Incredibly nice staff in a uniquely decorated upstairs speakeasy type of lounge…read more Drinks were around $20-25. Mocktail options were limited. It's a great place to visit if you're in Union market.

This place was cozy and very vibey inside. I was seated on the couch with my friend, which was a…read morebit low but comfy. We ordered our drinks and madeleines. Our drinks were tasty, although the drink size itself was smaller than I'd like for the price, especially with the ice. The madeleines never showed up until we asked another waitress about it, so we got them for free because of the delay. They were tasty on their own without the given chocolate sauce, honestly. Price for them is not worth it though. Cute spot for a girls' night, but may be a one and done kind of spot for me.

Loved this place and the atmosphere. I'm a sucker for a speakeasy and the mirror fits my bill. The…read moredrinks are so delicious, you have to try the sunflower if you're okay with gin. The crowd is cool, it can get loud fast but it's diverse and no one's snobby or weird. Bartenders are cool and make their rounds to get everyone settled. Music is such a vibe that you don't mind the volume. Definitely will return, could also see it as a great after- date spot!

This is a cool spot. Entry is really cool and looks like prohibition speakeasy's of times gone…read morepast. Two HUGE bouncers inside who were policing everything to maintain the vibe. Husband couldn't read the menu, can't use your phone for that, he was leaning up against a wall, can't do that, finally snagged seats on a couch, feet off table. We had two drinks and enjoyed about 20 minutes in here and went off to find something to eat. Definitely work a stop if you are nearby or in the area. It's a cool experience. One thing og note: They do not really deviate from their limited menu of drinks. These bartenders are not like those of speakeasy's from other, larger cities I've been to. I don't drink alcohol at all, so, I tend to ask them to make me a mocktail. They didn't seem very inventive and only offered basically ginger beer in a cup for $14.

Very chill, not pretentious, good bartenders, plenty of seating, music is good, overall just a good…read morespot to land

I stopped by this bar for a quick drink after attending dinner. It's a low-key spot located in the…read moreChinatown area and kind of gives a speakeasy vibe given the downstairs walk to get into the bar underneath another establishment. The environment was fun and lively there's a large bar when you walk in with a few TV's and plenty of wooden tables and stool type seating throughout the venue. The service was solid and even though the bar was packed it never took too long to get the bartender's attention or for them to come over on their on volition. They have a wide variety of beverages with reasonable pricing between $8-$16 (and the pours are fairly heavy as a heads up). All in all a cool spot to check out if you're looking for a change of pace from the stuffy and overpriced cocktail bars for something that gives a more divey, relaxed, neighborhood bar experience.

Just stepped into The Alchemist DC -- crowned Best Bar in DC in both 2024 & 2025 -- and now I see…read moreexactly why it holds the title. The space feels part-speakeasy, part-laboratory, where every cocktail is crafted with intention, story, and a little bit of magic. Their mixology roots run deep, drawing on technique + creativity to deliver flavors that feel familiar yet completely new. Here's what I tried (and loved): Lavender Killer Sally -- light + floral with a hint of citrus, beautifully balanced and so easy to sip Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned -- warm + cozy, with notes of brown sugar + ripe banana; it tastes like a dessert you can drink Shared Secrets -- a gin-based peach sangria poured straight from a French press, releasing more fruit + aromatics right at the table -- interactive and delicious Latte Martini -- smooth, creamy, and bold with espresso; a perfect pick for coffee-cocktail lovers Butterscotch Russo -- sweet + silky with rich butterscotch notes; comforting without being too heavy If you're hunting for a cocktail bar that's equal parts craft + creativity, The Alchemist NEEDS to be on your list. 1334 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Save this post for your next night out + follow @daithefoodie for more food + drink gems across the DMV! #dmv #datenightdc #dcdatenight #speakeasybar #speakeasydc #dccocktailbars #dcbars #dcbarscene

We visited The Alchemist in DC and ordered the Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned and a Fireplace…read morethemed cocktail with chocolate and cherry notes. Both were disappointing. The drinks tasted watered down and unbalanced. The banana flavor in mine was dull and overripe rather than fresh and vibrant. The smoke and fire presentation was nice, but the actual cocktails did not justify the $25 price point. The restroom was unacceptable. There was urine on the floor, a strong foul odor, and the surface was slippery. For a speakeasy positioning itself as upscale, this was a major miss. The space is very small and service was just okay. Overall, the concept has potential, but the execution did not meet expectations. I will not be returning.

Deliciousness - 3/5 Happiness -5/5…read more This place is for drinkers as it has no food, so if you want to lift an ale (and go out for dinner before or after, or bring food in with you), this is the place to be. They have a large beer, wine, and liquor list (although not nearly as many English beers as I expected from a place called Crown & Crow). I won't deny that I wasn't a fan of either of the mixed cocktails I had, with both (including strangely a smoky drink) being too sweet. But the beer was expertly poured and the wine was a very generous serving. The prices are also more than reasonable, which is great for a DC bar. But what really elevates this place is the service. By late night, the place was jam packed. But each and every bartender was extremely friendly and they expertly worked the crowd, getting drinks served quickly (which too few places manage to do) and swiftly clearing off tables of dirty glasses. I also greatly appreciated the free goldfish that they happily dole out to the patrons. The staff made this a really good time.

A basement bar filled with lively conversations. Chill music. Lots of craft beers on top…read more This is the kind of bar that you wish was a block from your house. And yes the bartenders are a hoot.

