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Very good!! Very expensive too! I've been to a bunch of works raised across the country and this one is definitely a cool spot to check out. The food was delicious and the drinks were very good too. Good quality, but a little too expensive for how loud and crowded it is. The political drawings and humor was cool. The history of the hotel and bar were really cool to see and read about. It's definitely worth stopping in for one drink and wandering around to see the history. Our waiter was very attentive and took great care of us.
Def an upscale but chill bar. Was a little hard to find initially, but we just had to ask for directions. Drinks were def on the pricier side, but they were really well made and we all enjoyed them so much we didn't even have any complaints. The general crowd was a lot older than us, so we felt a little out of place initially, but the staff was super sweet which was comforting. Keep an eye out for their coasters though, they make a memorable souvenir.
Very crowded. Super loud! Needs to have some sound dampening to be added. Arrived at 10:30 and was told the kitchen is closed. It seemed so nice and upscale so I was quite disappointed with the service. Went here because it was right across the street from the White House and had fabulous reviews. I walked in the front of the hotel and didn't see any direction to the bar. The staff directed me to a door that led to an elevator to the bar. Unfortunately the night we arrived, they stopped kitchen service early and their webpage was not up to date with the current kitchen schedule. Staff was snooty and rude. I arrived with my mother and waited 20 minutes for a waiter to tell us the kitchen was closed. I understand being overwhelmed but a sign at the front of the bar, stating the kitchen was closed or removing the kitchen menus from the tables would have been a good start to keep the new arrivals happy. Not sure if I would visit again.
We came here yesterday evening for a friend's birthday and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The stairs in the Hay Adams hotel that go down to Off The Record Bar are very inconspicuous and if you've never been there before, will have likely have to ask for directions to the bar. Service from the smartly dressed staff was polite and impeccable. The ambience of Off the Record is red velvet and more red velvet. Patrons ranged from business/political folk dressed in coats and ties to tourists in sweaty t-shirts and shorts. But from what I could see, all customers were treated respectfully. The only minus was how loud it gets in the bar, making conversation difficult. Drinks were very well made. After seeing espresso martinis everywhere of late, I decided to try one. I found the cocktail just too sweet. But it's personal preference, because somebody else at our table also ordered an espresso martini. She didn't find it sweet enough, so she had the server bring her some simple syrup to fold into the concoction. Somehow, I wasn't surprised that my espresso martini was served in a coupe glass, but I loathe coupe glasses because they are so dainty and grandma-ish. And yet they served JP his dirty martini in a sleek traditional martini glass. For my second drink, I ordered my favorite cocktail, which is Tangeray gin, a dash of vermouth (I like my martinis dry, very dry) and a splash of Cointreau. It was perfectly made and to my delight, served in a traditional martini glass. Off the Record presented our friend with a nice complimentary dessert for her birthday. She really liked it. Oh, the complimentary Wasabi peas were fantastic!
This place had a wonderful vibe and is a must visit speakeasy in the DC area. The drinks are very good and the food was great as well. We were treated with a small welcome drink as soon as we sat down to look at the menu which was a nice touch. The music that they choose to play creates such a fun atmosphere!
Small space, and can get packed if there is a conference nearby. Service was efficient. Nothing stand out but nothing to be upset about either. Good drinks and the Price for drinks is what I'd expect in that area but the drinks were not anything innovative to justify the cost to me. Unexpectedly the food was some of the best hotel bar food our group has had! Highly recommend the short rib grilled cheese.
Stopped by, I think on Tuesday night This restaurant, is located right inside of the hotel Street Parking. Black Lives Matter Plaza! Our waiter, Mauricio, was exceptional! He was super friendly and had good recommendations! All of the Staff were very nice! There is a bar area or you can walk in for a table. Not sure if reservations are needed, but we just walked in and got a great table Ambiance reminded me of a speakeasy, but the music was a little too loud for me at times, which made everyones conversations also elevated Ceasar salad was crisp Table snacks were good! Drinks were good Bathroom was super clean and sheek!
Off the Record is off the beaten path/hidden in the basement of the Hay-Adams Hotel. Bar has a really great vibe. I was here on a Tuesday night around 9:30 and it was very busy. People of all ages were present. Customers/employees were all extremely friendly. I had an expresso martini. Drink was not cheap but you are also a block from the White House. I can't put my finger on it but the bar just had a good vibe to it. Bring your wallet, but you will enjoy this hidden gem in Washington DC.
