I hope you can see my raving review for the normal speakeasy experience, but I'm writing today about their Sunday tea as well. I LOVED this experience. The tea was delicious and the sandwiches and desserts were phenomenal. I've been to high teas in other hotels and establishments in this area, but I enjoyed my experience here the most! read more

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This place wins on ambiance. From the cool secret door that you pull a rope to enter to their themed craft cocktails that are as strong as they are creative, to their cool pirate theme, you just can't go wrong for a night out with a friend or two. It's small but that's part of the charm. It's a speakeasy after all. The bartender was hilarious and outgoing though he mentioned it was his last week, I'm sure they got some other cool person to work there. Highly recommended! read more

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What a neat little spot! I love a good speakeasy, and it is only better when it's located in a donut shop. The location is small and they do advise making a reservation. We made one for four people through their website the night before. I found that the website showed openings when the Open Table app itself did not. Once you arrive, you pull the flag on the wooden wall just inside the doors of Sugar Shack. They will promptly open the door and seat you. The hostess was also our server, and she was wonderful! So friendly and helpful with any questions we had about the menu. It has that very dim, cozy vibe that I look for in a speakeasy. They were playing a pretty eclectic mix of hip hop/melodic rap music while we were there, which I really enjoyed. We ordered the Alhambra Smash, the Abandoned Apartment in Zurich, and the Breezeway Cooler. They were all wonderful in their own unique ways! My favorite part of these mixology bars is the presentations and they did not disappoint. We were heading to dinner afterwards, but we also ordered the fried oysters and the pork belly as an appetizer. Both were wonderful. Only one person had any intention of eating the oysters but they looked so good that three of us ended up sharing them! The slaw underneath the oyster was a really great tangy/crunchy addition, and the presentation was really cute. Prices are a little high for the food, as it is a very small quantity, but the quality is worth it. Definitely check it out if in Alexandria. We will certainly be back! read more

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Came in on a Wednesday by myself to try this place! It's very cute on the inside. I got to try several different items on their menu (4 drinks, 4 foods?) and here are my thoughts: I wouldn't have dinner here. Obviously this is a cocktail bar and their bites are just that. This is a place you'd stop by before dinner to have a drink or two. The deviled eggs were my favorite thing in terms of the food. Nothing else to write home about for everything else. Not a food critic, and I think everyone should try the food for themselves because people have differing opinions and tastes, but I don't know. I had really high hopes for this place and it just fell shy of hitting the mark. Go somewhere else for the Peking duck (which are tacos) as well as the pork belly. There are plenty of places that can prepare these better, including me at home. Glad I got to try them though. Side note, they grab the donuts from the bakery they're in and if you're getting them in the evening, the donuts are prrreeettty dry. The 3 cocktails I had first were pretty good, but not memorable. I've been on the hunt for good cocktails around the city and surrounding area, so I can't say that this really stood out to be as I've tried some pretty darn good ones this summer (Bourbon Steak's Monkey Business cocktail is amazing.) I did not like ballad of the serpent. I thought it tasted like medicine/cough syrup. Don't think I'd come here again because it wasn't for me, but this could make a cute date night place for drinks! read more

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Nice intimate spot! Drinks were great and such a creative theme! Make reservations will return!

I went with a date and the bartenders made it such a fun night. They were awesome. Ask them about the Tranny drink. They make an impressive amount of infusions. They had a drink with wagyu fat washed whiskey, was super interesting and tasty. I highly recommend going here. read more

Second visit to this place but it's been a few years. Entry was still the same, we pulled the flag and got seated pretty quickly. Got seated at the bar and the bartender was super friendly and helpful. He told us all the drinks were tiki bar themed so that got us excited. The drinks were great, not entirely sure of all the names but I got the Monkey Business because of the banana. The bar staff worked really hard putting all our drinks together and got them out quickly. The snacks were great too, specifically the chips, hush puppies, and the sweet plantains. Also had to pick up donuts of course, French toast and cookies and cream. Great as usual. Parking takes a second to find but there was something available a street away. I gotta come back more often because the ambiance, service and drinks are some of the best around. read more

