Arrived to the building for another event on the roof top and was invited to come in for a cocktail before going up. My co workers and I were welcomed and seated immediately. Several cocktails and spirit options. With chairs, tables, booths and stools, comfortable for sipping or munching. Great place, good vibes. read more

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The drinks are okay but not amazing. I'm leaving this review because one of the staff spilled an entire glass of water on both of my shoes. They apologized but acted like it wasn't a big deal. They did not give a drink for free or bring anything as a nice gesture. Never going back here. read more

I tried to get in here on 2 separate occasions and failed both times due to crowd and wait times. This place has a fantastic story to tell. Who knew that a Ruby Bridges / Alice in Wonderland crossover could work so well?? It's reflected in the decor, and in storybook form throughout their food/drink menu. Each cocktail represents a chapter, and there are some creative ingredients to show off. You will either be seated at the bar, along the wall in a cozy nook, or a more traditional table. And the music was ON POINT. The vibe definitely feels chill, yet the music is lit... but somehow it works. I'm glad I was finally able to make it there and I'm looking forward to returning! read more

This was such a cool spot! This speakeasy is in the Eaton hotel. It is in a small room that has a nice moody vibe. It is a little bit of a wait depending on when in the night that you go into the place but there is a waiting list that you can join. The drinks were so cool and the menu had an Alice in Wonderland storyline with a message for the audience to learn from. The service was good and I could tell that they always stay busy but the waiter that we had had such a great attitude. I had the awakening mocktail and it was so good! You could tell that it was a craft drink and I loved how they made it very special even though it was non-alcoholic. read more

Allegory - Awakening mocktail - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We visited Allegory for the first time & grabbed drinks with a few friends for a birthday celebration this past weekend! Allergory is a cool speakeasy inside the Eaton hotel downtown. You enter Allegory through the vibey library inside the hotel. The speakeasy is inspired by Alice in Wonderland & Ruby Bridges's experience. The service was friendly and attentive. The speakeasy was very clean as well. All of the cocktails are unique and experimental. I can guarantee you are going to try drinks here that you aren't going to find anywhere else in the city! One cocktail even comes with a spray from a bubble machine! The murals are beautiful and the space is interesting! They do not take reservations, we arrived around 5:30 pm on a Saturday evening and did not have to wait. By the time we were leaving around 7 pm, the library was filled with parties waiting to enter the speakeasy. It does seem like you are able to order drinks and sit in the library while you wait as well. We didn't have a chance to try the food this time, but we will be back to order some snacks! read more

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Drinks are 10/10--we did the Mardi gras (crunchy gummy bear!) and the All That She Carried (crunchy marshmallow!), and both were so interesting and delicious. Food, unfortunately, was a real miss. The short rib tots had a really weird, almost plasticky texture, and the Cajun fries were floppy and pretty bland. I'll come back for sure, but skip the food. read more

Cute speakeasy! I came here on a weeknight for drinks. The menu is really interesting, lots of unique flavor combinations. I went with the Looking Glass which has a lime sherbet on top that you bite and then sip the drink, it's a really cool sensation, I can't really explain it but it's tangy and carbonated at the same time. Very tasty. The service was also great. The cons: it was really loud, pretty expensive, and has a pricey service fee (22%) which is steep for cocktails. read more

Allegory - Looking glass - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been to this excellent speakeasy twice, but only sampled their drinks and ambience, never their food. I'll have to do that sometime soon. As for the speakeasy and it's theme?; sublime. The idea of Ruby Bridges' experience as a six year old child breaking barriers and integrating into an all white school system in the south, projected against Alice in Wonderland, is thought provoking. The printed menu offers you drink choices... but more importantly, tells the story of a child who doesn't understand the significance of her contribution to history, and the bigotry that surrounded her. Allegory is one of the few times that art truly meets craft in the service industry. read more