They raised my standard for martinis to the next level! The Dirty Martini came with a side of…read moreolives and an oyster, literally the perfect girl dinner. The atmosphere is very chic, and intimate. The drinks were fantastic and the food was great too! We got the Nori Chips & Halloumi fries to split which was perfect for 3 people.

One word: Aperol Spritz Jell-O shots... with a Champagne chaser…read more Silver Lyan absolutely delivers on creativity and execution. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you're in on something special -- intimate, stylish, and just a little mischievous in the best way. The drinks are outstanding. We had a gin "smoothie" where you genuinely couldn't taste the gin (which makes it extremely dangerous), and a blue cheese martini that was shockingly, perfectly balanced -- savory, smooth, and totally addictive. Not pictured were several other equally delicious cocktails that disappeared way too fast. Even the snacks were excellent -- thoughtful and elevated, not just an afterthought. If you're looking for a bar in DC that feels fun, inventive, and memorable, Silver Lyan is it. Already planning our next visit.

What a cute place and space. We called ahead at the last minute since we needed a place to hang out…read morebefore our Theatre event and they graciously accommodated our party of three. Our server was kind and knowledgeable and helped us decide on which drinks to order. We loved our experience and definitely highly recommend. If I had one item to note the music selection didn't match the vibe of the speakeasy. I would love to see some thoughts put into selecting music that is more in tune with this amazing space.

This place is great! Entrance was tricky to find (around the corner and down the steps), but once I…read moredid, I was transported into a nice, quiet little spot. The drinks were so tasty and reasonable during happy hour! The service was great - fast, friendly, and the perfect amount of checking-in. This is a great place to meet up with a small group of friends to catch-up. We shared the deviled eggs and grilled cheese. Only complaint is that they won't divide the bill - like at all. The best they'd do is divide it evenly. I mean, if Perkins can do it, this place (with a premium on food and drink) can definitely do it. ‍ Still - I'll be back. Gotta work my way through that drink menu!

I've been eyeing this bar for several weeks now, and the other day, I finally decided it was time…read moreto give them a try. I know reservations are probably highly recommended, but we were fortunate to walk in at just the right moment and snag a seat. The seating is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is just my style, an elegant, dark, grown and sexy vibe that really sets the mood. The decor is striking, with thoughtful touches that create an inviting space to unwind. While it leans a bit on the pricier side, the exceptional service more than justifies the cost. Jordan and the team were incredibly knowledgeable about both the drinks and food menu, offering suggestions that perfectly matched our tastes. We tried two standout drinks that I can't recommend enough: the Attractive Nuisance and El Tiburon, (which is an Old Fashioned made with gin). The bartenders here clearly know what they're doing, each drink was crafted with care and precision. The good music in the background added to the overall ambiance, making it a delightful spot to spend an evening.

Bar scene so sexy, you decided to add it permanently on your date night list! Come along as I…read morereview Death & Co DC!!!! Ambiance: from the outside you'd have no idea that a hidden treasure awaits you up a flight of stairs. The decor was very mysterious, perfectly dimmed, and sexy. They added greenery near the hostess station to create what I would describe as an exotic/jungle vibe. This area also contained a beautiful small bar and a few cozy seatings. Next, the hostess led us to a table inside where the magic of candles, cozy tables, and intimate booths immediately meets your eyes. Did I mention that we sat in most comfy green velvet chairs in our cozy booth? How sexy! Service: our waiter, Jordan, was the best! He provided great service and recommendations. However, shoutout to the rest of the staff because it was truly all hands on deck. Drinks: the bartender is indeed a mixologist! There is no question of the magic he created in a glass. Her drink- I ordered the Attractive Nuisance, an elevated spritz. The drink was perfectly balanced with flavors to include G.H. Mumm Champagne, Avua Prata Cachaca, Cocchi Americano, Saffron, Vanilla. I literally tasted all the flavors in the drink and the liquor ratio was just right. Of course I went with another round, you simply have to try it understand why I did. His drink: El Tiburón-Let's just say that he said that this is now one of his favorite cocktails because it was smooth! Small bites: the kitchen was out of mussels and their famous donuts so we decided to try the Franks en Crute, the sexy adult version of pigs in a blanket lol. Such a delicious treat, well balanced flavors giving both sweet (flaky puff pastry) and savory (well grilled wagyu beef). Definitely recommend. The music was perfect for the evening! The bar was filled with all matured folks enjoying their group meets or dates, the atmosphere welcomed all. As I stated earlier, this has now become a regular on the list and I'm excited to visit again.

Food is effin excellent! The eggplant dish; chefs kiss! What takes the cake; the specialty crafted…read morecocktails. The cherry, whip cream and sprinkles on top; the chimichurri steak!

Love this place! The menu is diverse, you can find something for everyone. The drinks are fabulous…read more I was in the mood for a mocktail and they just asked what my flavor profile was and made the drink accordingly. My one issue is that you can't make reservations in advance which can make planning more difficult.

I came in fully expecting to say that it's a fine cocktail bar in a neighborhood with much better…read moreoptions, but... The Dignitary served me one of the most nostalgic and lovely drinks I've ever had. I'm not going to claim that it will be five stars for everyone, but the No Doubt About It made me feel like a kid again, all the way down to the slightly undissolved clumps of cocoa powder in the hot chocolate. Add in a very adult dose of rye whiskey and a dash of creme de menthe, and you have a drink that I'll be recommending to everyone I know for as long as it's on the menu. Thank you for the alcoholic version of a warm hug on a day that I really needed it.

Had a "Holy Smokes" craft cocktail. It was awesome! The service was out of sight also!read more