The National Press Club is a venerable DC institution, rich with journalistic, DC and American history and located at the top of Columbia Square. I could spend a couple hours looking at the all the wall artifacts which includes many autographed photos of important past visitors. I loved seeing the piano that President Harry S Truman used to play. Until today I never knew Truman tickled the ivories. An integral part of the NPC is dining at the Reliable Source. My dining experience was absolutely fabulous. Service was exceptional and I liked how the head chef came out to check on us. On this particular day (Wednesday), a salad and prime rib buffet was available, as well as a regular menu. We opted for the buffet, which also came with an absolutely delicious cream of chicken soup. I loved all the flavorful salad condiment options, including pickled onions and multiple types of nuts. The prime rib was tender and delicious. They had cheesecake as a dessert. At the end of lunch, they served a most excellent coffee. I loved how they did it the British way, pouring cream in the cup before pouring in the coffee. Coffee is provided in a li'l coffee pot for each person, with plenty of coffee for refills. On special occasions, such as Chinese (Lunar) New Year, they have more elaborate meals. Frequently, the NPC has pressers where people in the news come and talk and answer questions from the audience. The day I was here, Robert Rand, author of The Menendez Murders and Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of the Menendez brothers came and spoke about the case. You do have to be a member or be escorted by a member to enter the NPC. read more

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What a beautiful building inside. One can just feel the history here. Hubby & I were actually able to eat in the restaurant. Excellent service, friendly wait staff, and delicious Bronzino filets served atop a bed of spinach. Divine! read more

Great food, atmosphere, service and price located in the historic National Press Club, "Where News Happens," and the respite for real journalists working in the DC Metro area and DC bureaus of worldwide news agencies. I last visited this place 4 years ago when the 5-Star restaurant was located in The Fourth Estate restaurant on the lower floor. Now, due to the downturn in the economy, increasing costs, and massive layoffs of traditional journalists due to non-professionals contributions to social media and mainstream media for free, all of the food services were consolidated to the lounge/bar area but maintains the 5-Star service, food among the historic images and front pages of newspapers decades old on the walls. Journalists can apply for membership and enjoy the Club without restriction. Others wishing to dine here must be invited and escorted by a member. Another opportunity to enjoy the food is to attend one of the special events open to the public (see press.org for calendar) or by an organization renting the banquet space for an event. As a bonus you can see and touch the famous piano played by President Harry S Truman often when he made frequent visits to the Club. And on which actress Lauren Becall laid across in a sexy pose while the President played. See the photo online. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! read more

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Inside a 1927 downtown D.C. building surrounded by deep American history is the National Press Club started in 1908 across the street from its current building. Once only open to white male journalists, the club now welcomes all through membership and public events. It's also a popular wedding venue. I went for a free screening of a documentary film by The Washington Post Opinions section and Ray Whitehouse on a Monday evening. Here's my experience: 1) Space: With a rich legacy, it screams old-school Washington, D.C. from the dated carpet to the media tokens on the walls from statues honoring journalists to old newspaper clippings. The elevators are regal and the bar wooden. There are several meeting rooms and one larger room for their main speaking and panel events. Off from the bar is a dining room with stunning views of the Willard Hotel and Washington Monument. There are plenty of restrooms throughout the floors (the 13th and 14th floors of the building) 2) Parking: For evening events, there's usually street parking for a few dollars along F Street NW. 3) Location: There are plenty of restaurants nearby that stay open through dinner from District Taco to Rice Bar. read more

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Clean. Accessible. And fascinating. The Muscular Dystrophy Association hosted an event there last week... catering and drinks -- all good, and the servers very friendly. Love the photos and flags along the walls... read more

National Press Club - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is old school DC. Great place for high profile events. I will never forget being here for when then CVS Health CEO announced CVS would no longer sell tobacco products. read more

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Quite a "club"! Situated downtown just 2 blocks from Metro Center station, the National Press Club (renowned for the annual presidential dinner among other things) offers an elegant setting. The room we were in had mahogany lined walls and an old school fireplace. Cozy and sophisticated. Walls were lined with newspaper relief and other memorabilia. Downstairs there were regular shops such as Marshall's. Beautiful lobby. However, the "reception" simply pointed us to some elevators (confusing set-up because the first bank of three elevators we came across turned out to be the wrong ones). The actual reception of the Club is situated on the 13th floor, not in the lobby, even though it's called the National Press Building. There's a fitness center too in the lobby. read more

