I came in fully expecting to say that it's a fine cocktail bar in a neighborhood with much better options, 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. read more

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

The Dignitary - Cocktail menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A hidden gem inside the Marriott Marquis, if you're a fan of bourbon or rye...put this place on your rotation. Dozens of top shelf choices as well as flights to get your whisky on. They also have a decent menu to keep you steady after a few rounds. Service is quick and friendly at the tables or settle in at the bar. Subdued decor adds to the quiet atmosphere with a couple of TVs showing sports. Great place for a nightcap as it's open til midnight. read more

The Dignitary - Whistlepig Manhattan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Located in the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. there lives The Dignitary. First, if you're staying at the hotel, how convenient is this location. You never have to leave your hotel for a quaint, romantic, lounge vibe. They have food and drinks. Good menu options. Didn't try food but the drinks were great. Excellent customer service. Would return! read more

The Dignitary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The service was great the staff was very help. The ambiance was equal to any average hotel restaurant. The food was average at best. The bacon was chewy and fries were cooked well, but somehow still bland even when salted. None of the dips were very good, but they look nice. read more

The Dignitary - Flatbread with dips - A serving of naan bread is arranged on a black rectangular tray, accompanied by three small black bowls containing different dips: a white yogurt-based dip garnished with herbs, a dark lentil or bean dip, and a creamy or cheesy dip with a topping of herbs. The naan pieces are irregularly shaped, slightly toasted, and garnished with chopped herbs. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The Whiskey bar is located inside the Marriott Marquee Hotel although there is an entrance outside of the hotel as well. I am not a Whiskey drinker however, the bartenders can make any drink requested. The bar food menu is provided by a restaurant inside of the hotel. We got traditional bar food items like wings, potstickers and drinks of course. It is a very low key Whiskey bar which gave us plenty time to talk and catch up with one of our favorite couples. If in the DC area~ I will definitely return again. read more

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I came here during a busy week and upon entering I was met with a cool vibe of leather couches and old school wood furniture and bar, we sat at the bar and were greeted by two amazing bartenders, they were very polite and made some great drinks and we had good conversation... the steak was pretty good too read more

Cool bar setup, but the food was a miss. I asked for an aviation and it also wasn't a very good drink. Walking around the attached hotel afterwards was nice. read more

Great for whiskey lovers I have written a haiku: Colonel's spirits flow, Whiskey bar, where names endure, Legends in each sip. The lounge space is very interesting - but there's definitely enough seating. It's located next to a hotel lobby ( I think this is considered a type of lobby bar) but it opens late and people host a lot of networking events here read more

When you're visiting DC, you have to stop at this bar at least once or twice. It's located right inside of the Marriott Marquis. The vibe here is super chill. The lighting is dim, so you can just gather around with your friends while sipping and enjoying good company. What's pretty unique about this place, is their drinks are all named after the U.S. presidents. They're known for their burbon, but you can order pretty much anything, and they'll make it. The bartenders and our server were on point every time we visited this bar. They even took the time to take a nice group photo for us on a busy night. As you know, there are a lot of bars around the city. Next time you're in the area, try to make it a point to check this place out. You can thank me later! read more

The Dignitary - people sitting at a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Amazing place!!!! Smokey bourbon is so fun!!!!! The service was outstanding. Every drink was perfectly made.

Well... Pete and Tom are gone. The rest of the staff are perfectly likable, but they just don't have the same panache. Without the color Pete and Tom added, this place is still a nice upgrade from a standard hotel bar but a little overpriced for sitting and enjoying a night with friends. read more

Nice looking hotel bar. Was here hanging out with friends who were in town for a conference and when the lobby bar stopped serving at 11:30, we decided to get a drink here. The place looks like it should be a high class cocktail bar, but it's really just a hotel bar at a Marriott (I don't even think it befits a Marquis). Service was somewhat friendly, but mostly disinterested, and the menu had a special old fashioned with ginger syrup which sounded good. Before I had a chance to ask what types of bourbons they had, the bartender walked off to start making it. I was dismayed when I saw him fill the glass with ice chips (no big ice cubes here?) but was mortified when I saw him filling up the glass with Jim Beam. No disrespect to Mr. Beam, but I'd prefer an option if I'm paying hotel bar prices for a drink. My review of the old fashioned is "meh". No ginger flavor at all, but at least the harsh flavor of the Jim Beam was immediately diluted by the melting ice. They had beers and wines that seemed fine, so if you stick to those, you shouldn't be disappointed. read more

