A group of us went to Quill for our weekly happy hour. It's a really nice place inside the Jefferson Hotel. Last time we were here we sat on the patio, but this time we headed inside. The decor inside is really nice - dark and comfortable - you feel like you're in some back room where high-powered deals are made (and given its location, it probably is), but it also has a really cool orange, modern, blown-glass bar which somehow fits in perfectly. They have great cocktails (though definitely a bit pricey, at $15 each). I had the Thyme Pimms Cup (Pimms No.1, Gin, Sprig of Thyme, Cucumber, Calamansi (golden lime) Liqueur) and the Zodiac Cocktail - Gemini (Gin, Whiskey, Lime, Mint - I think, this one is not on the online menu). I also thought it was funny that even though most of the drink options are pretty top-shelf, you could still order a Miller Lite - you just had to pay $7 for it. Quill is not a good option if you're looking for cheap drinks or going to with a big group, but it's a great place for nice cocktails and a quiet chat with friends in a place with personality. read more

Rediscovered my love for olives here! Came here on a busy Sunday night right before the piano man started playing. Loved the ambiance and the pricey drinks were delicious. I appreciated the bartenders hard work to handcraft everything. However service was slow and it took awhile to get recognized-- by anyone. I feel like at a place known for their customer service, a simple "Hello" or "Welcome" by any of the many employees running around would've been nice. You had to be a bit more assertive to get their attention. read more

Another great DC hidden gem. I knew there was Lincoln Bar, and Teddy Rooselvelt bar, but I never knew there was a Jefferson bar. Tucked away in the Jefferson hotel, this great loungey bar makes pricey, but delicious cocktails, has outrageously good service, and $2 fries. Why? Cause Jefferson loved fries, and America. Had the Ruth Bader Gin & Juice and the taste was as good as the name. Bar has great little hideways in alcoves for a more private affair, and comfy feel overall. Great for a splurge. Would definitely return. read more

Quill - Ruth Bader G&G - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Quill is a special occasion bar unless you're a one-percenter. The drinks are pricey but you get what you pay for here in terms of quality. The specialty cocktail menu changes regularly, but obviously you can order whatever your heart desires. The bartenders here are some of the best in the city and their service is second to none. Tucked into the back of the Jefferson Hotel, it oozes a refined ambience. Never too crowded and never dead, this is a place where the entertainment is a good conversation rather than people watching. read more

Quill is the best bar in Washington, DC, and I don't really want to write about it because I don't want it to get any busier. But the staff deserves the compliment, so here goes: My wife and I used to come here when another establishment had failed us. Once on my birthday Founding Farmers made error after error, including forgetting to put a candle in my dessert, so we came to Quill and told the bartender our mini-sob story. Ten minutes later the manager brought me a huge sundae with a candle in it and the entire staff wished me Happy Birthday. That is how you make a customer for life, folks. Anyway, since then we've stopped trying other places when we want something really special. We just come here. We aren't regulars; this makes it even nicer when each visit we are treated with care. We do visit enough to know that the high quality is consistent. The bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable, and creative. (I'll often say something like "could you make me a drink with gin and lime" and am always amazed with the product.) The atmosphere is genteel (no one is on a smart phone, no one is too drunk, no one is cackling or whooping) but also unpretentious. The bar itself has a classy orange glow, and there is wood paneling all around. A second room has comfy seating and there is also an outdoor patio for warm nights. There is often gentle live piano music in the background and sometimes the game or tennis match is on TV. You get terrific mixed nuts and olives with your order (the olives have pickled carrots and asparagus on top--don't miss them!). I've never been to the Jefferson's main restaurant, but most of the items there are available at the bar. I'm from Seattle and am constantly amazed at how often chefs on the East Coast overcook and/or overdress salmon; the Jefferson's salmon is hands down the best in DC. (Apparently it comes from a cool sustainable fishery in British Columbia--ask the bartender.) My wife often has the Banh Mi or a chef salad--also terrific. There are a lot of other nice things about Quill but I don't want you to come in expecting them so I'll stay quiet. If you want a classy evening with outstanding food and drink, this is your spot. read more