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Five stars just because of the history of this place! We hosted a catered dinner here with a performance by the famous comedy troupe, The Capitol Steps. It was a great venue and a fun place to visit. The photos on the wall ran the gamut of all the politicians and celebrities who had visited the Press Club, as well as some classic news photos. read more

National Press Club - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I enjoyed everything about this visit/meal at the National Press Club and The Forth Estate restaurant. We were greeted by a very nice lady at the counter when we reached the 14th floor who helped us navigate our visit. On the building itself, it was fascinating, filled with history and great pictures. Because we visited during the holiday there were beautiful decorations and Christmas trees displayed throughout the building. The entrance had a spectacular tree and wreaths placed nicely above doorways etc. There was a large television playing a montage of pictures of events held at the National Press Club. I was surprised by the type of events and guest shown on the screen, very diverse subjects and people. Being a total tourist I purchased some of the items for sale, a tee shirt and baseball cap with the name and logo of the National Press Club. Well I'm part of the Yelp press, :-)!!! read more

Beautiful venue, but the logistics could use some work. I came here for my alumni holiday party. There were about 75-100 of us, and only one bartender. The poor guy was struggling, and at one point the line had well over two dozen people in it. He wasn't serving anything complicated: Red and white wine, Prosecco, beers, and bar basics like rum and coke and vodka soda. Several times they had to bring out someone to help him manage the volume. That person should have stayed with him at the bar all night because he was definitely having a rough time managing on his own. The food was decent, but inconsistently replenished. They never bothered to replenish the shrimp dish (which I heard was a hit), yet the other items seem to be replenished constantly...so much so that catering staff were conspicuously in the way of the guests. Aside from the shrimp, we had other items such as chicken and beef skewers, tiny rings of fried calamari (which were a pain in the ass to eat with equally tiny forks), bruschetta on crostini, assorted shaved and sliced Italian meats, a small variety of cheeses, potato chips, pita bread, guacamole and hummus. We also had a delightful assortment of cupcakes for dessert. The chocolate cupcake with chocolate ganache topped with chocolate shavings was my absolute favorite. I'm not ashamed to admit that I tried (but failed) to eat two. In addition to inconsistently replenishing food, it seems that some members of the catering staff also seemed to lack basic common courtesy. At one point during the night, one of them brushed past me and almost knocked me over into the food table. He never even bothered to apologize, and he was very fortunate that I did not feel like making a scene. read more

I love coming to this place. The staff are always friendly. We always come in a large group and they still manage to do a good job catering to us all. The interior is beautiful and everything is served right on time one after another starting from the salad to the the entree to the dessert. The salmon is cooked to perfection and we all know how hard it is to make fish. read more

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A fun little Hello Hello this is a little fun fact 2 cornerstones inside 2 cornerstones inside of here national press building cornerstone laid by the honorable Calvin Coolidge president of the United States April 8th 1926 dedicated to the press. 2nd cornerstone national press building dedicated to the honorable James a Baker the 3rd secretary of the Treasury may 21st 1985 read more

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If I could give a 0 I would. I called to inquire about a memorial being held for my God mother and the person who the operator referred me to hung up on me twice. I am disgusted by that type of customer service. I hope that she is fired. read more

I miss Fridays at the National Press Club! Used to come here on Fridays after work when I was on detail to this area. This is a review of the restaurant/bar/lounge, although I know that the Press Club holds events (Saw various Presidential Cabinet members speak here) and is also a venue for rent (I had friends get married here). You must be with a member of the press club to get in to the lounge normally, so see if any of your journalist friends pay the $30ish monthly fee. Drinks are cheap ($5-6 good martinis!) and the company is great. On Fridays they have a taco bar that is complimentary when you order drinks, and it's pretty tasty! The trick is to get a plate of toppings and a separate plate of chips in order to do your taco assembling. Service is excellent, and I cannot compliment it more. Ambiance consists of dark wood paneling and leather chairs - a father's-office kind of feel, with a variety of table sizes to accompany your group. There's a back room for private parties, and they hold special events (like crabfest night) that are sometimes only available to members. Food is available to order, but I usually come here for drinks and tacos. read more