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A big meh C+ food B+ booze list B- service Too dark If you are staying at the hotel or attending an event there might as well stop in for a drink. Otherwise its not worth your time read more

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We came here for birthday drinks. It had a great vibe and friendly staff. We had two drinks each and man were they strong. I loved my Perfect Manhattan and everyone seemed please with what they ordered (since we did the second round). Fabulous snacky spicy mix in small personal bowls- a nice touch! read more

The Dignitary - Perfect Manhattan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was attending a conference and staying at the hotel. So it was convenient to dine at the restaurant but beyond that the salad was totally wilted and main course was cold. They did not have any cold sparkling water. I was super unimpressed. I will do delivery from somewhere else next time pass on this place. read more

Ok, now I have a style to replicate for my man cave. Wood, leather and velvet but well done. Intimate nook tucked away in the corner of the Marriott Marquee. Reminds me of stepping back in time to a modern speakeasy with just enough lighting to keep focused on your crew but also make you wonder about what's happening on the other side of the room. Selection of bourbons range across the golden brown spectrum as the sit perked behind the bar like a stadium of finely attired gentlemen ready to melt away your troubles. read more

The Dignitary - a drink in a glass on a bar - A glass containing a dark-colored beverage with ice cubes is positioned on a white napkin on a polished dark bar counter. The background features shelves filled with various liquor bottles and a television screen displaying a news program. The setting appears to be a dimly lit bar or pub. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great selection of whiskey! Highly recommended for a nightcap before bed. The ambiance is fantastic!

Overall nice clean bar. The prices are ok especially for a Marriot Marquis. Some of the menu items on previous reviews are outdated. I would come here again. Good chocolate cake as well. read more

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Although there is an extensive bourbon/scotch menu, they did not have several in stock that we ordered, & it took 30 minutes for the server to tell us we would need to select something else. My bill for my single pour was $6 more than listed on the menu! The server said the "price went up & we charge $2 for ice." I was not happy. read more

The Dignitary is in the Marriott Marquis Hotel though there is also an outside entrance. It is a very cozy, traditional bar with great bartenders. They offer a full bar including barrel aged cocktails. This is a great place to meet for a few drinks with friends. It's not noisy and is a classy place. They have a great looking patio in warmer weather from which I'd really enjoy kicking back and people watching. I recommend stopping in if you're in the neighborhood. read more

The Dignitary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Had great drinks here with a friend recently. Been meaning to try this place for years! As others have pointed out, Pete is the man. He knows his stuff and is very helpful. We ordered some small batch Colonel Taylor and he gaves us a taste of a casket strength that blew my mind. I think I've discovered my favorite! I also liked the bar decor and ambiance, it was perfect to sit and catch up with my old buddy. The bar's mixed nuts are amazing, too. Will definitely return. read more

Very nice ambience, especially if you are into noir. Nice, but pricey, cocktails. Very nice music. Excellent waitresses!

The Dignitary is a calm, quiet, dimly lit oasis in the bright, shiny and noisy Marriott Marquis in downtown DC. I've stayed at the hotel a few times and always found The Dignitary a great spot to spend some time during each stay. They offer a wide variety of high end beverages, perhaps some of the best bourbons and scotches around. They also have some very unique beers on tap. On my last visit, they had Dogfishhead 120 minute IPA ON TAP! I'm a dogfishhead fan and didn't even know there was a 120 minute IPA, nevermind someone actually having it on tap. This is not your sports bar with buckets of hot wings, but if you're looking for a place to unwind amid the hustle and bustle of downtown DC, this is it. read more

Pages and pages of bourbons and scotches together choose from. A very speak easy feel with the darkness and cool seating / atmosphere. Our server immediately brought out mason jars filled with ice water as she introduced herself and gave us menus which I greatly appreciate. The prices were a bit high but it is in a high end hotel so makes sense. The reason for four stars is the old fashion was good but not the best I've had. read more

