The Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington D.C. reminds us of the Lower East Side in New York City – lots of funky shops, great ethnic restaurants, and plenty of cocktail bars. It may be a bit sketchy at times, but there’s always a fun time to be had.
So with the closure of one of our favorite D.C. speakeasies, the Gibson, we decided to venture out to find some suitable replacements in Adams Morgan.
We start with our quest for a speakeasy … and we found Code Red. It appears as a former storefront along a street that could be in any big city… except for the big iron door with the metal knocker. And yes, when you knock, you have to provide the password to the person behind the sliding panel. Your reward is a classic speakeasy vibe complete with menus that include news clips from prohibition. The presentation is half the fun as we ordered a smoked old fashioned that was in fact “fired up” tableside. It’s a pretty fair replacement for the Gibson and one we will come back to! #tipsypick
Imagine walking past a historic DuPont mansion and you notice a sign that looks like it’s inviting you for a drink. That’s exactly how we found the 1921 Biergarten at Heurich Mansion. We are so glad we entered the garden and followed the path to some tasty beer and wine, including local brews and Senate Beer, a revival of an original recipe by the home’s original owner, a brewery baron. They also have displays detailing the history of the brand and the brewery. The garden area is a welcoming and fantastic place to kick back and enjoy your libation. A #tipsypick for sure!
Take a few steps down from the sidewalk – and a century into the past - and enter The Golden Age… literally. In true “dive bar” fashion (a name for bars below the street level) without the smoke and sticky floors, this basement restaurant also has a great list of cocktails, about 11 pages long to be exact. The speakeasy vibe completes the package. Truly a place to step back into the “golden age.”
Another “dive” spot in similar fashion is Bar Charley. But again, don’t get lost in the fact that you have to go downstairs. This is an excellent spot for tiki drinks, cocktails like old fashioneds and Manhattans, and a not-to-be-missed steak and fries special for happy hour! They also have a great wine list.
If oak panels and history are more your speed, Round Robin Bar is a must-stop for a true D.C. experience. You can almost imagine the deals being made around the circular bar over a classic Old Fashioned. And that’s what we had. But the signature drink is the Mint Julep. This is a classic stop in the equally classy Willard Hotel.
Here’s a stop for the whiskey lovers! One of the largest whiskey selections in town (and maybe the eastern U.S. with more than 2,700 bottles at last count) is found at Jack Rose Dining Saloon. It’s easy to get lost perusing the selection. But we settled in for a classic Manhattan that did not disappoint. The food is also top notch.
Walking into our next stop, McClellan’s Retreat, reminded us of some of our favorite watering holes over the years. The bartender was friendly, the drinks were strong and tasty. This corner spot is great for a first stop or a last stop… or hanging out the entire evening. They also have a decent happy hour, in case you need another reason to stop in.
Also, let’s agree to not quibble about the distinction on the map between Adams Morgan and DuPont Circle, shall we? OK then - here are a couple of stops if you’re closer to the circle than you are the Washington Hilton…
Teddy & the Bully Bar is a classic new American bistro/bar near the circle with a menu billed as a “reflection of Teddy Roosevelt’s love for comfort food.” We were comforted by some great cocktails and a nice wine list. You should check it out.
And finally, The Doyle Bar boasts a panoramic view of DuPont Circle and an upscale classic vibe that reminds you of the 1950’s. The cocktails were fantastic as were the nibbles. The people watching isn’t bad here either.
We hear tell there are a couple of speakeasies we didn’t make it to this time in Adams Morgan. Do you have any favorites?