I used to attend events at the Fourth Estate in the National Press Club quite frequently and came to love the location and the people I met there. The food, while not particularly memorable, wasn't too bad. Mostly, I loved the interesting people you could meet while there. The National Press Club is an association of journalists based in Washington, DC. It is well-known for its gatherings with invited speakers, including many presidential candidates and other influential politicians. It features two restaurants, the Fourth Estate and the Reliable Source Bar and Grill. The Fourth Estate, which features great New American cooking, is located on the 13th floor of the National Press Building, the main floor of the club, and is open to everyone. The Reliable Source Bar and Grill is open to NPC members and their guests and is on the 14th floor of the building. (I met Marcel Marceau at a cocktail reception here!) read more

National Press Club - The National Press Club logo - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have always enjoyed going to the Press Club. It is a wonderful venu with great city views. It is conveniently located near Warner Theater and is across the street from The Hamilton. I could visit every week! read more

Hector and staff went above and beyond for an event I was at tonight. I hope to come back soon. A++++ customer service.

I've been to some club houses, I thought this is just ok. Didn't explore much here except the 13th floor where I attended the conference. I was here for a Crowdfunding conference and it was set-up in a nice little room. Of course the clubs displayed beautiful unique paintings and newspaper cuttings but I'm not sure whether they cost a lot, doesn't matter. The event went well for 2 days. The first day room was slightly bigger than the second day room. There's always a conference every day there so the demand is high for the room. I enjoyed the conference. I thought they could do a little better job on the security. It seems like everyone can go in this building. read more

National Press Club - Speakers speak here - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Exclusive club bullies snapshot taker! Okay. "Bullies" might be going too far. But for a place that prides itself on being a gathering place for lovers of the First Amendment, they sure don't like people taking picture here. But I don't care, as a citizen journalist, I did it anyway (and faced the berating of some very angry security guards)! Now I'm bringing the "story" of the National Press Club to the world. Maybe they ban photography, of the walls at least, to keep the mystique of the place alive. And, for those who don't know anyone who can get them in, it is absolutely gorgeous in here. Finely carved wood panels, photos of famous speakers here - from Presidents to Hollywood celebrities. And even famous members. Anyone in the communications fields can now join (my work had meetings here through our former PR person) who pays the pricey dues. And the staff treats both members and guests in a first class way - we actually had to ask the server to stop filling our water so we could conduct business. The lineup of speakers here always looks amazing and would probably awe a tourist. And, again, if you know a member, some of them are free. One thing I've never seen here though were any famous journalists. Just loud press people making noise while we were trying to meet. I should have remembered how much writers like to hear themselves talk. If only the people talked less and the walls talked more, this would be a great meeting space. read more

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I went to the National Press club for training event. It was beautifully ornamented with flag of every country inside of the well preserved National Press club in Washington DC. read more

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The Press Club is cool. A person could live up there and be happy. There are a couple dining areas with really pretty decent food. Oh yeah, a couple bars (smoking allowed), free breakfast and coffee before 10, a free work-out room, media library, kareoke & team trivia nights, movie showings, book expos, and a countless number of interesting speakers and debates over any number of topics. I'm constantly late to work because I milk the free coffee until they shut that bitch down, and in my time there they've had everyone from Herbie Hancock to the press secretary for Ehud Olmert, and I got to see a pretty interesting debate over Free Trade vs. Fair Trade (Free Trade kicked ass). If you get the chance to frequent the place, I'd highly recommend it, if only to see some very interesting people speak (in person) that you typically only get to see on television. read more

The National Press Club is a swanky place where DC's movers and shakers have been known to hang out at. Journalists from every national news outlet belong to the National Press Club. They host tons of events all the time and more often than not feature famous politicians, celebrities, well-known reporters, and authors. The building itself has a stately, corporate feel to it. You feel important just walking around inside. I go to the Reliable Source restaurant-bar on the 14th floor about once a month for a get-together hosted by a friend of mine who is a member. There some really interesting photos hanging in the hallways, pictures of past presidents, news anchors, and celebrities. The National Press Club is a must-see for political and news junkies. read more