Capt Gregory's was outstanding. The place oozes ambiance and the bartenders were on point. To get to this speak easy you have to pull the flag on the right. The door opens and you are transported to another world. The drinks where spectacular. They have a rotating menu and classics that stick around. This is a great place whether you are looking for happy hour or apps and drinks. It's a place I plan to return to. read more

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this place is REALLY cool. not only does it have a fun flag that you tug to get in, but the inside is beautiful, especially the bar. it IS quite expensive, as the drinks are fancy and sort of like art to the bartender, but also so delicious. Definitely will be bringing people here when they visit. read more

Captain Gregory's - bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I'm a long time customer and fan of this establishment. Drinks are fantastic and they've an incredible revolving theme/menu for drinks and appetizers. Great place that I'll frequent for a mother decade! read more

Wow what a fun place!!!! I have been to a few speakeasies, but this entrance is by far the best! Definitely recommend reservations, the seating options are limited. We ordered some fun drinks and even a mock-tail! We decided on some tapas to snack on and share, and we were honestly a little nervous about not filling up or being ok to share these plates. We ordered the Brussels, crab hush puppies, oysters, pork belly and plate of donuts! Oh my gosh, everything was delicious! We were blown away by all of the food and drinks! This place is so fun! I was loving the reggae and the cool environment! read more

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Used to love this place. Drinks were ok, but not as good as they were before COVID. Food was pretty mediocre. I didn't mind the $300 tab for overpriced drinks (that were mostly ice, with cute garnishes) and appetizers, but not applying the $5 per person plus tax (on what?) reservation fee to the tab sends a big FU to your customers. Message received. You'll never see us again. Also: your crab cakes suck. This isn't Kansas. Step it up. read more

Love this speakeasy located in Elizabeth's Counter. It has an intimate and trendy atmosphere -- perfect for a date or drinks with friends. Their craft cocktails are unique and small bites are quite delicious. I think they have a rotating menu, but I really enjoyed their crab deviled eggs and donuts. If you're in the area or visiting, I highly recommend this hidden gem! read more

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I absolutely love this speakeasy. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and will help point you to the best cocktail choice. The vibe is dark and romantic so it's great for a date night. read more

Captain Gregory's - Shake Your Tail Feathers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

What a fun place! The ambiance can't be beat and the drinks are unique and delicious. All of the cups are so cute too. I did not try the food, but it was a great way to spend an evening! read more

This is a secret bar so you definitely can't tell that it exists by walking past it on the sidewalk. So if you go make sure you pay attention to the address. I actually wasn't too impressed with this place. It was really tiny inside though I do believe there is outside seating in the back. My drink really wasn't that tasty but I appreciate that the waitress put it in a cute cup after my friend and I requested her to "make it cute". I would go to this place again to give it a try as my experience wasn't horrible just not very eventful. One thing I did like is that they check your temperature before you walk in. I'm all for safety! read more

Captain Gregory's - Narrow Road to the Deep North - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Very cool speakeasy-style cocktail bar! Menu (allegedly) changes every 6-8 weeks. I especially appreciated the fact that the family of (e.g., Old Fashioned, Negroni, Daiquiri, etc) to which each drink belongs is indicated on the menu. It's also a pretty diverse cocktail menu; no matter what your preference is, you'll be able to find something that sounds good. There are a couple of small plates on offer, but we only sampled the donut holes (delicious). Decor is outstanding - someone took some time, effort, and money to make the space unique, interesting, engaging, and cool - which is more than I can say for some "speakeasys." Make a reservation! read more

Great place. Highly recommend. Reservations are for strict 1.5 hour blocks. They have a rotating menu of 15 cocktails and other specialties. We visited during "Winter in Tokyo". We tried half the menu (literally) and each drink was unique. The top of the menu was more floral and the bottom more strongly spirited. They also have a small menu of bar bites (brussel sprouts, hush puppies, edamame, etc). Great place to check out. read more

Captain Gregory's - Tom The Last Samuri and Masamune Revisited - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I had my best night out in months at Captain Gregory's secret alley holiday hideaway. We were surrounded by snowy pine trees, listened to delightful Christmas music, had a great waiter, and best of all--between the location being protected from wind and the heat lamps, we weren't even cold at 39 degrees! Everyone should come here, and I will return with each of my friends--I was just so happy and had such a great night! Ok calm down, what did I imbibe and what do I recommend? The snacks were really delicious--I was very happy with the root vegetable chips, deviled eggs, lobster beignets, brussel sprouts, and wide assortment of donuts. BUT. The drink list is the most creative and delicious and festive since I have seen at the Miracle on 14th St. I started with Narrow Road to the Deep North, which was in a glorious Christmas Tree mug and was light and refreshing. I moved onto the Hearty Breakfast and Pine Smoked Old Fashioned, which were both deep, heavy, and exactly what you want on a cold night in December. I didn't even *crack* the list of drinks I wanted to try, so I will be back for that reason alone. read more

We had a fantastic evening at Captain Gregory's. Everything from start to finish was a wonderful experience and I couldn't recommend it enough. I brought my mom and my grandma, neither of whom are familiar with speakeasy-style places, so they were a bit confused on how to get in (it's all part of the fun!). The cocktails are well-made and unique, no matter your preferred spirit. There's also a solid beer list and about four wines to choose from. Food-wise, every item comes out in a very unique dish. For instance, the half-dozen oysters come out in porcelain oyster shells, "steaming" with dry ice upon presentation. The dish itself is a delicious blend of Chesapeake oysters, a lime/almond foam, caviar, and cucumber. I can't get over how delicious the rock shrimp & grits dish was. Do yourself a favor, order it! Lastly, the brussel sprouts are a crowd favorite, and for good reason. They come in a faux-Chinese takeout box and are loaded with pine nuts, bacon, golden raisins, and lots of other goodness. Try some of the doughnuts at the end to top off your savory meal with some sweetness - and make sure to ask about the story of Captain Gregory - it's an interesting one! read more

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Our favorite speakeasy in the DC area. Excellent cocktails and a very lovely staff. Very high quality drinks - worthy of a visit.

Visited recently with friends. Fun, low key atmosphere with excellent drinks. The food options were tasty as well. Reservations recommended and would definitely go again. read more

I've been here a handful of times now and TBH, my first couple were my favorite. I really think the food and definitely the drinks have lost their luster as time's gone by. In fact, we were able to sample drinks for a new location in Shaw and I honestly could not stomach one of them. I mean, it's great to see someone's reaction to a hidden bar, but that's the highlight at this point. It makes me sad. read more

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I came here for a double date with friends, and while the shaken cocktails were delicious and presented beautifully, the reservation system left me feeling disappointed. I made a reservation through Resy, and was charged about $7 per person. The system noted that this fee would cover a "curated treat" that came out with the bill. This turned out to be a single homemade Jolly Rancher for each of us. There were food items on the menu, such as donuts, that cost less. The Jolly Rancher was good...but for $7 a person, I was expecting a bit more. Adding the reservation cost onto the cost of the drinks made for a pricy outing. Not sure I'd return. read more

Captain Gregory's - Taipei Tourniquet - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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The decor is so special, and the service and drinks are exceptional! It would be wise to make reservations or you may wait for a while! It's totally worth it though. read more

Nice hidden gem! Donuts are very tasty! The Red Velvet or blueberry one are the best! read more

Captain Gregory's - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

As I get older, I realize all I need for a good night out are good drinks, good food, and a nice ambiance. Goodbye young college bars with BLARING music and sticky floors. Is this 30? Captain Gregory definitely delivers in all that I'm looking for in a good nightcap. It's intimate yet inviting. Calm but upbeat. The two gentleman working there were also very welcoming and attentive. I loved feeling like this was my little secret place. Located in what is now Elizabeth's Counter (formerly Sugar Shack), this little spot is perfect for those who want to decompress and enjoy a nice handmade cocktail. I went on a Thursday, which they deem "Tiki Thursdays" which consists of tropical type drinks in cute glasses and island music. I don't think it was fully Tiki Thursday when I went because they were still trying to work out the kinks since adapting to our "new normal". Either way they still had the Bob Marley going which made me feel at home! As for food, I ordered the crab hush puppies for a nice little snack. Although the presentation was nice, they were salty and didn't really have anything special about them. If you've been wanting to check this place out, nows the time. I definitely recommend going on a random weeknight. My reservation was for 5:30 on a Thursday and we were the only ones there! Also, if it makes you feel better -- they take your temperature before entering. How is that for having fun while social distancing? read more

