I need more of this place in my life. The plush velvet couches, the smell of the fireplace and rich…read morehues decorating from ceiling to floor... I imagine it's how Belle Watling would decorate if she was around today. The food is equally as rich and luxurious and the drinks list is extensive, but with a notable lack of mocktails. Would definitely head on up here again for a cozy bite to eat and if you understood my Gone With the Wind reference earlier we can be friends.

Incredibly nice staff in a uniquely decorated upstairs speakeasy type of lounge…read more Drinks were around $20-25. Mocktail options were limited. It's a great place to visit if you're in Union market.

This place is a hidden gem! Everything we ordered was amazing. We ordered close to closing time…read morewithout realizing it, but the food still came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. The wings were delicious. I tried the sweet and spicy sesame flavor. It leaned more sweet than spicy, but the flavor was so good. The salad was incredibly fresh. I'm usually not a fan of kale salads, but the blend was amazing, and the salmon was perfectly seasoned. The sliders were also a standout! Cooked medium well and absolutely perfect. The sweet potato fries had the perfect amount of crunch. We visited on a Monday night, so it was nice and quiet. Food was also served quickly . The restaurant itself has a really nice atmosphere, and parking is validated, which is a plus. Definitely will be back!

I'm glad to see a quality restaurant spring up in the New Carrollton area. The Union Bar and Grill…read moresits below the "Stella" apartment complex which is among several luxury apartment building that has adorn the New Carrollton Metro area. The restaurant is really nice. It reminds me of a smaller Burtons or a more refined Busboys and Poets. The food is also really good. I've had the burger, wings, calamari, spinach dip and the shrimp Po Boy. I'm a lamb chop lover so the next time, I'm definitely getting those! Service has always been solid and the three hour free parking with validation is definitely a nice touch! Please support this New Carrollton hidden gem and let's put New Carrollton on the map!!

The service was great as usual and the drinks were great. I had two of them which were the Modena…read moreSpritz and the Toki Highball. Both were excellent! The atmosphere was bar appropriate with minimal noise, so I didn't need to raise my voice at all since I was in the tabled area in the back. Would I go back? Yes, absolutely.

My friend and I were looking for a quick bar to slip into around 10-11 PM and stumbled across this…read morespot. It's not too far from the waterfront, so it made for a nice walk after gelato. At first, you'll see what looks like just a pizza shop -- but if you head in and either use the side door or walk through and climb a set of stairs, you'll find the speakeasy upstairs. Very cool vibe: dark, cozy, and date-night ready. Drinks: 4/5 I ordered their take on an Old Fashioned, and it was definitely the highlight of the night but sweeter than I would have liked. They served it over a stamped solid block of ice (a small detail I ). My friend was abstaining from alcohol that night and asked for a non-alcoholic cocktail. To our surprise, they didn't just hand her a lemonade like most places -- they actually made her a crafted virgin drink, which she loved. Food: 3/5 We ordered fries and a slice of pepperoni pizza. The fries turned out to be waffle fries (not mentioned on the menu) and were overly crispy, so not really our favorite. The pizza was fine -- clearly sourced from the shop downstairs -- but it leaned oily and didn't really wow us. Service: 5/5 Pretty standard -- nothing over the top, but not neglectful either. Drinks came out reasonably fast, food followed, and we were checked on enough without it feeling pushy. Vibes: 4/5 The speakeasy itself is definitely the selling point. Dark, intimate, and stylish -- you feel like you've found a little hidden spot. All in all, the cocktails are the reason to come, especially if you're into whiskey. The food was forgettable, but it's convenient that you can order pizza upstairs. We spent about $30-40 for drinks and snacks, which isn't shocking for Old Town. Would I go back? Maybe if I was already in the area, but for a dedicated whiskey night, I'd probably head somewhere else.

We visited The Alchemist in DC and ordered the Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned and a Fireplace…read morethemed cocktail with chocolate and cherry notes. Both were disappointing. The drinks tasted watered down and unbalanced. The banana flavor in mine was dull and overripe rather than fresh and vibrant. The smoke and fire presentation was nice, but the actual cocktails did not justify the $25 price point. The restroom was unacceptable. There was urine on the floor, a strong foul odor, and the surface was slippery. For a speakeasy positioning itself as upscale, this was a major miss. The space is very small and service was just okay. Overall, the concept has potential, but the execution did not meet expectations. I will not be returning.

Good cocktails. Killer Sally was refreshing but a bit too sweet for me. Old Fashioned Fireplace was…read moregreat, definitely chocolatey and coffee-y. I find Old Fashioned generally a bit too strong for me, but this one was very smooth and rich, and I really enjoyed it. It is definitely heavy though! Very crowded on a Friday night, around 6-7 pm (we were lucky to snag an empty table 10 minutes later). Good service, especially when it was so busy in the night.

Went here for a chill bar night on a Friday . It was chill . Drinks seem to be a little high priced…read more. Overall a good quick spot to meet up. Seems to have a plumbing issue . it had that bathroom sewage smell.

Well...I finally made my way to this spot and I can say not sure if I would be back. Now the…read morelocation is only about 10 mins from my house and has potential.... I got here around 4:45 and it was empty. I was the only person there from the time until I left around 7pm. There was a couple that had came in but they left quickly without ordering anything not sure why but they were out in about 10 minutes. There was only one waiter who informed me the bar tender would be in around 5:30 but she didn't get there until around 5:45. She did make up for it with a on the house lemon drop which was really good! So I ordered honey lemon wings and jollof spaghetti with shrimp. Now the wings and blue cheese were so hot and tasty!! But the jollof rice tasted like spaghetti with some bland sauce on it and shrimp tasted fishy not good at all. So the waiter suggested I order oxtail, plantains, and coconut rice which I ordered which I did. Everything but the rice was good. The rice didn't have any coconut flavor and was like some type of veggie rice concoctions. I would not recommend the rice, jollof spaghetti even the broccoli which was cold when I received my food. The restaurant is set up real cute and artsy but the food options need to be upgraded. And I did not like they charge a 18% gratuity on your bill even if you are by yourself. The restaurant was completely empty when I left so not sure how they are staying in business unless the crowed comes after 8pm. The only saving grace was the lemon drop was really good and the rum punch! Other than that besides the wings, small oxtails, blue cheese, and plantains I would not recommend. Also go during happy hour save a little bit but you still will get the 18% gratuity....smdh

One of my favorite cocktail bars of all time! My favorite cocktail they make is a scotch…read morePenicillin garnished with crystallized ginger followed by Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned and Martinis. HAPPY HOUR: Monday All Day and Tuesday-Friday 5PM to 6:30 PM The beverage program is clearly the centerpiece of the concept. The cocktail list is extensive including drinks like Pisco Sour, Old Fashioned, Martinis, Sazerac, Champs-Élysées, and Lion's Tail alongside house originals. All signature cocktails are priced uniformly and the menu also includes beer, cider, wine by the glass, spirit-free cocktails, and boilermakers, while offering accessible options for different preferences. Overall, the menu reads like a neighborhood cocktail bar with chef-driven bar food: playful, nostalgic American comfort dishes paired with a serious and historically influenced cocktail program. The bartenders provide top notch service and offer great recommendations. My water glass is always full and they check in often!

A great little neighborhood bar with really amazing crack cocktails, and a chill, laidback vibe…read more Navy Yard is a little commercial for my personal taste, but it's close to my office, and convenient when I'm in town for work. Trouble Bird was the answer to my prayers on a recent trip, where I was looking to have high quality drinks and a laid-back NON-commercial vibe with my team. We liked it so much, we came twice in one week, and I was impressed at their ability to handle and be comfortable for a large group in a space that can feel intimate. The lighting is nice and moody, the menu available via QR code, and the WiFi free and listed with password for patrons to use. We had excellent service both times, by the two folks working each night for a groups of 6-8 each time. There was something for everyone from the nondrinkers to the beer enthusiasts, to cocktail aficionados like myself. There's an amazing happy hour deal, with discounts on drinks all Monday and reduced prices for a couple of hours on other weekdays; it almost felt criminal how generous the happy hour was when I've gotten used to paying $20 for a mediocre cocktail at other nearby establishments. And the cocktails here are really very good, probably the best in the area, except for their immediate next door neighbor. The group favorite cocktail was the Midori sour which was incredibly well balanced and refreshing, and the surprising crowd pleaser was the Hamilton Dry Float, which came in a creepy tiki mug presentation that we really loved. We had a couple of the bar bites - the spiced peanuts were well loved across the group but my person favorite food item was the blistered shishitos, which came with a great chipotle aioli. The bathrooms are extremely clean and overall this was a bar favorite for the group for our week of going out and socializing together. Overall this is a gem of a neighborhood hangout with really excellent cocktails and service! Will absolutely come here next time I'm in town!

What a gem! I stopped by The Wells around 7:30 on a Friday night and was pleasantly surprised we…read morewere able to get seated at the bar. Within minutes the place was packed, so although we were able to get a seat I'd still recommend making a reservation since the space fills up quickly. Initially I didn't realize this was a gin-focused bar, but now I'm hooked ( I told the bartenders about my usual preferences and they were able to make great recommendations). The drinks were incredibly well crafted and full of unique flavor. I started with one of their signature drinks but then asked for a bartender's choice based on what I typically enjoy and they absolutely nailed it. The space has a stylish speakeasy vibe that feels both elevated and inviting. You ring a bell to be let in, which makes the whole experience feel a little more special. Inside, it's moody and romantic with plush seating, gorgeous lighting, and a warm ambiance that's perfect for date night or just catching up with friends. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or just looking for a cool spot to grab a drink in DC, this place is absolutely worth checking out. I'm already planning my next visit.

We dropped in at about 7:30p on a Saturday. I was surprised that we were able to get a table…read more Marcus sat us and explained the menu. He was awesome. He was super attentive and helpful. We didn't know this was a gin bar but the drinks were tasty and great. The caramel popcorn is delicious. We got it without chocolate. This is an awesome space. I'll definitely be back.

Delightful speakeasy with remarkably cozy vibes, super friendly service, and delicious cocktails…read more This small, no-reservations-allowed space is hard to snag a spot in (unless you're willing to wait in their multi-hour-long waitlist), but it's 100% worth the hype and effort. I'd recommend trying to come a bit earlier in the night or on a slightly off day -- we came by around 8 PM on a Thursday -- and you might be able to slip in with no or minimal wait. We were initially placed at a standing table, then relocated to a proper table when one opened up after about 30 minutes. It is a smidge loud, but still manageable, and I love the cozy, homey atmosphere created by the dim lighting, almost industrial architecture mixed with old fashioned bookshelves (which double as bathroom doors), and candles. They have a short menu of custom cocktails you can choose from, or you can also ask for any of the classics and/or tell the bartender what you typically enjoy and let them come up with a good fit. We tried a smattering of cocktails, including two from their menu, a whiskey sour, and a bee sting (which the bartender selected for us based on our general preferences). Each one was expertly crafted and extremely tasty, and made so much better by the ambiance.

OKPB is a popular speakeasy, a pretty small space. You show up and use the ring doorbell to connect…read morewith the host. They will add you to the waitlist and give you an estimated time. I generally will add myself to the waitlist and then head out to grab dinner. If you are called before dinner is finished, they are generally good about moving you further down the waitlist. For drinks, they have a small cocktail menu but the whole appeal is to let the server know your typical preferred drinks/flavor profile and they will create a drink for you. I generally always go that route and have been happy with my drinks. I even requested a non alcoholic drink once and I felt like i got the same fun experience.

