Laura L.

What a cool place! In DC for a conference and staying at an Airbnb down the street, this was super close and easy to find. Thankfully they had a couple of signs so we knew we were in the right place (they were subtle). We knocked on the door, gave the code word (code red - shocker) and were seated right away. The inside is just gorgeous! Speakeasy decor, Frank Sinatra soundtrack - the ambience is great. We were there for happy hour so I got the Mary Pickford and M got the Southside - both delicious and reasonably priced. We also got the smoked Gouda arancini - delicious! For dinner I got the Roasted beet, arugula, and burrata salad - the vinaigrette was very good and plenty of it. The burrata was more mozzarella than burrata but it was still good. M got wings and crispy Brussels sprouts - both very good. I ended up with the brownie sundae as dessert and M got a classic martini. Overall, very good experience - the food was good, the decor was great - we really enjoyed it.

Kai M.

Winter Restaurant Week 2026 First, this place is a brilliant speakeasy and the proof of that is in the abandoned storefront look on the outside, leading to a stunning decor inside. Felt like we stepped into the 1920s. Loved loved loved Next, service was excellent and the staff really did a great job with the services offered. Our waitress Christina was the best. Drinks- I was completely sold on the Southside, a perfect citrus mix which tastes great but was a sure creeper, drink responsibly. My boyfriend tried the Kinky Thompson but it wasn't his fav so he pivoted to the Kentucky Trail bourbon flight, which he enjoyed! For the first course, we both ordered the Tuna Crudo, a fresh and delectable appetizer which had some beautiful notes of lemon zest added to it. Amazing start For the second course I ordered the Garlic & Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb, and my boyfriend ordered the Surf and Turf. Surf and Turf-paired with mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts, both cooked perfectly. The steak cut was seasoned well and the prawn was buttery soft. This dish was stellar Garlic & Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb-paired with couscous and rainbow carrots, my goodness, this was a culinary masterpiece in flavors!!!!! The couscous complemented the lamb by adding a break in between the savory flavors which exuded from the perfectly seasoned lamb lollipops. The carrots were seared well, not too soft and just the perfect crunch. Absolutely amazing dish Final course- we ran into a shortage of crème brûlée as sadly they ran out early, so the later dinner crowd was unable to enjoy the award winning dessert. However, they were accommodating and I was able to get a banana foster while my boyfriend enjoyed the cheesecake. My banana foster was cool, nothing to rave about. The cheesecake was also okay. We will indeed return again and hopefully we could enjoy that crème brûlée. Amazing music selection at a great level Excellent ambiance Great mature crowd Make the reservations and go support, you'd be glad that you did.

Courtney C.

I mean, I guess? Located in the heart of Adam's Morgan Code Red is a discreet speak easy that serves tapas and specialized drinks. I made a reservation for 8:30pm on 1/23/26 for their $55 Restaurant Week Menu. Upon arrival we knocked at least 3x before settling on calling the location so they could open the door. In 20 degree weather you can understand how frustrating that was. When we got inside we could barely hear one another so it doesn't surprise me that they couldn't hear us knocking. Seating is sparse with roughly 6 tables for 2 lining the center isle, booths on the left and the bar on the right. Once inside we were seated immediately. The decor inside is very......red hence the name lol, a cool vibe for a lowkey date but don't expect to do much talking here without a bit of shouting. Took a bit for our waiter to make it to us but otherwise the service was seamless. Emelio (sp) was our server and he was amazing. We had: Tuna Crudo - 6/10 - the texture of the tuna was decent but it lacked any actual flavor especially salt. The ginger made up for it in some respects but it couldn't save it. I would've loved to take this home but am a stickler for proper food storage and unless I could guarantee they could store it properly before I left it wasn't worth the risk for me. Surf N Turf - 6/10 - Prawns, Waygu, mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts. The prawns were rubbery, the mashed potatoes were chalky, the Brussel sprouts were burnt and overall everything lacked seasoning. I wasn't asked how I wanted my steak cooked but luckily it came out medium well and while I prefer more of a medium cook it wasn't bad. In addition to the lack of seasoning the meal came out room temperature, barely luke warm. I don't know if had been sitting or what but by the time it made it to me it was nearly cold. Mashed potatoes tasted boxed, no depth at all which was unfortunate because paired with the steak it's a staple that fell flat. Cheesecake - 10/10 - the best thing I ate from here. The crust was perfect and the cheesecake itself had great flavor. My friend had: Heart of Palm Ceviche - 8/10 Lamb - 8/10 Cheesecake - 10/10 Strawberry lemon drops 4x - 10/10 - they were delicious, no notes. However buyer beware they charge an additional $2 per drink to flavor it bringing the total to $18. Not a terrible thing but wasn't mentioned until I saw the bill and would've been good to know upfront. After all was said and done we spent $208 plus $25 tip for, what I felt, was just an ok meal. For the hassle that is parking, plus entry I couldn't see myself coming back but it was nice to try which is what the general sentiment for restaurant week is for.