The Dignitary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Eeek. No. I was expecting upscale since it's the hotel bar in a Marriott Marquis but it was dingy and divey. We were in the mood for cocktails so we decided to try one cocktail each: *Old Fashion Four Ways - your choice of..Classic, Clean, Walnut-Infused Sweet Vermouth or, Ginger Infused Simple Syrup. I picked the walnut-infused because I didn't want something traditional and I love my bourbon and I love a good old fashioned drink. I almost spit the drink out. I could only muster a couple sips and then I just gave up. Not the worst drink I've ever had but definitely in the bottom 5% of all time that's for sure! *Frozen Highball -- House Made Frozen Ginger Ale Ice Cube, Bourbon, Punt e Mes, Old Fashion Bitters. My friend didn't love her drink either, she drank about a third. We both left not finishing either of our drinks and I would never come back. The drinks was disgusting. read more

Came here for a business drink. Was very nice, good service and good selection. Can't speak to the food, but the environment was nice with the lights low. Brick walls made the space comfy and warm. Basically a very good hotel bar that does not feel like a hotel bar. Can't speak to the food or it gluten freeness :-) read more

The Dignitary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Really comfortable lounge area with plenty of seating. Wide variety of whiskies on the menu.

So we came to The Dignitary after dinner, mostly because of the 4.5 star review on Google if I'm being honest. When we first walked in we were a little nervous because the bar was fairly empty, but we are very happy that we stayed. The bartender, Pete, was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. Additionally, he made us feel like we were regulars more than we have felt in a long time. The customer service and friendliness alone will ensure that we return after work again for more happy hours to come. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

Not bad for a hotel bar. The interior is nicely decorated with comfortable ornate chairs and a fireplace in the corner. It definitely has a vintage vibe and is a great place to lounge and grab a few cocktails. They also have a great outdoor space on the corner of Mass Ave. We ordered a few appetizers - food was a bit overpriced and lacking in flavor, so would not recommend going for food here. The cocktail menu was limited, but they had a range of bourbons and whiskeys, with most of the cocktails made with one of these two as their base. Overall, a good spot for a quiet night and cocktail or two, but not a destination spot. read more

Outside the Dignitary, exists a sign that just says "Bourbon", for me that's the most inviting sign you could have outside a business. We stepped in here with little knowledge of the place. All I knew was that it was in the new Marriott Marquis and there was bourbon somewhere in there. In fact, The Dignitary, is one of the least written (other than a mention in Thrillist) about and less hyped bars in this city, which is unusual cause usually every social or other media outlet in this town tends to g*(& in their pants over every "new" speakeasy/bar/dive in this town. The fact is this bar is ideally situated in a section of town by the Convention Center that is kind of a bar wasteland, and given that the Passenger will be closing after the New Year, it is going to be bar/nightlife desert again. This is not ideal for any tourists or convention goer in the area. Luckily, this might be The Dignitary's chance to shine. That night after I saw the "bourbon" sign, and dragged Lia M. in, what we stepped into was a classy yet cozy bar. I mean put on a smoking jacket, slippers and smoke a pipe by the fireplace kinda cozy/classy. Some people describe it as a "speak easy upscale lounge", I would say it's a sitting room in the Playboy mansion. Red leather club chairs by a fireplace, red bricked walls, the bar is lined with dark woods, and they have tin ceiling tiles. The place was filled at the 5pm on a holiday weekday with men in suits. Men in suits sitting around with a stiff drink and talking about whether it's appropriate to get a black diamond for an engagement ring. Perhaps some of the weirdest man talk we've eavesdropped on. Now let's speak to the cocktail/bar menu. For selection, I mean this place is not quite Jack Rose but that place is literally a Whiskey Library of Congress.The selection is a higher price point (keep in mind it's hotel bar), but they feature 40 bourbons from the Eastern US. The entire whiskey count is 80 (not a large number). If you can do the math, bourbon is 50% of the bottles here, so you better like bourbon. Their cocktail menu has drinks named after Presidents and also feature the standard cocktails. We made our way through a mint julep, moscow mule, and and sazerac. Of the four cocktails we sampled that night, my favorite was Lincoln Old Fashioned (Knob Creek, bitters, muddled orange and cherry, and house made simple syrup). Each drink was equally stiff. The best part was the bartenders. Completely engaging, the type of bartender who remembers your name and makes interesting small talk, and would kindly refill the bar snack mix (rice crackers, sesame sticks, wasabi peas, soynuts & cajun peanuts) and poke fun of us for not eating the peanuts. If I am in the neighborhood, I would be back no doubt. Maybe even to try some bar bites, but eating is never my intention at a whiskey bar so don't count on a food review. read more

