Walking up to Press Club Bar of Record, we were immediately drawn in--it had that cool, funky,…read moreeffortlessly hip vibe that makes you feel like you've stumbled onto something special. As tourists, we had no idea how intimate the space was (or that reservations are recommended even just for drinks!), so we felt incredibly lucky when a staff member took pity on us and offered an outside table. I wish I could remember his name--he truly made the experience. He brought so much energy and personality, setting the tone for the whole night. After scanning the QR codes on the "records" for the menu, we each ordered something different. I went with the Take Me Out--a mix of mezcal, pineapple, amontillado, tamarind, mango, coconut, and lime--and I was not prepared for just how delicious it would be. It was layered, refreshing, and completely memorable. The presentation and attention to detail were next-level. My drink arrived with a perfectly round ice sphere and was paired with a sugared, vegan mango gummy that added a fun, unexpected twist. Our host also elevated several of the drinks tableside--adding custom tinctures and even creating a smiley face with drops of oil and basil in one cocktail nearby. It felt thoughtful, creative, and a little theatrical in the best way. We spent the evening outside, enjoying incredible drinks, easy conversation, and a warm night under the stars. It was one of those experiences that just sticks with you. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to D.C.--and Press Club Bar of Record will absolutely be on my list to revisit. Highly recommend, and maybe make a reservation!

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

This is a cool spot. Entry is really cool and looks like prohibition speakeasy's of times gone…read morepast. Two HUGE bouncers inside who were policing everything to maintain the vibe. Husband couldn't read the menu, can't use your phone for that, he was leaning up against a wall, can't do that, finally snagged seats on a couch, feet off table. We had two drinks and enjoyed about 20 minutes in here and went off to find something to eat. Definitely work a stop if you are nearby or in the area. It's a cool experience. One thing og note: They do not really deviate from their limited menu of drinks. These bartenders are not like those of speakeasy's from other, larger cities I've been to. I don't drink alcohol at all, so, I tend to ask them to make me a mocktail. They didn't seem very inventive and only offered basically ginger beer in a cup for $14.

The bartender Chris accused me of being intoxicated because I was vibing to the music Saying that I…read morewas had my eyes closed at the bar when I was just feeling the music. Clearly he can't discern when a patron is intoxicated or not!!!!!! I do feel as though it was a level of discrimination as I only ordered water at the bar no drinks were ordered....and I had no drinks prior to arrival. Never assume from a distance someone's sobriety just because the clientele you serve normally is intoxicated

Our server was incredible here! Great spot for a night cap. Drinks are good and most come with a…read morefun presentation!

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.

The entire vibe of the lounge was so cool and fun! My boyfriend and I loved the cocktails and food!…read moreDefinitely, will want to come back.

This used to be a great spot to relax and enjoy cocktails. Unfortunately, a lot has changed since…read morethe owner, Keith McNally was actively involved, onsite and DJing regularly. Lately, the bar frequently runs out of ingredients needed for its signature cocktails, certain food items, service has become noticeably slower, and staff turnover appears to be high. When the owner was more present, the experience felt polished, the menu was consistently available, and customer service was top-notch. Today, it feels like the attention to detail is gone. What was once an elegant cocktail destination now feels more like an overpriced dive bar.

Astoria completely lived up to the hype. It's one of those coveted DC reservations that's…read morenotoriously hard to get, and after having it on my list forever, I can confidently say it's 100% worth the wait. Tucked into the heart of Dupont Circle with its unmistakable bright blue awning, the restaurant is intimate, moody, and always buzzing. Inside, you'll find dim lighting, a handful of cozy wooden bar booths, seats along the bar, and a few outdoor tables. It's not a huge space, which only adds to its charm and makes every reservation feel like a win. The atmosphere is perfect for sharing dishes and lingering over dinner with friends. The food was incredible...I genuinely loved every single bite. Just be prepared: the Sichuan spice is no joke! If you aren't expecting it, it'll definitely sneak up on you (in the best way). My must-orders? The chili wontons, Dan Dan noodles, and beef noodles. Every dish was packed with bold flavor and left me wanting to come back for more. If you've been trying to score a reservation, keep at it. Astoria is one of those places that's absolutely deserving of its reputation, and I'll be thinking about those noodles until my next visit.

There was a line waiting to go in before opening and I think it's still be easy to get a seat if…read moreyou arrive right at opening time but it definitely got filled by the time we left! Inside had small tables and a kinda casual cocktail bar vibe Beef Noodles - the highlight and actually very good! The noodles are long and handmade and chewy. They hold onto the sauce very well! The sauce has a slight kick and is very savory. The beef is soft and also flavorful! I feel the price for the portion is kinda expensive though 8/10 Chili wontons - skin is silky and soft, sauce is savory with a small kick as well! Even though the sauces look similar to beef noodle they taste very different. The fillings had good flavor and overall were good but were a bit tougher and dryer than I would prefer. 6/10 Crab fried rice - crab is slightly overcooked but naturally sweet. It has a light curry taste throughout and was pretty good but didn't really stand out 5.5/10 Mapo tofu - slight kick and nice savory taste in the sauce! However I think they cut the tofu pieces way too large or the tofu they chose had way too much tofu flavor that overpowers the sauce. I'd prefer a very light silky tofu but this was a soft tofu. 6/10 Vpod - at first it just tasted like orange juice but then the other flavors peek through on the after taste and when I mixed it more. Even though it was good, it still felt very basic 5/10 Philadelphia Scotsman - it's pretty ginger forward. Technically the level of ginger spice is fine but strong but then the rest of the drink got completely overpowered and so this just wasn't that great 2.5/10

