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    barmini

    4.6 (550 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndNew American, Cocktail Bars
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:30 PM

    barmini Photos

    BARMINI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Trendy
    Classy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - barmini

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tartare
    Cheyann H.

    The 4 cheese grilled cheese. The four cheese grilled cheese. THE FOUR CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE. I could honestly end my 5 star review there but the drinks need a bit of commotion as well. The cocktails are adorned with unique elements, hibiscus clouds or evergreen foliage. We were sat at a communal table where there were couples to the left and right of us, not my favorite element as a Midwest gal accustomed to a bit more space. They do not offer espresso martinis so I would not recommend a late reservation. Go in with an open mind (and wallet) and enjoy the experience.

    Dakota M.

    I had an amazing time at Barmini! I was geeking out the whole time as I following Chef Andres journeys online and have seen many reels about BarMini, online over the years. I had a really bad day and just got away from being held hostage by someone talking my ear off for hours (trying to sell me on stuff business meeting type stuff) over at Penn Social. When I finally got out of there I walked down the road and saw BarMini logo on the building. I thought it must be a sign! I called and spoke to someone to see if they would accept walk-ins on the random weekday night. They said they had room and I could go in to the bar area. It was so beautiful and bright inside with so many creative and fun things to see! Since I was by myself the person that sat me suggested the last spot at the bar so I could see miniBar while I was there. Was so fun people watching and makes me want to come back to try miniBar! My server was amazing, fun, laid back and super helpful explaining the process of each drink he was making, the combination of flavors, the different stations behind the bar as each person did different things for the various drinks. I did a tasting menu and tried the grilled cheese sandwich and ended on a very creamy eggy drink. It was a wonderful night fill with wonder and awe. A lot of unique experiences and flavors. The staff are very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable which made it a learning experience for me. It is pretty pricy, but how private and intimate it feels inside the bright, innovative space - I would say it's worth it. If I had to say one thing constructive, I would say I didn't enjoy the grill cheese. I would have liked some different options on the food menu and maybe some sourdough bread with different butter options or pallet cleansers with citrus like petite gelatin based bites.

    The Highlander
    Mary R.

    The flight experience was amazing! Pricey for the flight but was worth it!!!! I recommend sitting at the bar for the best show! They had flavors that they combined I never would have thought paired well together. Perfect place to stop by for a date night or a girls night! Service was epic and the bartender/server knew what they were doing.

    Cocktail flight #1
    Andy P.

    Wow... just wow. From the service to the food and drinks, everything was exceptional. I have to begin with a special shoutout to our host, Keyie. He did an amazing job guiding us through food recommendations, spirit pairings, and offering top-tier attentiveness. Thank you, Keyie, for providing my family with such a wonderful and elegant experience. We can't wait to come back and relive our journey at barmini, and with you of course. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Our 6-person booth was incredibly comfortable, molding to our backs and bodies perfectly. The design and detailing of the table were beautiful, and the contemporary décor, paired with soft background music, created a soothing and stylish ambiance. Drinks: You must try the Nitrous Caipirinha. It's not only delicious and refreshing but also a mesmerizing experience as it's made fresh tableside. After that, we went for the Cocktail Flight, a creatively themed experience that takes you through a tasting inspired by various islands. Each drink reflects the essence of an island, and it was fun for the group to guess which one inspired each cocktail. At the end, you'll discover the infamous pirate who visited all six islands--but I won't spoil the surprise. You'll just have to find out yourself! Food: We tried the Caviar & Chips, Wagyu Tartare, Beet Tartare, Thai Chicharron, and Mini Waffles (all three kinds). Every dish was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented--each bite better than the last. Overall: Book in advance. This is more than a meal--it's an unforgettable journey. My family is still talking about it and already planning our return visit. Enjoy!!

    Wagyu tartare
    Clara S.