Very cute restaurant/bar hidden in the Jefferson hotel. The food is a little over-priced, but the atmosphere is worth the extra bucks. Service is fantastic. This is a great spot take out-of-town guests you would like to catch up with over a quaint meal. read more

Classy hotel bar. The place had a sophisticated look and nice ambiance. Live piano music too. I Ordered the Kentucky orchard cocktail, which tasted like a sweeter manhattan. I enjoyed it. Overall good service, good drinks. read more

We stopped in here this past Sunday for an afternoon cocktail. This place is pure elegance, and though the cocktails are pricey, they are worth it. I had the Bloody Cognac, which was blood orange juice, lemongrass, and cognac. Strong while still being extremely smooth. This is a great place to stop in for a pre or post dinner drink. There is live piano in the evenings and they have scotch tastings on occasion in the library. read more

I have now been to Quill on at least 4-5 occasions and it has never failed to impress (me or the various friends that accompanied me). It starts off with a great ambiance; balance between classic, cozy and comfortable (especially when it is in the 60s, out on their patio). Next comes the service and this is typically where most bars/lounges drop the ball completely. The Quill staff (servers, bussers and especially bartenders) is attentive, knows what is on the menu (sadly, not a common occurrence in DC bars) and friendly (yes, they actually smile). Lastly, the quality of both the food and drinks is consistently great; cocktails are inventive and tasty, wines by the glass are exceptional and the food is always flavorful and a perfect match for bar drinks. I would be remiss if I did not point out their great complimentary snacks; solid nut mix and the best olives (not briny martini olives and not the typical oily boring ones). In the end, you get what you pay for; a great night of eating and drinking in a relaxed setting. Just go there and see for yourself! read more

Stopped in for a post dinner drink. Friendly bartender, patrons. Drinks were well crafted and strong. Prices are a little high But well worth it. Will be back again during my trip. read more

The last several trips to DC, we made sure to stop at the Quill for cocktails, but mostly for the atmosphere!!! We really enjoyed the intimate and cozy feel of this place with wood panel walls, low ceilings, and piano music in the background. Plus, there's Listerine mouthwash in the bathroom! We loved the nuts and olives that were provided with the drinks. The cocktail with beets was colorful and reminiscent of broscht and it was delicious. Gin and tonic with Leopold was floral and very good however, the Sazerac was not quite to my taste... This time, the service was impeccable. read more

Came here for lunch on a Sunday. Very intimate setting, just a few tables in a small roon and a bar in the back. Very comfortable, though our table was so unstable I couldn't put my elbows on it without it nearly tipping over. Otherwise very nice. My girlfriend liked the circular mirrors in a pattern on the far wall and I enjoyed the framed maps of cities/states. The ambiance and the setting is what people come for I suppose, because it can't be the food. I ordered a chicken sandwich with mozzarella cheese, bacon (very burnt) and avocado, light salad on the side. My girlfriend ordered an Arnold Palmer and a tomato soup. The chicken sandwich was nothing special. Salad had very light dressing that tasted like nothing so it tasted like just eating greens with no dressing. Not necessarily a bad thing. Tomato soup tasted like it came straight out of a Heinz tomato soup can with nothing else added. The Arnold Palmer was very good though but very small and mostly ice. Our waiter was very friendly and nice. Great service! You pay for the ambiance here. If you're looking strictly to eat, you may want to go to Panera Bread and pay half price for the exact same food. read more

Quill - Chicken sandwich - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Excellent wine list and the service is outstanding. Impeccable. Get the avocado toast and a French Chardonnay. Interior is elegant and intimate. read more

One of DC's best kept secrets. Cozy and private settings. Great drink list. Good food. read more

