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The Mirror

4.0 (264 reviews)
ModerateCocktail Bars
Closed • 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
Updated 1 week ago

The Mirror Photos

THE MIRROR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Casual
Trendy
Intimate

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Recommended Reviews - The Mirror

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Reviews With Photos

Entrance
Melissa G.

Been wanting to check out this speakeasy for a few years now. Decided to come right when they opened on a Sunday. Was hoping to luck up on parkling and I did. The entrance is down a set of stairs and through a mirrored door. The space is small, intimate and dark. There is someone at the door to check your ID. There are a couple of high tables, bar seating and couch seating in the space. They do not take reservations and seating is first come, first serve. I was greeted immediately upon sitting at the bar and decided on the Air Mail drink. It was light and refreshing. It was pretty chill since I was the first one there. In the background was old school hip hop which is right up my alley. They also have homemade fireball and lemon drop shots. The bartender allowed me a sample of the fireball and it was strong and much better quality than the bottled fireball. No food is served here and no outside food is allowed. Your only option is Lays potato chips.

Entrance! The mirror is actually a door!
Breanna T.

Cool experience? Not so much, not sure what really made it a speakeasy aside from the entrance. Drinks? Not so much, Typical drinks that you can get anywhere. Be sure to not take any flash pictures or use your flash! It's very dark in here but I think that's the "mood" they opt for. Lounge type area, but the music is so loud you won't be able to actually talk. Would I go back? Yes but only for happy hour. $17 for a drink and it wasn't even good :(

Keilon L.

It's the feel of a dive bar in a speakeasy style setting with cocktail named drinks and accompanying prices but lacking a bit in the craftsmanship aspect. Service is pretty prompt at the bar considering how crowded it can be so that's a bonus.

Contemplating existence with my Corpse Reviver #2
Jeff N.

When you think of a hidden speakeasy where you wouldn't know it was there unless you did your research or heard from others, The Mirror is it. From the inconspicuous location on K Street to the cool way to enter the bar, the Mirror offers excellent cocktails with more than a couple NOLA-originated as there seems to be an emphasis on that area for inspiration. From the Westin in City Center where I was staying, The Mirror is about a 10-minute walk, going down Vermont Avenue a couple of blocks before turning onto K Street where you will notice a green canopy that reads, "Vieux Carre." Upon going down the flight of stairs to the basement level you will find a fairly rough exterior with a "for rent" sign hung next to... you guessed it... A wall-sized mirror that stretchers from near ceiling to near floor. This mirror serves as a door. Hence the name of the bar. Upon pulling the door open from the right-side frame, you enter a dark world with the bar wall providing the main light source. Yes, you have other subtle dimly lit ambient lighting whether from a chandelier in the lounge area or from the candles on the bar or the track lighting on the ceiling. However, the bar area is mostly dark as your eyes adjust and take in the hidden mystique. Grabbing a stool at the bar, I glanced at the cocktail menu sign and the laminated menu on the bar. Between the two, the Mirror offers a variety of different cocktails from classics such as Aviation, Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, Paloma, and Tom Collins to Prohibition-era specialties like the Lion's Tail, Fitzgerald's Neighbor, and Sunflower to NOLA-originated treasured recipes such as the Sazerac, Vieux Carre, and the Corpse Reviver #2, I opted for the latter. I enjoyed the Vieux Carre and Corpse Reviver at the bar, my buzz ever increasing from my previous bar I had attended around the corner. I couldn't tell you what music was playing but "Twenty Four Hours" by Joy Division kept playing on repeat in my head as I stared into oblivion sipping away on the couple of cocktails throughout my evening. The bartenders were great with the one who served me made sure I had water (I certainly needed it as the drinks were strong -- if you know the ingredients or at least read what is offered on the laminated menu). The service was expedient as the bartenders were constantly slinging cocktails in the tins. They run a great operation behind the bar and the drinks came out in good succession. I would return in a heartbeat when I am in DC again so I can enjoy some other cocktails under the dark ambiance of this splendid speakeasy behind a mirror.

Entrance is at the bottom
Marietsy P.

It's a dive bar and everything is dark inside with low lighting. There were 2 bartenders who were friendly and helpful. We went before it gets dark and good thing because it's hard to find and the top floor is unoccupied. The bar is downstairs in the basement. I don't believe there was a snack menu but there is a restaurant next to the empty office front on the street level if you get hungry.

You can hear the music from the stairs. You can feel the vibration on the wall.
Ed G.

The mirror. I love a speakeasy but this wasn't that. It was hidden and I loved the hunt for it but that's where it ends. Inside is way too loud. Where's the intimate experience where the atmosphere speaks for itself. The drinks weren't anything special. A step above rail drinks where is this plus this, they have the classics which I can make easily at home. I'm talking a margarita, Moscow mule, martini, etc at an upscale price. When we visited, there was room at the bar but after perusing the menu, I got 1 drink to try it out and dipped. The mirror could be better and has potential but I see it as just another "spot" . Finding it is the best part of the mirror.

Outside
Susan L.

Very interesting location and hard to find. A little intimidating until you finally find the way in. You would never guess there's a bar there! The drinks were pricey and the bartenders were not too friendly. I would've enjoyed it more if they had been more welcoming. I would recommend if you want to experience a speak easy.

Charro's kick
Shari D.

My boyfriend saw the mirror on Instagram and kept saying we should check it out. We stopped by here on a Friday, right before happy hour ended and had the chance to enjoy some of their cocktails. At first you have to give it a minute for your eyes to adjust however once you do, it feels like you are somewhere in NY, or Chicago. Honestly, their cocktail Menu is one of the most unique I've seen in a long time and it really offers something for everyone.

Bar
Emily H.

Fun spot with good drinks and a decent happy hour. Staff were friendly and will gladly give you a recommendation if you need it. The lighting is low, but lights are located below the bar so you can read the menu!

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

Great spot for drinks after a date night. Great cocktails and a great atmosphere to kick back and enjoy the evening.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

Ambiance was perfect for a cozy chat. The drinks were delicious and made well. The happy hour was nice too

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

Nice spot to go and hang out. Not crowded. I suggest you get there kind of early for a good seat.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

Such a cool bar! We had great cocktails! The ambiance was great looved the mood. And the bartenders were very on top of the game!

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7 years ago

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Page 5 of 7

Ask the Community - The Mirror

How is the vibe on a Monday?

Busy and loud

Do you have live music? If so, when? Cover?

There was no cover charge when I went. This place is very small and intimate so I doubt they would ever have live music.

Do they do weekend happy hours? If so what is the deal?

Happy hour is only from M-F.

Are they open until 2am now or are these pre-covid hours?

We are open until 2 am on weekdays, and 3 am on weekends — we’d love to make a craft cocktail for you, come on by!

What time is happy hour?

5-6 (maybe 6:30?) I think it's $3 off cocktails/beer/wine

Is this a cash only bar?

Nope, they take cards and will open a tab for you

Do you need reservations?

No, but good seating will get grabbed early

View All 13 Questions

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The Mirror - cocktailbars - Updated November 2026

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