Such a beautiful experience at The Craft DC! From the moment you walk in, the velvet curtains,…read moremoody lighting, and vintage-inspired decor create an intimate, luxurious atmosphere. What really stood out was the creativity behind the cocktails. Each one had its own story, personality, and unique presentation. I especially loved the interactive elements, including rolling dice and the smoky presentations. It made the entire evening feel like an experience rather than just a night out. A special shoutout to Isai, our bartender, who made the experience even more memorable! The Craft is definitely a hidden gem in DC, and I'd highly recommend visiting if you're looking for something unique and thoughtfully curated.

This was a fun addition to U Street! I love love the cocktails at Alchemist so I was very excited…read moreto try The Craft. We were there for Happy Hour on Thursday. The bartenders were all super capable and friendly, offering great recommendations and answering questions we had. They also made sure our water glasses were never empty! My one complaint about the menu is that I wish the drink descriptions were inclusive of all ingredients in the drink. I ordered the Burned At The Stake and was surprised to find it had blue curaçao in it, because it wasn't mentioned in the drink description. It's a personal preference for me, but I really don't care for it and would've ordered something else if I'd known. They have karaoke on Thursdays and it was really fun to watch folks sing and get really theatrical with it. I also love the moody, tarot-themed decor.

I like this place! Went to see Holy Wave on a random weekday. The food was good, the bartenders and…read morewaitstaff were cool. I'd definitely come back. Fries, 1 chicken & 1 cheeseburger slider, and the Pearl Street Lite Lager hit the spot! There's indoor/outdoor seating, standing area right in front of the stage, and blocked off restaurant style seating in the back of the venue. It's small and perfect for bands with a niche crowd. It feels a little divey without being dark, dirty, or grungy. The show started at 8pm and the band performed for about an hour and a half. Perfect plan if you want to hang out during a work night! I tried to find parking along the street, but I ended up biting the bullet and went to a garage nearby. It was worth it; ran me about $25.

I didn't even know this place was here! I thought the waterfront only had The Anthem. Neat! My…read moregirlfriend invited me to a concert here -- they're a restaurant and bar as well, but I was only there for the show. Not sure how the shows affect regular patrons, but I showed up about a half hour before the show started. I showed my ID and ticket to the host, and went on inside. The venue is nice -- and the stage area is fairly small. There are several tables that can be reserved as well, but they're behind the standing area, so it might be tough to see the stage if there are any tall people. We enjoyed the show and I thought the sound system was good. There was no barrier between the people and the stage, so it felt intimate and I would go back. I need to try their food and drinks!

Somehow I am just now learning that Pearl Dive and Black Jack are under the same umbrella. Anyways,…read moreI watched one of the last World Cup games at the bar and while there was no audio, it was still the perfect spot for watching. The staff have always been friendly, which is a plus. I have been to this place on both quiet and busy days, and it really is hard to get around at peak hours, which is usually later on weekends. Honestly my only criticism about the place is that the drinks are really expensive at $17 each for cocktails. It is connected to a speakeasy, but Black Jack itself is not a speakeasy and not a rooftop, and I feel like you drinks are overpriced. I can't speak on the food, unless it shares that with Pearl Dive too... And they're good.

I love an all day happy hour, but I wish Black Jack delivered more when it came to the food…read more Their happy hour schedule is a bit unusual, though it does run all day on Sundays. Black Jack sits above Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and we were ID checked just to head upstairs. The space itself is quite dim and a little worn, though the couches are comfortable. The servers were casual and friendly. Food took a while to arrive since the kitchen is shared with downstairs, but the drinks came out quickly and were generously poured. Note, there is a 4% credit card surcharge. *Oysters: require a minimum order of twelve during happy hour. We were not told the variety, and I would have appreciated more than a single slice of lemon for the table. The mignonette was quite diluted and lacked acidity, but the oysters themselves were plump and clean. If I had to guess, they leaned toward a West Coast variety with a slightly melon like finish. *House Spiced Potato Chips: came with a jalapeno ranch that lacked both heat and tang. The chips themselves were crisp with a nice onion and paprika flavor, but they deserved a dip with more personality and a stronger creamy or herby element. *Andouille Corn Dog Bites: three pieces came with pickles and mustard, but the batter was thick, oily, and overly chewy. The sausage added to the dense texture rather than balancing it. The mustard lacked sharpness, and the black pepper honey felt like an afterthought, making the batter soggier without adding much flavor. *Crush Burger: was on the smaller side and felt one dimensional for twelve dollars. It came with a few of the same chips, but the patty itself was under seasoned and tasted mostly like plain ground beef with a slice of American cheese. The toppings were simple, which made it come across like a less interesting version of a fast food burger. *Tamarindo Margarita: was refreshing and well suited for spring, almost like a spiked lemonade. The pour was generous and at eight dollars, it felt like one of the better values on the menu. Overall, the food was underwhelming with the exception of the oysters. Since the happy hour menu closely mirrors what is offered downstairs, this spot works better if you are looking for a quieter and slightly quicker option. I would call it a two and a half star experience, though I would round it up a bit thanks to the solid oysters, decent chips, and well priced drinks.

