Capo Speakeasy
✨ Vibe
Hidden behind a nondescript industrial freezer door in a bustling Italian deli, this U Street gem offers an "in the know" experience that blends 1920s Prohibition glamour with a high-energy modern lounge atmosphere.
🍸 Best For
Late-night dancing, clandestine cocktails, group celebrations, "in the know" nightlife seekers, post-bar cravings.
🔥 Highlights
- The Secret Reveal: The entrance is cleverly disguised as a functioning freezer door, providing a thrilling transition from a classic deli to a sleek, low-lit lounge with a spacious dance floor.
- Expert Mixology: Recognized as one of D.C.’s must-try speakeasies, the venue features artisanal cocktails like the strawberry gin-infused Strawberry Fields and acclaimed Espresso Martinis, often served with a theatrical fire show.
- Premier Late-Night Dining: Recently honored as one of the city’s top late-night dining destinations for 2025, patrons can enjoy world-class Italian sandwiches from the deli side well into the early morning hours.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Visit Thursday through Saturday to catch live DJ sets spinning a high-energy mix of hip-hop and Top 40 hits.
- The venue is a prime destination for bottle service and lively group outings in the heart of the U Street corridor.
📰 In the News
15 of the best late-night dining spots in the D.C. area
Capo Speakeasy is featured as one of the top late-night dining destinations in the Washington D.C. area. The venue offers a prime spot for a post-imbibing meal, serving the city's night owls long after other kitchens have closed.
14 Must-Try Speakeasies in D.C.
The BackRoom at Capo Deli is a sleek speakeasy hidden behind an industrial fridge door that transforms into a high-energy lounge with live DJ sets from Thursday through Saturday. The venue offers an exclusive nightlife experience in the U Street corridor, featuring signature cocktails such as the strawberry gin-infused Strawberry Fields.
Pssssst … How to find 11 of the best speakeasy bars in the D.C. area
Capo Speakeasy is featured as one of the premier hidden bars in Washington, D.C., offering a Prohibition-era experience with low lights and fancy cocktails. The venue is highlighted for its exclusive, 'in the know' atmosphere that captures the historic glamour of the 1920s.
The 15 Best Speakeasies In The United States
Capo Italian Deli’s 'The Backroom' is a high-energy speakeasy hidden behind a freezer door in Washington, D.C.’s U Street Corridor. The venue features a large dance floor, two bars, and a soundtrack of hip-hop and Top 40 music, making it a popular destination for late-night dancing and bottle service. While the speakeasy focuses on drinks, patrons can enjoy sandwiches from the attached deli when it is open.
10 Bars You Must Visit In D.C., 2023 Edition
Capo Speakeasy operates as a hidden nightlife destination located behind an unassuming freezer door inside the Capo Italian Deli on U Street. The venue features two large bar areas and a spacious dance floor where DJs spin a mix of hip-hop classics and modern hits.
Recent Reviews from Google
Easily the worst 'speakeasy' I've ever been to. Drinks list is tiny, and my paloma was almost undrinkable. Dude behind the bar was super rude, and the atmosphere is awful. Avoid at all costs
Super cool spot!! Awesome music and crowd. The bar tenders were true mixologists and knew how to make delicious drinks- the French 75 was amazing.. Also loved the fire show!! I'll definitely be back!
One of the worst lounges in DC. The bartenders and management are very rude. The music is trash, the bartenders suck and the drinks are horrible. They refill their top shelf alcohol with bottom...
Excellent music selection. The espresso martini was one of the best I’ve ever had. Great experience!
Definitely for the college age folks. It was a good vibe, but below my age group.