Quill - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's people like my server RACHEL who makes your world go round. Rachel was quick, persistent without being annoying, and punctual. These are such important characteristics of waitresses and waiters I forget what it's like to be treated by one. The food is top notch, service supreme quality, place is dreamy and very romantic. Even dining solo Is a comfortable experience and mesmerizing. The piano player is amazing. I would visit this restaurant/ bar anytime I'm In DC! Oh and the food- greatness! I had the lobster sandwich, so great. I also had the apple cobbler- made in house. Delicious. Don't think twice about the quill. Go! read more

This was my first experience at Quill and while I was only at the bar and did not order food, was really appreciative of how attentive and friendly the staff was. My colleague has been there before and was treated like royalty- very impressive and definitely makes me want to go back read more

So 3 stars may be a little unfair to Quill, but given my ongoing love affair with cheeseburgers, I couldn't justify any higher. It may be more accurate to say that this is a 4 or even 5 star restaurant that was brought down by a mediocre burger and some sad french fries. Let's start with the good, then we'll get to the burger itself. The Quill is the bar attached to the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC. It is two oak paneled rooms featuring a beautiful grand piano, understated art on the walls and a very well-stocked bar. In warm weather - though not sweltering as it was when I was there - french doors open onto a nice patio looking out onto 16th street. I had just gotten off plane that had been diverted from BWI to Dulles and back again and I felt I deserved something nice for my troubles. I wanted upscale and I got it here. I had a rosemary green-tea infused martini that was just perfect and unwound while the pianist played old standards in the background. It was very mad-men-y, but also extremely relaxing. While I was looking for upscale, I was also looking for something that wouldn't break the bank, hence the burger. Though for $21, I was expecting fireworks. It was advertised as a dry-aged sirloin burger with house-made ketchup, smoked bacon and aged cheddar cheese, but I was offered a choice of blue or cheddar cheese (I ended up going with blue, but more on that later) and when it arrived there was a small bottle of Heinz ketchup to go along with it and no bacon. Not a big deal, but when you're told you're going to get something, you kinda expect it to be there, especially when it's bacon and more especially given that after a martini, a glass of wine, the burger, tax and tip ended up being over $70. The burger itself wasn't bad, just under seasoned. You couldn't really taste the meat and it was completely drowned out by the blue cheese. As I said, I ordered the blue cheese, which was brilliantly pungent and really very good, so that part is on me. What was really the downfall of the burger was the brioche bun. I've read a number of other people complain about brioche with burgers and never really got what the big deal was until now. The sweet flavor just didn't go with the meat. The fries were a cop out, they were under done, limp and just sad. Not much else I can add to that. Based on what others were eating, I clearly made a poor choice, the rest of the food looked great, and I'm sure that it is. That said, if you have a burger on the menu, it's going to be representative of the rest of your menu to some people (ie. me) and it should receive the same attention as any other dish you serve a guest. Long story short: Go for a super cocktail, the food maybe good too (not the burger obviously). Just be prepared to break the bank. read more

The cutest, classiest, most charming bar in DC. You never knows going to be there, and Theo is probably the most knowledgeable and well rounded mixologist/bourbon connoisseur in the District. I highly recommend Quill for those who want a DC insider feel. Quill is located in the Jefferson Hotel ... Sounds like a win win to me. My favorite drink is the Holy Grail with the addition Tito's vodka of course. Enjoy! read more

Amazing service and atmosphere. Drinks were excellent and we can't wait to go back. Swanky little bar. Only had the cheese but it was delicious. Our server was amazing and very attentive. When I'm a whim and so happy we did. read more

Although this place has a great atmosphere and original (yet extremely pricey) drinks, I have to give it one star (I would give it zero if possible). I went there last night with friends and I ordered a glass of moscato. I got, at best, half a glass, which was annoying considering how much I had to pay for it. Also, our waitress was dismissive, inattentive, and bitchy when we asked for separate checks. However, I was content with paying for my (half) glass of wine and leaving a very small tip and never coming back. However, today, when I checked my online banking account, I noticed that Quill had charged me as if I had given the waitress a 20% tip. While the difference between the amount I signed for and the amount I was actually charged was not great, it is egregious that a restaurant/waitress would do that. (Update - they also overcharged at least one of my friends with me last night after I told her to double check her bank account. So damn shady.) read more

I went into Quill at about 330 on a Tuesday afternoon. I had the Bartlet, the croque monsieur. Both were excellent. The service was a bit slow and a little bit snooty. But the real exceptional thing was the pecan pie dessert with raisins soaked in bourbon and a small scoop of ice cream floating in a cute little glass that was also filled with bourbon. It was a great presentation. Overall the meal was good. Had the service been a little more customer oriented, it would've been an outstanding experience read more

Great place for a classy cocktail. Fairly quiet - we were there 7-9pm on a Saturday. Great range of cocktails, and interesting gins. Friendly staff on both sides of the bar. read more

Quill at the Jefferson Hotel is a great place to relax and get a quick meal. Just being at the Jefferson makes you feel good. My husband and I are regulars at the Quill restaurant because it is conveniently located and is a great place for lunch. I highly recommend the roasted Tomato Soup and the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad. The dining room is a calming place to enjoy a few hours. read more

Food was wonderful! The burger was worth every penny! Katie our waitress was sweet, attentive, and even provided us some recommendations of places to go in the area. She mad our night even better. The atmosphere was more upscale but the quiet was nice. Drinks were strong and unique. Definitely a great place to check out. Highly recommend!! read more

Excellent spot for cocktails any night of the week. We had cocktails made by Katie a few times and they were great. I would say the drinks are as good if not better than drinks from PDT in NYC or violet hour in Chicago. The piano adds a great ambience to the space. And if you are a guest of the hotel having cocktails at night in the book room is a great treat. read more

Pay attention to the info on yelp before going to a restaurant, this place was crazy over priced and in my opinion not worth it. We were planing on going to M&S but they didn't open till 4 hubby pick quill without looking at the yelp info $65 for. Burger and salmon is crazy the burger was bland but cook the way I like the salmons was good but my $26 good and my hubby ordered coffee which was a little half cup that you get at most restaurants but $7 really I ask the waiter what kind of coffee it was and he said oh just regular Starbucks I told my hubby really $7 and it's not even a venti extra pump upside down extra foam caramel macchiato . You live and you learn and we will not be returning but on the plus side the restrooms were super clean and had mouthwash you could use for after dinner very nice. read more

This is, perhaps, my favorite place for cocktails in all of DC. The service is incredible, the drinks are fantastic, and the ambiance is wonderfully well-suited for dates, client entertainment, and almost any other imaginable occasion. read more

Tremendous environment. Great bartender, great drinks made with care. Manhattan was tremendous. Conversation at the bar was enjoyable and the appetizer meatballs were seasoned well with a special presentation. read more

My friend and I were recommended this restaurant for a romantic evening. The refined ambiance and posh demur made us feel as is we were back in NYC, mixed with a historical tone. The service was some of the best we have experienced and we never wanted for anything. We did not stay at the Jefferson hotel however the entry way was gorgeous and the restaurant contained so much detail. There were a few politicians present, some old money, and we were by far the youngest couple. The sommelier was extremely helpful and suggested a fantastic wine that went perfect with our opposite dishes. This is definitely a place to bring someone if you're looking to impress. I'll likely return. This restaurant is one of DC's most refined restaurants. Be prepared to spend some money. I suggest wearing a sports coat. read more

Quill - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

You gotta be kidding me: Pretentious, cramped and unfriendly. Oh yeah, throw in ridiculously expensive. This is everything that is wrong with DC....in a very small space. read more

Sat at the bar and had a martini and the bison sliders. Both yummy! Katie took good care of me. Just what I needed after a long trip!

I met up with a friend for cocktails here last week. I had never even heard of the Jeffferson much less Quill, but was excited to meet up with an old friend. As soon as my boyfriend and I walked into the place, I was taken back. Not only were we greeted right away to check our coats by a friendly staffer, but we were lead into the bar. I stepped outside to enjoy a cigar on the patio while my boyfriend ordered drinks. I asked him for a glass of malbec or merlot, and the bartender had him bring out my taste of wine before pouring the rest of the glass. While that seemed a bit over the top, the gesture was very appreciated. The atmosphere itself is a unique blend of old world aristocratic and LA glam. The orange lit bar juxtaposed against wooden panels, bookshelves, a piano, and private side rooms is just enough to give the room a feel of level headed sophistication without overwhelming your senses. There was also a gentlemen playing the piano that evening, which I thought was wonderful. The cocktails! Alex is an excellent craftsman for cocktails, and I was impressed by both his finesse with the making and pouring, and the creativity in which he concocted custom libations for his guests. He talked about his infused liquors with ease and avoiding being overbearing, which is difficult to do sometimes. The pepper infused vodka is a must try, its really excellent. The side rooms are an excellent addition. My party escaped the bar to one of the side rooms after enjoying the bar for a while, seeing a quieter atmosphere. The couch was comfortable, the noise level was perfect, and a server came back to periodically check on us. The only thing that we weren't too happy about was the bill. There was a mix up and our bill was combined with someone else's, and we didn't realize it until the next day upon review. My boyfriend decided not to contest the charges with the hotel, but promises to be more careful about reviewing things before slapping down the plastic. So check your bill carefully before paying. These things happen. All in all. Can't say enough good things about Quill. I will most certainly be back. read more

Came here for drink before my wife and I had dinner. Place is very nice. The wait staff is so friendly and very knowledgeable. Our waitress noticed my wife's birthday was today and brought out a few sweet treats for her. We can't wait to come back and have a meal here. read more

My favorite bar in DC. Great ambiance, always exceptional service. Cocktails are always perfectly balanced. I love the piano player. He's so talented and plays all of the classics. I always bring friends here when they visit from out of town. A true gem in DC. read more

Wow! What the owners have done at the Jefferson is peak. The investment in the building and attention to detail have few peers. Chef crushed it, the food, china, glass and silver were perfect for the venue. The service was professional and unobtrusive. I thought the bratwurst was particularly compelling, but then I'm always in favor of authenticity over nouvelle dishes. The entire meal was flawless, and we appreciate the relaxed, informal, nature of the room. read more

Great environment, wonderful service, drinks and food!! Would definitely go back when I am back in town.

Occasionally you come across a place that really embodies the spirit of a city. When you're there, you feel completely connected to the greater environment that you're in, and you know that that feeling is unique to that city and no other. DC, for me, is some combination of politics, power, history, mystery, formality, and opportunity. That's what Quill feels like. It's the quintessential DC old-school bar. Lots of wood, cocktails, people in suits, a humidor, and just an overall great atmosphere. It should've felt stuffy, but it didn't. It was great. The district occupies a special place in my soul. I doubt I'll have a reason to live there again, but places like Quill remind me why I keep coming back. read more

Definitely a hidden gem at the Jefferson Hotel. It's a great place for a classy date night. Their specialty drink menu is diverse and ever changing, and the live piano music is phenomenal. I'm partial to this place because it feels like you're travelling back in time to a classier era. I would recommend going even for one drink, just to enjoy the ambiance. read more

Fantastic service accompanied by great food and cocktails in a very relaxed upscale environment. Quill offered us the perfect respite from the busy city. The hotel is amazing as well and so the bar needs to live up to the same standard and it does. We will definitely be back. read more

Quill offers a stately, though warm atmosphere with overt sophistication without feeling ostentatious. My small group was able to command a great spot at the bar (which is composed of nicely illuminated, flowing glass) since there was hardly anyone there! Granted, the entire bar area is rather small but there is a great sitting room for relaxed conversation amongst DC-relavent decor. I highly recommend this place as a great starting point for a small group. read more