I stopped by KBird in Washington, DC and ordered an espresso martini. Overall, it was a really…read moreenjoyable drink with a smooth coffee flavor and a nice presentation. The vibe of the place was great, and it's definitely a solid spot to grab a cocktail in DC. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the espresso martini was a little too sweet for my personal taste. Still, it was flavorful, well-made, and worth trying if you enjoy sweeter espresso martinis. I'd come back and try another drink next time! EDIT* the bartender gave us additional espresso and made the drink a 5/5!

I visited the establishment for a networking event. This was my first time visiting and the…read morebathrooms were extremely clean and stocked. The service at the bar was so great I asked the bartender if he was owner. He said no lol. That guys deserves a raise! My drink had a peach like flavor however I don't remember the exact name of the drink.

Black owned business…read more I've been wanting to try this place for a long time and I'm glad that I finally did. First, don't expect table side service, you have to use a QR code to order your meal and put in an "order" to speak with someone. While this wasn't the best, it worked for what we needed which was to ask questions about the menu. Next, you cannot get a glass of wine during the weekend brunch/lunch but you can purchase a bottle and take the rest home. Lastly, there was nobody at the front door so we simply walked into the restaurant and sat ourselves. Beautiful restaurant however, more on the speakeasy/rustic side. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, let's get into why I gave this place a good rating. Well, the wine selection and pasta were enough to make me beyond happy. But the cost was a bit questionable. Pasta- shrimp and caviar (can't remember the sauce) but know this dish was hearty, bursting with flavor, and freshly prepared. It was absolutely delicious with every bite. Wine selection- I ordered a remarkable bottle of 2022 white wine and the citrus and stone fruits made it perfect for the shrimp and caviar. The prices for both the bottle and pasta were really expensive but honestly, I didn't feel bad because I enjoyed both. Now, I do plan on visiting during hours when I can order a glass of wine because with the cost of the food and the cost of the bottles, it wasn't cost-effective for a single diner at all. Hope to be back soon!

I was really looking forward to my visit here. I heard some great things about the vibe and…read moreambiance. I was really excited to sit outside in the courtyard, but unfortunately it was a little chilly out, so I decided to sit in doors. The host was accommodating. So kudos to them. The food was excellent. From the deviled eggs and the crispy potatoes as small appetizers; both were superb. The lobster bucatini was as advertised. The homemade pasta, texture of the noodles and softness of the lobster, everything was superb. Even the wine. I wish I can give this place a 5 start rating, but I can't. It was because of the service. I would think if you're going to automatically charge the 20% gratuity, I would expect that I'll have a server. You order your own food from the QR code and pay from the QR code. You are given water, and are expected to pour your own water. And worst of all, a bottle of wine was delivered, uncorked, and placed on my table to pour it myself. And then when I saw that the table next to me, had a server who poured their wine for them, I knew then that it wasn't a restaurant thing, it was just how my table was treated. Anyway, if that part gets fixed, it'll be a five. I wouldn't mind too much if the 20% wasn't automatic. I kind of got the feeling that they didn't care about the service as the 20% was already being collected.

This place is very cute. The ambiance is great. I did not eat there but the service was very great.read more

What a great, small and quaint concert venue. Came to see Brittany Ann Tranbaugh (a friend of a…read morefriend) and was delighted to be introduced to the hilarious duo Griefcat. Didn't see much of Liv Greene, but loved what I heard. The upstairs venue is small and holds maybe 70 people. There are a few stools back toward the bar, which was staffed by a friendly bartender, but otherwise it's standing room only, This was the perfect venue for these artists! Highly recommend The Pocket, so I hope you'll check it out.

