Annie is the best she is fast and a perfectionist!! Pen Nails is also wonderful - hundreds of colors and free drink selection.

Based on the reviews I was excited to come to this place. I have been in this pedicure chair long enough for the water to go cold twice. At first I blamed it on my lack of an appointment. One woman had an appointment at 6 but left at 6:45 because they had not started on her. They should have just asked me to come back in 45mins. At least they could offer me a second beverage. read more

I Went Here Literally On Tuesday For A Polish Change, There Were No Customers, Very Clean & Neat So I Was Taken Immediately. Everything Seemed Nice So I Considered Returning For A Full Pedi & Mani Combo. Fast Forward To Today .. The Same Lady Took Me In To Service Me, There Was Only One Other Patron There. This Was The QUICKEST Pedi I've Ever Had In My Life! Plus The Lady Was Super ROUGH With The Scrub On My Legs (Still In Pain) & And On The Cuticles On My Toes & Feet! I Had To Watch Her Very Closely To Ensure She Didnt Knick Me Because Then There Would Have Been A MAJOR Issue! Even Though Several If Times I Hinted To Her That She Was Rough She Still Continued In The Same Manner. All In All I Will NOT Be Returning. I Was Not Satisfied I Expressed This To The "Manager" .. But Whatever. WontGetMyMoneyAgain. read more

Annie is the best. Very professional. Nails last three weeks. Complimentary wine, soft drinks and coffee. Wait times are never long.

I have been here several times and always have a great experience. Not every technician can do nail art, but if you say in advance that you want nail art then they'll assign the appropriate technician to you. Saturday mornings are very busy for them, i would recommend going during the daytime during the week, or later in the afternoons on weekends. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - beautiful job on this gel manicure. They don't have gems for the nail art, but a glitter polish worked just as well. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Everything was fine until I went to pay. I tried using Apple Pay on my phone. I have plenty of money in my account, but it said declined. Then the staff treated me differently. At first I asked if I could get cash, but I need my phone to do that. The man said that the store policy was to leave a phone. I offered leaving my passport, but they wouldn't take it. I called my boyfriend and he came and brought me a card. When he arrived he called asking me to meet him downstairs. At that point, the male employee blocked my way-- physically as if I was trying to steal. Then my boyfriend gave the card to a female employee, she came upstairs and wouldn't hand me my own card. She just ran toward the machine with my card. The transaction went through immediately but I could tell they were waiting for it to be declined again. I would go back because my nails look nice and they have made Covid adjustments, but I felt like I was treated badly. Thanks for reply... . I still think it's rude and inappropriate to tell me my account balance, but whatever. You don't have to treat black people like criminals. Doubt you would have done that to someone white. read more

I have been here a few times and I will say that one of the gentleman who did my nails is great. There is a younger woman who has been disrespectful to me multiple times and does not handle my hands with care. When I went today, she kept scoffing at my nails so I asked if there was an issue with my nail. She said yes and when I asked what it was, she said "Don't ask me what's wrong with your nails." I named that I wanted to know if there was something I needed to care for on my natural nail, and she stopped communicating with me. I asked a third time and she began to raise her voice. I have no idea where that came from and tried to assure her that I wasn't upset or blaming the salon for any issue - just that I wanted to know what was wrong since she was visibly and audibly sharing that something was wrong. She then began to flick my finger hard and share that water had seeped under the fill in, but she communicated it as if I were lacking intelligence. I disengaged and just named that if something were wrong with my nails, she should share since they were my hands. When I've had her before, she's complained about the color choices I've asked for (persistently saying, "That's not going to look good. Other customers don't like that" even when I shared that I wanted the color regardless, and I did end up liking the color and getting it again). She's also complained about my desired nail shape (persistently saying, "Other customers don't get nails that narrow. You won't like it" even though I am 32 and have been getting my nails in the same shape for years). Other issues I've had are that nails will break easily, fall off, and the glue they use doesn't adhere well so water does creep under the nail. There is also poor sanitation here - the nail tech coughed on my hands and when I've gotten a pedicure, there were no basin covers used. I will not be back to this nail technician again - she made my experience frustrating. read more

This place is fine for a pedicure, and they'll always find a way to squeeze you in, even if they're busy. But I wouldn't recommend them for manicures. I had a gel one that was really sloppy and started chipping within a couple days. read more