    I've been meaning to check out barmini for the longesttt time. As a cocktail lover, I had really high expectations for this bar. Overall, I'd say most of my expectations were met. I can't say it's the best bar I've ever been to (Silver Lyan right across the street still holds my heart for the best bar in the U.S.), but all the cocktails were pretty good and the presentation of the cocktails was fantastic. Cocktails: - Old fashioned-style cocktail: 100/10 (don't remember the name exactly, but this cocktail was my favorite. Lovedddd the fire show and I absolutely loved how smoky yet sweet the cocktail was! It was really well balanced cocktail.) - Cloud cocktail: 9.5/10 (loved the presentation and loved how the smoke added depth to an otherwise sweeter cocktail. The cocktail portion was tinyyy though because the smoke filled up the majority of the glass.) - Apollo: 7/10 (cute presentation with the smoke and spaceship cup, but the taste was... interesting. It was minty, which I usually like, but there was something else that made the taste a bit funky? Good presentation, eh taste.) Food: these are truly finger foods with tiny portions - Truffle grilled cheese: 10/10 (yummy but small) - Wagyu tartare: 10/10 (yummy but also small) Overall, service was great and ambiance was a vibe. I do prefer darker bars, but it was nice to have a little change. -

    Lemon and lime juice to go with water
    Nhu V.

    I would give 6 stars if I can. First of all, 1 honorable star for our host, Keyie. He was amazing - charismatic, attentive, and thoughtful. Beyond his exceptional service, it was his genuine warmth and radiant presence that left a lasting impression on our family. From our corner at barmini, we took in the contemporary, minimal yet playful design of the interior, accompanied by ambient music and bartenders artfully engaged in their craft. We started with a family's favorite, a round of nitro caipirinha, which is a modern twist of the Brazilian staple. Here, it was made table side, offering a captivating experience that led to a silky, crisp, and refreshing finish. Following that amazing start, we opted for the Cocktail Flight, a creative exploration of six different islands, each inspiring the unique flavor and spirit of its drink. It was a lot of fun tasting, savoring, and guessing the names of the islands. There is a surprise at the end, so follow along the journey, one sip at a time. Pairing nicely with the drinks was barmini's creative twist on the classic appetizers. We got to sample the Caviar & Chips, Wagyu Tartare, Beet Tartare, Thai Chicharron, and Mini Waffles. Familiar yet beautifully elevated. Last but not least, during our visit, we celebrated several personal milestones, and our host, Keyie, thoughtfully took note of each one, creating a unique celebration for every couple. It was truly heartfelt. barmini, you are doing everything right. Talking about that evening still brings the biggest smiles to our faces. Hope to see you again soon!

    Key lime Popsicle
    Anna C.

    This was a playful and elevated cocktail experience. The mystery of entering heightened the experience and with a quick ring, we were transported to another dimension. It feels like you are stepping into a science lab with the swankiness of an upscale, modern lounge. Bar Mini stands out for its innovative, chef-driven cocktails, including a thoughtful lineup of zero-proof drinks that are just as complex and satisfying as their spirited counterparts. As someone who doesn't consume alcohol, I never felt left out or out of place. The quick bites are equally clever and craveable--think elevated bar bites with a molecular twist. It's a must-visit for anyone curious about the future of mixology, whether you into alcoholic or non-alcoholic adventures. Great place to celebrate a special occasion or to just wind down after a long week! Note: There is a deposit to reserve! The cocktail flight can be shared and is a good idea if you are wanting to explore the other menu items! The staff is incredible and attentive! They pay attention to your interests and taste buds! Don't be surprised if you see a room full of rockets, dry ice, and unique contraptions!

    Michael C.

    Creative cocktails, interesting flavors and a fun experience. Interior looks like a science lab and all staff looks like they're wearing server styled labcoats. Good spot to try if you're looking for out of the norm cocktails that'll have you on your toes.

    Soojin J.

    Some friends and I were bar hopping downtown after a comedy show at the National Theatre, and we popped into barmini without a reservation. They offered a couch for 45 minutes, which we accepted for just one drink, and later got the welcome news that the folks who'd reserved wouldn't be making it. We were a little thrown by the bright lighting, but appreciated the aesthetic and little gimmicks (including the mini check that came in nested totoro dolls). We ordered pretty simple clarified cocktails, and I'd be interested to come back and try the tasting menu, which we weren't prepared for that night but seems to change seasonally with interesting lineups

    Nicola M.