The National Press Club is right next door and shares a lobby/entrance with my building, so when I read that the annual Book Fair was yesterday I thought why not? The idea of this media-only club always seemed mysterious and I've been wondering what it is like up there. The answer? From what I saw, nothing spectacular. When we first walked in, I did feel slightly like I was making my way into an old boy's club, about to enter a musky cigar room where important decisions or business deals go down or something like that. But once we got inside it was just like any other ballroom, and a visibly dated one at that. You could tell it was a place that has hosted many influential people and events over the years, but hasn't received much restoration and just reminded me of a tired, aging representation of old Washington power. The event, I will say, was very cool and I would highly recommend keeping your eye out for it - the Book Fair is sponsored by the NPC each year in mid-November and I believe it is one of their biggest events for non-members. This was my first time, but I will definitely be back next year. It was fun to see a room packed full of authors, a few bestsellers, celeb chefs, and a handful of politicians-turned-writers in person and talk to them about their books (or anything else). Buy the books there and get them autographed, or just chat it up, note the title, and pick it up cheaper online later. Some tables had giveaways, and most of the chefs promoting their cookbooks also had samples to try. I had quite a fun conversation with Jose Andres of Jaleo/ Cafe Atlantico/ Oyamel/ Zaytinya (my fave DC restaurant!) about his guest judge stint on Top Chef and how he hired the show's alums Marcel and Antonia to work in his new LA restaurant. read more

The NPC is a great place - very classy, well-priced, and compatible for a range of purposes. It's member's only, but you can come with a friend or something (I'm a member). Here's what you are entitled to: *Free breakfast every day; *$10 lunch buffet from 11am-3pm with basically all the kinds of food and soup in the world; *Coffee at 3pm (right when you need it); *Couches to lounge around in and read, and desks and Internet and power points to work at; *FREE TACOS on Friday nights. When I say free, what do I mean? I mean, like, FREE. LIBRE. GRATIS. I mean you pay nothing. zilch. Nada. $0. Got it? (OK, you have to buy a drink - but so what? Just get a coca-cola, you cheap skate.) Membership is $25 or so for young bucks; if you're over 36 or so they charge a little heftier. But this is DC, so, seriously. In short: NPC rocks. And you also get a stack of reciprocal memberships. I have not yet availed myself of these, but I will. read more

Was lucky enough to be invited here for a Campaign and Marketing Summit.... The building is beautiful inside and out with many doors and floor and even a few stores on the main level. Abundance of options for meetings, conferences, clubs, and events with many rooms and areas large and small for whatever a group or person may need. The staff was spectacular..friendly, smiling, directing, maintaining a professional but welcoming environment for all occasions and events. Loved the flags and decorations... Loved the photos of press people in the hallways... So much history, so much press read more

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Historic and well appointed, a must try location for business events. Excellent staff, especially Jose in catering. Everything will be spotless and ready for you. Also, you will never see as much history as in the walls around you... not to mention the history in the making in the room next door. read more

I used to go here once a month for an event called "Coffee and Do-nets." It was hosted by someone whose name you may recognize- Sam Solovey. He was on the first season of The Apprentice. To join the Press Club, you need to be a member of the media-- but some events are open to the public. Like a luncheon with Joan Collins on the 28th!! Twenty bucks to "do lunch" with Joan is well worth it. The same day there is an evening event with Michael Crichton. read more

One of Washington DC's insider places to hang out. DC is a place where the press is always present, and this is the perfect place for members of the press to meet. I attended a luncheon here, which as you can imagine are many going on at any one time. Food and Service were fine, though the room was small, but like most groups, there is always a lot of people who come to these things and they have to squeeze them into the space. If you come down, the best is to use Metro, Metro Center is a block away. Driving and parking are not always easy mid-day in DC. Parking garages are 20 bucks if you can find one that is not full. read more

I had an amazing time!!! This was for a DC trip and I ended up getting a few Groupon type deals and one was for this. I had champagne, salad and scallops. Everything was great, but the real gem was when Francisco took me on a tour of the entire club and let me take pictures in front of the podium. The Vice-President came over and welcomed me. I really couldn't have asked for anything more. I had a good meal and a piece of history! read more