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Cool speakeasy with interesting nautical vibe. Tom is a super talented mixologist and makes the best cocktails from the menu or his own creations based on whatever ingredients you like. read more

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Super cute spot!! Have only had drinks here but love the intimate vibe. Will have to come back to try some of the food. Service was good because it's so small. read more

Cute little spot! The setup was so dope. The secret door is so clutch. The bartender made the drinks to perfection. Will return. read more

This is really hidden gem. I've been to other speakeasies in the DMV area and this one is definitely legitimate! In fact, my friend and I went all the way inside sugar shack looking for the "secret door" until a sugar shack employee guided us. The bar is tiny and most tables are for Two. Reservations are apparently a must. We only got two places at the bar at 11:30pm but the place wasn't very crowded when we arrived. I think it's a great bar for a date or having conversations. Drinks were great but I'm not a big cocktail drinker so I just had the one. It was a cocktail with hibiscus and habanero, dont remember the name. The bar tender made it milder because it's supposed to be spicy. My friend had a version of pisco sour, she loved it. Both cocktails were strong and well made, you could see the fresh ingredients behind the counter. We did not have any food but I wouldn't miss it next time. It did look tempting! Will definitely be bringing people here to impress them :p read more

Captain Gregory's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Not too shabby, but by no means perfect. Vibe is cute, and drinks are good. Not sure if I would come back though.

Really enjoyed Captain Gregory's. A lot of speak easies are stuffy and pretentious or gimmicky or the drinks just suck. This place is none of those things. Once you walk into Sugar Shack turn right. You'll see a flag on the wall. Pull it. In a minute someone will open the secret door back to the speakeasy (reservations are a must on weekends). There are maybe 5 tables plus 6 or 8 seats at the bar. Dimly lit with quiet music playing - this is the perfect date night spot! The bar tenders are super knowledgeable and considerate. My wife wanted a drink "that tastes like fall" and she doesn't really enjoy the taste of alcohol. The bartender whipped up the perfect concoction for her. I'm on the other end of the spectrum - I drink martinis because I appreciate a spirit forward drink and every time I go to a speakeasy they give me some sugary, sweet, or super bitter mess of a drink - but this guy found a way to give me a twist on a gin martini that was delicious. We will definitely be back! read more

We had a really dope time at Captain Gregory's! We kicked off my birthday weekend with their lovely craft cocktails, and it was perfect. My hubby and I always, ALWAYS try sit at the bar when we go to speakeasies. There's something about watching the bartenders do work that's so much fun. I really enjoy it...my kind of art! We sat at the bar, and Marcus was our bartender. He was awesome! He was busy, but did a great job of checking in with us. We ordered three drinks, and had some of their food too. Pro tip: don't sleep on the food here. We can for drinks, but the food was on par with the cocktails. Really good! It is not filling...think more like tapas. Also! Don't forget to check in for free donuts. I'm not huge on donuts, but they were really good. Not too crazy-sweet. We got their old fashioned, I got a gin drink that had rosemary in it, and we also got another bourbon-type drink. They were all great! Food wise, we got the scallops, and scallopine to accompany of donuts. The food was light, flavorful, and it was really nice to have some snacks to munch on. In short, is it pricey? Yeah. I won't be coming here on the reg, but it was fun, and I would probably bring people here when they visit. It is walking distance to my home, which is somewhat dangerous. LOL read more

Captain Gregory's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Great little speakeasy. The entrance was fun and the cocktails were custom made by the bar staff. Food was delicious.

