My experience was soured by one of the bartenders who was rude and seemed to think was okay that I be disrespected on the basis of being a woman. I had been excited by the space, but don't think I'll return. It was quite patriarchal. read more

We just stopped in for a drink but I have to share - they have Pappy Van Winkle! My husband has been on the hunt forever. But when he saw that the 10 year was $40 a pour and the 25 year was $60 a pour he didn't get any. We were just excited to see it here, like Where's Waldo. Someday we'll have to splurge and try it, and we'll know where to go. The Dignitary is one of the many great cocktail bars in this area. It was crowded on a Friday night, but we stood at the bar, got served quickly, and were able to find a table. We sat right near the window and watched football while we enjoyed our drinks. They had a great bourbon cocktail that I really enjoyed. I can't remember what was in it, but check out the cocktail menu when you're there. Nothing sets this apart from others in the area, but my experience here was good. Solid four stars, for sure. read more

Pete is a gentleman and barkeep for the books. Excellent dirty martinis! Terrific dark and stormies. This bar beats the pants off the one in the Marriott lobby. The perfect place for happy hour or a nightcap. It's one of the best hotel bars I've been to in years. Cheers! read more

Horribly slow service. Cork pieces in our glass of wine. It took literally an hour to have and pay for one glass of wine. Our server kept inexplicably disappearing for 15 minutes at a time even though the place was dead. read more

We stumbled into The Dignitary for a nightcap after dinner at Kinship - didn't realize it was part of the Marriott! Nonetheless, they had comfy chairs and a good selection of whiskeys as usual. Quick service and quiet atmosphere - couldn't ask for more for a nightcap, whether staying at the hotel or not. read more

I really wanted this place to be cooler, but it is exactly what it is...a hotel bar. With plush leather seating, wood paneling, and dim lights, it does fit with the "bourbon bar" theme. But beyond the superficial, there wasn't that much depth. Not to knock the fairly robust list of drinks, but the cocktails that were served seemed more to cater the "I just need a drink after a full day of work" crowd as opposed to the "I want the mixologist to spend time specifically measuring and pouring my drink to perfection" drinker. Nothing wrong with that distinction, I guess I just had different expectations. Not to say I wouldn't go back to the Dignitary, but it won't be on the top of my list of bars I would pick to go to on any given night. read more

Really enjoyed this place. Vibe is the best of casual, swanky, but not at all pretentious. Pete is the nicest and most attentive bartender in DC. Huge whiskey selection too. read more

A hotel bar on a rather busy corner on Mass ave with a good bit of outdoor seating. The food is terrible, even for finger food. Had the mezza platter and the flat bread because we were starving and they were a huge mistake (and not cheap). Has that old wood dc ambiance, but the seating isn't comfortable either. Cocktail menu wasn't nearly as extensive or fun as I expected and I ended up ordering the same thing twice. Decent atmosphere for talking and I liked the music selection. I've definitely seen blues bands playing outside of here as I've gone by, but not sure the schedule. Not a horrible hotel bar, but not a great one either. read more

We went for a drink, and everything was as-expected. The atmosphere is dark, and straddles the borderline between a high class pub and a club (I say club because many of the seats there are...velvet, or at least look like it). The bartender was quick, polite and made our drinks well. Their bourbon/whiskey menu was solid if I remember correctly. Oh, there is a fireplace too. read more

My favorite little hideout, great drinks but don't go expecting a 5 star meal, I mean this is a hotel bar after all, their menu is limited and underwhelming, they also open and close according to the percentage of people staying at the hotel so their hours of operations are a definite hit or miss.... read more

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Staff needs some work, but the place is new. Good spot to meet someone for a drink location is just next to the Convention Center in the new Marriott building. read more

I spent last evening here, I had intended to stop in for a quiet drink to honor a friend's birthday. I ended up staying for the duration, met some good people, and truly enjoyed the atmosphere created by Tom and the rest of the bartenders and staff. If you're in DC and are looking for a nice place to confer with your colleagues or find new friends, try this place. read more

Was referred here by a friend so I decided to check it out after getting off early. Immediately greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. Oscar was my bar tender and he was was AMAZING! He told me about the type of bar they are and the history of the area. Recommended some great drinks and eats to me that I enjoyed. The teriyaki chicken sliders were tasty and served up hot and quick. Please ask for Oscar when you get here. Definitely will not be disappointed by his service, courtesy, humor and knowledge of the liquor they serve. A must try if you're a whiskey, scotch or cognac drinker. read more

