A special covid review for one of DC's best cocktail bars. Their outdoor setup is flat out amazing, maybe the single best we have seen around town. They have heaters on the ground and hanging from the exterior so you get blasts of heat from both sides. I was really amazed by how cozy I felt despite being outside in sub 40 weather. Plus popcorn and cocktails? That's date night magic right there. So many great drinks on the menu, including an entire hot drinks menu. Personally, I'm still a big fan of the belmont. Cheers! read more

Pretentious bar with a like-minded clientele...Come down off the high horse, be aware that the bar staff job is to chat and charm...and serve good drinks read more

I wanted to like this bar so much. Unfortunately the staff was beyond rude. I felt like I was bothering the bartender. The drinks were light and over priced. I stood up twice. Once to go to the bathroom and once to let my friend get out and was immediately yelled at to sit down and that there was no standing of any kind. They have an annoying set of "bar rules" that reenforce their we don't want you attitude. Also at the end of their rules list they mention "we don't have Tito's". We get it guys. You're too cool for school. My review could have just been summed up in 2 words. Shit Sandwich. read more

Chris and Nina made our night!! #starwars The drinks are fancy and the food is scrumptious! read more

McClellan's Retreat - Lemon Drop! - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cozy local spot with cocktails that are creative though costly! Service was better than average for comparable bars.

$14 for a corona! Tourist trap. 15 years I've lived here and we came with a bunch of friends first they told us 6 people max (it's written on the wall) then the cheese cake factory menu of inflation affected cocktail and beer pricing. Like I said ... tourist trap. read more

One of the rules is don't be a d*ck which I guess only applies to customers and not staff? We came in with a group of 8 and immediately from the bar tender "HOW MANY IN YOUR GROUP" we immediately acknowledged we had two more than 6 and would split up our group to accommodate but the bartender just kept yelling HOW MANY IN YOUR GROUP. Two of us made it simple for your d*ick head bartender and left. I don't feel the need to spend my money at a place whose staff acts like pretentious aholes because they work at some hole in the wall Christmas bar with rules they don't even bother to follow. read more

Their menu is outstanding and they offer enough to make any non-local visitor impressed. Took my brother here who is from California and he really enjoyed the selection and vibe. read more

Don't be a dick is the first rule and that's how they started my visit. Heard great things form all around town and then my experience wasn't up to par. read more

Best cocktail bar in town. The cocktail menu is updated every month or two and never fails to impress with quality and creativity. Limited but very good food options. And the staff is awesome! read more

Great establishment for cocktails in a chill/non-pretentious environment. It usually isn't crowded, they have long hours on weekdays and the cocktail menu rotates (never get bored of drinks). The bartenders are also super friendly and willing to guide you through the menu. One thing to note is that they do not have a late night food menu - but you can get a bag of voodoo chips :) read more

This is my favorite bar in DC. No TVs, just a great environment with very friendly staff that will introduce you to cocktails you didn't know you loved. The special menus they create are really fun for exploring cocktails. Music is good, and not too loud. Finally a bar where you can hear the person across from you! I'd give it 10 stars sold I could. read more

Pretty sweet place to get a cocktail. Cool vibes, feels like it's from another era.

This is a cozy bar with a great selection of liquors in a good location. The novelty is that the atmosphere is really gruff, probably intentionally. The bouncer and the bartender are a little impatient and very tough-looking, like you better order fast, drink your drink, and keep drinking or get on. I think they're trying to give you the feeling of a dive-bar in the unquestionably shishi Dupont neighborhood. It works, but know what to expect. Also be warned that the drinks are high-end in quality and in price. When I was there on Friday night the cheapest beer was $12. read more

Favorite cocktail bar in DC. It's small, but the drinks are interesting and the bartenders are engaging and really know what they're talking about. I've been here for many cocktail iterations. From when they had tiki drinks in tiki glasses that looked like Trump (and had Russian on it), Bannon (who looked like a zombie) and Obama, to the Uncle Fester take on a white Russian with a lightbulb full of the white concoction somehow upright in the glass, the serving vessels are often pretty cool. More importantly, they create very tasty concoctions with high quality spirits as the centerpiece to the flavor profiles (as opposed to sugar). From whiskey to mezcal to aperitifs, they will have something for you if you're drinking. On the space, it can get crowded. When weather is nice, the outside space with high tables is a great area to hang outside. Inside is cozy and warm. read more

Take me back PLEASE! What a classy spot. The Bartenders are about as knowledgeable as they come. I have to call them Mixologists. To bad there are no Whiskey Bars like this Back home. I could come here every day and relax. read more

McClellan's Retreat - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very typical DC bar. Dimly lit, good decor, good bartenders. No complaints but also nothing to rave about!

