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    Shelly's Back Room

    3.6 (505 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Shelly's Back Room Photos

    Business Info

    SHELLY'S BACK ROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Shelly's Back Room

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    Reviews With Photos

    chicken sandwich and salad
    Charley B.

    Was visiting DC and needed a spot to eat. The place was open, and easy to get seated at - sat outdoors but is also big inside space. I did not realize it was a cigar lounge, so smelled very strongly (not super enjoyable if you do not like the smell of cigars). The food was decent, very causal and big menu. The servers did their job but were not super attentive. Overall fine experience.

    Matches from Shelly's
    Phil T.

    This is my 2nd ever 1-star review. I previously had Shelly's at 4-stars. This is what the woman wrote inside my matchbook. "More money next time". I've included the photos in my review - maybe a friendly member of the Shelly's staff might recognize the handwriting. I am an excellent tipper. I've dined at Shelly's several times and tipped my standard 20%. This was from a time I stepped into Shelly's and bought 2 cigars to take away. I never even went into the restaurant. Etiquette for tipping on takeaway would be 5% if someone prepared and packed food. This was putting 2 cigars in a plastic bag. Needless to say, I will never give my business to Shelly's again. I would recommend that you find another place as well.

    Flights of adult beverages
    Pilot S.

    Could not decide on drink, so I got a flight. Attentive service by all staff. New favorite cigar bar in North America - I will be back soon. By the way they have 200 +/- cigars and drinks to choose from.

    Whiskey menu
    Becca H.

    Went here last night with friends after work. We were seated in the bar area though we asked to not be. They told us they were going to be busy but they weren't when we were there. It was exceptionally Smokey in there last night. Everything is over priced but I get cigars and alcohol are "luxuries". They have a good selection of alcohol to choose from. I ordered food as I hadn't had dinner yet. Worst Cuban I've had in my life. They also hardly put any meat in it. The pork tasted old. No flavor at all. And the fries were mushy and lacked salt. I'm not expecting 5 star food here but at least have some decent bar food. Absolutely Do not recommend eating here- not even the fries.

    Oliva Serie V Melanio & Maker's Mark Old Fashion
    Anton F.

    My hotel was near by so I stopped in to check out Shelly's. Open space layout with chairs and tables in the center and comfy wide leather chairs along the wall with a bar in the back area. There is no walk in humidor. You order the cigar you want and it's brought out to you. The stogies were more expensive than average. I ordered an Old Fashion to enjoy with my smoke. There are TVs, lockers for rent and menus for cocktails and cigars. I enjoyed myself but too pricey for me.

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    2 years ago

    Shelly's is always a good time.Good drinks service and the wings are some of the best in town. Of course, cigars are always a win

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    3 years ago

    Been to Shelly's a number of time nice spot with outdoor seating. Bar and food are pretty decent. Nice selection of cigars.

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    Everything was good. Very enjoyable experience. Drinks, smokes, food and service were good.

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    3 years ago

    Great food good prices! Nice people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love these pies! Really good taste!!!!

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    Page 2 of 13

    Ask the Community - Shelly's Back Room

    Can you bring outside cigars?

    Nope - not yet

    Smoking is allowed inside this restaurant?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Shelly's Back Room

    The cigar selection is wide, tasteful and deserves copious amounts of visits to go through them all.

    Mentioned in 37 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The 219 Restaurant - Chocolate mousse dome

    The 219 Restaurant

    3.2(389 reviews)
    6.4 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$

    WHAT A ONE-STOP SHOP!!!!!…read more 219 is a VA gem, that I personally don't want too many people knowing about. The bottom floor - the Bayou Bar. The middle floor - dining within 219. And the top floor? - the performance space and the side cigar lounge! When I say there is something for everyone at this location, you could not miss going here. My friend and I made reservations via Open Table and had no issue making our allotted time, neither did 219 with having our table ready upon our arrival. Our server was super attentive, giving all of his best recommendations, including the jambalaya, and wings! (Both pictured). We were also seated by the window which was surprisingly not cold (the fireplace was also not lit this night), and was able to have a nice view of the street! She and I love people watching, and this was nice! Loved this place, and took our drinks right upstairs to the jazz performance where we spent another hour or so. Greaaaat performers come, along with great sounds! It's set up as a first come, first serve basis so please come early! 219 is a great place to come for a cozy. comfortable night!

    Came here for a good night of drinks and music. Made reservations for the restaurant then…read moreafterwards the plan was to slide upstairs for the band. Well the plans changed. Given the size of the upstairs I'm glad we came right upstairs first. As it is very very small and tight. It's first come and first serve. Ordered wings fries and crab soup. The wings were okay from what my friend said. The soup could be better. It needed old bay seasoning and more crab. It was very bland. Too much scallions in it. It was like eating scallion cream soup. For $15 it could have been better. The drinks. They put too too much ice in them. My whiskey sour turned into water sour. My friend's old fashioned was old ice with orange and cherry bitters. Very disappointing. Even with the food and drinks not being the best the music was on point. The band was awesome. The space is very very tight and limited so you will need to arrive early if you want to sit by the band. But there is also seating at the bar down the hall. And the balcony seating does not do any justice as you can't see band only hear them. They could expand if possible. I gave it 2 stars due to the food and drinks. The music pushed it to 3. I may go back but do things different depending on the time we go. And bring our own cigars is a must. It's definitely a jewel in the Old Town neighborhood. Stop by to see the band and bring your cigars. And order drinks with light to mo ice.

    Photos
    The 219 Restaurant
    The 219 Restaurant - Bread pudding

    Bread pudding

    The 219 Restaurant - Sparkling Rose

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    Sparkling Rose

    Shelly's Back Room - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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