The Dignitary - Chicken Teriyaki Sliders (served in 3 but I ate the other 2 before I could post lol) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had a horrible experience here. I hate it because I love this hotel and stay there often. The decor is wonderful. It's dark and sexy. It was a great night outside, so my friend and I decided to have drinks outside. When I walked in, I specifically asked the bartender if I should order drinks at the bar and take them outside. He said no, a server will be out to take our order soon, "i promise" he said. So my friend and I went outside and waited for a server. And waited. And waited. I saw a couple walk in and out. But no one came to our table. So I went inside and told the bartender that no one came to our table. I asked for a menu. I went back out and waited a little longer. We decided to go inside and sit at the bar. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer. The bartender was very crass. I think that he was trying to be funny, but he wasn't. I asked for his suggestion for a good drink. He said "I know that you don't want bourbon. You want a fru fru drink." I said "what drink would you suggest." He said "I don't know what you want." The bartender yelled to the person that was supposed to be our waiter. He told him that we were waiting and did not receive any service. The waiter did not come over to say sorry. My bad. Goo goo gaga. Nothing! It was just a horrible experience. I definitely will not be there again. Love the hotel, hate The Dignitary. read more

Went in on a quite Sunday evening with a bunch of friends that were all basically there to hang out and catch up. It's a hotel bar so expectations were low as far as drinks and food were concerned, but we were told that the main kitchen was closed (at 6:30pm) so we could only order off the handful of menu items on the short menu. The drink menu is extensive, but the bourbon flight seemed to be a hit with a few there but all in all, its probably not the place to go to stay for a while and talk. Seems more like a night cap spot if you're staying at the hotel and dont feel like leaving. read more

I really like this place! As other Yelpers mentioned it is dark, but its sultry! I love the ambiance here. Leather chairs, fireplace, and strong intoxicating drinks. This is a great place for groups or a date. I had the Teddy Roosevelt, which was delish, and Manhattan. I grew chest hairs after drinking my Manhattan, but thats expected right? Lol! No watered down drinks here folks! The prices are okay. All cocktails are $12.00 (with tax 13.25). This place is worth checking out! read more

Really comfy spot with an old school bartender that takes a small bar approach to his guests. My server was younger but efficient. Drinks were heavy and delicious. Super chill atmosphere with upbeat lounge music. I'm a local and there aren't too many solid mature yet hip lounge spots in DC like this. I'll be back. read more

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

Love this place! This is an upscale bar with a nice patio. Attached to the Marriott Marquee, there is an upscale vibe and crowd here. Fresh cocktails and great, friendly bartenders make this a must stop if you are in the neighborhood. Drinks are $12-16, and the service is great. Stop by! read more

The Dignitary reads like a regular hotel bar, leather seating and such. It's within the Marriott complex near the convention center so that's to be expected. I had the old fashioned on the menu which was good and really strong. It's also nice that they give a nice bar snack which you don't see that much of any more. Great option for after work drinks that's not crowded but I didn't see any specials. read more

I contacted the restaurant via email - I sent an email to Mr. Shea - the person listed on the website but I ultimately received a response was Glenn Brown on of the other restaurant managers for the hotel. He understood my concerns and assured me that he addressed the staff at The Dignitary. This is why I updated my review from one to two stars. I was also extended an opportunity to visit the restaurant again to see for myself with a financial incentive. As soon as my schedule permits I will revisit with the hopes seeing an improvement. read more

Whether you are attending an event next door, staying at the Marriott, or even a local looking for a solid cocktail bar, this is it. We met here for a drink before having dinner nearby. It was perfect for shaking of the workday, unwinding, and most importantly, having that pre-dinner drink. My friend and I enjoy bourbon, and their selection didn't disappoint us. The mint juleps were fantastic (served appropriately over crushed ice in a julep cup, with fresh mint on the stem). We then capped it off with some aged orphan barrel, served straight up. After dinner, I ended up meeting another group of friends here again... Yes, twice in one day. Don't judge. It was that good. read more

This place has great ambience and there is a wide variety of innovative drinks available. Don't pass this place by even though it is connected to a hotel. Oscar was our bartender and he was top notch. Checked with the kitchen to get me a special request. The food is wonderful, particularly the hummus and the tenderloin sliders. read more