The outdoor area here is WONDERFUL. I came with friends on a beautiful Friday evening and had a…read moregreat time. I liked their beer snd cider selection and the service was quick. Highly recommend for drinks with friends!

Introduction leading up to my "2nd date at Wonderland Ballroom":…read more Representing 2018, W is for Wonderland Ballroom. So, I went here for a 2nd date (or what I thought was a 2nd date) on Friday, August 31, 2018. I had met her at an event in July 2018. I was at an event in downtown Silver Spring in the early evening, took the Metro to Woodley Park DC for a 3rd date, which ended up going poorly but it was for the best in the long run, took the Metro back and decided to see if there was anyone I still knew at the event in downtown Silver Spring. There wasn't, but I met some nice people including this woman, who I got her phone number. We went on what I considered a great 1st date (one where we were there for hours) in Wheaton, where we both happened to live at the time. Experience at Wonderland Ballroom: Our 2nd date was here at Wonderland Ballroom for a comedy show with multiple comedians. As I recall, she was friends with some of the comedians. Wonderland Ballroom is a local neighborhood bar in Columbia Heights, but in a quieter area not right in the heart on 14th St, this is on 11th Street, which is mainly residential. It's pretty dark in there, more of a tavern feel. It's not bad, but I tend to like places with better lighting especially if I'm eating, which I did. I did like my sandwich, and I believe I may have gotten eggplant fries as a side with ranch, which was a good recommendation. I'm looking at the menu online today in 2026, and I only see fries, tater tots, or salad as side options, but I do see the eggplant fries as a separate appetizer. So, I'm not sure if they removed as an option, or perhaps I paid a small upcharge at the time. In spite of good eggplant fries and decent sandwich, the atmosphere of dark & kind of small, a bit crowded, brings to 3-stars. Also, the Wonderland Ballroom is a misleading name for the place. Really, a ballroom?! This is no where near a ballroom, which is often a grandiose place. Maybe a large place for ballroom dancing, wedding, or even for some crazy President to destroy the East Wing to host his wealthy cronies! I can't imagine anyone would ever have their wedding at Wonderland so-called Ballroom. Conclusions with my "2nd date": Afterward, my date & I rode with a couple of comedians to downtown DC draft house restaurant & then some more comedy, which was free. I had already eaten at Wonderland, but I socialized with the people to a certain extent. But I really felt like a 3rd wheel and neglected by my date. I was texting with an old friend about how my date wasn't going well. After this not so good time, I would've taken the Metro from downtown back to Wheaton, but my date said she was getting a Lyft back she ordered and was paying for already, and I could ride back with her, which I agreed. I thought this was a nice opportunity for just the 2 of us to have a good conversation on the Lyft ride all the way back to Wheaton. Guess what? She ended up talking to the Lyft driver more than me asking how he likes driving, how long he's driven, etc., which is fine to a certain extent, but it was much of the 30 or so minute ride. Once we got to just north of downtown Silver Spring, less than 10 minutes from drop-off, I asked her a question about previous relationships, and she rudely said that doesn't concern you. I was taken aback by her response. Ultimately, right before dropping me off first, I was direct and asked her if she considered this & our prior Limerick Pub in Wheaton 5 days earlier as dates or just hanging out. She said just as friends. I was hurt, but appreciated her brutal honesty, the end of August & now after midnight the start of September was depressing. After my summer 2018 of lots of dates, one of which went to a 4th date, that Labor Day weekend while at my apartment's pool, I threw in the towel for having one develop into a relationship or at least solid enough dating to take to a wedding I was a groomsman in early October. I ultimately got a female friend, who had a boyfriend as my "date" to the wedding. Incidentally, that following summer she became my girlfriend lasting over a year.

Came here for a cocktail after hours to listen to some good jazz …read more I got the the red apple cocktail and my friend got the mojito cocktail. I Ty ought the mojito was amazing . Mine was like a vodka and cranberry. So I asked for a Charlie Parker blues instead. Oh wow. That was a great cocktail! Would reorder it again! Meanwhile the jazz music was 10 star and so enjoyable. I can't believe it wasn't more crowded. Maybe because it is a holiday weekend. But seriously this is great jazz music

First class owners. First class jazz with Peter Edelman. Relaxed and welcoming for all types and…read moreages.