Attention to detail fantastic, even though this nail salon is totally out of my way I will continue to come here. They are a bit pricey which is why only 4 stars read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Interior - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been coming to Pen Nails for a couple of months now and Berna does my nails. The salon is BEAUTIFUL, very clean and just enough space. BERNA is AMAZING!! She has been doing my nails for two years and I'll follow her anywhere-but this salon compliments her style. She pays close attention to detail, always knows how to help pick the perfect color for your skin and is a delight to talk to! I love her!! Oh, the salon also has a wide variety of wines and other drinks that are great! I tried a Vietnamese ginger tea with kombucha (fruit) and it was really good! So, take the extra time to find this new, quiet, tucked away spot and see Berna* read more

Pen Nails & Spa - This is a gel manicure after one week...they will look the same in two more! Mod About You, OPI Polish! - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The customer service here is generally wonderful except you may have to wait even if you make an appointment because they're generally pretty full. You get your choice if drink when you arrive, the technicians and gentle, and you can tip with a credit card! My nails always look beautiful when I leave, but unfortunately, I haven't been super impressed with how long the gel or SNS polish has lasted. Mine has either chipped or start to peel around my cuticle on at least one nail a two-three days before the two week mark each time. They don't have a large selection if SNS colors either. read more

Penn Nails is really a great nail salon. Great prices and very friendly staff. Salon is quiet and well ventilated, so no chemical smell. And it didn't feel like a nail salon factory like Mimosa does. It was very relaxing and the staff are really nice. Berna did my nails and it was literally one of the best manicures I've ever had. She really took the time to make them perfect and looks so lovely. She also did waxing and I was very pleased! Shiny has also does my nails and did a fantastic job! I'm very happy to have a nail salon in my neighborhood that is well priced!!!!! I can pop off the metro before I walk home love it! read more

WOULD GIVE A ZERO IF I COULD!!! This shop is RACIST towards Black people! When I first walked in, I knew from the way the older Asian lady looked at me as if I was lost and in the wrong place! I told this dumb lady that I wanted to soak off my nails, get them dipped, and get a gel pedicure. She instructed me to pick out my gel color -- which I did. A nice, older gentleman proceeded to give me a nice pedicure and the same older lady came older to start filing off the old polish in preparation to soak my nails. However, she stopped and told me that I should get a refill instead. I told her that I did not want a fill because I was afraid the pink wouldn't match (I have ombré pink and white tip nails) but I asked if they could put designs over the nails to cover up the difference in pinks, I could do that. She said they "don't do designs there". Now what nail salon doesn't do designs??? So I asked if she could fill them and do dip over top and she said yes. So I was fine and she continued to file off the top of the old clear polish while I was getting my feet completed. After my pedicure, she instructed me to sit at her nail station. She pulled out the stack of colors and I asked, "are these the dip colors?" And she replied, "yes". So I picked out a color. Two minutes later, she had me switch to another older guy to do my nails. She told me to stand up and she took the chair that I was sitting in at her station and moved it to the next station that she moved me to! So I started thinking, is something wrong that I only can sit in one chair for each station that they move me too? That was very strange!! Like she didn't want the chair at her station because I sat in it! So, the older guy proceeds to continue to file off my nail polish (she couldn't finish at the pedicure bowl because the guy doing the pedicure gestured to her that the dust was getting on my feet and was interrupting his polishing). I asked him if he was going to do dip polish, he replied yes. He filled the first nail and asked if I liked the pink color. I asked him does it matter if it's getting covered with dip? He just shook his head. After the pink fill, I figured he was getting ready to dip my nails. However, he started putting clear polish on top. I asked again, "aren't you going to dip my nails?". He said, "yes". After the clear polish, he pulls out the dryer and starts drying my nails. I, the, asked if he could call over the older lady that told him what I wanted. He spoke in his language to her and when I looked over at her (she was at the pedicure bowl working on a client), she's rolling her eyes, acting like I've been a problem, and denying that she advised me on my nails. Never was I loud or rude! They expected me to be but that is not my personality. So the younger, disrespectful Asian, childish girl sitting at the booth next to the empty table that I was moved from, opens her mouth screaming that "YOU CANNOT GET DIP OVER ACRYLIC". I kept my composure because I was shocked looking at and listening to older lady's lying and dramatics that I didn't get the chance to ask her who does she think she's talking to and to tell her mind her own business. So, I'm still reminding the older fool from afar about our conversation when I first came in -- with facts -- so the younger idiot gets up and says to me "I told you that you have to take it off". I looked at her and said, "I've never spoken to you". So she proceeded to explain nail processes to me ending with "I should go back to where I got them done before or soak them off". I told her, "that's the first thing I said when I came in here...to soak them off!!!! She just walked away looking stupid! But, I'm front of all their Caucasian clients that they were trying to show off in front of, they looked stupid, lacked extreme professionalism, and don't know any nail techniques or alternatives to save your nails except to go too whoever did your nails before! So, I opted to take them off and the older guy started to cut off my REAL nails!!!! I said, no these are real!!!! OMG! NEVER GOING BACK! Will spend my $125 somewhere else! To these foolish people: PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE! YOU ACT LIKE YOU'RE BETTER THAN US, BUT BELIEVE ME, THEY HAVE YOU IN THE SAME CATEGORY AS US!!! read more