    This bar was great! We were able to walk in and get a table pretty quickly. Our server was knowledgeable and great, and the bar was well decorated. We tried several drinks. I will say that you pay for the Jose Andres name and location but a fun bar! The cocktails were small but tasty. I loved the Apollo, and I had a vodka cucumber drink was also great.

    mushroom waffle 22/pair royal trumpet mushroom, mushroom duxelle
    Karen H.

    This spot was on many Best of DC Bars lists and I'm so glad we went! We had to put down a deposit of $105.60 that was applied towards the final bill. It's a bit of a hidden spot and you wouldn't know it's there just passing it on the street. You open a door to the building and you're greeted by a host who lets you in through a second door into the actual bar itself. It's a very modern space with an eclectic style with a small bar area and some lounge areas. One of the staff told me it seats only about 30 people so make reservations! They seated the two of us at the bar and we got to chat with our bartender Hector who was absolutely lovely. It was fun to watch all the cool drinks being made. They're pricey but worth it in my opinion. I ended up getting three drinks and the Palermo Hector recommended was outstanding. I also loved the savory mini waffles we got - they were light and airy yet flavorful. I absolutely want to go back!

    Alexis Andrea N.

    Inventive cocktails, beautiful ambiance, skilled bartenders and sweet service but for me, too bold on the tasting menu options. I love a good cocktail because it can feel like a food, intricate flavors, unique "plating" and creative recipes but the tasting menu was too much for me. They all had really different flavors and didn't hit the mark for me. I loved the last one that was a play on sweet potato casserole but besides that they felt like a gamble on the average cocktail drinker that unfortunately in my case weren't as yummy as I had hoped. But I love what bar mini is doing, and there are really creative and skilled people curating the menu and building the gorgeous cocktails. I salute the concept and expertise but next time would go with an ala carte approach. Also a negative for me was that the food was pricey and not as substantial I was hoping for with the strength of the booze. Would try again!

    Reginald A.

    After sharing my thoughts of the previous subpar visit, Barmini reached out and invited us to try their a la carte menu... wow, such a better experience. Eli, our bartender, was extremely personable and helped select beautiful cocktails. Management even sent us amuse bouche from their two-star Minibar. Overall, it was an incredible evening, complemented by a wonderful setting and balanced cocktails. Thank you.

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    The service was top notch! Drinks were good but I'd prefer more options. The vibe was great, we had a great time

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    Page 1 of 14

    barmini Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - barmini

    My kids love food. I know they would love the one night in Japan experience. Does this restaurant (being a bar) allow teenage children?

    Not a good place for kids at all, would not recommend taking kids to this place.

    What is the menu currently for Japanese "snacks"?

    The menu has stayed somewhat consistent throughout the "one night in Tokyo" experience. I have been twice and only a couple snacks have changed.… Read more

    How often do the flight menu change?

    Do they serve mocktails here?

    They do. There is no menu for them but just let your team member know what flavor profiles you enjoy and they will be make it happen. They can make a lot of the menu non-alcoholic. Enjoy!

    We were a bit late for reservation, better to do it weeks in advance. What are the chances for waitlist (5 days in advance)?

    I think pretty unlikley but service is excellent so doesn't hurt to try!

    View All 12 Questions

    Free State - Hazy IPA

    Free State

    4.3(149 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Not to be confused with Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro (though many also call it Arthur…read moreWheeler Spirits haha), this place is located just off of the main street in chinatown, and it's surprisingly lowkey. It's a basement bar with a bit of a dive vibe, but it's hard to ignore the nautical, blue crab theme throughout. Turns out that one of the owners is a Marylander, which is cool to see reflected in the decor in a place in dc, even though it is next door. They have a happy hour and they have a great variety of drinks in general. It's bring-your-own-food (BYOF) and there are a bunch of delicious looking Asian spots nearby, including upstairs. It didn't start getting crowded until closer to 10, which, as I said, is surprising for this part of town to me. Everywhere in Chinatown is not going to be packed and busy, and this place is here to remind you of that. Stop by if you're looking for a more chill vibe. Staff are pretty cool.