I really want this place to do well. It has all of the things I love in a great bar: darkness, comfy chairs, and bourbon. I have no idea why other Yelpers had such an awful experience, but I rather enjoyed my time at The Dignitary. It has a sexy atmosphere with leather chairs, and intimate spaces. I could see this being a good date place, to start or end the night. They even have dessert! The cocktails are indeed strong but really tasty. My bourbon cocktail was good and sweet with the fancy cherries that were like none I had every tasted. My server was wonderful, and really took care of us. Our food (just bites not a meal) came quickly and was DElicious. No complaints at all. Being a bourbon lover, I plan to return to The Dignitary. read more

The Dignitary - This is the Teddy Roosevelt's Ward. Really really delicious. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This is my favorite bar in DC. I've never tried their food; there is no need. I have no idea if there is a happy hour because I truly don't care. If you're looking for the most knowledgeable people who know bourbon, whiskey, and other alcohols - you've come to the right place. Pete and Dave make a team unmatched by any I've ever seen or encountered. Every time I've been here, Pete somehow remembers what I've already had and offers suggestions based on what I like. I now stay at the Marriott Marquis frequently - my experience at this bar makes my stay at the hotel. I can't sing Pete's praise enough. If you're in town and nearby, you owe it to yourself to visit this place. Sit at the bar, ask for Pete. Tell him what you like and sincerely listen to his recommendations. I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

If you are staying near the convention center...this place is a must!!! The Macallan 30yr is deal at $115. The prices otherwise is around average. I can't review the food. Service is read more

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I went here for private event and it was amazing. Crab cake sliders had no filler and were served on a lovely brioche bun. Amazing charcuterie spread with amazing veggies. Green goddess dressing was heavenly. Macarons were only okay; less chewy than they should be. There was a pastry tart thing filled with pumpkin (which I usually hate), whipped cream and a dollop of jam that was delish! Would come here even if I had to pay myself :) read more

What a great bar with several hundred bourbons / ryes / scotches ready to pour. Nice atmosphere and, best of all, the brands I am familiar with were reasonably price for being attached to a hotel in the middle of DC. read more

The focus here is on whiskey. For a hotel bar, it isn't bad. I'm not a whiskey guru, but a quick browse through the menu would indicate it is a step or two below the options you can find at Barrel near Eastern Market and Jack Rose in Adams Morgan. The prices might be slightly higher than normal, but like I said, I'm not a whiskey guru, and generally drink the stuff outside a bar or restaurant. All I can say was Bulleit was $11, Buffalo Trace was $14, and Whistlepig was $19. If you're visiting DC and just wanting to stay around Chinatown or downtown, it's fine. Otherwise? I would look elsewhere. Negatives: 1. Closing time is midnight, even on a Friday night. I suppose that's due to to the fact it is attached to a hotel. 2. No draft beer options. I realize that the focus is whiskey, but come on, this is 2014. Postive: 1. It has ample outside seating that is very comfortable. Overall not a bad bar, but nothing amazing either. read more

I came here and had a drink. I looked down and there was a fruit fly in my drink. Disgusted, I tell the waiter, "hey, there's a fly in my drink" He says, "Oh yeah we have those here." There was a pause... and I was confused. He then just took my drink away. I was so confused and I did not understand what was going on. Won't be returning if I have a choice. read more

The Dignitary is such a fun nice hotelbar. Super unassuming exterior, which adds to the fun of the speakeasy theme when you find the entrance. The inside is really tastefully decorated and I really like the exposed high light bulbs that give it a kind of classy industrial look. (The place is very fancy looking )As for the drinks, these are the best in the area. The bartenders all have a passion for drinks and have a litany of good bars. Not only that, but they also are all really knowledgeable about classic cocktails, which is what this bar specializes in. Tip: only great drinks, great conversation, and nice bar. read more

I've come here a few times to watch sporting events but the crowd is blah. The food is hotel like and customer service was descent but not fast. The win? Several televisions and games going on at the same time. Other than that...I felt as if I could have done so much better. read more