This is a cool bar near the White House and a good place to stop to catch some AC and beat the heat. They have a lot of really cool and funny political caricatures around the bar. The location is fun and it feels like you are back in an old school bar. The service was fast but the prices are definitely high for what you get. They also offer bar snacks but they weren't ready when yet. I would recommend going once to check it off but that's it.
1 month ago
2 months ago
This bar came highly recommended by so many people, but I feel like they've hit that point where they know tourist are coming and the prices reflect that. Four drinks and one meat and cheese board topped us over with tip at 200 bucks. We had gone for multiple dinners and lunches over several days in DC and did not spend that much on an actual meal..... Pros- -the meat and cheese board was massive, had plenty and was more than enough for two people and became somewhat of a meal. -The drinks were very good heavy pours. -The vibe is great - kind of loud but in a good way -The bathrooms are IMMACULATE Cons- -The table service was a bit touch and go; seemed like there was no rhyme or reason for which servers had which tables. -I sent back my first drink because it had very noticeably had hair in it, and the server gave me a hard time about it - there was clearly hair floating in the glass I'm not paying $25 for a drink with hair -service was also super slow and we felt forgotten at times at our table *if there is an event or wedding at the hotel that definitely can add to being overcrowded and slow *take the time to walk around and check out the cartoons - and make sure you take home a coaster or two!!!! read more
2 months ago
Very good!! Very expensive too! I've been to a bunch of works raised across the country and this one is definitely a cool spot to check out. The food was delicious and the drinks were very good too. Good quality, but a little too expensive for how loud and crowded it is. The political drawings and humor was cool. The history of the hotel and bar were really cool to see and read about. It's definitely worth stopping in for one drink and wandering around to see the history. Our waiter was very attentive and took great care of us. read more
5 months ago
Def an upscale but chill bar. Was a little hard to find initially, but we just had to ask for directions. Drinks were def on the pricier side, but they were really well made and we all enjoyed them so much we didn't even have any complaints. The general crowd was a lot older than us, so we felt a little out of place initially, but the staff was super sweet which was comforting. Keep an eye out for their coasters though, they make a memorable souvenir. read more
Very crowded. Super loud! Needs to have some sound dampening to be added. Arrived at 10:30 and was told the kitchen is closed. It seemed so nice and upscale so I was quite disappointed with the service. Went here because it was right across the street from the White House and had fabulous reviews. I walked in the front of the hotel and didn't see any direction to the bar. The staff directed me to a door that led to an elevator to the bar. Unfortunately the night we arrived, they stopped kitchen service early and their webpage was not up to date with the current kitchen schedule. Staff was snooty and rude. I arrived with my mother and waited 20 minutes for a waiter to tell us the kitchen was closed. I understand being overwhelmed but a sign at the front of the bar, stating the kitchen was closed or removing the kitchen menus from the tables would have been a good start to keep the new arrivals happy. Not sure if I would visit again. read more
We came here yesterday evening for a friend's birthday and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The stairs in the Hay Adams hotel that go down to Off The Record Bar are very inconspicuous and if you've never been there before, will have likely have to ask for directions to the bar. Service from the smartly dressed staff was polite and impeccable. The ambience of Off the Record is red velvet and more red velvet. Patrons ranged from business/political folk dressed in coats and ties to tourists in sweaty t-shirts and shorts. But from what I could see, all customers were treated respectfully. The only minus was how loud it gets in the bar, making conversation difficult. Drinks were very well made. After seeing espresso martinis everywhere of late, I decided to try one. I found the cocktail just too sweet. But it's personal preference, because somebody else at our table also ordered an espresso martini. She didn't find it sweet enough, so she had the server bring her some simple syrup to fold into the concoction. Somehow, I wasn't surprised that my espresso martini was served in a coupe glass, but I loathe coupe glasses because they are so dainty and grandma-ish. And yet they served JP his dirty martini in a sleek traditional martini glass. For my second drink, I ordered my favorite cocktail, which is Tangeray gin, a dash of vermouth (I like my martinis dry, very dry) and a splash of Cointreau. It was perfectly made and to my delight, served in a traditional martini glass. Off the Record presented our friend with a nice complimentary dessert for her birthday. She really liked it. Oh, the complimentary Wasabi peas were fantastic! read more
LOVED this bar!! The staff did a wonderful job taking care of us. We enjoyed all of the cartoon art as well, they let you take the drink coasters home which has the artwork on them. The OTR Old Fashioned was phenomenal! The hotel was also stunning! read more
2 months ago
This place had a wonderful vibe and is a must visit speakeasy in the DC area. The drinks are very good and the food was great as well. We were treated with a small welcome drink as soon as we sat down to look at the menu which was a nice touch. The music that they choose to play creates such a fun atmosphere! read more
1 year ago
Small space, and can get packed if there is a conference nearby. Service was efficient. Nothing stand out but nothing to be upset about either. Good drinks and the Price for drinks is what I'd expect in that area but the drinks were not anything innovative to justify the cost to me. Unexpectedly the food was some of the best hotel bar food our group has had! Highly recommend the short rib grilled cheese. read more
1 month ago
Wonderful cocktail bar in DC. Great space below the hotel. While on the pricier side, their signature cocktails are so good. Their Tokyo Fries are very tasty. Service was quick and easy at the bar. read more
Stopped by, I think on Tuesday night This restaurant, is located right inside of the hotel Street Parking. Black Lives Matter Plaza! Our waiter, Mauricio, was exceptional! He was super friendly and had good recommendations! All of the Staff were very nice! There is a bar area or you can walk in for a table. Not sure if reservations are needed, but we just walked in and got a great table Ambiance reminded me of a speakeasy, but the music was a little too loud for me at times, which made everyones conversations also elevated Ceasar salad was crisp Table snacks were good! Drinks were good Bathroom was super clean and sheek! read more
Off the Record is off the beaten path/hidden in the basement of the Hay-Adams Hotel. Bar has a really great vibe. I was here on a Tuesday night around 9:30 and it was very busy. People of all ages were present. Customers/employees were all extremely friendly. I had an expresso martini. Drink was not cheap but you are also a block from the White House. I can't put my finger on it but the bar just had a good vibe to it. Bring your wallet, but you will enjoy this hidden gem in Washington DC. read more
This is a cool bar near the White House and a good place to stop to catch some AC and beat the heat. They have a lot of really cool and funny political caricatures around the bar. The location is fun and it feels like you are back in an old school bar. The service was fast but the prices are definitely high for what you get. They also offer bar snacks but they weren't ready when yet. I would recommend going once to check it off but that's it. read more
8 months ago
So cooooool! Came for the vibe/ambience and wasn't disappointed. Odds enough - one of my favorite keepsakes from my trip is the coaster from my beer. I asked for extras just to bring home for my friends/family who are political. They are hilarious! read more
1 year ago
Yes! Come to this bar for somewhat of a speakeasy vibe for a crafty cocktail & a chuckle at their funny political pictures and coasters. I got the short rib grilled cheese & iced coffee and it was very good! Service was great all 3 times I went during my stay at the hotel. 5 stars & would definitely visit again! read more
7 months ago
Went here a few days ago. Really liked the environment. The reviews are correct as far as how loud it gets when it's packed. Was a little hard of hearing at first but got used to it. Also, the service is a little slow, but I feel like that's a good thing. This place is perfect for enjoying your drinks and company. All in all, a great spot to spend either the start of your evening or the end of your evening. read more
4 months ago
9 months ago
By far one of my favorite cocktail places in the US. When I come to town I stop as their "coaster game" and drinks are fabulous. read more
2 months ago
What a fun basement bar - up scale, surprisingly warm for a basement, and you might run into a famous politician. Expect high prices, but good drinks and food! Is this a speakeasy? It's tucked away in the basement of the Hay-Adams hotel, it's pretty easy to find or the hotel concierge will help! Obviously political, I loved seeing the decor - lots of political sketches and cartoons. It feels upscale and there is plenty of seating - just pricey! read more
3 years ago
Five of us came for cocktails after a private tour of the West Wing. I got a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. It was perfect. Not cheap. But perfect! Snacks (wasabi peas, olives, and potato chips) were a nice touch. Service seemed a little slow but attentive. read more
The service here is great; super professional. We came in with a big group on a busy night and they immediately whisked around all the chairs to make us fit comfortably. The decor inside is moody and elitist (in a good way). Sadly, I can only comment on the quality of one mocktail ($15), as every other drink was over $20 and I couldn't justify it... the monarch mocktail was great though! And they brought olives and nuts to the table. Ultimately, this bar is good for a one-time thing to gander at the political cartoons or show visitors to DC a cool spot. read more
This was a very interesting place. I ordered a Melania and my husband had an old fashion. Both drinks were awesome. The olives were so delicious. The bartender was very nice and helpful. The bar has a Victorian vibe. I really enjoyed my time there. Highly recommend read more
A hidden little gem of a bar located inside the Hay-Adams Hotel, we stopped here for a quick drink after visiting the White House. This bar is gorgeous with rich red colors and caricatures of countless politicians on the wall. It was half full, but with the design of the bar, it was still very quiet and felt private. The bar was comfortable with good drinks. Drinks are a little pricy, but it's a nice bar in a nice hotel in the heart of Downtown D.C. Service was kind and efficient. Great stop for a quick drink, a full meal, or a nice get-together with friends. read more
2 years ago
Amazing vibe! Busy on a Saturday night but we were able to snag a table. Service was attentive, drinks took awhile but were clearly made with care, food was delicious. My friend got the flatbread and I got the pork belly skewers. Portions were decent for both and taste was amazing! The Fresno chilis on the pork skewers were HOT but made the dish. Love the caricature coasters too. read more
"The place to be seen, not heard"Located in the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, Off The Record is an elegant speak easy cocktail bar with a rich history. A couple of colleagues and I stopped in for a beverage before going to the airport, recommended by a friend that works in the area. We were surprised at what we stumbled upon. Greeted at the door of the hotel by Concierge, once inside a well dressed gentleman asked how he could be of service. He informed us how to get to the bar. Down 2 short flight of stairs to the left, there it was, a red room, full bar, cocktail tables and hand drawn cartoon characters of politicians lined the wall. The place was pretty empty with only a few customers. We were sat at a corner booth. Nuts and crackers were brought to our table with menus. Noticed immediately the prices were more expensive than average. We all ordered 2 rounds of drinks. For me the Ghost of Lincoln and the Old Fashion were both unique and strong, with great balance. Our server was awesome, reviewing the menu with us and sharing the history of the hotel and bar. By the time we left around 4pm, the place was packed. We had a great time. read more
Fun downstairs bar with comfortable seating and a good vibe. Drinks were very good but were VERY expensive considering there wasn't more of an experience with them (something more creative tableside). The "Brooklyn in the House (of Representatives)" was really good, with a twist on an old fashioned / sour with a Chianti floater. Quite interesting disposable political coasters too... read more
1 year ago
The food is amazing the room is spectacular! Being so close to the White House then sitting down for one of the best Martinis around and the Wedge Salad. read more
2 years ago
This is an interesting bar located in the Hay-Adams. I saw a lot of political references and caricatures in the artwork and on the coasters, which felt very DC. The food and drinks were great. I really liked my pear martini and the short rib grilled cheese was also good. The bar had a dark, cozy vibe. read more
What a busy lively place! Located in the lower level of the Hay-Adams... Get there early for a table. Elegant decor with a more mature crowd. The cocktails are on the high end but delicious. Service is slow... but friendly and helpful. This place is busy! We loved the atmosphere... We would definitely return! read more
Swanky spot! Located inside the Hay-Adams hotel. Cool atmosphere and good menu. Love the little political cartoon coasters. The first martini on the menu (pear/pineapple) was frankly way too sweet and not really good, but they made a great cosmo read more
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More info about Off The Record
800 16th St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Downtown
Directions
(202) 638-6600
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.hayadams.com
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Ask the Community - Off The Record
Best parking for just dining at off the record?
Street parking, depending on the time - pay to park
Is that bar still moved to the 9th floor?
The cocktail bar, Off The Record, is essentially below the hotel lobby
What time does the kitchen close each day?
The kitchen of Off the Record closes at 11pm every night.
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19 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Off The Record - bars - Updated August 2026
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