This used to be a great spot to relax and enjoy cocktails. Unfortunately, a lot has changed since the owner, Keith McNally was actively involved, onsite and DJing regularly. Lately, the bar frequently runs out of ingredients needed for its signature cocktails, certain food items, service has become noticeably slower, and staff turnover appears to be high. When the owner was more present, the experience felt polished, the menu was consistently available, and customer service was top-notch. Today, it feels like the attention to detail is gone. What was once an elegant cocktail destination now feels more like an overpriced dive bar. read more

This place was cozy and very vibey inside. I was seated on the couch with my friend, which was a bit 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. read more

The Lucy Mercer Bar - D'amour - Speakeasies Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Great, intimate cocktail spot. They also have a small food menu. The drinks are strong and crafted perfectly. read more

The Lucy Mercer Bar - Fireplace - Speakeasies Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

So this place is outstanding. So this bar is based on a woman Lucy Mercer she happens to be the mistress of the late president FDR. It's heavy on the price for sure but that burger I ate was tasty. I would go back if asked. The waiter was so pleasant also I very tall guy I wish I remembered his name we got a small flute on champagne because we were sending off a friend of ours. It was outstanding. read more

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I need more of this place in my life. The plush velvet couches, the smell of the fireplace and rich hues decorating from ceiling to floor... I imagine it's how Belle Watling would decorate if she was around today. The food is equally as rich and luxurious and the drinks list is extensive, but with a notable lack of mocktails. Would definitely head on up here again for a cozy bite to eat and if you understood my Gone With the Wind reference earlier we can be friends. read more

The entire vibe of the lounge was so cool and fun! My boyfriend and I loved the cocktails and food! Definitely, will want to come back. read more

The Lucy Mercer Bar - The menu/cocktail - Speakeasies Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Lucy Mercer Bar is located upstairs within Minetta Tavern which opened very recently in the Union Market area. I'm always looking for a new speakeasy/cocktail bar, so I was excited to try this out. Please note, there is a no phone policy meaning no pictures. I came during a Sunday evening when it first opened a little after 5pm. Reservations are recommended. It is beautifully decorated making you feel like you've been transported to the prohibition era. Since I was coming after brunch, I wasn't too particularly hungry so my friend and I ended up ordering the bread basket and I also had the Ninjinsky--a rye based cocktail that was absolutely delicious and perfectly crafted. Overall I loved the ambience and all the vibes. Glad to have a new spot to grab delicious cocktails. read more

The Lucy Mercer Bar - Stairs outside of the entrance - Speakeasies Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'd seen the Lucy Mercer bar on tiktok, but didn't realize that it was just up the street from me! I decided to take my knitting and have a nice cozy evening working on my project and people watching, and Lucy Mercer was perfect for just that. I could not gush enough about the ambiance in here, everything is red velvet and gold trim, and this is THE SPOT for a cozy winter drink by the fire. For my 20-something budget, the drinks are a tad expensive so I will only be visiting for special occasions, but it really is such a fun spot. read more

I've been 3 times now and am conflicted on how much I like this place. For starters, I adore their cheeseburger and their drinks are always delicious. Service can be a hit or miss depending on how busy they are but the seating has always been a miss for me. It's designed to be an intimate setting but because I always go in a group with my friends, the sofas aren't super conducive to talking. Also, no photos are allowed, which is a downside. read more

Beautiful classic speakeasy! It's decorated beautifully and it's technically a phone free spot so didn't take pictures. It's got a beautiful assortment of seating to accommodate conversations and such without anything too overbearing in terms of noise. Drinks were great, the food was tasty and the service was great! even they dresses amazing! read more

It's that time of the year when cozy vibes are all we are seeking - Lucy Mercer gives you just that. Carpeted floors, cushy couches and chairs and a fat fireplace to turn up the heat. Love how intentional they were about their decor and cocktails, however, I can't say the same about their wine offerings (by the glass). Their Sancerre and Chablis were poor quality. So basically, stick to cocktails if you're heading upstairs and for heaven sake, make a reso! This place gets packed quick. read more

Located on top of the Minetta Tavern this "secret" speakeasy is probably the coolest place I've been too. It's such an unexpected place and before you come they create such confusion, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into! On their voicemail we heard a man trying to pick up women and then a woman saying if you're husband is here to give her a call to confirm haha. There are no photos allowed in the place only leading up and the staff are so helpful getting you to your table and taking photos before you enter. I will confirm the volume of the music is loud but the environment gives elevated and sexy. We ordered a virgin margarita, some beautiful cocktails, the gourgeres, the fromage platter and bread basket. I would skip the gourgeres it was so hollow and felt like I was eating plastic. The fromage platter was absolutely amazing and the bread basket was more a small tea plate of bread but was fresh. Portions for the $$$ kind of feels like they're stealing from you so I will not be back for the food. However, I will be back for the ambiance and a mocktail! This place really is giving Washington DC Speakeasy and I love it! read more