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Allegory is a place with great cocktails. It's interesting that most of their cocktails are not THAT innovative and it's easily confused or replaced with simpler substitutes. But something about the ambiance in this Civil Rights meets Alice in Wonderland theme makes this place a favorite to go back to time and time again. I would also say that the bartenders are pretty good about reading the crowd. There is a varied range of high ABV to low ABV cocktails so crowd-pleasing cocktails for everyone. read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Allegory has been on my list since they opened and I FINALLY got the chance to try. Allegory is an Alice in Wonderland themed speakeasy all told through the eyes of Ruby Bridges. It does get busy on the weekend so plan for a slight wait but I promise it's worth it. Beautiful murals all over the walls, dim lighting, gramatik playing throughout, and super talented bartenders. Each cocktail is hand crafted with eclectic ingredients so be patient while they're made. We got a few to try but the best was The Unicorn - it was the best cocktail I've ever had (and I've traveled all over in pursuit). If you're hungry don't sleep on the snacks - the deviled eggs and chips and dip we're amazing! Overall, I can't wait to go back. I still dream of the cocktails that we tried! read more

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Cool speakeasy that is located in the lobby of a hotel. This place gets crowded and doesn't take reservation so I would recommend coming early and putting your name down especially if you have a large group. I came on a Saturday at 8pm and waiting around an hour for a table of two. If you have ever watched the Netflix show Drinkmasters then you absolutely must come here since Kapri on the show bartends here and has created many of the drinks! Our favorite was the Garden of live flowers. read more

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I love this place! The service and drinks are always amazing. The ambiance is perfect for a date night or night out with friends. I also like how they change the menu every year or so! read more

Allegory was a must see on our speakeasy bucket list It's inside the Eaton hotel which was also cute and had another bar/restaurant Michele's inside. We got to the speakeasy around 6:30/7pm on a Monday night. Had plenty of seats. The tvs and decor outside the bar was fun! We sat at the bar inside and got to watch the bartenders make their cocktails and they walked us through the menu. An interesting blend between history of ruby bridges and desegregation with an Alice of wonderland twist. The drinks were different and unique. Different flavors which was nice from the usual cocktails. Big Afro-Caribbean influence. We got the oysters to snack on. They offered 3 or 6 sizing. read more

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Loved this bar! The theme is cute and the bartenders are masters. Loved the vibe -- great music, cool artwork on the walls, good crowd. I am a fan of a good speakeasy cocktail bar and this one was a hit! read more

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LE SIGH... Ok SO per usual, I will start with the positive. The spot is sexy - dimly lit with intimate seating and kitschy vibes. The staff was pleasant enough being attentive but not overbearing. I asked our waiter for a drink that was fruity, strong, smokey and not too sweet. I don't remember the name of the drink I had but it was what I asked for. Wasnt blown away but it was good. The low rating was for the audacity of the "bites" they serve. We ordered the charcuterie board and they brought out sliced deli meat and cheese, a few slices of baguette and small smattering of pickled vegetables for $24!!!!! To say I was pissed is an understatement. We looked at it and immediately sent it back. The little piece of fried goat cheese in the other item we ordered was just as insulting but at least it was tasty. To top it all off, there is a 22% gratuity added to the bill. HOW SWAY?!?? We spent $70 on two drinks and a tiny, shared appetizer. Smh. For a drink scene this spot this is cute but not worth it. read more

Allegory - "Charcuterie" and the sliver of "fried goat cheese" - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Loved my first visit - great service and good ambience! The flaming lemon on top of my cocktail was a special touch. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Allegory: the first bar to blend art, literature, social good, craft cocktails, and hospitality. Allegory is a speakeasy hidden behind a seemingly ordinary door that blends into Eaton's library. One-of-a-kind artwork spans the bar depicting Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. But the deeper, underlying meaning is that the classic tale is told through the eyes of Ruby Bridges--the first Black child to desegregate the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. Equally imaginative cocktails include creative takes on classics while using advanced culinary techniques and a vast array of ingredients - most I'd never even heard of. And let me just say, these drinks were DELICIOUS. The best I have ever had. Allegory isn't just a bar--it's an experience--and it made quite the lasting impression. I can't wait till the day I make it back. read more

