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    McClellan's Retreat

    4.2 (234 reviews)
    ModerateBars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:30 PM

    McClellan's Retreat Photos

    MCCLELLAN'S RETREAT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - McClellan's Retreat

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    Katie W.

    Really fun and creative drink menu with lots of unique drinks for the season! I went classic with a spiked hot apple cider which was smooth and rich and not too sweet. Also grabbed the fancy ham and cheese which was Brie and prosciutto on bread and was a nice snack to go with. Really enjoyed the comfortable and intimate vibes and friendly service

    View to bar
    Phil N.

    If you look in up, this will be one of the oldest bars in town. It's got character and ambiance baked in. The vibe and prices are hipster. The house special drinks run $15 generally with one at $25. It's all high end liquor so prices not out of hand. It's not a budget friendly choice but you're in the wrong town if you're looking for that. The service is great and that adds a lot of value.

    Goldfish
    Lia M.

    I love a dimly lit, dark wooded, casual bar, and McClellan's is that place. I appreciate that you need to be seated and that there is no vying for a bartender's attention or a claustrophobic atmosphere, as is wont to be at a popular bar like this. I enjoy their whiskey and Scotch selection. Recently, their Muppet-themed holiday drink menu was really fun and savored the Frostbitten Teddy Bears and the Marley & Marley. Service has always been friendly and welcoming, which is great. There aren't many bars I like these days, but McClellan's Retreat is one that I love.

    Pepperbox up front
    Celina G.

    Underneath the Christmas lights, we sipped cocktails to some 2000s tunes. I was always hesitant to come here because of the amount of indoor seating and the sliver of a sidewalk patio outside. It just so happened to be a lucky Friday for me around 7:30pm. I got a seat for myself and a friend at the end of the bar. Though later on the bar did get crowded and louder. It's a dark, but cozy atmosphere. I think the limited seats and low ceiling contribute to that. I had the orchid drink from their spring cocktail menu and the Pepperbox, served on a "haberno rock" and is covered in seeds. The more it melts, the spicier the drink gets! The bartender was very nice and checked on us through the night even though we were near the end of the bar. Lots more options on the menu to come back and try.

    Cassy B.

    This cute and quaint cocktail bar serves unique and interesting cocktails with bar snacks if you're feeling peckish. The dim lighting and twinkling lights set the mood and as a local, you won't get bored with their drink menu because they switch them out often. Not only that, but they come in cute glasses perfect for an Insta pic. If you do get bar snacks, it can take a little bit to come out, but it's as good as an excuse to grab another drink I've only had good experiences here, and the staff is always very friendly! I recommend stopping by here if you want to grab a drink before you go out or to take away the nerves before a friendly get together - perfect little "pre-game" spot ;-)

    Hannah H.

    Anytime I can find a pour of Little Book, it's a win. McClellans has one of the best whisky selections I've ever seen + their atmosphere reminds me of being in an abandoned ship (in the best way possible). If you're in and around Dupont, it's worth a stop! The bartenders are top notch and the bar was everything you'd want in a good whisky bar. Let's just say after all the bars we've tried in DC, we keep coming back to this one

    Basil hayden with a beautiful ice cube

    My wife and I were in town for the week and stopped by McClellan's multiple times. Awesome atmosphere and even better drinks. Chris, behind the bar was attentive and a genuine great guy. Would highly recommend!

    Four Loko Barbie
    Becca K.

    I've never wanted to be a regular at a bar as desperately as I want to be a regular at McClellan's Retreat. Stopped in on a Friday afternoon to check out the Barbie cocktails - initially the bouncer said there wasn't space but since I was alone, I managed to snag a seat at the bar. Brian was incredibly friendly and a talented bartender - I loved my Four Loko Barbie cocktail. I wasn't planning on staying for a second drink but I was having a lovely time, enjoying the music and my conversation with Brian. I ordered a Manhattan and it was delicious. Yes, the cocktails are on the pricier side, but it's worth it for the craftsmanship and creativity!!! I love this bar. I almost didn't want to leave this review in fear it will become even more popular than it already is. Highly recommend!

    Thomas R.

    Awesome collection of whiskeys. Great bartenders. Super atmosphere. Easygoing and fun

    a group of people sitting at a bar

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    The drinks were great, and the service was amazing. Chatted with Bryan, he was incredibly friendly. And his hair was awesome.

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Bartenders are the best, Chris and Matt especially. Drinks are great too and happy hour is bomb! My new favorite hangout.