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Deliciousness - 4/5 Happiness - 4.5/5 This is an exquisitely decorated bar with an erotic touch that is appropriately named after FDR's mistress. We only popped in for a pre-dinner drink but the food upstairs is quite a bit more pricey, but also more upscale, than in the restaurant below. They have an extensive list of liquor and we went with a pair of cocktails recommended by the very friendly bartender. The drinks were decent, although they don't stick out from the DC crowd of elevated cocktails you can find at most swanky joints. What I particularly loved, however, was the ambiance. Plush couches, classic era paintings of lords and ladies making out in alleys or in forms of undress (and one befuddling portrait of Henry the VIII? What's he doing in this bachannal), mood lighting, and a gorgeous crimson color. It really simulates the experience of drinking in an ultra-exclusive club. If only they had a fireplace to throw your glasses into at the end! Definitely an experience worth visiting. read more

We went to the Lucy Mercer Bar tonight, it is an upstairs bar/restaurant. They have a no phone policy and no photos which is why I couldn't find a picture of the menu. The menu was very different than cafe Milano, more elevated but it had steak, tar tar, carpaccio, pizza, and several other items. The average price of the food menu was 35 (lowest being the bread at 18 and highest a steak around 50). Drink price average was 25 with all the cocktails and glasses of wine but they sell bottles at a higher price point. We got the New York strip with the anchovy butter and it was pretty good, it was elevated, about 8 ounces. We also got the 'potato chips' which are hand cut large potato chips served with a side dipping sauce of crème fresh, caviar, and chives. The potato chips in my opinion were better than the steak. The vibe is elevated relaxing, no high top tables just soft plush chairs and knee height tables and a bar in the back. It's a very intimate area and extremely friendly staff. Overall, if I would go back if I wanted a quiet place that was nicer but it wouldn't be an everyday kind of occasion. I would recommend to those that are from DC but if traveling to the area I would personally go to minetta instead. read more

The service and ambience is stellar! That along with the cocktails should make this a destination! Short walk from the metro stop and close to Union Market, so make this part of a day/evening out. read more

Very cool spot to hit after dinner, but loud and dark. Cell phone use is prohibited or highly discouraged, which I don't mind. The bar program is impressive and you pay for it, which I expect. Out of the 3 drinks we shared, I was very pleased with all of them. Supposedly, it is going to become an exclusive area, so go while you can. read more

Incredible ambiance and vibes! Make sure to get a reservation on the couches by the fire. The cocktails were delicious. read more

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After having a negative experience once before, I decided to give this place another try. I made a reservation days in advance and when I arrived I was gaslit by the manager who said I did not have a reservation when I did and even showed her the email confirmation. She kept saying we didn't but we kept going up to her to say we did as she would just walk away from us. Eventually she did bring over champagne for the wait. It took over 30 minutes to be seated and once we were, we weren't given any menus or water until we asked. The food was just okay but the drinks were good. The vibe was fine but it was lowered by rude staff and crowds. Not sure I will be going back and to be honest this place is overhyped. read more

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The most perfect bar ever! Fantastic vibes with plush couches, mirrors, a no-phones policy, and strong drinks. Highly recommend checking it out! read more

We had an amazing time. The environment was live and the decor was on point. Staff was dressed for success and the drink menu reflected the vibe. I will go back. read more

Vibes are UNMATCHED a very NYC burlesque style speakeasy. Located on the 2nd floor of the Minetta Tavern (entry is off the Morse Street alley). Cocktails were incredible! Def recommend making a reservation since it was booked and busy. read more

Spectacular speak easy. Everything is top of the line. Bartenders are experts in their craft. The space is what I'd call "hi-gay" or "brothel chic" in the best possible way. Go here but NO PHOTOS ALLOWED. Such fun! read more

cool space and amazing staff. our server and bartender were outstanding--exceptional drinks!!, but be prepared to spend $22 for an order of 8-9 (large) potato chips. c'mon. this is ridiculous pricing. read more

I've been to Lucy Mercer quiet a few times already and always bring different friends with me. I love the plush couches and decor. The drinks are amazing. My only complaint is the volume of the music. It's way too loud. I shouldn't have to yell at the person next to me to have a conversation. It seems like the staff is almost "scared" to the tell the owner that customers are complaining about the volume. Well, im here to let him know. Read the room owner, TURN THE VOLUME DOWN and pick a genre of music. The music selection is all over the place. Guests are literally leaving because it's too loud. This is a luxe/speakeasy lounge not a dive bar/nightclub. read more

Lovely ambiance. Arrived around 8ish and was not crowded. Left around 10pm and it was crowded (on a Wednesday). Drinks were great. Server was really knowledgeable and friendly. The only negative is the drinks are super overpriced. read more

Hidden bar inside minetta tavern. The hosts were friendly enough to recommend it after I walked in downstairs planning on eating and drinking at the bar downstairs. Unlike the tavern/bistro vibe downstairs, upstairs is much more opulent - plush chairs and sofas with a fireplace. The menu is different as well. I had a mini black label burger branded as the Lucy Mercer burger and caviar topped creamy dip with chips. Nice frosty glass for my martini with blue cheese olives. No photos apparently. read more