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My first ever DC speakeasy! What a cool spot, nestled in the back of a hotel downtown. My friend and I walked right past it twice. Once you're inside, it's incredible! We were really impressed by the atmosphere. Like many speakeasies, this one was very expensive. The garden salad crudité plate pictured was $18. It's a literal side salad. The drink, according to my friend, was very tasty and well worth the price! The staff was kind, and the atmosphere was VERY cool. Check it out! read more

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Enjoyed a great visit to Allegory with a group of six. We showed up around 6pm, added ourselves to the waitlist and enjoyed some drinks at the hotel bar next door. Our table was ready within 30min, beating the 45min estimate -- a pleasant surprise. Very trippy Alice in Wonderland art covers the walls, warm and welcoming decor and vibe. Great mix of music and fantastic drinks. Food wasn't available the night we visited but will def come back try out the kitchen. Highly recommend! read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had high expectations for Allegory based on the rave reviews, but unfortunately, it fell short in several ways. From the start, the experience was frustrating. Upon arrival, we were told the wait would be between one to two hours, which we were willing to endure to check it out. However, the host (wearing a boot on her ankle) had an attitude that made the wait less than pleasant. To pass the time, we went around the corner for a quick drink and returned to find only a few parties ahead of us. At one point, I thought I heard my name called and approached the host to confirm, only to be met with more unnecessary rudeness. We brushed it off and continued waiting. A friend of mine, exhausted from a long day of sightseeing and an early 4 AM flight, laid down for a moment while we waited. Soon after, we noticed the host speaking to someone, and next thing we knew, security aggressively approached us, insisting my friend had to be escorted out. I explained that he wasn't drunk, just tired, and he sat up--at which point security relented but oddly took the pillow beside him. The whole interaction felt unnecessary and even a bit targeted. When we finally got inside, the experience didn't improve much. Despite having a relatively small cocktail menu of about 15 drinks, they were already out of two options. The drinks we did try were decent but definitely not worth the long wait. The final straw was seeing the same rude host--who had made the check-in process so unpleasant--sitting at the bar drinking and flirting with patrons instead of working. Overall, if there's a long wait, I'd say it's not worth it. The service left a lot to be desired, and while the drinks were okay, the overall experience just didn't match the hype. read more