The Dignitary - Oscar is the best bartender in DC. He takes time to know your name and when we came back the next night he remembered what we drank. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to The Dignitary last night with my mom and grandma who are in town for a few days and staying in the neighborhood. We wanted a light dinner and drinks, so this seemed like the perfect spot. Walking in, the ambiance was just as a bourbon bar should be: dim lights, plush leather seating, cozy tables, and a large centerpiece bar. We opted to sit around the back corner in a small dining room with more traditional tables. We were the only ones in that section, which may have been the reason behind our subpar, intermittent service at first--it took about 15 minutes to get all three of our drinks (which all each came out about five minutes apart) and about another 20 minutes before we saw our server again to order food. However, another server who took over our table was quick and attentive and made up for our slow start. We didn't order any signature cocktails, but our wine and whiskey were great. The food was also better than I would have expected from a hotel bar. Our arugula salads were fresh and crisp, shrimp cocktails were tasty (particularly the cocktail sauce, which wasn't too heavy on the horseradish), and shrimp dumplings were gingery and not greasy. Our standout dish was the creamy, cheese spinach artichoke dip, which was the perfect size and absolutely delicious. I think I'll give The Dignitary another shot, given where we were seated probably accounted for our initial slow service. All in all, an above-average hotel bar with a great menu. read more

Nice mix of trendy, upscale, and classic, I guess what you'd expect from the Marriott Marquis. The big leather couches are a nice setting to enjoy your bourbon, and the waitress had excellent recommendations. read more

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Stopped in for a drink on a Tuesday evening with a friend. They made a delicious dirty martini, and the oversized leather chairs for seating makes it a fun spot to casually stop and chat. The prices are not for the faint of heart - by no means the most expensive spot in town but not a place to spend your entire evening perhaps. It's in the downstairs of the hotel, but if you enter from their separate entrance you would never guess they are connected to a hotel establishment. The interior is a nice, dark, intimate feel with a fireplace in one of the corners. They also have outdoor seating for nicer weather. read more

At first glance, the Dignitary seems like one of those crusty and stuffy "elitist" establishment but in reality it is something that it will never be able to escape from - a hotel bar only with a little bit of a twist - the cocktail and bourbon selection. And really who could blame the proprietors for coming up with an idea like this? It is located in the former historic beaux-arts building that once housed the United Association of Steamfitters and Pipe-fitters which now makes up the corner-stone for the brand-spanking dazzlingly new and beautiful Marquis Marriott. And it is just right across the street from the Washington Convention Center which always has some big conference going on so expect a steady stream of out-of-towners populating most of the seats - relieved at the fact that they now have an alternative "high-end" establishment other than Acadiana right across the street or the new sports bar at the other end of the hotel. But for whatever reason, if you find yourself here, you might have a good time. The interiors are flawlessly beautiful, the menu items are good, and the staff is outstanding. The Dignitary offers a good food selection with some rather quaint provisions (excellent snack options like the Hummus, the olives, the complementary beer nuts, and the outstanding appetizers) but nothing out of the ordinary and while the bourbon selection is extensive, it lacks anything entirely unique. While I am no bourbon expert, I am pretty sure you can get some of the more high end bourbons on the menu at other establishments much cheaper. The point being is that there are much better bourbon bars in the city but this is hardly the point as this is establishment which exists to pacify the clamoring of those who seek more than the paper-thin market share of easy-going lounges in the immediate vicinity. And who can blame them? All you have is the Passenger right up the street, you have Hogo which I believe shut their doors unfortunately, and you have the Baby Wale up the street which is still trying to gain its identity. The Dignitary is the newest kid on the block and despite the hotel bar identity, it is a welcoming addition for many people who just want to chill at a comfortably elegant bar, have an up-scale drink, hook up their laptops, and look at the latest new headlines without getting colorful drinks spilled on them. read more

Sat outside for drinks. Remember to go inside to ask for a waiter, but Irena was very kind and helpful when she came out. When we were paying, a manager came out and explained that the $3 surcharge to a whiskey on the rocks is part of a "DC law that adds $3 to any drink purchased on the rocks." Isn't true, because a) no other place does this and, b) ice is not $3, but what can you do. Other than not go back, which I definitely won't be doing. read more

This place is great. The atmosphere has a strong speakeasy vibe to it. The bartenders are knowledgeable and check in frequently. Did I mention they have a huge selection of bourbon? I did a tasting and they had descriptions that went along with each sample. They do have some bar snacks, but not any significant thing I would call food. I didn't eat any, but it looked tasty when the person next to me did. read more