    Free State is perfect for a chill bar in the Downtown area. It's exactly the kind of place you want…read moreto share a few drinks and be able to hear the person in front of you. I had a delicious orange crush drink and my friend had a sangria. The bartenders are extremely chill and nice; they only come up when you need it which is nice for good conversation. I'll easily be back when I want to catch up with friends without a speaker blaring in our ears. Great place to introduce to more people!

    Photos
    Free State - Spiked chocolate

    Spiked chocolate

    Free State - Bar

    Bar

    Free State - Small glasses

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    Small glasses

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    4.5(134 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$
    All you can eat
    Full bar

    Chadol Korean BBQ was such a fun pick for our monthly dinner series! My friends and I had a great…read moretime and honestly left fullllll. For $45 per person, the all-you-can-eat experience feels like a really solid deal considering how many protein options and side dishes you get. They start you off with a variety of banchan (side dishes), including a salad with this super tasty dressing that had the perfect little spicy kick. For the BBQ, we kicked things off with the spicy bulgogi and butter garlic shrimp, while the others tried the pork belly (I don't eat pork). Later we ordered the steak, spicy brisket, and grilled squid, which were all delicious. The spicy brisket especially was a standout for me. The guys also ordered two rounds of fried dumplings that looked amazing, but since they contain pork, I had to sit those out. I'd love to see Chadol add a veggie dumpling option to the menu! As for the sides, the kimchi and cold glass noodles were both hits at our table, and of course we all added white rice. The "mashed potatoes" though? Definitely more like potato salad and unfortunately very bland. On the other hand, the cheese corn costs extra but is 1000% worth adding. For drinks, the guys enjoyed the Woody Old Fashioned while I had a mezcal margarita-style cocktail that was smoky and refreshing. We also ordered one of the chicken options but never received it and eventually just gave up on it. One of the coolest parts of the experience is the ordering system. Most meats are ordered directly from a machine at your table, and the food comes out quickly on this conveyor belt-style setup which was honestly so fun. Drinks and side dishes are ordered through the servers. The atmosphere was lively and energetic without feeling overwhelming. The restaurant is actually much larger inside than I expected, with a modern setup that works well for smaller groups. That said, I didn't really notice tables for larger parties, so I'm not sure how they accommodate groups bigger than 6 people. Service started off a little rough because our server wasn't very attentive, but after I called it out, he definitely stepped it up and things improved. Overall, Chadol was a really good experience and absolutely worth the price. The 1.5-hour seating limit makes sense too, both to keep things moving and give others a chance to enjoy the experience. I'd definitely go back!

    I ate here around a year ago and reviewed them on google. The food is not good, service is slow,…read morefor some reason you can't order certain things with the tablet, and it's really easy to miss the little automated train thing that brings out your food. This place has negative reviews deleted on Google. Spend your money elsewhere, there's better Korean food in DC.

    Photos
    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ

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    Ciel Capitol Hill

    Ciel Capitol Hill

    4.2(11 reviews)
    1.1 miNoMa

    The setting is really nice and during happy hour the sun sets on the other side of where there is…read moreseating so it's perfect. However, the music is so loud that it's impossible to enjoy dinner with friends. We came on Wednesday's for the live jazz music but after a long day of work trying to wind down was impossible. We saw several people leave because of how loud it was. The type of music playing and the time of the set being during dinner hours the noise level should be played on a lower level.

    Omg!! The food was delicious. This was my first time patronizing this restaurant and I was blown…read moreaway. Interestingly enough they have two locations which I did not know. The food at this location was great. The red snapper with the rice and tomatoes was very flavorful. The red snapper could have been cooked a little harder. However, other than that it was great. My friend order the same dish except with salmon. She enjoyed the dish as well but also mentioned that the fish could be cooked harder. We sat at the bar so we didn't get service from the waiter. However, the service from the bartender as great. He was very knowledgeable on the drinks and the food. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the drinks. But I ordered a smoked margarita which had a great taste. The ambiance was wonderful. It was very aesthetically please. From the flowers on the ceiling to the rooftop overlooking the Capitol it was great. The roof top provided a chill vibe with low music. It could be a great place for a date night or just a place to go to meet up with friends. I 100% recommend.

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    Ciel Capitol Hill
    Ciel Capitol Hill
    Ciel Capitol Hill

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    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(69 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    A trendy, NYC like vibe this spot was a lot smaller than I expected so I see why they often have a…read morewait. On a nice day, they do have a small outdoor patio as well. I think they take reservations but we were able to grab a bar spot. Are drinks pricey? What do you think? It's a cocktail bar in DC. The drinks we tried were pretty tasty, even the mezcal one which I thought was a refreshing take. The wall shows some of the drinks on the menu and the ingredients/glass it comes in which I thought was a nice touch. Bartenders were friendly but not too chatty as they were super busy but you never waited long for a drink. The bourbon drink with the whipped honey was our favorite but the gin drink that was pink was also fantastic. For food I did try the buffalo chicken dip, pretty large and tasty (not too spicy) and loved the super crisp celery and the fritos. Clean, trendy bathrooms, nice vibes throughout the whole spot for pictures, great for a night cap or pre-dinner drink.

    What a fun cocktail bar. My friend and I popped in for happy hour and it was a cool vibe from the…read morestart. I encourage you to get there early if you plan to go after work. They don't take revelations and the place fills up fast. It's a very cute spot and feels so comfortable and fun. Our bartender was Gaylan and he was great--had great reccs, laughed with us a bit, all around great guy. The 'let me just say this' was so soo good! It tasted like a rainbow--just bright and with a really delicious after taste. I should have stopped at the rose but after my trying my friend's, i had to have one! We initially came for happy hour, but moved to the cocktail menu. The hh was a bit limited, but the drinks were priced overall pretty reasonably for the area. My one complaint is the wine glasses were so teeny. Overall though, I would recommend this bar. Bonus: cheese balls when you sit down! I believe there is also a limited food menu (think nachos) for the after work or late night crowd.

    Photos
    Bar Betsie - Quick view of options

    Quick view of options

    Bar Betsie - Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Bar Betsie - A well balanced Old Fashioned

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    A well balanced Old Fashioned

    Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

    Death & Co DC

    4.2(114 reviews)
    0.7 miShaw, Downtown
    $$$

    I've been eyeing this bar for several weeks now, and the other day, I finally decided it was time…read moreto give them a try. I know reservations are probably highly recommended, but we were fortunate to walk in at just the right moment and snag a seat. The seating is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is just my style, an elegant, dark, grown and sexy vibe that really sets the mood. The decor is striking, with thoughtful touches that create an inviting space to unwind. While it leans a bit on the pricier side, the exceptional service more than justifies the cost. Jordan and the team were incredibly knowledgeable about both the drinks and food menu, offering suggestions that perfectly matched our tastes. We tried two standout drinks that I can't recommend enough: the Attractive Nuisance and El Tiburon, (which is an Old Fashioned made with gin). The bartenders here clearly know what they're doing, each drink was crafted with care and precision. The good music in the background added to the overall ambiance, making it a delightful spot to spend an evening.

    We were here to get drinks and apps to kickstart our friend's birthday celebration. Unfortunately,…read morewe didn't have a reservation for that evening. Because the last time we were here, we could find a seat easily. So never thought about making a reservation. As we walked in, the place was packed. Lucky we got a table in the corner for an hour. One of us had to stand unfortunately. Drinks were great but felt overpriced. Food was delicious too. Fried potatoes and tartar is a must have. The service was great. Ambiance is amazing as well. Slightly on the darker side in the inside. They also have outdoor seating.

    Photos
    Death & Co DC - Please and Thank You

    Please and Thank You

    Death & Co DC - Mutineer

    Mutineer

    Death & Co DC

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    barmini - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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