The bartenders and servers are extremely rude for no reason. I've been multiple times. There is one cool bartender and some rotating drinks. But $110 for eight beers before tip? Pass pass pass. read more

McClellan's is a tiny bar on the corner of Florida and Connecticut. I had passed this place a multitude of times, never properly noticing it. Tonight was my first experience. Prices are fair to DC, but not cheap (simply fair). My custom-made cocktail was average. My date's holiday-menu cocktail was good (so, maybe stick to the menu offerings). The beer selection was solid, yet all bottled (no drafts). Servers were all attentive and friendly. read more

I'm updating my review for McClellan's Retreat Bc the manager, Brian, did reach out to me to explain my experience further. Thank you for showing your concern and making sure I'd have a better future experience. This is a great practice of amazing customer service in which I believe should be the #1 priority even before the product that's being sold. And he did not even mention if I could update my review, which is an extra plus. read more

Do you like whiskey? Do you like intimate bars that are not very loud? McClellan's Retreat checks both of those boxes very well. It's a lovely spot, great for a date because of the low lighting and the nice atmosphere. Drawbacks include that it isn't cheap and while the bartenders are knowledgeable, on multiple visits I can say that they are often pretentious and the prices that you're paying don't warrant dickish service. That being said, I do really like this bar and while bad service sometimes happens, the bar is a gem and still worth your while. read more

This is so not your typical DuPont Bar. McClellan's offers sophistication, intimacy, and a sense of community that many bars wish they could accrue. The drinks are amazing and they're always changing. The bartenders are knowledgeable and creative. They can fix you something off the beaten path if you're willing to explore your palette a little. If that's not your thing, then go for what's on the menu. What may be on the menu one week might not be there the next. The bar is dark and intimate, but they have ongoing themes varying from month to month. One month they had a tiki theme and who knows what they will come up with next. Best suggestion - grab a friend or a date (...or both) and come for a drink or 3. Prices are on par with the area varying on what you get. It's not yuppy. Consider the bartender your best friend and the other patrons are your neighbors. It's more that kind of feel than a 'see and been seen' type of place. read more

See all

My favorite spot for drinks in Dupont. The bartenders are friendly and experts at their trade. If you don't like the bourbon based cocktails on the menu, let them know and they'll surprise you with a tasty creation. read more

Cool space. A little pricey beers are in the 13 to 15 dollar range. Some of the staff aren't super friendly. But the physical space is nice Should be better than it is, could be a cool local/neighborhood bar, but it doesn't quite get there. read more

I live in DC and ran into this place. It is inviting. it turned out much more expensive than menu seemed to indicate. Yet it is very complicated and maybe unintentionally deceptive. When I expressed my surprise and confusion at end was rudely told I had had AirPods on so was told wasn't paying attention. Pretty sure it was manager. I was insulted. Disappointing and unusually affected and rude for DC. read more

Love this place. DC has too many corporate upscale bars with no personality; McClellan's is the perfect antidote. Funny names for expertly crafted seasonally rotating cocktails and mixed drinks with ever-changing window art to match. Staff is great too. I will say it always smells like a hotel pool but that's not uncommon for first- or basement-level establishments in this part of town. Have a drink and get over it! read more

Fantastic neighborhood cocktail bar with friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere. They change their drinks often, always with fun themes, and the service is always great. They also open at 4pm for those of us that love a head start on happy hour! I've been going for some time now, and they have some of the friendliest bar staff in the city! read more

McCellan's Retreat is a superb bar that easily makes all other bars in D.C. look like amateurs. McCellan's is a bar a bit north of DuPont Circle that has a sort of Civil War/Americana theme. The menu is broken down into a selection of specialty cocktails (which seem to change fairly often) and house cocktails (which appear to change somewhat less frequently). The alcohol selection here is phenomenal and voluminous, so I'm sure the (ridiculously talented) bartender could make pretty much anything you wanted, should you want to order off-menu. I tried the Hot Buttered Rum, the Barren Hill, and a drink not listed on their website made with rosemary and gin. All were absolutely stellar in every possible way. While it's hard to describe each taste without being vague and using weasel words, suffice to say, there wasn't a single drink that I tried that I wouldn't order again and again for years - it's all that good. We need more bars like McCellan's in D.C. The location is intimate and well-designed, the drinks are good, the bartenders are extremely friendly and talented, and the other customers were extremely polite and friendly. I'll definitely be going back. read more