While the lounge carries a mysterious and elegant energy, the bartenders lack the kind of class and personality to bring the place to life. The experience was dull and lacked any courtesy extended by the only individuals who can create true magic, the staff. I was never greeted. I was never acknowledged outside of my uninitiated request for a "pathetic" Rye Old Fashion. The dunce hat bartender begin pouring resentfully before I was even able to suggest Bullet Rye as a preference. I would suggest your attendance after every bit of the failing personnel are vaccinated from such an amazing aesthetic. read more

It's a shame that this beautiful space is wasted on an apathetic staff and management. It took us 45 minutes to get one round of drinks at this bar. It wasn't even busy and should have been well staffed at 5:30pm on a Thursday. The drinks were awful - either way too strong or too weak. And at craft cocktail prices, that was certainly a disappointment. The food similarly was amateurish. The grilled cheese "bites" appetizer was simply a grilled cheese sandwich on white bread sliced 4 times. The camembert wheel was heated and served whole seemingly out of the wrapper with bread so hard it was barely edible. The waitress didn't seem to care that it took so long. Once she offered a feeble "sorry for the wait" but that was it. We even called the manager (was given his cell # from the front desk) the day before to check if they had happy hour specials (they do not) and he never gave us a call back. So top to bottom, kitchen to bar, this place is a typical hotel bar ignored by upper management and certainly not a new-styled destination bar despite the billing and high-end build out. read more

Outstanding bourbon selection and decent prices for being in the District. The atmosphere is a place you don't mind hanging out at but not pretentious. But far and away the best part of this bar is Pete, the bartender. He is super friendly, very knowledgeable, and makes great suggestions of things you may like based on what you like. He makes you feel welcomed and you leave there feeling like he's your friend. Great work as always Pete, see you again soon. read more

Amazing service and amazing food. I threw my husband's birthday there last minute and they were so accommodating and everything was perfect!

I'm so glad I get to leave the first review for this place. I've been watching the construction of the Marriott Marquis and eagerly awaiting the new bars and restaurants inside (the Dignitary is one of several). My husband and I stopped in for cocktails and to check it out this evening. We ordered an old fashioned and a mint julep. Both were delicious. The service was excellent--very attentive, but not pushy. The ambiance here is awesome. It doesn't feel like a typical hotel bar at all. There are clusters of comfy chairs with partitions to make it feel very cozy. I'm looking forward to many more visits. read more

The Dignitary - Water in a mason jar glass, Lincoln's Old Fashioned, and mint julep. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

4 of us came for a Drink, having heard of a new whiskey bar. We all had 4 whiskey cocktails. Mine tasted like water as if there was no whiskey. My girlfriends Manhattan tasted like sugar water. Friends Manhattan seemed to have no whiskey as well. Will not spend the money ever again. read more

Fantastic little speakeasy/whiskey bar in the convention area of the district. I was here for a corporate event so cannot attest to their food menu or bourbon selection (though I'm told it's extensive), but I *can* say that every beverage was stiff, the staff attentive, and cheese & meat plates plentiful. The atmosphere is cozy and sexy at the same time, and would be the perfect place for after dinner drinks, a date, or catching up with a friend or two. I definitely want to check out this space again on my own. read more

Feels like a old time gentleman's club but with women. Bartenders Pete and Tom are so knowledgeable you can tell them something you like and they can tell you something else you'll like. They serve bourbon with 2x2 block of ice and can keep up with ...no surpass bartenders a third their age....its like being bartended by 2 Frank Sinatras with blues in the backround read more

Amazing after work or preparty ambiance for drinks. Feels very "DC". A masculine yet intimate vibe.

A group of us went to the rooftop bar for happy hour. But they don't have a happy hour if you're on the roof. Only crappy service and $7 tiny plastic cups of beer. I asked for a pint. They don't have those. We left after one drink. 2 stars because the view is nice. Go to Lost & Found down the street. Way better. read more

Really nice bartenders! super expensive drinks but they give you snacks... it was nice to get off mass ave on a friday around happy hour and not be in a super crowded bar. Nice step up from a regular hotel bar read more

Went here to meet up with some friends, pretty awesome place, great apps and good drinks. Moscow miles were excellent and mine actually came in a real copper mug, but not everyone's. Toast with Brie and jam was delicious, and there pub mix they have on their tables is spicy and addicting. Great place to hang before going out or to stay all night. The wait staff was amazing, very friendly, attentive, and happy. read more