There Are Hotels. And Then There Is The Jefferson. Some places hold history the way marble holds cold, the way a well-appointed room holds silence after a long day of noise. Washington, D.C. is full of those places. Monuments. Halls of power. Streets that hum with the weight of decisions that shaped the world. But The Jefferson sits in a different category entirely. It does not shout its significance. It assumes it. Quietly. Perfectly. The way only a truly great institution can. For a millennial woman who grew up watching The West Wing and Scandal; who came of age believing that proximity to power was a personality trait, walking into The Jefferson feels like arriving somewhere you already knew existed but had not yet been permitted to enter. The lobby does not try to impress you. It simply receives you. Dark wood, dramatic marble,, soft light, the kind of quiet that costs something. I came for an afternoon. I left with a story. It started with a glass of wine and a question. The wine was easy. The question was better. I turned to Mike, the bartender, the kind of professional who carries himself with the quiet competence of someone who has never once doubted a pour, and I asked him directly: how confident are you in making the perfect martini? Sky high, he said. He was not wrong. Gin. A wash of vermouth. Nothing more. Stirred, because some things are not up for negotiation, and James Bond has a lot to answer for. The glass arrived impossibly cold, impossibly clear, with a lemon twist curled inside like a small, elegant secret. The first sip was the kind that makes you set the glass down slowly, look at nothing in particular, and simply exhale. That was the drink. That was the moment. That was The Jefferson saying: you are exactly where you should be. What followed was a burger. But calling it a burger is like calling the Library of Congress a place with books. They heard me. Gluten free toast in place of a bun, no hesitation, no substitution tax levied in the form of a lesser experience. The patty was serious. The cheese was melted with intention. And then, the Dijon. Two small jars of Clovis, the kind of condiment that makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything else. Thick. Complex. The culinary equivalent of a strong opinion delivered with grace. This is what D.C. does to you when you let it. When you stop moving long enough to sit at a bar that has probably hosted quiet conversations that changed things, and you order something beautiful, and you let the afternoon arrive. This city is not just for politicians and lobbyists and people with lanyards. It belongs, equally, to the ones who show up knowing what they want and how to ask for it. Stirred. Not shaken. Mike understood that before I finished the sentence. And The Jefferson understood it long before I walked through the door. read more

Quill - Jefferson burger, fries, Hartford court Chardonnay - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Such a cozy and intimate bar, complete with painted portraits, martini shakers going and piano playing! It felt so quintessentially DC of a cocktail bar. read more

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Was in the neighborhood on business and needed a snack and refreshments after a hard day's work. Quill hit the spot. Great service, great oysters, great arancini, and super draft beer. Highly recommended! read more

Quill - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I love a hotel bar and Quill is no exception, but it is exceptional. Rather than splaying out in the hotel lobby, Quill is tucked away on the side in the elegant Jefferson Hotel. The location and the warm decor give it a cozy and clubby feeling - in a good way. Andrew and the other staff took great care of us. The drinks are creative and delicious (and commensurate with hotel bar prices). It's a lovely experience in the heart of DC! read more

Quill - Honey Eggnog - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It is what you expect from a classic hotel bar at one of DC's finest hotels. The service was excellent, as was the food. The tequila cocktail I tried missed the mark but their wine list is very good; the server also seemed to know it intimately, which was impressive. I was surprised by the generous portions too, and really enjoyed the tuna. It's not cheap but you knew that because it's the Jefferson. I would absolutely go back but plan ahead because the interior, while cozy, can get crowded quickly. read more

Highly recommended! I was definitely underdressed in shorts, tee shirt, and a baseball hat, but the staff was beyond welcoming nonetheless. The bartender made one of the best sazeracs I've had (including NOLA). The grilled artichokes were a perfectly lite late night snack. The ambience is about as classic DC as it gets. I will definitely be back. read more