A fantastic, memorable, romantic experience at Allegory. The drinks are unique, the ambiance is intimate, and it feels a bit like being teleported into a different universe where conversation and connection is a priority. Looking forward to coming back. NOTES: -There are gender-neutral restrooms available; if you need single-stall gender-neutral, the upstairs establishment (Wild Days) has single-room gender-neutral restrooms. -The room is very, very dimly lit for a romantic, dark feel. Some people were using the flashlights on their phones just to read the menu. This may be prohibitive to anyone with vision issues. PROS: -The drinks are really creative; the bartender said they all run on the sweeter side, and after a sample of 5, I'd say that was true. Expect an interesting take with each one of the drinks; none of them are your simple "sip on super-sugary liquid". -Very knowledgeable and friendly service staff. She was so friendly, and she was happy to answer all of our questions. She was getting a bit curt and perfunctory in the middle of our visit (I'd guess due to being the sole server for the whole place in pursuit of time-saving), but she really did make us feel welcome at the start of our visit. -The "message" of the bar - and the entire restaurant - is much needed in the world. It isn't, however, a "light hearted" message, and it may spark some serious conversations you may not have planned on having. -Deviled eggs and oyster crackers were fantastic - though the deviled eggs were a bit expensive for the portions. Oyster crackers were covered in a z'tar for some heat, so we ended up getting our hydration in while sipping on drinks. -The vibe of the restaurant, with the shared seats and dim lighting, feels very romantic and intimate. This might feel a bit awkward with co-workers; we were sharing (and happily so!) a two person couch with our bodies touching. These little alcoves made the experience feel so "private" despite a bar full of people. CONS: -To use the restroom, you have to open a door that leads you into the well-lit, bright-ass hallways of Eaton. This is an instant kill to the immersive experience when you need to pee. To make it a bit worse, you have to go through the front door where an employee will need to let you back into the speakeasy again. -Food options are expensive and relatively small in size. I would not recommend coming here for a dinner, but instead, for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks. The oyster crackers were worth the money for snacking, though. read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Overall: 4.1/5 (dine in) Allegory is a speakeasy that's located inside the Eaton Hotel. After checking in, they take you behind a door that looks like a black wall. The theme is pretty dark once you're inside the bar. If you read through the story on the menu, it's a Black girl's perspective on racism with drawings akin to Alice in Wonderland. What's cool is that they also show the bartender's name under each drink. I was able to recognize Kapri Robinson who was a contestant on the Netflix's show "Drink Master" and meet her in person! Garden of Live Flowers ($18): I had to get Kapri's drink after finding out she was working at the bar. The description says the drink is like a mai tai that was grown from a garden. So Kapri nailed the garden part; it had all the notes as written on the menu - green, earthy, & fresh. However, it's a far cry from a mai tai. Also, there was too much ice compared to liquid so we finished the drink in a couple of sips. Eyes of Flame ($18): This was pretty interesting since it was smokey, bold, & bright. I wouldn't say it is strong though and the smokey note was very subtle. I liked it but my husband didn't think the mezcal and rum combo worked since they clashed too much. He's a huge mezcal fan so this drink could be a hit or miss for those who love strong, smokey drinks. As many have mentioned, they do add an automatic gratuity of 22% which is ridiculously high and sometimes not well-deserved. The bar was packed so our service was super slow. This is a huge deterrent for us and probably many other patrons in coming back so I would consider removing this if I was the bar manager. read more

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I was excited to visit Allegory after hearing so many good things. And my experience here did not disappoint! Background Info: The concept of Allegory is unique, powerful, and a work of art. From one perspective Allegory is a moody, vibey cocktail bar and restaurant with resemblances to a Speakeasy. What's deep about Allegory is that their menu is a book that depicts Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass through the lenses of Ruby Bridges (the first Black child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana) The blend of art, history, literature, amazing cocktails, and delicious food is truly one of a kind! Location Info Allegory is located in the Eaton hotel. A hostess is waiting for you at the Eaton library. And the Allegory restaurant/bar is in a nondescript door in the library. It's very easy to find but makes it a fun slightly mysterious experience to get into. Waiting Room Info The wait can easily be 1-2 hours on the weekend. I came around 6pm on a Friday and got in within an hour. But what's cool is the library is pretty large and serves as a waiting room with tables and cute décor. It has a smaller menu where u can order drinks while you wait! Drinks and Food Info: These are all the drinks I got: Spirited Away - library menu Gift from the gods - library menu Jabberwocky Parte Dos - Allegory menu Eye's of the Flame- Allegory menu Every drink was GOOD! My fav was hands down Jabberwocky Parte Dos. They really know how to mix a good drink here. To eat, I loveddddd my Chicken or the Egg sandwich. The have a full menu with beers and wines in addition to cocktails as well as plenty of food and appetizers. My Recommendation: I had a great and memorable experience. Good customer service as well. Honestly you're missing out if you don't come here. Allegory is a real treat and worth the wait. I can't wait to come back! read more