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great cocktails and a really great bartender (Brian, I think). Probably the best old fashioned I've ever had.

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    11 years ago

    Perfect cocktails! I wish I lived closer ... We will be back soon to try more of their tasty drinks.

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Nice place for a cool drink near Dupont. Like the Civil war theme, the cool dark interior and the quality of their old fashioneds.

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Cool spot with great cocktails and good food. This is a hidden gem!

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    7 years ago

    Perfect spot for a cold night. Small, cozy place with a great selection and great staff. Worthy of the high review scores.

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Delicious rye old fashion. Unfortunately, the music didn't fit the atmosphere ambience at all. Nearly grating in fact.

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    10 years ago

    Great cocktails! Awesome atmosphere! Love this bar... Have only been there twice but plan to return many more times!

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    Page 5 of 6

    McClellan's Retreat Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - McClellan's Retreat

    Where can we park?

    There is limited street parking and a garage at the Washington Hilton around the corner. Best to take transit if you can.

    They serve food?

    Yes snacks - a few different popcorns and I remember a cheese plate. Nothing you can make a meal out of.

    What wines should I serve at a party (or to any large gathering)?

    Rose, table red, and a milder white like sauvignon blanc

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - McClellan's Retreat

    I had the Barren Hill, which is one of the cheaper cocktails on the menu but a safe bet for any whiskey drinker.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(71 reviews)
    2.6 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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    Off The Record

    Off The Record

    4.2(453 reviews)
    1.1 miDowntown
    $$$

    This is a really fun, iconic basement speakeasy spot located right underneath a hotel, just steps…read moreaway from the White House. The food and drink here are both excellent and absolutely worth coming for. They serve up great, high-quality cocktails, and I also ordered the cheeseburger, which was really juicy and beautifully cooked. The space itself is famous for having political caricature artwork all over the restaurant, and they even give you fun caricature coasters that you can take home with you as a souvenir. Because it's a popular underground spot, it can definitely get incredibly busy and cramped in there. I've been multiple times, and almost every single time it is tough to find a spot to sit. However, I did come once during an off-peak time, right in the middle of the week around 1:00 PM for lunch--and it wasn't to busy, so we were easily able to just sit right at the bar.  I would definitely recommend checking this place out! While the tight crowds can make it a bit tough on a busy week day or weekend night, it is completely worth experiencing at least once for the great drinks, good food, and unique atmosphere.

    This bar came highly recommended by so many people, but I feel like they've hit that point where…read morethey know tourist are coming and the prices reflect that. Four drinks and one meat and cheese board topped us over with tip at 200 bucks. We had gone for multiple dinners and lunches over several days in DC and did not spend that much on an actual meal..... Pros- -the meat and cheese board was massive, had plenty and was more than enough for two people and became somewhat of a meal. -The drinks were very good heavy pours. -The vibe is great - kind of loud but in a good way -The bathrooms are IMMACULATE Cons- -The table service was a bit touch and go; seemed like there was no rhyme or reason for which servers had which tables. -I sent back my first drink because it had very noticeably had hair in it, and the server gave me a hard time about it - there was clearly hair floating in the glass I'm not paying $25 for a drink with hair -service was also super slow and we felt forgotten at times at our table *if there is an event or wedding at the hotel that definitely can add to being overcrowded and slow *take the time to walk around and check out the cartoons - and make sure you take home a coaster or two!!!!

    Photos
    Off The Record - Making of Smoking Mirrors cocktail

    Making of Smoking Mirrors cocktail

    Off The Record - Onion rings. Huge and delicious

    Onion rings. Huge and delicious

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    Old Ebbitt Grill - Scallops - 2/11/2025

    Old Ebbitt Grill

    4.2(11.7k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I got to hit up the oldest saloon in DC before heading back home! A lot larger than I expected…read more(which is amazing!) to help accommodate all of the people wanting to go there. Super popular tourist spot (and with good reason!),I def reccomend making a reservation. Luckily for my visit on a Saturday at 1pm, the wait to be seated wasn't too long, only about 10 minutes. I've never had oysters anywhere besides New York so I wanted to try them here and my mom got the fried oyster deviled eggs. Our sever Stephanie was such a delight and probably has the coolest pin collection I've ever seen. Also the restaurant just has a really beautiful atmosphere to sit down and enjoy some really great hospitality. Onto the food! Oysters were smaller than I thought they'd be but SO FLAVORFUL and just the right amount of brine, and slid beautifully from the shell 10/10 The deviled eggs were given a 10/10, presentation was beautiful and the pickled relish was a well rounded addition We then finished up by sharing the cheasapeake eggs Benedict! Which featured their famous crab cake. The HOLLANDAISE?? literally danced in my mouth. The crab meat was so tender and buttery! Only difference I would've loved if the smoked paprika that was on the deviled eggs to also be featured on the Benedict! Over all it was a very lovely and sense awakening experience 9/10

