Loved the vibes and the "secretiveness" of the local. It's a small place and to stand at the bar can get tight so book a reservation for a booth. The cocktails were very good and the liquor selection was incredible. read more

This bar has a special place in my heart. The staff are incredible, the drinks are unique and well worth it, and the vibes are immaculate. The dark decor, dim lighting and plush leather seats are inviting and comfortable . I feel like an undercover agent walking into Denson and I always enjoy my night here. 10/10 recommend! read more

A fun little speakeasy right in downtown DC with great drinks. Dark atmosphere, comfy seating, and great cocktails - what more could you ask for? Also have a great little food menu, making it the perfect stop off for a drink at the end of the night. read more

Always a great vibe and atmosphere but this visit was made exceptional by the Bartender Marquese . His drink and his special recommendations were top notch.. he asked a few questions to learn your drink profile and boom a drink that you didn't know you needed but is ecstatic it's now in your life ! awesome awesome time read more

~ gluten free review ~ Came to Denson Liquor Bar with a group of girls to celebrate completing our first semester of grad school, and had the best experience. The bar is a little difficult to find, but it added to the ambiance. I would recommend making a reservation as it was pretty busy even though it was a Tuesday. I got the Island Thyme! and we all split the meat and cheese platter. I asked for gluten free crackers just in case and they were actually able to accommodate me. The cheeses were incredible and the meat platter was generous. I really enjoyed my experience and will definitely be coming back for girls nights or date night! read more

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One of the most best kept secrets in DC is Denson's! This hidden gem has easily become one of my favorite go-to spots for drinks and vibes! The bartenders seem to make the drinks with love because any cocktail I try, I love, and I'm not even a cocktail drinker. The bartenders are also all very personable, down to earth, accommodating, and take the time to get to know you while you're there! The music selection is always amazing also! On my most recent visit, I ordered food for the first time. I wasn't extremely hungry so I just got a few things to snack on. I started with the deviled eggs but I wasn't a fan of those because there wasn't any relish used to make it so I sent those back. Then, I got the Beet Salad and it was very tasty and fulfilling. My friend ordered the Spiced Pork Belly with Roasted Potatoes and raved about the blackberry chutney that topped the pork belly! I tried a few of his roasted potatoes and I was pleased by those as well and got a taste of blackberry chutney and can confirm that it in fact, very food! Denson continues to outdo itself each time I visit! As much as I would love to be selfish and try to keep Denson a secret, I highly recommend you visit in the very near future! read more

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I have been meaning to try this place for quite some time. I ended up getting only one cocktail because we had to make a reservation for our group and it wasn't till later in the night. My drink was very tasty. See picture attached. It's definitely not cheap but it's a very nice speakeasy sort of establishment. The service was quite good. Everyone was very friendly. I love the ambience of this place as well. Parking is on the street and it is not free unless you come to certain times of day. If you're looking for a good place to hang out and get drinks this would be it. read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Mule - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The bar can get a bit dark, so it's really hard to see the menu if you're standing by the bar. By the tables is okay though. The drinks are good and I've gotten the charcuterie board. My friends really loved the opera cake. read more

Casual speakeasy with good happy hour deals even on weekends! I love how happy hour generously ends at 7pm. Easy to find without any frills - just look for the brightly lit Denson light bulbs below Fuel Pizza and walk down a flight of stairs. The space is cozy, great spot to impress a date or meet-up for drinks after work. Although the $9 happy hour cocktails are a bargain compared to the regular steep $15 cocktails, it's worth paying extra! The cocktail menu changes seasonally so there's always something new to try. Among the cocktails, the fruity Island Thyme martini with rum, thyme, honey, lime, and Cardamaro is delicious! I enjoyed the Wayside cocktail as well. Not a big fan of the rye-based Rosemary's Rye or the Risky Business cocktails. The Pino Noir is medium-bodied with a heavy dose of tannins. The Truffle Deviled Eggs are divine (sadly not on happy hour!).They were sooo good that one time my hubby and I delightfully devoured them and ordered another round! The Mushroom Grilled Cheese is bland and underwhelming, the hard ciabatta bread was stale and not fluffy as I hoped for. While the sandwich was stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, there wasn't much flavor. It was missing an ingredient, maybe some pesto or garlic aioli spread would elevate the flavor? The mixed nuts are so so and tad to sweet. Just go with the deviled eggs! Come here early on the weekends as it fills up quick! Got here right at opening at 4:30 on a Saturday and snagged a comfy circular leather booth for my hubby and I. Recommend getting here by 5:30 for a booth or bar seats on the weekdays. Love coming here - always excited to try new cocktails and grab some deviled eggs! read more

