Tips for Dining, Eating, and Food Shopping in DC/Baltimore and Suburban Virginia
Start New ThreadLooking for cool casual but solid cocktail/wine spot for a date in DC. Any suggestions?
By switchflip78
on Nov 11, 2010 07:40 AM
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You might want to check out "The Gibson", a speakeasy behind an unmarked door next to Marvin on 14th at U. Great cocktails ($10-$16) in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.
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Dickson Wine Bar on U street would also be a good option. 9th and U.
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I think the lounge at PS7 is perfect for this---especially if it's a weeknight.
Other places that might be good: Poste, Sonoma, or Cafe St. Ex.
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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sonoma Restaurant
223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003
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The Passenger is terrific. Even better if you can get a reservation to their inner bar, The Columbia room. The owner-bartender, Derick Brown is a a whiz at cool and classic cocktails.
http://www.passengerdc.com/columbia/h...
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The Passenger Bar
1021 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
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I second The Passenger on 7th, just across from the Mt Vernon metro. The Gibson just does NOT have the same casual vibe and the drinks are $6 more for the same quality.
Be prepared to order without a cocktail menu though. Converse with the bar staff - that's the point. If this intimidates your date, steer him towards a Dale's Pale. And definitely sit at the bar. My favorite cocktail I've gotten there is a Lion's Tail, which is a bourbon-based drink, served up, with allspice and citrus notes. I told them I wanted something in a martini glass with whisky or bourbon and maybe some citrus and that's what I got. It's a lot of fun. It does take awhile to order sometimes because of time it takes to craft a good cocktail, but they always see you right away and make a mental note to get around to you in due time.
Anyway, the atmosphere is just very relaxed and chatty - I've always thought it would a great place to have a casual date.
I'm sure the Columbia Room would be amazing date, but they're probably already booked for the night you want, and it's definitely not casual.
ETA: However, the Gibson will guarantee you a seat, because it's reservation-only, although you'll only have it for two hours, unless you make the last reservation at 10pm.
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I walked into Gibson with no reservation and two friends about 9:00 on the night of the rally. Just lucky, I guess. It wasn't crowded.
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It could also be that the buzz has just died down and it's not perpetually booked now, also. I haven't been since almost exactly a year ago.
And it's never crowded, even when it's booked - they don't allow standing. That's really what I meant, sorry. You can't stand around and wait for a seat - they'll give you a buzzer and send you on your way until something opens up if nothing is available when you first show up.
The night of the rally was probably a great night to go there - I doubt many people think Halloween = Gibson, and I doubt anybody's going to stumble across it on the street...
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Second PS7.
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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
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A question about PS7 - what time do you need to show up to actually get a seat in the lounge? Or is there a day that's less busy? I live right by there and have tried to grab a spot at the bar at least 5 times now and have always failed. The first couple times we decided to hover for a bit and see if anything opened up, but it doesn't seem like anybody ever leaves, either. Help me chwohounders!
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If you get there around 6 you can usually snag a seat at the bar or the lounge area. But then again I usually go there by myself so it's easier for 1 person to find a seat.
Maybe try Tuesday or Wednesday.
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Cuba Libre, Matchbox, Proof, PS7 or how about the bar at Citronelle
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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Citronelle
3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
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I really like the Citronelle bar, the cocktails are great and the mushroom cigars are to die for! My other recommendation is the bar at the Four Seasons (Salt? I think) and the bar at URBANA.
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Citronelle
3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Four Seasons Cafe
50 S Pickett St Ste 23, Alexandria, VA 22304
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