    Old Ebbitt Grill is one of Washington, DC's most storied saloons (turned into a restaurant), packed…read morewith old school charm. It has been open 150 years after starting in 1856. It's moved around a bit over the years and the exact original location is a mystery. The restaurant story is just the start. The food of course is where it's at. Old Ebbitt is famous for it's crab cakes according to the server so you know what direction I went in. They were more like a Maryland crab cake which has a ton of meat. We were at their lunch dining so salads were also ordered and tasted amazing. Finished the mean off with a Key Lime Pie and coffee. Reservations are highly recommended given its popularity. They also asked that all attendees in your party are present so remember that to be seated. Situated near the White House, and directly across the street from The Department of Treasury, it's an ideal spot for a meal before or after site seeing. What's clear about Old Ebbitt Grill is its longstanding appeal. President McKinley was such a fan he reportedly lived there during his Congressional days. Presidents Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, and Roosevelt all stopped in, basically making it a hot spot in Washington. If it's President approved you should go also!

    Photos
    Old Ebbitt Grill - Inside part of restaurant

    Inside part of restaurant

    Old Ebbitt Grill - Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

    Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

    Old Ebbitt Grill - Fried Oyster Deviled Eggs

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    Astoria DC - Fried chicken wing flats

    Astoria DC

    4.3(632 reviews)
    0.5 miDupont Circle
    $$$

    Astoria completely lived up to the hype. It's one of those coveted DC reservations that's…read morenotoriously hard to get, and after having it on my list forever, I can confidently say it's 100% worth the wait. Tucked into the heart of Dupont Circle with its unmistakable bright blue awning, the restaurant is intimate, moody, and always buzzing. Inside, you'll find dim lighting, a handful of cozy wooden bar booths, seats along the bar, and a few outdoor tables. It's not a huge space, which only adds to its charm and makes every reservation feel like a win. The atmosphere is perfect for sharing dishes and lingering over dinner with friends. The food was incredible...I genuinely loved every single bite. Just be prepared: the Sichuan spice is no joke! If you aren't expecting it, it'll definitely sneak up on you (in the best way). My must-orders? The chili wontons, Dan Dan noodles, and beef noodles. Every dish was packed with bold flavor and left me wanting to come back for more. If you've been trying to score a reservation, keep at it. Astoria is one of those places that's absolutely deserving of its reputation, and I'll be thinking about those noodles until my next visit.

    There was a line waiting to go in before opening and I think it's still be easy to get a seat if…read moreyou arrive right at opening time but it definitely got filled by the time we left! Inside had small tables and a kinda casual cocktail bar vibe Beef Noodles - the highlight and actually very good! The noodles are long and handmade and chewy. They hold onto the sauce very well! The sauce has a slight kick and is very savory. The beef is soft and also flavorful! I feel the price for the portion is kinda expensive though 8/10 Chili wontons - skin is silky and soft, sauce is savory with a small kick as well! Even though the sauces look similar to beef noodle they taste very different. The fillings had good flavor and overall were good but were a bit tougher and dryer than I would prefer. 6/10 Crab fried rice - crab is slightly overcooked but naturally sweet. It has a light curry taste throughout and was pretty good but didn't really stand out 5.5/10 Mapo tofu - slight kick and nice savory taste in the sauce! However I think they cut the tofu pieces way too large or the tofu they chose had way too much tofu flavor that overpowers the sauce. I'd prefer a very light silky tofu but this was a soft tofu. 6/10 Vpod - at first it just tasted like orange juice but then the other flavors peek through on the after taste and when I mixed it more. Even though it was good, it still felt very basic 5/10 Philadelphia Scotsman - it's pretty ginger forward. Technically the level of ginger spice is fine but strong but then the rest of the drink got completely overpowered and so this just wasn't that great 2.5/10

    Photos
    Astoria DC - Interior dining space. Narrow but really nice on the inside.

    Interior dining space. Narrow but really nice on the inside.

    Astoria DC - Fried rice

    Fried rice

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    McClellan's Retreat - bars - Updated August 2026

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