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This speakeasy is AWESOME!!! It's hidden in plain sight - Inside the Eaton hotel - past the elevators to the Wild Days Rooftop, to the right is someone standing in front of the wall--oh wait, it's really a door! It opens up to a nice, dark lounge on the same level, great bar and lounge seats (May have to share an area). Can get crowded on the weekend - No Reservations! They will put your name on the list and text You when your place comes up (you only get about 5 minutes, so stay close!). You can get a bite at Michele's restaurant in the front of the hotel, or just chill in the lounge outside the door while bobbing your head to the music the Live DJ is spinning right there in the lounge (pipes inside the lounge). The drinks are AWESOME!!! I am a DRINKER, these are probably the best drinks I have EVER HAD!!! Not watered down or thrown together, but actually blended with fresh ingredients and created by a real mixologist! Oh, I'm burying the lead! It's a "Alice-in-Wonderland" p-themed lounge with of course with the drink menu telling the story (allegory for those who remember high school English class) of Ruby Bridges - first black child to integrate public schools - with a drink at the end of each excerpt! Very Nicely done! Pictures on the walls, it's a MUST Do! I'm surprised obit too me this long to find it! I'm wondering why it's so far back in the searches...Waaay nicer then some of the other speakeasies listed!!! read more

Allegory - Left is a "Martinez", made with tequila & sweet vermouth. Other drink was like an old fashioned with bitters and bourbon (Yum!) - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fun, speak-easy vibes with a literary twist on drinks. The menu is creative and the drinks come with a bit of flare (e.g., bubbles or popcorn on top). I really enjoyed my drink. The food menu is small and a bit on the pricey side for what you get, but did still enjoy the bread and goat cheese. Service was really friendly and attentive! read more

This speakeasy was a nice experience! I appreciated the theme.. kind of like Ruby Bridges mashed up with Alice in Wonderland.. the murals were dope, the music was good and not too loud. Comfortable environment, not stuffy at all- jeans are ok. Capri was the bartender and she was a Wiz at her craft. I enjoyed the Looking Glass with the bite of sherbert and the Beat of the Drums which was a self proclaimed 'elevated margarita'. I could order both again but with so many interesting choices i'll have to enjoy them again later. I plan on coming back.. read more

Allegory - Beat of the Drums - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good vibes. Good service. Drinks are good. It's must try. Didn't try the food but send links it would be good

This is a small speakeasy located in a small hotel. It is dimly lit with a lot of murals on the wall of Alice in Wonderland characters and scenes. The cocktails are very good and it's a nice place to visit. I would recommend this venue. read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been to this speakeasy a few times, and it's a really fun and innovative concept. I'm here for turning a children's fairytale into a theme for a bar and for creative cocktails. The mural on the walls and the menus only add to the theme and give you something interesting to look at. During my last visit, we had a family party of 6 and they were able to seat us right away. It was pretty cozy, but I appreciated that we weren't super close to any other tables. It was the 1st visit for a few in our party and they were loving the theme. Our waitress was cool and even had one drink changed out when my cousin wasn't a fan. All the other drinks were a hit though, including the mocktail that I was drinking. Another thing I enjoy about this spot is the playlist - always so good. Overall, it's a great place for an intimate drink. read more

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Finally got a chance to visit over the long weekend. This has been on my list of places to visit for a long time. However, there is always a wait as they do not accept reservations. I would recommend visiting when they just open. The ambience is vibey with low lighting. I enjoyed Eyes of Flame with its distinct blend of flavors. read more