Tonight was our first (and definitely not our last) visit to Captain Gregory's. We hit some traffic on the way there due to 3 accidents of course, but when I called the number on the website, we were pleased to hear the recording said they will keep your reservation for up to 30 mins. Hannah welcomed us in after checking our IDs first, and lead is to in our table. Our friends had beat us there and already had drinks, and had ordered Brussel sprouts and pork belly. We glanced at the cocktail menu but weren't sure exactly what we wanted, so when Hannah returned to take our drink order we asked her opinion. We told her what kind of liquor we like (whiskey) and she asked a couple questions then said "ok, I got it." She brought us each a different drink and they were both SO good! We also ordered the crab hush puppies and the caviar devolved eggs. The idea of caviar freaked me out a bit, but I'm glad I tried it because the eggs were very good. And the hush puppies were even better. For the next round of drinks, all 4 of us have Hannah an idea of what sounded good to us and she let the bar tender work his magic. Every drink we had was seriously SO good. And the donuts, I almost forgot the donuts!!! So when you enter the secret door, you walk through Sugar Shack donuts so naturally they have donuts on the menu for dessert. And they were freaking wonderful! Hannah was friendly, attentive and downright awesome. We joked with her that we wished she could end her shift and drink with us. We can't wait to return to Captain Gregory's. It is definitely a favorite from here on out and we'll be telling all our friends about it! read more

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Screw that place. I showed up and came in the back door but was turned away. There was a table for four open and three seats at the bar available but I was told they wouldn't have an open spot for three hours. Goodbye read more

Nice speakeasy spot to enjoy with good company! Everything was delicious food! Go check it out friend! read more

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Most people might find a speakeasy hidden in a donut shop to be a novelty or gimmick. Captain Gregory's is anything but a gimmick. They are serving some of the best cocktails I have had in the MDV area and I don't make that compliment lightly. They have some serious bartenders preparing some seriously deliciously curated cocktails. On my most recent visit we stopped in on a Sunday night and I was delighted to see that it was their experimental night when they remove the classic cocktails from the menu and replace them with three experimental ones. After chatting with the bartender Sam about the menu, I took his advice and tried the Regine's Dilemma. It was a gin infused with bay leaf, house made vermouth, and cedar leaves. While I find most of the drinks on their menu are sweet, this was a beautifully dry, balanced, and with a ton of complexity as the bay leaf introduced very unique, spicy notes in the drink that complimented the juniper and anis flavors of the gin. The drink was beautifully garnished with a branch of rosemary that added yet another dimension to the cocktail. I enjoyed every sip! After chatting with Sam a while about cocktails and some of the new concepts he is working on, I asked him to make me whatever cocktail he wanted for my next drink. He kindly obliged and delivered an amazing Allspice Old Fashioned. I am a huge bourbon fan and he made an exceptional Old Fashioned variant that was actually one of the best I have ever had. He didn't tell me the entire recipe, but it was exceptionally well balanced, boozey, with beautiful citrus notes and a spicy finish that came from the allspice. I also loved that he used Peychaud's bitters to add a bit of sweetness to the drink as well. It was served in an Old Fashioned glass with a single large ice cube, which to me is the perfect way to serve this drink. I am now craving another one just writing this review! Aside from the fantastic cocktails, Captain Gregory has a very cool and intimate decor. It is obviously has a sailor's tavern motif with dim lighting and cozy table areas. The bar features just six barstools and backed by a wall of carefully chosen bottles of liquor. The menu changes daily and I can only recall a few drinks like "Abandoned Apartment in Paris" that continue to stay on the menu. They also feature a few food items as well including sliders, some delectable sweet desserts, and donuts of course! Captain Gregory is now on my list of favorite cocktails bars in the MDV area. If you are into creative, curated, and unique cocktails inspired by some of the great classics like the Flip and Manhattan, Vieux Carre, or Papa Dobles Daiquiri then you will appreciate the delightful elixirs being crafted here. Unfortunately if they continue serving such awesome drinks here, it will only get harder to snag a seat at this Old Town hidden gem! read more

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Awesome experience with the most delectable craft drinks. Exclusive feel as you enter a closed vegan restaurant and pull a flag for the hidden entrance to open. Small plates were also good..loved the pork belly. read more

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