I stopped by CeeCee Bar which is for a DMV Does x Mob The Block event . Cees Cees is Black…read morewoman-owned bar inside The Spot food hall. I instantly loved the vibe. I was there for the mixology class . Cee is so passionate about what she's building and it really shows. It's the kind of spot that works for watching the game, date night, or just catching up with friends. I'm already looking forward to collaborating on something here.

I visited CeeCee's bar for their Thursday night line dancing. I went a few weeks prior for an Elite…read moreevent and had so much fun I had to give it another try. There was plenty of seating at the bar, so I slid onto a stool while I waited for my friend. They had a cute menu of featured drinks, ranging from a Chambord Margarita to Blackberry Lemonade with Crown Royal. Once line dancing began, the floor filed up pretty quickly. I noticed that there were people who seem to be regulars, which is cool because I was able to look at them while figuring out what to do during the songs. Overall, it was a really fun time at CeeCee's Bar!

One of the best new spots I've tried this year. On weekends, a reservation will be a must, as they…read moreare small and get packed, but for good reason. It's a sexy basement vinyl den with additional outdoor seating, 10/10 unique cocktails, and incredible Japanese inspired small plates. Between two visits, we have tried 6 different drinks. They are named after songs and listed on the back of a fake vinyl cover. Each costs around $20, but with the mandatory tip and tax, it comes to around $26-28 per drink. The since I left you, though, is worth every penny. It is similar to an old fashioned but a little sweeter, with bourbon (makers mark), and while the menu says it also has miso, blackberry, cardamom, and cacao, I wouldn't say those flavors come through. But it is one of the best cocktails being served in DC right now. It is so good. They serve it with a cardamom tuile that is delicious as well. There is a lot of variety on here, but my number 2 is the Roses, a bright red gin based drink with a hint of fruitiness and a spicy kick in the back end. If you want something a little sweeter, the Takeover is a cognac based drink with coffee notes served with a mini donut. The food is exceptionally well seasoned and so flavorful. The fried chicken cannot be missed, and I love that you can get it in half or full size portions. The shrimp tempura might be even better. You get four large pieces that are super crisp and have a little orange sauce on them. Amazing. Our second visit we tried their chips and dip, and these potato chips alone are worth a visit. Large, crunchy, and served with a tasty ranch dip. I think 2 dishes is good for two people to fill you up, but add a third if hungry. The place is quite expensive, but they are worth it. For a date night, they are a great choice. Four drinks and three dishes shared between two people came to around $195, but as of this review, they are offering a $30 off deal if you pay through the app In Kind. Bonus points because the first time we came, they seated us maybe 5 minutes after our reservation time, and they gave us a free glass of cava. Top notch customer service right there

TL;DR Drinks are unique and tasty, atmosphere is groovy, and prices are high. Would recommend a…read morevisit for a treat or celebration! This bar is sweet -- awesome music, a neat menu, truly craft cocktails, and a unique menu. We tried several cocktails and each was delicious - from spicy to sweet, they don't miss. We also tried the cheese burger egg rolls and the tuna hand roll. The food is expensive for what you get but it's advertised to be small bites, not a meal. The egg rolls felt like remixed in n out, and as a Californian, I was grateful. Why not 5 stars? With the premium pricetag, I do expect premium service. The bartender was more interested in chatting with some folks he knew who came to sit at the bar. He also spent a lot of time chatting up the couple next to us, so do sit at the bar if you're feeling social. However, for the spare attention he did provide us, he was a bit condescending when we asked for a different glass for a drink that came in a bowl. It was slow until the very end of our stay and yet there were several times where I had an empty glass for a long period (and wanted to order more) or needed water. FYI for 6 drinks and a few bar bites it was $165... we went for a cheap burger dinner afterwards!