This is a no frills nail shop in terms of space and decor. It's on the second floor of a building on Pennsylvania Avenue. The shop is small but clean and the nail artist I go to does my nails well. And they last for at least two weeks. They serve beverages. The owner, maybe, the older guy who sits at the front desk is professional and rememberers you and what you order in term of drinks. My issue is some of the artists who are not discreet when talking about and laughing at customers. They're bent over bowls scraping skin off of feet band attempting to marginalize the customers who are paying their bills and allowing them to eat. When will these salons learn not to take their customers for granted. There's a nail shop on every corner. read more

Best place on the Hill for a mani/pedi. My manicures never chip the first week, pretty amazing. All the staff is nice and funny! Laidback atmosphere and great customer service. read more

This place was awesome- came in on a Monday after work with no appointment, they took about an hour to get started on my nails. In the mean time, I was served the most delicious Vietnamese coffee and sat next to my friend in one of the massage chairs while she got a pedicure. The staff was very attentive and friendly. I got acrylics done, and the prices were very reasonable and they did a quality job. If I wasn't moving back home in a week, I would be a regular here! Only recommendation is to make an appointment- they will be busy! read more

This was my first and I can guarantee only nail salon I will try since moving to DC - I was so happy to have found this little gem on my first try! I am a very happy customer who will keep coming back. As other reviews have mentioned, it's a little hard to see from the street, so keep your eyes peeled. And you do need to go up a steep set of stairs. The space itself isn't huge, yet never feels cramped. They have a very large selection of both regular and gel colors. The outcome has been fantastic almost every time (the only time it wasn't was because I ended up not liking the color I picked, so that was my own fault). I also find them to be more gentle than some other places I have gone - so instead of feeling like a chore to get the gel fills, I actually look forward to it (the wine, relaxing music, and little lotion massage at the end doesn't hurt either!) read more

To be fair, the first time I got my nails done here I hated them. The gel started lifting about three days after the manicure. I expect my nails to go at least two weeks without lifting, so I was very disappointed. I dropped by again because I was in the area, and received a FANTASTIC manicure. Pen Nails totally redeemed itself. I have been a few times now for both manicures and pedicures. The salon is clean, the technicians are kind and talented, the prices are fair, I always get a complimentary glass of wine, and my nails always turn out great. I would highly recommend! read more

So, here's the thing. I have had some great experiences at this nail salon, and some questionable experiences. But today I had an absolutely horrible experience ( which I will qualify in a moment) that warrants an online review. This review is reflection of my experience with one nail technician and the fact that he is still employed at that salon. I took my mom to get a pedicure while I got a mani-pedi. I was told to go to Nick. I had never gone to Nick before and never thought twice about sitting at his designated foot spa until he began to "work" on my feet. I quickly observed that he didn't want to do my feet. He barely filed my nails, removed any cuticle, and left rough patches on the bottom of my feet. When he rinsed the scrub from my feet, he only used the dirty water in the basin. At one point I asked him if he could file my nail down and file the others straight across because he barely filed any of my toes. He got up, took off his gloves as though he was exasperated, and walked out of the salon area while speaking in his native language He then came back more irritated. It was clear that he had a problem with ME. I don't want to play the race card, but I have never been treated so badly. I asked him who would be doing my nails, and he said, "someone else" which came as welcomed relief to me. One redeeming factor was Tiffany-- the technician who did my gel manicure. She quietly apologized and asked if I was okay. After completing my nails, she looked over my feet and attempted to "undo" all that Nick hadn't done and commenced to redo my feet. The manager wasn't there at the time, but I ask the receptionist--who also apologized --to relay my concerns to his manager. I generously tipped Tiffany who I praised in front of Nick--but I don't think he cared. Tiffany was a redeeming factor who told me to come to her--and not Nick--the next time I patronized the shop. If there is a next time....... read more