I head down to DC to the National Press Club annually for a conference. The decor may be dated, but you are surrounded by history. Copper newspaper cuttings on the wall highlight noteworthy stories throughout history, and signed pictures line the walls, reminding you of all the important (and not so important--looking at you Michele Bachmann) people who have spoken in the conference rooms. Any time you are there for an event, you may run into foreign dignitaries, members of Congress, Pulitzer prize winning journalists, or even star athletes speaking at the conference next door. The catering is also quite delicious. Our lunch of chicken picatta-like chicken with mushroom risotto and green beans was delicious and filling. Way better than you would normally expect at a catered event. I always enjoy my time spent here and cannot wait for my trip back next year! read more

Went to a happy hour at Reliable Bar (hostess is a member). Good drink specials (like $4 for chardonnay) and free tacos! Ok, more like chips/cheese/meat/salsa/sour cream/guac. But I can make a taco out of chips. Major points on the free food. People are boisterous because they're drunk, but no one stands out. Felt like an old boys club, but women and minorities were allowed in. It was just missing cigar smoke. Downside: the decor is stuck in the 80s with plenty of paneled mirrors and old photos on the wall. But it's authentic, non-pretentious, and feels like the family room in the National Lampoon's movies. Love it. read more

Shama-lama ding dong! I usually have a great opening line, but this time I'm speechless. I enjoyed my dinner at the NPC. I had the Mango Seared Tuna and thought overall it was a good meal. I'm not part of the club by any means. The photos of famous attendees were interesting, but the place felt stuffy and foo foo. I definitely don't belong here so I'll leave it to the club members. However, if you get a chance to go; what the hey - Enjoy! read more

I've been here for several different types of press conferences, receptions and other work-related events. It's very pretty inside and in a convenient part of downtown. The catering here is wonderful, so if you can score a reception with an open bar and food -- you're set. They have a taco bar that is to die for and I always meet very interesting people here. read more

The National Press Club is beautiful and historic! Along the walls are pictures of well-known visitors such as Venus Williams, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and many US politicians. You can easily get to the club by car, metro, or walking. read more

I purchased a deal on capitol deal for brunch for 2. The atmosphere was great, the service, and food not so much. I could tell instantly that they cater more towards the members, and do not like to be open to the public. I ordered the omelette that came with potatoes, toast, and fruit. The potatoes and toast were cold, they were sitting out for awhile before they brought them to the table. I had to ask for butter, and ketchup, and the wait staff did not seem friendly. The Pomegranate Bellini had a fly in it, and when I told the waiter he had to look for it before he would bring me a new one, and did not apologize. I will never be returning to to the restaurant. There are so many other great brunch places that have better service and food. read more

If you ever happen to have an opportunity to go here for an event or with a member, jump at the opportunity. It's one of the most interesting places I've been in Washington, DC. I was able to go to the Reliable Source Bar and Grille with a friend who is a member. It was a fun place to hang out, with lots of good eavesdropping! read more

I've listened to so many speeches from here, so it was kind of a big deal when I came here for breakfast. It was one of those Government Executive hosted things and they were talking about Cyber-security. A lot of wonky talk to wonks who had wonky questions... but that's the drill. The food was pretty disappointing, but maybe they don't really do breakfast. read more

if you can get here, go. it's an experience and provides some fantastic views. the food is nothing earth shattering, but the ambiance is just lovely. building is gorgeous. read more

A beautiful venue A LOT of history and nostalgia. The Press Club always has interesting and informative events. Great place to network.

I liked the building, and all of the history of the media, politicians, etc. As a non-member (of course), I can really only truly speak on my dining experience. I visited the NPC on the last presidential debate night, and I could sense the excitement in the air. I could also sense some savory food in the air, so I quickly turned my attention to the menu of the evening. I actually thought that the room I dined in was a bit "stuffy", but I wouldn't have expected any less. My waiter service was excellent, though. I really enjoyed my salad, and opted out of dessert. My true reason for reviewing this is *aside from it being a great tourist destination in the District* because of my entree. The scallops were heavenly. I actually closed my eyes with delight, after biting into one. They were perfectly seared... PERFECTLY seared! They melted in my mouth and the flavor... mmmmmmmmm..... The largest scallop that I've ever seen in my life (no exaggeration), was on my plate. It could fit the palm of my hand, and I'm a tall girl. Oh, I actually found street parking with ease, and that's a plus! I will be back. read more

National Press Club - Best. Scallops. Ever. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia