Came here with 3 of my friends while I was visiting DC from out of town and it ended up being the perfect spot to celebrate two of our birthdays. It was a newer restaurant so they had adjusted the menu/food a bit from what I saw online but everything was incredible. Katelynn was our waitress and she was the super sweet and made the whole experience feel easy and special. Food and drinks were all really good, and they gave us free champagne to celebrate and then they decorated the dessert we ordered to make the celebration even better. Overall a fun night with amazing food and ambiance! read more

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My good girlfriend was coming down from Baltimore and wanted to meet up for drinks and light bites. She's known for picking trendy, cute spots, so no surprise that we ended up at Proper Bar. A few people kept asking if we were going to Proper on F St or Proper on K St, both sports bars, and up until the day of I thought maybe they were affiliated. That was far from the truth... and honestly, once you walk in, you'll get why Drinks & Food I wasn't planning to drink since I haven't really been drinking lately, but I decided to go for a tequila espresso martini, and I'm glad I did. It was smooth, balanced, and honestly just really good. My friend ordered a Paper Plane, which she loved. For bites, we shared the chicken nuggets with caviar (yes, nuggets and caviar... and yes, they were delicious) and the lemon garlic shrimp, which was flavorful and perfectly cooked. Everything we ordered hit the mark. Prices are about what you'd expect for K Street and the overall vibe. Think $20-$25 cocktails, $20+ appetizers, and $35+ entrees. Portions, both drinks and food, lean on the smaller side, which is probably the only thing that might make you pause and wonder if it's slightly overpriced. ‍ Service Service was great. Our server checked on us regularly without hovering and offered helpful suggestions when we asked. Everything came out timely, and we felt taken care of throughout the night. Ambiance This is where Proper really shines. I walked into a cute, ground-level, dimly lit lounge with an opulent bar and a man playing the piano, which set the tone for the whole evening It felt upscale but still welcoming. Perfect for a romantic date night or a girls' night with your closest friends when you want to feel a little fancy. Overall The food, drinks, and vibes were so good that I completely forgot to take pictures, which almost never happens That alone says a lot. Proper Bar is a spot I'd return to when I'm in the mood for good cocktails, a stylish atmosphere, and a polished night out. read more

Excellent ambiance. Accommodating staff. If you want specialty videos shown on their bar screens, they have that too, if you rent the space for special occasions (like a rehearsal dinner or something). They are extremely accommodating. Impressive space & incredible drink options, especially with the jazzy feel. Definitely, 100% recommend!! Conway, the bartender, is the best! read more

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Proper Bar in DC is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels inviting and lively, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual dinner. The food here is truly spectacular. If you love dill, their pasta is an absolute must-try, full of flavor, perfectly cooked, and unlike anything else you'll find around the city. Every dish I've tried has been thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showing they really care about quality. The drinks are amazing too. Creative, well crafted, and perfectly balanced, they pair effortlessly with the menu and really elevate the whole experience. Overall, Proper Bar hits all the marks: incredible food, standout drinks, and a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere. Definitely one of the best spots in DC, and I can't wait to go back! read more

Proper Bar - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I visited Proper Bar with a group of 7 for a 5:30 PM Saturday happy hour, and it ended up being the perfect time to go. It was still pretty empty, so we had room to relax, take photos, and really enjoy ourselves. The atmosphere here is so beautiful, intimate, and cozy. The interior design is immaculate. It's swanky and intentional with perfect lighting and attention to detail. It feels upscale but still warm and inviting, and it's absolutely the kind of place you'll want photos in. The food and cocktails were just as impressive. I tried the Patatas Bravas (potatoes with lemon aioli, smoked paprika, and brava sauce) and the Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon). Both dishes were absolutely delicious. I think I could have eaten three orders of the Patatas Bravas all on my own--they were definitely a crowd pleaser. Service was prompt, warm, and attentive throughout. Overall, such a great experience! I'd definitely come back next time I'm in D.C. read more

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My night started in the back at a private birthday party, and we eventually made our way to dinner, best decision. Even though they were short-staffed, the team worked seamlessly together and communicated well, so nothing felt chaotic or dysfunctional. For dinner, I had the Pesto Campanelle, and it was so effortlessly good I could've easily ordered a second portion. Absolutely delicious. The ambiance here is spot-on: perfect lighting, not too loud, and close seating that still feels comfortable. You can actually have a conversation without feeling awkward. A great all-around experience. I'll definitely be back. read more

Proper Bar - Menu - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food was fantastic 10/10, the service was well done my waitress Maddie was great. The space was beautiful with a old school charm i appreciate it. read more

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I came with a friend to celebrate us graduating with our masters degrees/my birthday. This place is beautifully designed and customer service was excellent. Our server, Marian (spellcheck) gave us great suggestions to try as first timers. Because of her we ended up trying Patatas Bravas, Confit Tomato & Cucumbe, Gambas Al Ajillo, Pappardelle Bolognese, Tiger Prawn Tagliatelle and everything was soooo delicious. We ended up meeting the owner, Will who was gracious enough to talk with us and offer us dessert on the house. Truly worth trying! read more

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Very cute cocktail bar in DC. Came in on a Saturday without reservations and was able to be seated at the bar. Drinks were excellent albeit a bit pricey but worth it for the ambiance! read more

Proper Bar - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I wanted to love the prawn tagliatelle. But unfortunately the dish left a lot to be desired in terms of flavor. I was initially so excited because when it arrived to the table, it looked exactly the way it did in the photos and videos I've seen. However, it had zero salt or flavor. However, I did love the drinks, vibe, the music and the artwork. A great cocktail bar. read more

My first visit was for a New Year's dinner, and I absolutely loved the ambiance. The lighting, décor, and overall aesthetic were beautiful -- dark, calming, and relaxing. The atmosphere alone makes you want to stay awhile. Even though they were hosting large parties and preparing for a New Year's holiday event later that evening, we were seated quickly. The staff was communicative about the upcoming events, which we appreciated, and we still had a wonderful experience. My food was really good -- no complaints. The bread was delicious, and while the Smashburger was a bit messy to eat, it was still flavorful and satisfying. The drinks were also well done. I'll definitely be back to try other entrées and would love to explore their happy hour options as well. Overall, a great experience and one I would recommend. read more

Proper Bar - Resturant inside - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went on Super Bowl night and it was 90% empty, perfect for our Galentines dinner. The waitress was very attentive, explained the menu (everything is from scratch) and provided recommendations for us. Atmosphere and decor were excellent. Behind the bar decor was my fav. There was a pianist playing. Food and drinks were delicious and came in a timely fashion. Please don't skip the bread! read more

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I've been wanting to try this bar out for a while, so decided to pop in on my way home. I set up the bar, and I really took in the decor. It's a very cool spot. They paid a lot of attention to the design concept. I wouldn't say it's super dark in there, but it's definitely a more dim lit place that pushes you to unwind a little bit more and allows. You to relax. Even walking in, it definitely feels like a cooler, more relaxed spot. The service was spot on. As soon as I sat down on the bar, the bartender greeted me within the first few minutes and provided me menus. I do love that they have happy hour every day of the week. The options are pretty good too, with some wine and cocktails. I ordered a glass of wine, and then ordered their version of a coffee based martini. Both were very delicious and served very nicely. Overall, the ambience is very nice. I would definitely return. This is a spot where you can go in and grab a drink by yourself, or with a smaller group of friends. If the latter, I would make a reservation. Also, while I did not order any food, the man next to me had ordered a few bites and everything looked and smelled amazing. The food when I looked at the menu looked to be more Spanish influenced based. read more

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Prepare yourself for Proper. This place is it. Gorgeous, vibey, and officially my go-to when I want to impress out-of-town guests. The bar is stunning, the drinks are next level (get the Proper Martini, no debate), the food hits every time (Brussels + burger = unreal), and the service is consistently impeccable. And the happy hour? Basically unheard of for this city - $8 craft cocktails and a legit wine program by the glass. Nothing but praise. Proper doesn't miss. read more

Proper Bar - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to Proper Bar and it definitely felt upscale from the moment we walked in. I was wearing a dress shirt that cost a bit of money and white pants (clearly white Dickies) but we were almost not let in because they said it looked like I was wearing sweatpants. That part was honestly frustrating since the outfit was put together and appropriate for the setting. Once inside though, the vibes were really cool. We sat next to the piano, which added a great touch to the atmosphere. It felt classy and intimate in a way that made the night feel elevated. The drinks weren't even that bad price-wise, especially for DC, around $18-$20 a drink, which felt pretty standard for that type of place. Overall, I'd go again for the ambiance. Just be prepared for a stricter door situation depending on what you're wearing. read more

Proper Bar - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

First time here and will likely be back. The jazz music and dim lighting make this place a romantic dining experience. My husband and I started off with the Parker rolls and Brussel sprouts. Both were delicious. Then we split the burger and the pesto pasta. The burger was excellent, cooked perfectly and the aioli sauce was delicious. The pesto pasta was also great, good pesto/ pine nut flavor and the sun dried tomatoes were a great touch. I got the Hermes and a pineapple rum signature cocktail. Both were very sweet and could only drink one. The service was good and prompt. We missed the live pianist so I'd recommend booking a resy for after 7pm. read more