Nice place...took a while because she had to remove an acrylic overlay I harbor...the total was 67 for pedicure, gel manicure, and overlay take off. I would definitely go again! read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came to see the reviews to see if there was a total change over of staff here at Pen Nails because I was interested in returning but I guess things don't change. I use to be a regular customer here years ago customer, a good tipper and referred a lot of customers to the establishment. I started to see the decline in service and behavior of staff. My last visit when I was racially left to wait when a white customer walked in just like me and the guy took her to a chair before me when he knew I was sitting waiting before her I was appalled. Also for him to say to me she had an appointment when I asked why he placed her before me was a lie when I heard her say to him she didn't have an appointment,he also looked at me to see if I was paying attention but I saw out the corner of my eye and was waiting to see what he was going to do......and he did just what I knew he was going to do. Push the black lady to the back of the bus. I didn't leave because I had an event and didn't have time to go nowhere else. So now that I'm reading reviews I'll continue to stay away and hope the owner reads this and make changes to make all people feel comfortable, get the same treatment and same service. read more

Been here 3 times for pedicures. Today will be my last. They had made more appointments than they could handle. A few were forced to wait and I was rushed. 1) I had to tell the tech to stop cutting my cuticles because he kept cutting my skin 2) I didn't get the callus removal with the metal file (which is why I come to this salon 3) I was refused toe separators and as a result my big toes smudged 4) rather than take me back to the pedicure station my tech hastily repainted my toes at the drying station. They look horrible and I'll be repainting them myself. A waste of $30. Hit and miss here, but I won't recommend this salon in the future or return. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Poorly re-done big toe. Smudged nail polish all over toe. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Love this place. I did check it out because it had such great reviews on yelp. It didn't disappoint. I felt relaxed and pampered the entire time I was here. The place is clean and organized and you are provided with a drink as you relax. The guy who did my pedicure and manicure did a wonderful job on my nails and everyone was super welcoming and friendly. I even left my debit card on accident and they helped me find it as opposed to brushing it off. Customer service is on point. Loved this place. read more

Super disappointed in my last visit. Came last Saturday for an SNS & by Friday one of my nails came off. The next day ANOTHER nail came off! What?? SNS usually lasts at LEAST 2 weeks. PLUS my toe color was fading & slightly off. Went in today & was so upset I just had them take the whole set off. $100 down the drain. Just when you think you've found a reliable salon smh not sure if I'll return. read more

Service was good, employees were polite and the tea was delicious! However my nail master had absolutely no clue how to do the neat job ON MY NAILS. He was still nice and tried to fix extra polish that was all over my fingers, but you know... he couldn't really make it work. I paid and left with a mediocre gel manicure (tried to fix it myself at home) and don't plan to come back at least for a while. read more

I'm new to Capitol Hill and looked to Yelp to find a good place to get a mani-pedi. Pen Nails & Spa did not disappoint! Manicure + pedicure is $40 and includes a beverage of your choice. Get the Vietnamese coffee -- it's really tasty! The nail technician did a great, thorough job. This is likely going to become my go-to place for a manicure. read more

This was my first visit which I ended up cutting short and am not planning to return. Very basic things, like getting the water temperature right, were a challenge. The lady doing my nails was distracted and rushed and careless, constantly chatting to her colleagues and finally injuring my foot. Any place that draws blood yet manages to make you feel like you are making a fuss is not a good salon in my book. I would not recommend this place. The second star is for a very nice coffee they served. read more

I had a horrible experience here and would not recommend this business to anyone. A nail Tech stopped working on my nails after I expressed that I wished my full set a bit longer because I didn't know that when I asked her to cut the tips. She would file them down so much. She then said she wasn't going to complete my nails and told me to leave or another person would do the set. I was completely calm and only expressed displeasure at the length of my nails. Another Black woman in the shop with me also said she was getting bad service poor from her tech and wouldn't come back. read more

Prices are inconsistent, costumer service varies on the day, and gnats would not leave my tea alone. There are cheaper places with the better quality in the area. I do not recommend. There is no misunderstanding. I was a loyal costumer who requested the same service everytime. This time, like the rest, I request half paint. I was charged for French, which I did not receive. When I ask for why I would be charged differently, the manager stated, "It was policy". Ironically, this "policy" isn't documented. And when I asked to speak to the manager; he wasn't there. Again, the prices and customer service are inconsistent. read more

I just moved to Capitol Hill and was in the market for a new go-to nail salon. I came to Pen and was lucky enough to have Kelly do my pedicure and gel manicure. She did a great job, and even fixed my toes after I smudged them walking with the toe separator, oops. My manicure lasted 3 weeks and basically grew out before it started to peel or chip. Prices are good/competitive. Also, the vietnamese coffee is sooooo yummy. Treat yo'self! read more

Truly the best place for nails. They give BEST foot massages. There is complimentary wine (and it's not bad, and it's a very generous pour). They are also very clean and very nice. They have someone who manages the customers too, which I find to be very helpful and efficient. I highly recommend. read more

I walked in without an appointment, was immediately greeted, sat, and offered a complimentary beverage! The gel manicure was only $30 (a bargain!) and was done quickly and professionally. I LOVE how my nails look! The location is also extremely convenient- steps away from Eastern Market metro, surrounded by plenty of shops and restaurants if you want to make a day out of it. Oh, and I went on a Sunday! I haven't been able to find many good nail salons open on Sundays in the area! The one thing I will warn you about, which I didn't see mentioned in other reviews- the salon is located up a flight of steep stairs, so it is not an ideal location for the mobility-impaired (I myself have a broken ankle and am sporting a walking cast at the moment, so this was a minor challenge). Otherwise, can't recommend this place enough! read more

No problem accommodating a walk in, great experience, good value, and the Vietnamese coffee is delicious!

Great prices and fairly nice salon. Every technician I have had spends the time to make sure they get it right, and I never feel rushed (although I usually try and avoid Saturday afternoons) the salon is clean and offers walk-in appointments; they will always find a way to fit you in. You also get a drink of choice upon sitting down (wine, soda, tea, water, and my personal fave, the Vietnamese coffee). Great color selection, too. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I got a gel manicure and they didn't really clean up my cuticles and the gel bubbled and chipped after only a few days.

I had a great experience here, I like the setup and that they offer coffee and wine, especially for the price it is very nice! My gel mani came out nicely, but chipped by week 2 which for me is a dealbreaker. I would go back for a regular pedicure or mani, but if I'm gunna spend the money on gel I'd like it to last a strong 2-3 weeks. read more

I had a great experience getting a pedicure here. The lady was very detailed, attentive and didn't skimp out on the scrub, or massage, etc.

$29 for a pedicure that includes the grater, scrub and a glass of wine. Pedicure lasts - what more can you ask for?

I LOVE Pen Nails & Spa! I go every 4-6 weeks and am assisted immediately with excellent customer service. I have built relationships with several of the technicians who know my preferences. I receive great advice about maintaining the health of my nails, including suggestions of products I can purchase outside of Pen Nails, which is how I know that they are genuinely invested in customer service as opposed to simply trying to sell me more services. Cleanliness is incredibly important to me, especially as I've had issues at other nail salons, and Pen Nails is by far the cleanest and most hygienic salon I've frequented. During this national public health crisis with non-essential services closures, I truly regret not getting my nails done two weeks ago - Pen Nails will be my first visit out of quarantine! read more

Really great and clean nail salon. Reasonably prices and I like visiting Diane. She does my gel pedis and my acrylic nails. Love that they offer beverages (wine, juice, water, soda) and when you're done they always ask if you would like a refill. Never feel like I'm being talked about like some other nail salons I've visited. read more