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Great speak easy with awesome drinks! Staff is very friendly and bartenders are knowledgable of all drinks. Place is really dark, but easy to navigate around. Food wise the oysters, deviled eggs, and cheese board are a must. The Rosemary rye, fleming lips, and the Manhatten are must order drinks. Its best to make reservations prior to stopping by. Happy hour is from 3-7. They have seats for small to medium sized parties. This is located right next to the Fuel Pizza spot across from Green Turtle. Overall my friends and I loved this place and will definitely be back to try their other cocktails! read more

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Wonderful cocktails, cool speakeasy atmosphere, nice bartenders. Will definitely return when in the area. Everything was interesting and delicious, snacks were pretty good although we only tried a couple of them. read more

Bartender was super friendly, the drinks were delicious, and the vibes were on point. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a late night speakeasy vibe. read more

Went there for a late night snack and drink in DC. The concept was really neat and smacked of the speakeasy era. Staff was super nice, friendly and accommodating. We had sone shrimp ceviche which was delicious. The lemon had cooked the shrimp but they were still firm. Light on the onion and heavier on the other ingredients it was perfect for me. The charcuterie plate had some nice meats and the salami was excellent. The pickled onions were perfect. The grilled cheese with mushrooms was also enjoyed - I did not try it but it was a hit I recommend this place. read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The small bites that they serve are perfect for drinks n small eats. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. The bar itself transports you to a gatsby era bar but it is a little noisy. It's still one of my favorite place to go in dc read more

Hands down one of the best semi-hidden bars in Chinatown and I'd dare to say D.C. as a whole! The ambiance can best be described as dark and elegant which truly pairs well with their unique cocktail selections. It can be crowded pretty much all hours of the night on weekends, but don't let that deter you! If you're riding solo you can usually find a spot at the bar, but if you're going in a group I'd recommend reserving a table well in advance of when you are planning to attend - reservations also tend to fill up quickly. As for cocktails and food, there's just about something for everyone! The menu is small but packed full of an eclectic mix of liquors, charcuterie boards, and even caviar! Now on to the negatives. Prices aren't too crazy - pretty much on par with any other bar downtown - but just be prepared to drop a bit of cash. I mentioned it earlier, but it does get crowded so just be prepared to wait if you're going during peak hours! TLDR; Despite its popularity, moderately priced libations, and limited food options, it's well worth a visit. read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is such a cute hidden gem! You will need to find this place as it's underground but once you're inside, the ambiance is fantastic. I would second the other review's recommendation of making a reservation as this place stays busy and packed most of the time. The menu is great, very eclectic and the drinks are pretty well crafted. We ordered the trio for dessert, they were pretty good but small in size. Would definitely recommend! read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Obviously, we all think to come here for the drinks and cool speakeasy vibe...but I was blown away with how delicious the food was. My review below is based on the food...because I know you have already decided to come here for the drinks! We got the Sweet Potato Hummus ($12) to start, which was so good. Normally I would be mad that I spent $12 on a plate of some hummus and pita, but it was worth it. There were crumbles of feta on top which really make the dish. The Ragu Al Forno ($18) is a pretty small dish and was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. A small plate for the price. The best thing we ordered was the Green Curry Pot Pie ($18)...WOW. I could order 10 of these. Chicken and vegetables are within pastry dough and this is a must order! It is best to have a reservation because there aren't that many tables. Sooo, the bill was a bit steep but so worth it! read more

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My wife and I stopped here for late night drinks and snacks on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Our server Wesley was fabulous. It was our first visit but not our last. Thank you for a lovely experience. read more

Very neat basement cocktail bar with a speakeasy feel to it. Cocktails are delicious, ranging around $15. Small food menu available. Very dark, intimate atmosphere. Great spot for a date. read more

Lovely cocktails, with prompt and friendly bartenders, with a speakeasy feel. Our friends brought us here after dinner on a Thursday evening and we had no problems finding spots at the bar. I could see coming here for a date night or just a group of friends, as well as just casual or dressed up. What a find! read more

Perfect dark little speakeasy down the stairs where you can share a small plate with someone and have some excellent drinks in a unique vibe which feels like taking a step back a few decades for sure. Loved it at the bar watching the bartenders do their magic. read more

Great speakeasy. Well made cocktails and good vibe. Service was adequate but not outstanding. Plus, they ran out of some menu items.

Staff unfriendly and apathetic. Have been 2x and second time was terrible before the holidays. Beware of unadvertised and predatory 'clean-up'fee of $200 should someone have an accident. This is more than what I've heard charged at bars in NYC and San Francisco. read more

Spectacular experience. Servers and bartenders are very knowledgeable and helpful in picking out cocktails that fit your taste.

Just awesome. Great cocktails in a slightly secret basement location. Great space and great service. Highly recommend!

Very intimate liquor bar located downstairs. I loved the speakeasy atmosphere and vibe. We didn't have a reservation but were able to sit at the bar as we arrived at around 530 on a Friday night. Next time I want to order some food as we just had drinks. My friend ordered the Clouds of Sierra Sur and I got Rosemary's Rye. Both delicious but on the strong side! Bar tender was polite and attentive. Great spot for a pre dinner drink! read more

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Denson liquor bar was fantastic. I had really great drinks and enjoyed talking with the bartender who made me a delicious And perfectly well balanced cocktail off the menu. My favorite here is the banana flavored cocktail. The vibe inside is like a speakeasy, with low lights. It's a perfect date spot. I haven't tried the food with us next on my list. I will definitely be back soon! read more

Such a cute and fun stop after a show! Drinks were great, ambience was even greater. Dimly lit bar with cute booths and a comfortable bar for seating as well. Felt like I was in at 1920s speakeasy! read more

The ambiance was the only nice thing about this place. If I can taste the alcohol in my cocktail, it was not made well - and it was pungent in the worst way. Would've sent it back if it didn't take our waiter over 30 minutes to get back to us. I believe the bartender that night was probably extremely busy but when you're making a drink with an egg In it, you want it to at least taste good. It was one of the worst drinks I've had and unfortunately had to pay over 15 for it. To top it off, our waiter was extremely rude to my friend when she decided not to order anymore drinks. I told him that we will just get the check and proceeded with "yeah I figured as much". It wasn't inviting, he wasn't all that attentive. I hate to give such a bad review but it was not an enjoyable experience. read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Always a nice time. Chic, stylish, cocktail spot with very intimate vibes. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone.

Loved the vibe - so hard to find a place like this in the City - perfect for a date or after work drinks

Denson is a solid spot for almost any occasion. The atmosphere is great. It's in a basement so it can be a little hard to spot from the outside. They have a small menu that features different small plates that they rotate out. The drink menu is great, so I will definitely be returning again soon read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Gin & tonic - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great cocktail bar. Drinks were well made. Ambiance is great! And really the best part is the service. Staff is very courteous and attentive. read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Branca Ave - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was my first time at Denson. My friend and I stopped in for happy hour on a Saturday which is rare. We indulged in oysters, deviled eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches and great drinks. The playlist was great and the vibe was nice. We were the only ones there for the first hour or so but then the place livened up. The staff was amazing and friendly. Our bartender Denisha was fabulous!!!! She kept the drinks coming and was very creative in fulfilling our random drink requests round by round. The bar is located underground below Fuel pizza and is truly a gem in the city located just down the street from Capitol One Arena. If you're in the area definitely check them out! read more

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First time visiting Denson and I highly recommend. Nice ambiance and excellent drinks.

Five stars for the location and ambiance of an almost-speakeasy bar down a pseudo-secret staircase and through an entirely nondescript door. It then leads into a warm, well-appointed space with nice tables and a comfortable bar. 3.5 stars for the actual drinks. DC has an amazing cocktail scene and this was good, but not amazing. My wife and I had 3-4 cocktails between us and none of them really stood out the way we'd like to claim when hitting up a great cocktail bar downtown. The conversation with the bartender and nearby people at the bar was nice and the drinks weren't bad, but also didn't kick it up to that next amazing notch. read more

Bottom Line: Denison is worth your time - it is a retro, relaxing speakeasy that offers an oasis from the city streets. Great for dates or small groups or friends (2-4). First, even before the drinks, I want to give props to Denison for excellent acoustics. You will be able to hear your conversation without shouting. They also play music at the perfect volume - enough to get the vibe without ruining your conversation. Second, go to happy hour! It is until 7pm, and the drinks are much more affordable that way. Otherwise they can be a bit pricey. I have been here twice and while the cocktails are good I don't find them to be outstanding, so getting the happy hour deal on them feels to me about the right price. My advice is to head in before happy hour ends and get a round at that price. read more

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Chill speakeasy. Hard to find. Look under the Fuels sign for a black stairwell. Good date spot. place to hang before a game. Or darkened area for a post relaxing work day read more

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I'm reluctant to tell you to go here, as it isn't the biggest place and I'd prefer to be able to get a seat the next time I visit. It's a unique little speakeasy-style bar with excellent cocktails and good apps. Never had an entree here and unsure if they even have them? Entrance is a bit hard to find - just go down the stairwell seen in the attached pic. read more

Denson Liquor Bar - Entrance to the speakeasy... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Walked down the hidden stairs toward a black giant door with lamp on each side. Standing by the door, I thought I would have to Figure out a security code to get inside. Nope, you just have to be brave enough to open the top heavy door. Lol This is totally a speakeasy vibe! Ambience is very trendy and intimate. I love it. If you are into hot beverage, try to hot glouder. read more

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