Manasa P.

I am obsessed with this speakeasy! The menu is actually a fake newspaper from the prohibition days. The whole bar was dim with red lights. All of the drinks were inspired by the prohibition days with a couple classics. They also have a solid food menu and highly recommend the desserts. The server was very attentive. We had a group of 6 and were able to comfortably sit in one of the booths and it was great people watching.

Sebastian P.

This truly was one of the best speakeasies I've ever been too. You walk through this big metal door and are escorted into a red-lit room sprawled with tree-like plants and old memorabilia. My friends and I were placed in this little cozy nook with a cool couch and great lighting which made it all that better. I got the Code Red drink and it was very tasty but also so strong so definitely worth the money. I got the espresso martini which I think is one of the best I've had. Overall, the staff were friendly and checked in accordingly and I would definitely want to come back when I'm back in DC. This place is a must!

Oluseyi O.

Stumbled upon this awesome speakeasy while visiting DC. Walked past it twice before realizing where it was. You have to know the password to enter (code red). We caught the mid day crowd and made it just in time before the big rush. The service was fantastic. We sat at the bar, it was happy hour so we took full advantage. The star was the octopus. Everything we had was great. I look forward to stopping in when I visit again.

Swetha S.

My friends and I celebrated a birthday at Code Red and had the best time! It's a moody speakeasy with dim lighting, gorgeous newspaper menus, and comfortable seating. Service was great and food/drinks came out quickly. We had a large party (15 people) and the seating was ideal for conversation. Would recommend making a res in advance

Melissa G.

I had heard of this speakeasy for a few years now but this was my first time actually getting to check it out. The entrance door is a large steel door with a knocker, a combination lock and a sliding grate in the middle. To gain access, you need to use the knocker and then provide the code word when it is answered. I, however, didn't know this so I had a great banter with the staff before being allowed in lol! As soon as you walk in, you feel like you have been transferred back to the prohibition era. The space is intimate and dimly lit with red lighting and decor all around. The seating ranges from velvet couches to other antique furniture. Luckily, because I arrived early enough and didn't have a reservation I was able to get a seat at the bar. They have happy hour aka bootlegger hour from 5-7 with both drink and food specials. Tuesdays they also have $1 oysters all day while supplies last. The menu is a presented in newpaper format from th early 1900's. In addition to the menu it is filled with fun facts from history. The staff were great! Super friendly and food and drink came out fairly quickly. I usually avoid the AdMo area due to the traffic and awful parking but definitely plan to be back to visit this gem.

Dee P.

