemed to think was okay that I be disrespected on the basis of being a woman. I had been excited by the space, but don't think I'll return. It was quite patriarchal.

Pete is a gentleman and barkeep for the books. Excellent dirty martinis! Terrific dark and stormies. This bar beats the pants off the one in the Marriott lobby. The perfect place for happy hour or a nightcap. It's one of the best hotel bars I've been to in years. Cheers!

We just stopped in for a drink but I have to share - they have Pappy Van Winkle! My husband has been on the hunt forever. But when he saw that the 10 year was $40 a pour and the 25 year was $60 a pour he didn't get any. We were just excited to see it here, like Where's Waldo. Someday we'll have to splurge and try it, and we'll know where to go. The Dignitary is one of the many great cocktail bars in this area. It was crowded on a Friday night, but we stood at the bar, got served quickly, and were able to find a table. We sat right near the window and watched football while we enjoyed our drinks. They had a great bourbon cocktail that I really enjoyed. I can't remember what was in it, but check out the cocktail menu when you're there. Nothing sets this apart from others in the area, but my experience here was good. Solid four stars, for sure.

Really enjoyed this place. Vibe is the best of casual, swanky, but not at all pretentious. Pete is the nicest and most attentive bartender in DC. Huge whiskey selection too.

A hotel bar on a rather busy corner on Mass ave with a good bit of outdoor seating. The food is terrible, even for finger food. Had the mezza platter and the flat bread because we were starving and they were a huge mistake (and not cheap). Has that old wood dc ambiance, but the seating isn't comfortable either. Cocktail menu wasn't nearly as extensive or fun as I expected and I ended up ordering the same thing twice. Decent atmosphere for talking and I liked the music selection. I've definitely seen blues bands playing outside of here as I've gone by, but not sure the schedule. Not a horrible hotel bar, but not a great one either.

My favorite little hideout, great drinks but don't go expecting a 5 star meal, I mean this is a hotel bar after all, their menu is limited and underwhelming, they also open and close according to the percentage of people staying at the hotel so their hours of operations are a definite hit or miss....

Was referred here by a friend so I decided to check it out after getting off early. Immediately greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. Oscar was my bar tender and he was was AMAZING! He told me about the type of bar they are and the history of the area. Recommended some great drinks and eats to me that I enjoyed. The teriyaki chicken sliders were tasty and served up hot and quick. Please ask for Oscar when you get here. Definitely will not be disappointed by his service, courtesy, humor and knowledge of the liquor they serve. A must try if you're a whiskey, scotch or cognac drinker.

Went in on a quite Sunday evening with a bunch of friends that were all basically there to hang out and catch up. It's a hotel bar so expectations were low as far as drinks and food were concerned, but we were told that the main kitchen was closed (at 6:30pm) so we could only order off the handful of menu items on the short menu. The drink menu is extensive, but the bourbon flight seemed to be a hit with a few there but all in all, its probably not the place to go to stay for a while and talk. Seems more like a night cap spot if you're staying at the hotel and dont feel like leaving.

I spent last evening here, I had intended to stop in for a quiet drink to honor a friend's birthday. I ended up staying for the duration, met some good people, and truly enjoyed the atmosphere created by Tom and the rest of the bartenders and staff. If you're in DC and are looking for a nice place to confer with your colleagues or find new friends, try this place.

I had a horrible experience here. I hate it because I love this hotel and stay there often. The decor is wonderful. It's dark and sexy. It was a great night outside, so my friend and I decided to have drinks outside. When I walked in, I specifically asked the bartender if I should order drinks at the bar and take them outside. He said no, a server will be out to take our order soon, "i promise" he said. So my friend and I went outside and waited for a server. And waited. And waited. I saw a couple walk in and out. But no one came to our table. So I went inside and told the bartender that no one came to our table. I asked for a menu. I went back out and waited a little longer. We decided to go inside and sit at the bar. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer. The bartender was very crass. I think that he was trying to be funny, but he wasn't. I asked for his suggestion for a good drink. He said "I know that you don't want bourbon. You want a fru fru drink." I said "what drink would you suggest." He said "I don't know what you want." The bartender yelled to the person that was supposed to be our waiter. He told him that we were waiting and did not receive any service. The waiter did not come over to say sorry. My bad. Goo goo gaga. Nothing! It was just a horrible experience. I definitely will not be there again. Love the hotel, hate The Dignitary.

This place has great ambience and there is a wide variety of innovative drinks available. Don't pass this place by even though it is connected to a hotel. Oscar was our bartender and he was top notch. Checked with the kitchen to get me a special request. The food is wonderful, particularly the hummus and the tenderloin sliders.

I really wanted this place to be cooler, but it is exactly what it is...a hotel bar. With plush leather seating, wood paneling, and dim lights, it does fit with the "bourbon bar" theme. But beyond the superficial, there wasn't that much depth. Not to knock the fairly robust list of drinks, but the cocktails that were served seemed more to cater the "I just need a drink after a full day of work" crowd as opposed to the "I want the mixologist to spend time specifically measuring and pouring my drink to perfection" drinker. Nothing wrong with that distinction, I guess I just had different expectations. Not to say I wouldn't go back to the Dignitary, but it won't be on the top of my list of bars I would pick to go to on any given night.

Stopped in for a drink on a Tuesday evening with a friend. They made a delicious dirty martini, and the oversized leather chairs for seating makes it a fun spot to casually stop and chat. The prices are not for the faint of heart - by no means the most expensive spot in town but not a place to spend your entire evening perhaps. It's in the downstairs of the hotel, but if you enter from their separate entrance you would never guess they are connected to a hotel establishment. The interior is a nice, dark, intimate feel with a fireplace in one of the corners. They also have outdoor seating for nicer weather.

Staff needs some work, but the place is new. Good spot to meet someone for a drink location is just next to the Convention Center in the new Marriott building.

Nice mix of trendy, upscale, and classic, I guess what you'd expect from the Marriott Marquis. The big leather couches are a nice setting to enjoy your bourbon, and the waitress had excellent recommendations.

The Dignitary reads like a regular hotel bar, leather seating and such. It's within the Marriott complex near the convention center so that's to be expected. I had the old fashioned on the menu which was good and really strong. It's also nice that they give a nice bar snack which you don't see that much of any more. Great option for after work drinks that's not crowded but I didn't see any specials.

I contacted the restaurant via email - I sent an email to Mr. Shea - the person listed on the website but I ultimately received a response was Glenn Brown on of the other restaurant managers for the hotel. He understood my concerns and assured me that he addressed the staff at The Dignitary. This is why I updated my review from one to two stars. I was also extended an opportunity to visit the restaurant again to see for myself with a financial incentive. As soon as my schedule permits I will revisit with the hopes seeing an improvement.