Here in Washington D.C., we have some really interesting speak-easy bars that are really well-kept secrets! I used to live in the Penn Quarter area of the city when I was freshly out of college, and exploring the city on a very tight budget was quite interesting – my roommate and I spent vast amounts of time scoping out trendy, up and coming spots that were worth our hard earned dollars!
I had always heard of a few speak-easy bars in the area, but had never ventured to their doors. Now that I’m a little bit more secure in my career, my friends and I take it upon ourselves to splurge every now and then on a fancy, fun night out! I had heard of an interesting little place called the Columbia Room through word of mouth. The Columbia Room is a mixology bar, hidden behind the façade of a run-down, downtown bar, called the Passenger. Back in the prohibition days, this very small, well-hidden space was once a true speak-easy, with National Prohibition Act certificates framed on their walls!
Remaining true to its original form, the bar evolved with the times but continued to specialize in the alchemy of spirits, becoming one of the best kept-secrets in town!
The best part of this bar is the experience. The Columbia Room goes to great lengths to ensure authenticity. My fiancé, myself and another couple we enjoy trying new restaurants with, took it upon ourselves to make reservations two months ahead of time – as seating is extremely limited. When arriving to the Passenger, we immediately got in line behind a large group of 20 something’s. We had an 11pm reservation at the Columbia Room, so after waiting 5 minutes or so, we bypassed the crowd and alerted the door man of our reservation. He let us in immediately, to the dismay of all the impatient college students dying to get in.
We pushed and elbowed our way through the very crowded bar, looking for a door or a sign that read ‘Columbia Room’. There was nothing. We circled around the small bar again and finally found a waiter, who pointed out a very small door in the back of the room, completely unmarked, with the façade of an entrance to a storage closet.
We gently knocked on the door. It slowly opened and a very petite, chic women dressed in all black, let us in. “You are our 11pm reservation?”,We all nodded simultaneously, completely taking in our new environment. As the door to the Columbia Room shut behind us, the noise from the Passenger Bar completely phased out. The lighting in the foyer of the Columbia Room was dim and gave the aura of the 1920’s. While the Passenger Bar was a bit run down and sloppy from its’ current cliental, the Columbia Room was immaculate and wonderfully decorated.
Our hostess quietly vanished behind a sliding door to prepare for our reservation, which gave us an opportunity to quickly sneak a peak of the small bar behind her! The adorable mixologists sporting vests and ties were engaging in light conversation with a current group of guests, and eagerly preparing for our group! Upon being seated, the four of us, along with another group of six, filled the entire bar!
The environment is quiet, lovely and cozy. The mixologists spend a good amount of time asking each guest their drink preferences and concocting delicious treats for you to sip on all evening.
Three hours and countless conversation topics later…it was 2am and the bar was shutting down! We couldn’t believe how quickly time flew, how accommodating our hosts were and how delicious the entire experience was.
If you’re in town visiting, or reside in the D.C. area…this is a ‘bucket list’ must!
No comments:
Post a Comment