This experience was everything!! A local influencer I follow (@onthemovewithmad) posted about this place and I knew I had to take my bestie here for the adorable grilled cheese and tomato soup. Three weeks ago we did a little staycation & foodie tour of our own in Logan Circle and ventured over to Quill in the frigid weather, which made our experience all the more perfect. First - The Jefferson hotel that houses this little lounge called Quill is simply gorgeous. I'm going to need to come back here and explore. Anyway, I'm going to call Quill a lounge, it was tucked away in a quant little part of the hotel with a full bar and luxury seating. And the music they were playing (think 50s nightclub with mellow blues & jazz) perfectly complimented the setting. We were luckily and I think the cold kept people away, so there was only another bestie couple at the bar. The bartender was our server and was very attentive. The drinks were pretty pricey, so we focused on the foot this go around. Apparently the Roasted Tomato Soup & Gruyère Grilled Cheese is an appetizer, but we each ordered our own. And man were we glad we did. It was served hot & fresh with the cutest presentation. The flavors were spectacular! The soup was steamy and the cheese oozed out of the perfectly buttery toast. Portion size was perfect for modest lunch, but it would be hard to she this with anyone cause it's just so good! Then we had the Baby Gem Salad and the kitchen split it for us, perfect presentation on two plates. Salad was fresh and fantastic. But wait - there's more! I can't remember the name of the desert for the life of me, but it was a perfect ending. These fried dough balls & dip were decadent! Positive we'll be back. read more

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After finishing up a day of sightseeing, my wife and I decided to revisit the quill. It's must been a dozen years since we've been here. I am very happy to see that they have not changed for the sake of change! It was the perfect place a 12 years ago and still was today! Our bartender made immaculate and picturesque cocktails! At one point she even mixed two different cocktails at once! We enjoyed their complementary nosh of mixed nuts and olives! As a bit of a dessert, we decided on their carrot cake cupcakes. Would've loved to stay there for about two or three more; however, we did have to drive back. Certainly off the beaten path unless you're staying at the Jefferson. Well worth the time to find though! Enjoy! read more

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The service was exceptional with the best bartenders (Jose) and staff. They make every customer feel like a VIP. Perfect place to have a romantic evening or business meeting. The food was amazing! Highly recommend the crab cakes, salmon tarte and oysters. Toast with a glass of authentic cava cheers ! Super unique and professional read more

Quill - The best time - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great hideaway place for drinks, fast service and quint business conversations! It's become my real go too. Plus they have a creative drink menu. read more

I actually liked this bar! I got one drink called Portugal the drink. It was actually a very good flavor profile. Good construction. I really enjoyed it. It was not very sweet. They had some different drink variations with unique ingredients. I think the thing I enjoyed the most was the ambiance. It's really got a nice aesthetic appeal. Service was very good and they have street parking which is not hard to find that at the time that I came in. They also give you complimentary nuts as well as olives and other pickles to nosh on. While you're having your drink. I definitely would recommend By the way, this is not a speakeasy, but rather a upscale cocktail bar experience. That being said, price is pretty standard. I didn't think it was overpriced, but don't expect it to be cheap. They don't use cheap ingredients and the bar is well stocked. If you're in the area, I think you would like it. read more

Stopped in here one afternoon to finish up some work.The Quill was quiet, calm and welcoming. I had Prosecco and worked for an hour. As I was leaving it was getting more crowded and boisterous. Wish I had been able to stay. Will def return! read more

You only get to celebrate 10 amazing years of marriage once. Traditionally it is the Tin year. Forget that - we wanted to celebrate in style. We decided to go to the Jefferson hotel for our celebration. We originally had the hotel on our short list for our wedding reception but went with another venue a decade ago. With all that as background our first stop was the Quill bar and lounge. A great place to start with a nice cocktail. My wife had "Take a chance on me" and I had "La Boheme". Afterwards we shared "De-Peche-mode" The service was fantastic and they gave us some nuts and olives to share. Sitting outside on a beautiful evening got our celebration going in the right direction. If you want to have some amazing cocktails, you have to try the Quill. read more

Quill - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Lovely atmosphere for drinks with coworkers friends and loved ones. The drinks are fantastic. I had the excuse me, sir, which has Beyoncé's whiskey in it Sir Davis. And it was absolutely delicious. I also had the Arancini balls the tuna tart and they were both exceptional. read more

Quill - Excuse me, sir - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This hidden speakeasy is one of my favorites in DC. Located inside the The Hamilton Hotel it's just what you didn't know you needed. The cool thing about this place is the small private rooms. Nicely tucked off you and others can privately meet. The menu is small but mighty. I highly recommend the herb your enthusiasm and oysters. But really you cannot go wrong with anything. Also, the bartenders are great -- so feel free to ask them to mix you up something off menu. read more

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Fast forward seven years from my last review and a friend and I grabbed a drink at Quill after nearby Allegory was full. Quill had a free corner table and had a quiet atmosphere. Service was impeccable and my cranberry vodka cocktail was perfect. My friend ordered a saffron-infused martini and was told it comes with "saffron prices." Little did he know it would be $128. The olives and nuts are still complimentary and the burrata is worth ordering. read more

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I love this place. Talk about a sleek bar that actually caters to its customers... I do random DC visits and this place was welcoming and amazing. I had a few lovely cocktails, and then toured the place. There are rooms here where you can actually host a whole party of people and just order any amount of food and drinks that you want, no need to rent the room as I was told it is first come, first serve. Again, this place is sleek but also upscale yet low-key casual. I would gladly visit again when back in DC. read more

Wonderful ambience in this small, elegant bar. The food is outstanding and the service wonderful and friendly.

I've been here so many times! I LOVE it!!! Let me be the first to say... this is the OLD normal. And I love it. Oh wait I already said that. Anyway, came here in a Monday night. A friend and I were scoping out bars for a future birthday party of a friend. I know this is one of his favorites. And nothing has changed. Still amazing drinks. Still amazing food. Still amazing service. Tonight I had the burger. I was craving it. It was so delicious I literally moaned. Megan our bartender was great. She also offered suggestions for a future outing (we were looking for a champagne bar later in the week). Blair, the concierge, hunted down and found some super glue for a wardrobe malfunction (earring lost a stone). read more

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Quiet Clandestine Alias Luxury Fresh Orchids Cigars Inlaid tile and marble Attentive service Will Reserve a Cabinet Here for my Birthday read more

Definitely a great bar to grab awesome food and libations. The service was spectacular. The bar tenders know their stuff. I can't remember the name of the burger I had, but it was huge, filling and tasty. #DukeOfEats read more

Quill - Burger - Forgot the name of it. - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a cool little bar tucked in the back of the hotel. The bartender was a ton of fun which is why I'd return.

Quill is an expensive, gorgeous bar where you're paying for the ambience, location, and good-but-not-great food. I've been twice for different vibes, and was happy both visits: 1. Light dinner and drinks to catch up with friends 2. Coffee and snacks weekend afternoon read more

Quill - Latte - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food. I really enjoyed and their service is completely good great job there . The prices are well affordable too and a very good place i had a good time there read more

Classy old school cocktail bar. Stopped in for a couple of old fashions and they were spot on. Great olive and mixed nuts plates complimentary with the drinks. Got there just as the piano player started. It's on the pricier side, but well worth it. read more

Very nice place for a cocktail. Staff is spot on. Arancini are outstanding. A must stop

This has an awesome little cocktail bar, with comfortable bar seating and an amazing array of liquors and mixers. The bartender was amazing; she had great recommendations and was super fun to chat to. read more

Wandered in here on a whim walking through the neighborhood looking for a cocktail and thank you little eight pound, six ounce, newborn infant Jesus we did, because it was amazing. John and Megan were phenomenal hosts and super rad bartenders. Our only regrets are (1) that we didn't have more time to spend here on our trip because the experience was amazing, and (2) we didn't show up hungry because the food menu (and the dishes that went by) looks bomb. Also ALMOST regret we don't live here so we can be regulars. Very cool atmosphere, very interesting blown glass bar. Absolute gem. Will look forward to coming back on an upcoming trip to the city. read more

Had an amazing time returning here to Quill. I had been here several years ago, but struggled to remember where it was or the name. Ha! Bartender was extremely gracious and engaging, and she made me a delicious Trah-No cocktail. I really enjoy the quiet and deliberate setting here within the historic Jefferson Hotel. read more

Quill - The bar at Quill - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service was awesome, and the drinks were delicious. John was our waiter and recommended the Quillivardier which I really enjoyed. The only thing I didn't like was the TV behind the bar that made it feel a bit less like the cocktail bar that it's supposed to be and gave it some weird sports bar vibes. Would definitely still come back! read more

My servers name was Andrew, and he was Fabulous!! His personality mixed with attentiveness and knowledge of spirits, makes him a top notch asset to this restaurant.....Food, drinks, and ambiance made this experience unforgettable. This along with the 5 star service I received from Andrew will definitely make me a repeat guest. And it doesnr hurt that he's handsome! read more

I absolutely loved this place for its good cocktails and great service. Located inside the hotel, it is not the easiest place to find for the first time, but well worth the effort. 1. Interior - beautiful, dark, mahogany, old school, romantic and intimate 2. Crowd - rather old and quiet people 3. Food - good. I especially loved the chocolate mousse cake 4. Drinks - see the pictures, very good old fashioned - okay, wish they served it smoked or with a cherry Ask for the bartender to make something for you with your favorite ingredients. you dont have to stick with menu here. 5. Service - top notch 6. Parking - hard to find and paid parking only 7. Reservation - not so needed if you are okay with sitting at the bar read more

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I don't give out 5 stars easily!! The Quill is a great spot to have casual drinks and chill with Andrew the bartender. We celebrated my wife's birthday and had a great time with Andrew. If I lived in the area, this would be my Cheers!!! read more

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My new favorite bar in dc. Very classy. Fantastic drink. Amazing bartenders. Very romantic ambiance. read more

Quill - Fairy Ring Spritz - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Top notch staff and service. The hotel ambiance is charming. Our room was well appointed and completely updated. Quill has a great cocktail selection and lite bites. We really enjoyed the reading room. read more

Tucked away off the lobby of the Jefferson Hotel, this is a great spot for drinks and a light meal. The atmosphere is clubby but doesn't feel overly exclusive and casual dress is fine here. Attentive service, our waitperson engaged us in an interesting and helpful conversation about museums we might visit, both in DC and Philadelphia. Definitely a hidden gem! read more

It doesn't matter who your bartender/server is -- Megan, John, Kate, Andrew or one of the others-- service will be exceptional and food superb. As a native Washingtonian, it's one of my favorite hideaways-- five outdoor tables on a terrace tucked behind the trees overlooking 16th Street, one of my favorite places to enjoy a cigar with lunch. Bring your own cigar or purchase one of theirs. One other thing: the crab cakes among the best in the city as well. If they had more stars, I'd award a 6th (I just did!). Very well run hotel, the doorman, concierge, desk agents all greet me with "welcome back," which is an appreciated nice touch. read more

Quill - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came here last night for a quick non-alcoholic drink before dinner at a nearby spot. I got the Li'l Sebastian. As a Parks and Rec superfan, I could not resist! It is housemade grenadine, pineapple juice, and club soda served in a coupe glass with a dehydrated pineapple slice. So pretty and fancy! I asked the bartender to make it a little less sweet with grenadine, and she said the drink is mostly grenadine with an ounce of pineapple juice and a splash of soda. I asked if she could do the drink with a 1:1 ratio of grenadine to pineapple and the majority of the drink be club soda to cut back on the sugar a bit, and she happily obliged. It was still plenty sweet and refreshing. As other Yelpers have mentioned, I also love the complimentary nuts and olives that come with your order. The interior also has a lovely ambiance, very distinguished with dark-paneled wood, club chairs, and dim lighting. All in all, a beautiful cocktail bar with superb service and masterfully crafted beverages. read more

My friends and I ran in to grab a drink. It's located inside a hotel (can't remember the name) but it beautiful and upscale. The crafted drinks are elevated and thoughtful. The service is lovely. read more

was here few years ago and came back only to remind ourselves why we liked this place so much in the first place. the ambience is great and the food/drinks were just as amazing as i remembered. very classy and beautiful bar which we loved. Food is good but i think most people go for their incredible selection of cocktails and the server/bartender definitely know what they're talking about. highly recommended. read more