Must be renamed "Idiot's retreat, for Idiots, managed by an idiot". About three weeks ago after I had driven 7 hours to do business in the area, I needed a drink and something to eat. The guy (an idiot) at the door was extremely rude when I tried to go in. Finally I got it that if you do not have a mask you can't go in, well, I turned around, walked a couple of steps and realized they have tables outside (the idiot didn't bother to tell me I could sit outside without a mask...). Since I was tired and hungry as hell I went back and sat at a table outside. The Idiot came and asked what I want and I asked for a menu then he pointed to a dirty sticker(barcode) in the center of the table and started all over to argue how I need to use my phone to go to the website to order and so on and all the time he kept his mask on which made it impossible to understand what he said (we are outside, it is noisy-traffic etc.)...!!! Of course I left. Never seen someone turning down cash so easily. An Idiot's business. Pretty simple Be aware, Don't go there. Worst experience ever. read more

yeah it's a nice bar good drinks but the staff is not friendly very rude in fact. I am new to the area and asked simple questions and received attitude from staff. read more

"Draw Your Furrow Straighter" is not to be missed. Winning Bartender: Chris! The drinks are delicious and creative. This place is brighter and happier than its predecessor. I love the sparkling rose on the menu too. The food is tasty and simple. Come here for a pre dinner cocktail in an intimate setting. It's perfect volume and never fails to impress. Appears to be pretty hipster-free as well. read more

McClellan's Retreat - The best rose - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Food is as limited as Veritas's once was, but the cocktails are damned delicious. No sign of the HS alternatives described in other reviews, so I was stuck with an average grilled cheese (done in a panini press) with a bag of chips since I wasn't in the mood for charcuterie. Barren Hill is a complex drink that I'd happily partake of every visit, just enough smoke from the Laphroaig. We were afraid Custer's Last Dance would be too sweet, but despite the Christmas-y look it was wonderfully balanced. I'd come back to see if they'll make some of the drinks they've rotated out: 39th Infantry, Musket & Saber, Bull Run. read more

See all

Lovely little bar near Dupont circle. The interior decor is luxurious and the vibe is great. The place was pretty lit at 7:30pm on a Saturday night. Bartender was knowledgeable and friendly and the crowd was pretty classy and not overly loud and obnoxious. I love the cocktail selections. I got the Roadtrip and it was amazingly good. You could taste the sour berries at the bottom and the strong fizz of the lime and soda. My boyfriend got the Emma and it was really tasty, too. The lavender and honey added interesting and rich flavors to the drink. Overall, great bar to chill in and end the night! read more

See all

Nice setting! It's really cozy and the decor takes you back in time. The cocktails were very good. I had the 'Barren Hill', a cocktail made with Laphroiag it had a good balance. We also tried the Gin & Pine it was such a refreshing drink. Also the awesome bartenders can tailor the cocktail to your preference. My new favorite cocktail bar. read more

See all

Great spot!! Cocktails are quality and creative, Staff was knowledgeable and we loved the look and feel of the small place!

Appalled by the service. Skip this place if you don't want $15 cocktails and to be run out of the bar. We stopped here for after dinner drinks and we're put outside due to capacity indoors. Another friend showed up and we were informed by the server everyone on the patio needed a seat for compliance. We accepted and asked for another seat. The next interaction was the manager coming outside to kick him out. Crazy escalation and really ruined the night. Finally the doorman came over a minute later and told us to sit down because we can't stand on the patio. We had been waiting on the waiter to return to take the rest of our order but we decided to take the message and leave. Won't be going back. Crazy that the least hostile experience was the server spilling a beer on us. read more

Delicious drinks and super impressed by how they've adjusted and created a fun to-go cocktail experience! Ordered their truffle salt popcorn along with The Rickey (classic), Antler Freeze (peach Old Fashioned), and a pint of the Overwater Bungalow (very boozy in the best way) through the DC GO GO delivery service. They were very professional, called us when they were almost at our home, and were perfectly on time! Plus they had fun little to-go bottles with instructions how to serve the mixed cocktail. Look forward to trying more of their to-go cocktails until we are able to safely visit their bar in-person again! read more

A tropical destination worth writing about. The Summer 2018 Drink Passport brought me to this tropical hideaway on a rainy night, and I struck gold! Fruity Daiquiris, potent old-fashions, and great prices for the quality of drink you get. In short, everything I like in a basement bar, and then you the unique atmosphere. It's essentially a tiki hut meets cozy neighborhood basement meets New Orleans. This is going to be my cure to seasonal depression this winter. read more

This quaint drinking hole has a uniqueness to it. You have to like real drinks in this place, not a lot of beer selections, but the ones they have are good. The atmosphere was very enjoyable. read more

McClellan's Retreat - After reading about this place in the edible DC issue, I had to try the "Draw Your Furrow Straighter" drink. Whiskey, no words. - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We met up with a friend of ours for a drink. This is a fun hipster/divey place with Christmas lights still up. The bartenders definitely put their heart and soul into their cocktails in the production and creativity. It is in an easy area to get to. It's a bit small so get here early. Drinks are on the pricey side, but they're worth it. read more

McClellan's Retreat - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia