I really dig the bar vibe in this neighborhood place. The area is so nice and the bartender was great. They have a long QR cocktail menu but the food menu is very limited. They were running out of things and they were understaffed. All things that have been mentioned in other reviews. Well, surprise everyone. They are closing tomorrow Jan 18, while they work on rebranding under the name TEAL. I hope, they keep the bartender while they do a restaurant week pop up. The local dig this place and the outdoor patio is nice. read more

MacMillan Spirit House - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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This is my second visit, and while I love the interior and hostesses cheerfulness, the attitude of the bartenders turn me off. Both times I visited, the bartenders can hardly mutter a greeting. Instead, they just stare blankly, asking 'what's up?' Ummm, whaa? Perhaps, they're not very social or shy (even though, the first time I came, the Asian bartender couldn't stop chatting up, heavily, the gal who came to sit next to me [after I had been there for about 20 minutes w/ no check-in from him] - to the point that I was practically ignored for 95% of my visit). Either way, it's rude and off-putting to the point where im deducting Hella stars. A bartender's attitude and energy towards a patron can make or break an experience, and they definitely need to work on theirs if they expect people to spend their money at their establishment. Anyway, on to the drinks... Paper plane - meh. Tastes like sour mix with some juice. No complexity. Not a horrible drink, surprisingly, but I've had better. Been here for about an hour now and not one of the 3 men behind the bar have checked on me once...but have offered the couple to my right a complimentary drink. Great views but mid cocktails, thus far, and disappointing service [sad face] read more

MacMillan Spirit House - Portion of patio - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Went for brunch, the food was inedible and had no flavor. Ordered the steak (medium rare) and eggs (poached) with a side of hollandaise - the steak was rare (almost raw) and had no seasoning or flavor. The eggs were poached in water with too much vinegar and just tasted like vinegar. I didn't receive the side of hollandaise and had to ask multiple times. Once received, the hollandaise looked off, it looked like a raw egg yolk and I didn't think it would be safe to try. The iced coffee tasted watered down and bland. There are so many better places nearby for brunch. SKIP this one. read more

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3.5 star place. 1. Service: annoyed, doesn't like patronage despite empty bar and careless and dismissive 2. Drinks: not that good Their mixed drinks skills aren't even good, so I don't get the snobbery 3. You can watch sports in this bar as it has 2 decent size tv on 2 different ends I don't see myself coming here again. read more

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This is a really new bar that i have grown quite fond of even though i have only been twice. Last time i came i had a negroni, boom boom cauliflower and fries. I am not really on on cauliflower but they were delicious as well as the fries. The drink was also really tasty as i am not really a gon drinker. But the the bartender did an awesome job. Today came back for one last drink vefore i depart the area and had the painkiller. A great tasting summer drink. For a bar that just opened. The energy and the atmosphere os great. Great music and bartenders and even the customers add a little to it. Also love the darker decor they use. Great job macmillian you guys are awesome. read more

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Good drinks and tasty apps! Book Boom cauliflower was ‍. Service is good, professional and friendly. Being fairly newly opened they are pretty busy, especially during happy hour. Nice outdoor seating and there's a fancier seating option of bellying up to the bar isn't your thing. read more

MacMillan Spirit House - Aviation and Negroni - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Great little hidden bar with small, hidden game room, a lot of TVs to watch sports and a huge liquor selection with very good personalized cocktails. I would definitely go back. read more

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We had family visiting from out of town and went to MacMillan's for brunch after the Scottish Christmas parade. We had two side by side circular booths which were cozy and easy to have conversation. We had two kids with us and we appreciated the kids menu and that they had board games to help keep the kids occupied. There was a good variety on the brunch menu and the portions were very generous - I couldn't finish my skillet. My picky son cleaned his plate, which is unusual. He loved his over easy eggs, part of the Highlander skillet (regular menu, not kids menu). The highlight for my husband was a boozy hot cider drink called the Cavalier. There was a really nice small tasting room near us (not being used at the time), and the patio area with fire pits looked like something we'd want to make a trip back for, sans kids, to try more of the drinks! read more

Don't bother coming for the food. I had an event local and thought I'd stop by for a drink and food beforehand. Ordered Stagg, they were out. Ordered wings, they waited ten minutes after my order to tell me they were out of that too. Guy next to me ordered their striped bass special and they got every part of his order wrong except the fish. It was supposed to come with grits and a salad; he got mashed potatoes and no salad. What's worse is that they weren't busy, so there's no reason the kitchen should be such a mess. read more

It was a warm and friendly atmosphere! I went for a private gathering but I would defintely return!

Also came in after the Scottish parade. Unfortunately, it was clear that the restaurant was understaffed for a predictable crowded afternoon. Despite good intentions of the waitress actually running back and forth to the kitchen. it took forever to get seated, menus, drink orders and food. One of our food orders had to go back to the kitchen as the eggs were not cooked. I've been here several times and it always seems hit or miss for service and/or food. read more

Took my mom for brunch and we had a great time. Shoutout to the Chef, Malik! He's the absolute best. The food is fantastic. This is a great spot for date night or just to grab a drink. I love the patio area and will be back this summer! read more

The customer service there is horrible. Our order was delivered wrong and some people never received their food at all. We asked for mayonnaise one cheeseburger and it turned out they put horseradish on it instead. We had several servers and the Owner/Manager refused to come out the back and speak with us. He said he didn't care to come see what was the issue. I will never patronize this restaurant again. To you Mr. Owner/Manager you are prejudice and we noticed it when we came into the establishment. Yes we were the ONLY African Americans in the restaurant and you not once acknowledged us. We all are fully gainfully employed patrons. I hope this review will uncover your nefarious behavior. This was the worse experience I've ever experienced at a restaurant. Thanks but this is a patron that WILL NOT spend another penny nor waste a minute of my time here. read more

I was excited to see a new place on the block, a beautiful space and apparently they have live music some nights. I tried the steak frites, great flavor! I ordered take out and wasn't waiting long. read more

We visited this newly opened spirit house a few weeks ago!! The evening service staff were attentive and great! The restaurant had a very quiet chic spirit house ambiance which we also enjoyed. My husband was eager to come here because of there specialty spirits. He ordered an old fashioned and really enjoyed it. They have a large array of different hard to find spirits here which makes it unique. The food came out fast and was very delicious! I had a shrimp quesadilla and my husband had the salmon. Restrooms were amazingly clean and private single closed door separate stalls from floor to ceiling closures, which were nice, since it's all genders. We will definitely be coming here again!! read more

MacMillan Spirit House - Menu - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Not bad! Great outdoor patio that's dog friendly. Friendly service and good place for getting together with a group. Maybe a tad overpriced but decent food and a killer spicy margarita read more

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Amazing food, chef is top notch. Great bartenders, friendly service too. Love this place.

MacMillan Spirit House is the neighborhood bar you always wanted, whether or not you live in the neighborhood. A few streets over from King (which adds to the neighborhood feeling), MacMillan serves up good old-fashioned service and an elevated pub menu. Bar Manager Luna is a real pro who knows just what you need to feel happy and at home, including seasonal cocktails (the one I had was the essence of Fall). At MacMillan's you can relax, take your time, and enjoy. Don't rush through the melt-in-your-mouth lamb tenderloin. Get nostalgic with the velvety, rich Guinness Beef Stew your grandma might have made. Warm up with creamy shrimp and grits. Celebrate with perfectly-cooked steak and a fresh, bright chimichurri. Your favorites (and more!) are here at the bar, on the patio, in a cozy booth. The flavors are bold, the dishes crave-able. The young professionals at MacMillan Spirit House, including new Head Chef Cole van de Vijver, have a true passion for what they do: provide great food, warm hospitality, and the community we all need and are meant to have. Get your favorite (or a try a new) libation, order from the ever evolving menu, settle in, connect and stay a while. read more

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3rd visit here. Growing pains? Yes. But I've had a good experience all 3 times in different days of the week and different times. They do have a large selection of liquor, wine and a decent selection of good beer. The bar atmosphere is what I appreciate AND the outdoor seating area. Excellent steak salad - see photo. It was outstanding and so were the sweet potato fries I had in the last review. I'm coming back. read more

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I love this place and the atmosphere. The food is good. The service is hit or miss. The bartenders are all good. The wait staff is not great. The prices keep increasing but the experience is decreasing. We were here today to watch football. No specials, one TV. I think this place could be great with some changes. read more

Great brunch! David was an engaged and kind server. The place was a bit quiet but will probably pick up in the Spring with all the great outdoor seating. read more

MacMillan Spirit House - MacMillan Breakfast and Bloody Scotsman - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This is the second time I've been here and been grossly dissatisfied with the customer service. Most recently I visited with a friend and was greeted by the bar tender with an attitude, forgetful and poor customer service from drinks, food, and condiments. Food is good however customer service is POOR. Management needs to address this otherwise they will lose customers. Old town Alexandria is built off reputation and my friend and I do not recommend MacMillan --- save your money and go to 1799 in old town Alexandria. You'll have a better experience! read more

For a place that claims to be a "spirit house", their bar presentation looked like a bomb went off. There was no organization, with bottles scattered everywhere. The bar shelving is just hastily painted plywood, it looked awful and cheap. Service was slow. We originally sat at the end of the bar near the kitchen, and we had to move outside because the noise from the kitchen was unbelievably loud. The outside patio didn't have any music on or anything, very lackluster. Food was average, nothing that blew us away. The cocktails were not that great. This location needs work. read more

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I am coming here to RAVE about this venue. I've been here twice in the past week. The first time, I came for their lunch menu for restaurant week. I ordered the steak salad and it was the best steak I've had in Alexandria. It came quickly and cooked to perfection. We sat on their patio which was perfect for the faux fall we have had. Second time I came for happy hour which they offer EVERY day. I came with my two children(11mo and 3yo), and met up with a family who also brought a non mobile baby. The owner accommodated us in the most respectful way, and offered us our own private room with toys. He engaged with my toddler and brought crayons. They completely understood that we would not be long and just wanted to get out. We made a huge mess and I insisted on sweeping despite them telling me that it was completely ok. I have to say, living in a very kid friendly neighborhood doesn't come close to how welcome I felt in this upscale restaurant. I'm so impressed with the service, accommodation, food quality, and ambiance. We'll be back and for sure become regulars. read more