Proper Bar - Pesto pasta and burger - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Ambiance is super cute. Smaller space but feels warm & inviting. Ordered the Ceasar salad which was huge & delicious. The Brussels sprouts are a must. Unique flavor but would order again. The pasta was good but I don't know if I would order it again. The prawns were cooked perfectly but the pasta lacked flavor a little. I love pasta so I may be a tough critic. Cute spot for date or girls night, if you're not looking for anything too heavy to eat. Didn't have a drink because they didn't have baileys for my espresso martini. read more

Proper Bar - Prawn Pasta & Brussels sprout - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Amazing ambience, great food, but incredibly disappointing service. This place is beautiful and the food is good but the service is awful. read more

I finally had the opportunity to drop by recently and thought this spot was great! I was meeting a friend for dinner and drinks and it ended up being the perfect place for a catch-up. Since it was a weeknight, things were a little slow in terms of the presence of lots of other diners. However the space is beautiful, cozy and our experience dining at the bar was wonderful. We ordered a few items - Parker house rolls, tortellini and scallops. Of the three, the Parker house rolls were demolished quickly, while the scallops and tortellini were enjoyed but a bit more picked at. I thought the scallops were tasty as well, but tortellini was so salty that I had to tap out on attempting to easy more than two or three. Maybe I'm a little sensitive to heavily salted items, but I rather have too little than too much salt. Overall though, the space, service and food were all lovely and I look forward to returning sometime in the near future. read more

My husband and I went to Proper Bar to celebrate our anniversary and it was the perfect place to celebrate. The restaurant is still pretty new, opening in October 2025, but it is a well oiled machine. All of the staff that we interacted with were lovely (shoutout Maren and Daniel!), and made our night even more special. For drinks we ordered the R&R and Marry Mae and they hit the spot and were well made. The real star of the night, however, was the food. We ordered the Parker rolls, tempura broccolini, and Hamachi as starters. For entrées, we split the Bolognese and whole chicken. And for dessert, we got the cookie sandwich. I do not have a single bad thing to say about the food, no exaggeration. The entree portions aren't huge, so definitely recommend trying multiple items. We will absolutely be back!! read more

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On February 28th my friends and I dined at Proper Bar to celebrate my birthday. Unfortunately, it was one of the worst dining experiences any of us had experienced. We had been very patient with our waitress, whom we assumed was new and we were a fairly large party. But there were many glaring problems that we could not overlook. There was very little checking in, a significant delay in cocktails, and when our meals finally came out nearly 45 mins after ordering, they were cold. In effort to remedy this, the waitress brought out champagne which was a nice gesture. Unfortunately, she dropped a glass down my friend's dress. Mistakes happen, we can all understand, however the manager's poor response is what really shocked us. He offered my friend, who actively had shards of glass on her, his card "in case she wanted to dry clean the dress". When we presented our concerns about the evening to him, including how dry cleaning was an unacceptable response to this clear safety issue, he responded to us asking "what do you want me to do?" This experience left us feeling disappointed, disrespected, and his response ensured that we will never return to this restaurant. I am writing this review hoping that the restaurant will take active steps to address their customer service, support their staff better and equip managers with better resources to effectively rectify negative guest interactions. The experience we had was completely unacceptable, and as a guest I would steer clear of this establishment until they make obvious changes. read more

Proper Bar - Shards of glass - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The space is gorgeous!!! tons of seating, elevated ambiance, and honestly the mirrors everywhere are a bonus (never mad about that as a woman). They also had live piano music playing during dinner, which was such a nice touch and made the whole experience feel even more elevated. We sat at the bar and the service was amazing. Our bartender was super knowledgeable and gave us great recommendations, which I always appreciate. Food: Burger: 10/10. Truly a must-get. Fries were hot, crispy, and absolutely delicious. The special sauce + mayo combo just works. Parker House Rolls: You have to start with these. They come with honey butter and harissa butter - honey one was my favorite Brussels Sprouts: Spicy-sweet and really good. Definitely recommend. Scallops: Good but not great. Loved the roasted butternut squash purée underneath, but I wish the scallops had more of a char. Talegatta Shrimp Pasta: The shrimp itself was fantastic, but the sauce was pretty salty overall. Wouldn't order again. Drinks: I had the R&R and it was delicious. My friend had a martini and loved it. The wine list isn't huge, but it's solid. read more

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Wow. What a great place. Super cool decor, refreshing beverage liar, and a very eclectic menu. Service top notch. Decent value. 4.5 stars, worth a try! read more

I took my girlfriend to the Proper bar for Valentine's Day dinner and they didn't disappoint. The pre-fixed menu was perfect with plenty of options we enjoyed. The little gem Caesar salad was delicious, the Ora King Salmon was cooked to perfection (medium well), and the dessert was really the icing on the cake. Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and pointed us in the right direction with any concern we had. The ambience felt very modern with beautiful art work and lighting. We had an amazing dinner and time here. We will see Proper bar again real soon. Thank you. read more

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fantastic ambience! the prawn tagliatelle was easily the best item on the menu. the cucumber salad also hit the spot. drinks were amazing. our server was kind. would definitely come back! read more

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Great drinks and ambiance - food and service not so much. Drink menu is lovely! Service takes a while and they messed up part of our food order, which also caused more delays. The food is nothing special but does the job if you need something to go with your drinks. read more

I had high hopes for this spot after seeing content online. The food looked very good and the ambiance looked like the perfect location for the winter holidays. The ambiance definitely delivered but the food and the service fell a bit short. We were greeted warmly with smiles from the wait staff. However, when it came to actually being served it took forever even after we sat down at our tables. They took our drinks request while we waited but we didn't actually receive them until 45 mins later. I don't think our drink orders were ever put in, despite the original waiter coming to apologize. My friend and I also got the same pasta meal but the noodles tasted a bit al dente in my opinion. The prawns weren't a fave of mine either they were a bit chewy as well. They also ran out of the rolls which was a bit disappointing because they night was still relatively early (10pm, they close at 2am). I think the restaurant has a lot of potential but maybe we're not expecting the influx of customers! read more

Proper Bar - Inside - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Although it was a great atmosphere the service was slow. However, our server was fantastic and accommodated all of our requests! The music played fairly loud and at times it was difficult to converse. Overall, I think that the flavor in the food somewhat compensated for the poor service. read more

Proper Bar - Proper Bar Burger - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Overall: 9/10 Ambiance was small and quaint. Love the decor. Private, low lights. Great for date night. Customer service was outstanding (10/10), friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The cocktails were solid (7.5/10), enjoyable but not the standout of the night. The salmon dish was superb, light, perfectly balanced, and seared to absolute perfection. Easily a highlight. The Brussels sprouts appetizer was a pleasant surprise (9/10): bold flavor, a nice kick, and the peppers added just the right touch. And let's talk about the rolls, top tier. The honey butter alone deserves recognition. Overall, a great dining experience and definitely worth a visit. Make sure you get your food hot!! read more

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Honestly one of the best restaurants in DC. I loved the service, the drinks, and the food. Honestly I need to go again ASAP!! read more

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I had my birthday dinner at proper bar and it was the best experience! From the food to drinks, to service! Everything was amazing, but the service was even better. They were so attentive, we had a large party, but they still made sure that we had everything we needed. My guests loved everything but, especially the drinks, steak, and pasta dishes! They also were so accommodating, which is sometimes hard to find in the city. I would highly recommend this for a small or large party! It's also gorgeous inside so the atmosphere is 10/10! read more

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best smashburger I've had in my life their 28 dollar waygu smashburger + martini combo during happy hour is hard to beat. read more

The food was disappointing to say the least but the waitress was very kind and attentive.

The food at Proper Bar in DC was exceptional, but unfortunately the service significantly detracted from the experience. Our server was Corbin, and the service declined quickly after we were seated. Corbin initially came to the table, briefly assessed the room, and then disappeared for about 10-15 minutes. When she returned, she took drink orders and our full food order at the same time, then disappeared again for roughly 20 minutes. At no point did Corbin return to check on our table, no follow-up on how the food was or if we needed anything. Later in the evening, a friend and I ordered Coca-Colas. I watched the bartender prepare them, and they sat at the bar for about seven minutes while Corbin walked past the bar twice. At this point, we were her only table, as her other guests had already left. After watching the drinks sit for so long, I went to the bar myself. Only then did Corbin acknowledge me, as I was standing there waiting. She did not proactively bring the drinks or acknowledge that they had been ready. When I mentioned that it seemed like the drinks had been forgotten, she denied it, despite the fact that they had been sitting long enough to begin going flat. Toward the end of the evening, the manager came over and asked how everything was, but the question felt dismissive given how inattentive the service had been. When I explained what had happened, his response was simply that she had multiple tables. The manager did end up giving us passionfruit shots as a peace offering to make up for the poor, distasteful service, but by that point the experience had already been soured. At that moment, I knew I would not return to this establishment. While the food was excellent, the service was disappointing and inattentive, and the lack of meaningful accountability ultimately sealed the experience for me. read more

Proper Bar - Citrus cured hamachi - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went to dinner for a girls night and the service was amazing! Our waitress was so kind and we unfortunately had to be moved from our table for an even set up but the manager (?) compensated by giving us free drinks. Food was good as well! Would definitely return. Vibes were amazing! read more

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" 0/10 service. I wish I could have give this place a 10/10 because it was well on the way until I went to the bathroom. I decided to have a girl dinner with my best friend to get out of the house because I JUST received the news that my GMA is on life support. So I said let me lift my spirits and try this bar I been hearing amazing things about. I get to the bar, ordered 2 apps 2 entrees and only 1 drink and a glass of wine. Eventually I stepped into the bathroom to take a PRIVATE and very personal phone call and the SECURITY GUARD opened the door while I was in the bathroom and told me I have to quiet down. I was initially shook by this interaction because why is a MAN opening the door to a bathroom that a WOMEN is in. I just responded and said okay but continued with my conversation IN THE BATHROOM STALL BY MYSELF. At this moment in time, I only have been i. the bathroom for 5 mins before he opened the door, I continue my conversation for all of 2 MORE MINUTES. He OPENED THE DOOR AGAIN & told me that I had to leave the restaurant. I walk back to the bar with my friends and they explain to him that I am griefing and he magically decides to let me stay but I was already offended by the interaction. No understanding, No remorse, No empathy, No personal guest connections. I leave anyway -- without making a scene-- about 2 mins after I was told I had to get out but I "could stay". I was so disheartened because I truly enjoyed the food and the ambience of Proper Bar, but I am DISGUSTED with how I was treated as a person. I did talk to Ryan outside after this altercation and it wasn't pleasant nor understanding. He said that I should have held my phone conversation OUTSIDE.... after I paid over $200 in the Bar and even tipped the bar tenders. I explained to him I work in hospitality and this is NO WAY to treat guest, but in my eyes I wasn't a "guest" to him. Maybe a consumer. All he did was gaslight me and over me A SLICE OF CAKE once he dismissed the conversation. I would like to end this review by saying I felt like this interaction was racially motivated and because I was a Black Woman. I really don't know what you all demographic has been lately and I can't speak on anyone else's experience there. But I felt like they were trying to paint me out to be the "Angry Black Women" because I was having a conversation on the phone. If it was any other woman it would have been a different outcome. The guard who came into my BATHROOM TWICE was A tall Asian looking man. Please rethink going here if you want to have a conversation on the phone in the bathroom." read more

The ambiance is beautiful--perfect for a birthday celebration, girls' night, or even an anniversary. The bread was fresh, soft, and absolutely delicious. However, the prawn pasta was a bit disappointing. It was too salty and had an overpowering lemon flavor that threw off the overall taste of the dish. Overall, the atmosphere was a highlight, but the pasta could definitely use some balance. read more

Had Carl as a bartender tonight and it was hands down the highlight of my vacation. I felt bad because we had a casual dinner tonight and weren't dressed up when we arrived but the host just asked me to take off my hat. Carl proceeded to blow our minds after our first menu orders with custom cocktails, local recommendations, and eventually us just asking make whatever you want! Cannot recommend this place enough, five stars doesn't say enough about the experience. read more

Proper Bar exceeded every expectation for my birthday. Devin, the drink manager, and our waitress Marin were exceptional and truly made the night. Devin's expertise and passion for cocktails showed in every drink, while Marin delivered flawless service--attentive, warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced, making us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout the entire evening. We started with cocktails: I had the Hot Polly, my wife ordered the Marry Mae, and we finished with a Barbet's Martini. Each drink was balanced, creative, and executed at a top-tier level. For food, we shared the Proper Burger, Caviar Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, and Parker House Rolls as appetizers. Every dish was exquisite--elevated comfort food done right. The ambiance is something special: it feels like stepping into a '90s speakeasy paired with a five-star restaurant--intimate, stylish, and timeless. The staff as a whole was honest, helpful, and incredibly professional. This was hands down one of the best birthdays I've ever had, and Marin and Devin played a huge role in that experience. If you're looking for an amazing restaurant in Washington, DC--whether you're local or visiting--Proper Bar is an absolute must. read more

I really want to gatekeep this place. Stopped by for an early dinner/happy hour and had a wonderful time. The happy hour cocktails were great. I'm still dreaming about the Caesar salad to this day. The Parker House rolls, chicken and caviar dish, and the burger (+ fries, which deserve their own mention) were also amazing. The ambiance and decor were perfect. Didn't get to experience the live piano, but still real enjoyed the old school music. The service was fine overall - a little overly attentive at first, then a little absent near the end. Can't wait to visit again! read more