Knock knock! What's the code? Don't tell anyone but the code is "code red" you didn't hear that from me shhh! Tucked away behind an unmarked door in the heart of Adam's Morgan DC, this speakeasy is quite the gem. From the moment you step in, the intimate ambiance, fabulous vintage decor & perfectly crafted cocktails. I felt like I was transported back to the 1920s. I had the beef skewers and a side of fries along with my cocktail of choice "MARY PICKFORD". My friend enjoyed calamari and fresh $1 oysters (Tuesday special). If you're looking for a cool experience and a sophisticated environment I highly recommend this establishment! Parking: 1/5 Ambience:5/5 Food and Drinks: 5/5 Ease of finding: 1/5 (well this is expected)

Spencer H.

Hiding in plain sight! This inconspicuous storefront passes as possibly vacant with a bunch of random pieces of paraphernalia in the windows that totally throws you off. Once you check the address a couple of times, you realize this has to be it! You walk up to a locked metal door with a keypad. Once you knock, a small window opens and a gentleman asks for the password. After a quick interaction, we realized the password was RED! LOL Once inside, we were impressed by this dimly lit Speakeasy. Mostly adorned in red velvet and red lighting, this could not have been a cooler vibe. Our server was amazing. She explained the theme and menu in detail. We chose the grilled octopus, truffle fries, lamb chops and Wagyu Sliders. Everything was delicious but those damn fries were BOMB!!! I couldn't stop eating them. The drinks were expertly made, especially the "Oscar's Wilde" which was delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed CODE RED and look forward to visiting again in the VERY near future!

Nessa R.

The secret is out and this speakeasy is one you want to visit! As soon your enter the Adams Morgan corridor on 18th street, look for the inconspicuous building with the big black door. Set in the center, at eye level, is the "hatch" or better known as the speakeasy grille. If you have never been, you must knock to enter. Knock loud, three knocks and you'll see someone peek from behind the door, no words, just a stare. Then secretly whispers, "What's the passcode?" If you don't know, say the name of the restaurant and you'll be sure to be let in. The decor is everything! Dimly lit and hues of red, all over. Velvet is the theme! You'll see the beautiful lights above the bar, birdcages. Too cute. The tree, the lighting! Perfect! This owner went above and beyond! Some staff dressed the part, kudos to the server whose attire fit the script! Nice touch. Patrons are a mix of people, super diverse! The cool kids crowd! Money ain't a thing here! The low rated reviews are most definitely from Anti-Saloon League members, clearly. LOL no way this place deserves less than 5 stars! They did a phenomenal job of transforming this place into a real speakeasy and although jazz is typical of the "old" school speakeasy's, I enjoyed the music. It was a mix of genres and I can appreciate them wanting to appease all customers! Take it from an ALL-STAR elite, come, you will not be disappointed! So as always... Let's get into it! Grilled Octopus - Perfectly seasoned Wagyu Sliders - Delicious Truffle Fries - My honey couldn't get enough! Lamb - Now looks are deceiving - it looked just barely cooked but the flavor of those lamb chops was perfect!!!!!!! Well done chef! Drinks - Those bartenders stole the show because the drinks were ON POINT, Oscar's Wilde you were the drink of choice! Effortlessly done, date night was spectacular thanks to Code "Red". We most definitely will be back! Shout out to my honey for being the Maximus Elite he is and finding this gem!

Jasmine G.

Such a fabulous establishment! We ended up here as the first stop for my bachlorette party and although we didnt make reservations ahead of time, the owner was kind enough to let me and my 2 besties in. Set up a table just for us. The food looked dreamy and their drinks were perfectly sweetenrd and spiked to make 2 go down real easy back go back. We got this special aged pink tequila drink and it tastes amazing. The ambiance was romantic, and moody. The perfect speaksy vibe, and the newspaper as a menu was a kiss on the envelope. Can't wait to be back.

Randi K.

Swanky, velvety, sexy. If you want a unique backdrop, your night to be bathed in dim Blues-y red lights with delightful bites...head to the secret door. Victor will take great care of you! We only tried the sliders and Parmesan risotto - and we cleaned our plates! It's so awesome when you find a place with your vibe AND the food and drinks deliver as well!