MacMillan Spirit House - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Below is what I was served. Speaks for itself. This place with its name that would imply they know how to serve a proper beer may need to look into hiring or training standards. read more

MacMillan Spirit House - The Guinness I ordered. - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Mediocre food (fish and chip was 2 smallish pieces of some mystery fish and a plate full of recently cooked fries, creamed spinach was cream with a few pieces of spinach sprinkled in). Service was similarly mediocre. Nice thing, they allow dogs. read more

Great addition to North Old Town! Food and drinks are awesome! The spinach artichoke dip is almost a meal. Super friendly bartenders. Luna has left my friends and me in stitches from laughing so hard. read more

I hosted my birthday brunch in November and the staff was very accommodating. The food was tasty and I loved the spirit flights. I'll definitely will return to host more events. read more

Recently visited this restaurant with a party of 10, over 80% of our orders were incorrect, one person did not receive her meal until most of the rest of us were finished. Not enough staff. Manager would not come out to address our concerns based on a past experience dealing with a different group of Afroamerican women. read more

Poor service. Food was fine, but do not attempt to get a drink. Restaurant was not busy, less than 1/3 capacity, but bar could not keep up. 15 minutes per drink? No thank you. read more

Absolutely terrible. One server for the entire patio and the other three just standing around watching! Where the hell is the management!

Not busy. Plenty of staff. Took drink order quickly and gave me a menu. But then bar staff walked right past me for several minutes, not even a look my way until I finally spoke up. No apology for the wait. Previous time here the waitress refilled my "iced tea," which was actually an old fashioned. We live 1 block away and should be natural customers but if they're this careless and inconsiderate..no. read more

This was the second time we had gone here, the first time was nice servers were attentive and courteous. This time 11/16/2025 at 3:30 pm was the worst resturant experience we have ever had. The owner made me feel like he RACIALLY profile us (2 Men and 8 Women) all of African decent with his verbiage,actions, and deeds. We placed bar beverages and 10 simple orders, 7 orders were incorrect , 2 were mixed up and servered incorrectly and the Birthday Woman who placed her order first did not recieve her order until almost 5:15 pm. The food was at best undesireable after the General manager Auctioned off the food with out condiments (syrup,ketchup, LTM). Still without attitude or frustrations it wasn't until we asked for the condiments believe it or not the syrup never made it to the table and the Mayo turned out to be Horseradish yes Horseraddish. Now i am very upset but calm as the owner mention that i seemed like a nice guy! I explained to all that had gone wrong and i thounght he should at the least come our and address the situation. He Quote unQuote said ( I am the owner and i am not going out there cause as you may be nice i am not and if i go out there its not going to be nice. Everytime your group comes out yall cause problems, (Mind you we only been there onces and like i said it was nice) he said we made a server cry when we left we tipped well and had the servers laughing. He (the owner) said he authorized a percentage off the bill and said his genral manager would new and needed the experience cause he wasnt coming out. We were of African decent in MacMillan Spirit House not looking for discounts, The oldest Faternities around, and was RACIALLY Profiled ( yall, Everytime,) and felt some kind way threaten (If i come out there it is not going to be nice). If anyone wants to get incontact with me jtony4us@gmail.com (I am a professional African Male, Marine, Mason, and a father of 7, ) Feel the owner should at the least Apologize. read more

I've been searching for my 'Cheers Bar' in Old Town for years. This place feels like home. Great WiFi and plenty of power outlets for those days I need to work remotely, a seamless indoor/outdoor design with the indoor bar opening onto the open air patio, and a standout bar staff that truly makes the experience. Luna is a gem--her ability to make guests feel welcomed is unparalleled. She consistently checks in to ensure your glass is never empty and is perfectly attuned to your needs, engaging in conversation or giving you space, depending on your mood. Her social intelligence not only impresses but also enhances the atmosphere. Lucas matches her stride for stride, bringing his own unique flair to providing top-notch service. Robert is one of the most excellent servers I have encountered. Together, they create a welcoming vibe that makes this place feel like home. This is more than just a bar; it's where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for some truly delicious, humanely sourced and/or vegan options on the menu soon! read more

Apparently there's a rule that if you're eating alone, you cannot sit outside - though there were plenty of tables for two that were never filled. The cook served up a plate that I did not order - not her fault - but when I politely told the server that I ordered a chicken sandwich not a grilled cheese, he tried to convince me take it. Always wary of bad joo joo when you refuse and return a plate, I said I'd take it in a box pay for it -- but I still had a hankering for the chicken sandwich. When the cook was informed of the error, she threw a very audible tantrum in the kitchen. I should have jettisoned at that point. The sandwich arrived 20 min later and was mediocre at best. Staff could use some training on basic service protocol. Live in the neighborhood. Second and last time for a visit. Will stick with TJ Jones - no question about it. Meals and service there are outstanding read more