Swanky bar with an amazing staff. The menu is a bit tortured…read moretrying to be creative - non craft cocktail aficionados may be a little turned off by the menu - but if you're looking for some serious creations you will not be disappointed. I was solo, so sat at the bar and Kara was my bartender - she could not have been nicer and was very patient and engaging helping me make some good selections. While the Checkpoint Charlie may not have been the most serious looking drink - it was exceptionally sophisticated.

They raised my standard for martinis to the next level! The Dirty Martini came with a side of…read moreolives and an oyster, literally the perfect girl dinner. The atmosphere is very chic, and intimate. The drinks were fantastic and the food was great too! We got the Nori Chips & Halloumi fries to split which was perfect for 3 people.

What a unique spot! I'm in DC for work and was a solo diner. The atmosphere is sultry, intimate and…read morecozy. The service was friendly and warm. I did not feel rushed at all! I ordered their mocktail, the clean slate, and the poutine. The drink was tart, fruity, but also slightly bitter? It was delicious! The poutine was phenomenal. A cheese pull everytime, there wasn't a lack of gravy, and the flavor palette was beyond salt and pepper! The gravy was sweet and savory and the cheese curds were gooey, not rubbery at all. The fries were cut perfectly and didn't overwhelm the dish. There wasn't a perfect ratio of cheese gravy and fries! My only disappointment is there were no matchbooks due to supply chain issues. I understand not their fault, but they look quite cool and I would have loved to add one to my collection. This place is definitely a must if you're ever in DC looking for a high quality, aesthetically pleasing, and delicious cocktail bar!

The service was slightly slower than one would want, but Yousef was a standout. He was attentive,…read moreoffered solutions, and made me want to stay waiting. An awesome contribution to the organization in my opinion! It was my first time visiting and I brought friends from out of town for my bday and they shared the same sentiments... Love the place

We only popped in for a quick drink. I had the snapdragon and it was very good, a little on the…read moresweet side (I think due to the lychee) if you prefer sweeter tasting drinks. Really cute ambiance as well. Everyone was so nice and accommodating whilst in the middle of prepping for a private event.

Hosted my husband's surprise birthday party here and it was amazing! Everyone had a great time,…read morefood was on point and there was plenty of space to celebrate. I definitely recommend getting two oches for 15+ people. Most of all Jessica was amazing and a great host for us. We look forward to coming back!

I've been eyeing this bar for several weeks now, and the other day, I finally decided it was time…read moreto give them a try. I know reservations are probably highly recommended, but we were fortunate to walk in at just the right moment and snag a seat. The seating is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is just my style, an elegant, dark, grown and sexy vibe that really sets the mood. The decor is striking, with thoughtful touches that create an inviting space to unwind. While it leans a bit on the pricier side, the exceptional service more than justifies the cost. Jordan and the team were incredibly knowledgeable about both the drinks and food menu, offering suggestions that perfectly matched our tastes. We tried two standout drinks that I can't recommend enough: the Attractive Nuisance and El Tiburon, (which is an Old Fashioned made with gin). The bartenders here clearly know what they're doing, each drink was crafted with care and precision. The good music in the background added to the overall ambiance, making it a delightful spot to spend an evening.

We were here to get drinks and apps to kickstart our friend's birthday celebration. Unfortunately,…read morewe didn't have a reservation for that evening. Because the last time we were here, we could find a seat easily. So never thought about making a reservation. As we walked in, the place was packed. Lucky we got a table in the corner for an hour. One of us had to stand unfortunately. Drinks were great but felt overpriced. Food was delicious too. Fried potatoes and tartar is a must have. The service was great. Ambiance is amazing as well. Slightly on the darker side in the inside. They also have outdoor seating.

I can't recommend Jane Jane enough! I get why this place has hype…read more I came on a Saturday night at around 11. It was still extremely packed, so my friend and I went outside to determine our next move. The host came out and let us know there was space which I was so appreciative of! The crop top drink is to die for and the bartenders are personable. It really makes a difference at places like these. The music is impeccable and the decor is cute. I'll easily be back!

Five stars for the host and the bartender. Two stars for the server…read more It's really eclectic place with limited seats. The decor is fun and bright. If there's nowhere to sit, there's standing room where you can order from the bar and wait. Perhaps it's my fault for having too high of hopes but I left feeling underwhelmed by the drink selection. We ordered two crop tops - it's a gin drink with a dash of red wine. We ordered while we were waiting in the standing room...and then we were seated...and we were still waiting...so it took a long while. With tip we paid $44 for two drinks. If there's a happy hour, perhaps that's the better play but I won't be returning.