Allegory is a cute little speakeasy inside the Eaton hotel. You don't need a password to get in, you just need to find it. The entrance is behind a door that looks like it in a library. There was someone standing outside to let us in. My friend and I went to enjoy drinks. If they did serve food, the kitchen was closed. The drinks were fun to look and some of them were poured/finished at the table for visual effect. The drinks I ordered were delicious but as expected for a speakeasy in DC, a little pricey. The menu was super cute and was Ruby Bridges themed along with the drink names. I highly recommend for pre or post dinner drinks on the way to another venue in the area. Removed a star for price point and the bar was a little slow but I guess craft cocktails require a little more time. read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Always a seriously long wait, but understandably so. The vibes and the cocktails are always on point. The nice part is that there are multiple other establishments that you can spend time at while waiting for your table. The theme of this speakeasy is an interesting spin on Alice in Wonderland with Ruby Bridges as the main character and her experience as the first Black child to integrate into an all-white school. I personally love an educational speakeasy. My favorite drink was actually a non-alcoholic drink that had ube in it. It was so unique and delicious and the presentation was great! A great place to spend the night with friends. read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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love it here! from the drinks to ambiance && bartenders who are always a vibe along with the music playing you are guaranteed to havena good time! princess && kapri (2023 bartender of the year) along w everyone else who keeps that place flowing... you wont be disappointed! make a reservation if you can just so you wont get denied at the door. && make sure to check out the museum along w the rooftop bar called wild days! read more

Allegory - BOOK SHELVES W SOME GEMS BEFORE YOU GO INSIDE - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A cute, speakeasy-vibe type of bar. You get to this location from the Eaton hotel so it feels more fancy/ritzy than your typical speakeasy. You can tell they're going for the speakeasy vibe but it's hard to nail when you're housed at an expensive downtown hotel. I came on a Saturday evening so it was packed - there was a large wait (and they don't take reservations in advance) but they allowed us to wait in the library area and had drinks available there. They go for experimental drinks with really unique flavor combinations. I believe their menu also rotates around so it's always interesting to try out different options. It is on the pricier side - you are often paying for the experience in addition to the drink. The library also has a nice quiet vibe - if you want to have an extended catch up with friends, it's the perfect location to do so. The inside itself is Alice in Wonderland themed with delightful murals - my favorite was a cat through the looking glass. It's much darker inside but still doesn't feel crowded even when full. This is a place I'd recommend to folks if they want to splurge a bit on a night out, but wouldn't recommend people on a budget come. There are other bars with cool drinks for much lower prices than what you'd find in downtown DC. read more

Overall really enjoyed my time at Allegory. Came on a Monday night with a friend and were seated quickly. The cocktail menu is actually a short story which is a really cute and novel idea. The story being told is Ruby Bridges as Alice in Wonderland (I think?). Taking this particular part of history and making it into a fairytale reads kind of tone deaf. I guess they think its supposed to be enpowering with Ruby slaying dragons and what not but it came off a little ridiculous to me personally. That being said the decor and paintings depicting the story on the walls are at least quite beautiful. I ended up opting for a non-alcoholic cocktail called the Awakaning. I was done drinking for the night but still wanted something to sip on. It was delicious!! Just as complex as a traditional cocktail with a really cool light up presentation. The drink is an ube tea drink with some coconut and other flavors and is a unique purple color. I really loved it! Tasted my friends drink which was also super delicious. Service is good overall. The vibe is a little boring, the space feels kind of corporate and very much like a hotel bar but what it loses on vibe it makes up for in drinks. The drinks are amazing and i would definitely come back. read more

Allegory - The Awakaning - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My friends and I had a great time and incredible service by Daniel I, Daniel II, and Grayson. Amazing service and great bartenders!! read more

Allegory - The bar! - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wonderful atmosphere and creative drinks! A nice place to relax with friends after a long day.

Overall: this place was super cute and I loved it Drinks: I really enjoyed my drink - it seemed like a more experimental flavor combination but it was super tasty. The unicorn was also good but the tiny bit of pandan on the top just seemed showy rather than adding to the flavor. Food: the furikake gougers were well made but the furikake flavor really does not come through Service: the staff were very helpful and great to talk to! read more

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Nicely designed speakeasy with tasty drinks from experienced mixologist. I enjoyed the story line on the menu. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. read more

Allegory - Tequila cocktail - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Very cool space located on a hip hotel with a speak easy vibe . Great service and drinks. Worth a visit read more

Allegory - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia