Denson Liquor Bar
Category: Cocktail Bars, Speakeasies, Basements
Neighborhood: Gallery Place / Chinatown
Price: $$$
Address: 600 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
✨ Vibe
Denson Liquor Bar is a sultry, subterranean sanctuary that blends Art Deco glamour with the intimate, moody atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy.
🍸 Best For
Romantic dates, post-theater cocktails, after-work drinks, and late-night charcuterie near Capital One Arena.
🔥 Highlights
- Theatrical Craft Cocktails: Renowned for a sophisticated drink list ranging from the herbaceous "The Princess and the Monk" to a dramatic "Green Fairy" absinthe service featuring traditional equipage and fire.
- Elevated Speakeasy Bites: The menu features creative, high-end small plates like deviled eggs drizzled with white truffle oil and trout roe, and a signature grilled cheese with a sweet fig twist.
- Award-Winning Aesthetic: Recognized by Architectural Digest and Washington City Paper, the "Great Gatsby"-style interior features plush leather booths and a refined design that feels like a hidden DC secret.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are specifically for the leather booths and have a two-hour time limit; bar seating and high-tops are available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The venue is strictly 21+ and observes a business casual dress code, prohibiting any clothing or hats displaying political affiliations.
📰 In the News
The Best Bars In DC - Washington DC
Denson Liquor Bar is an underground speakeasy in Penn Quarter known for its sophisticated craft cocktails and inclusive mocktail selection. The basement venue features a moody atmosphere with leather booths and is a popular destination for drinks and light bites near the Capital One Arena.
33 Best Bars in Washington, DC for Top-Tier Drinks
Denson Liquor Bar is a moody, subterranean artsy spot in Washington, D.C., specializing in sophisticated cocktails and an extensive liquor selection. The venue offers upscale small bites and caviar in a refined environment that enforces a business casual dress code.
Pull Up a Stool at the 5 Most Beautiful Bars in Washington, DC
Denson Liquor Bar is an intimate, old-school lounge in Downtown D.C. that evokes the atmosphere of a pre-Code-era film. Its classic aesthetic and central location near Capital One Arena make it a versatile choice for dates, after-work drinks, or cocktails following a concert or game.
How to Get Into DC’s Best Speakeasies and Hidden Bars
Denson Liquor Bar is an underground, art deco-style retreat in Chinatown that offers a sophisticated escape through its menu of creative cocktail riffs and upscale small plates. The venue features signature drinks like the Rosemary’s Rye and Black Sails, complemented by snacks ranging from charcuterie to caviar in an intimate, dimly-lit setting.
Denson Liquor Bar Brings Whiskey and Classic Cocktails to Penn Quarter
Denson Liquor Bar is a subterranean, art deco-inspired lounge in Penn Quarter designed to resemble a 1920s-era New York hotel lobby. The venue features an extensive collection of American and international whiskeys and classic cocktails, complemented by a global food menu with dishes ranging from chicken-green curry pie to late-night charcuterie.
Recent Reviews from Google
Ooohh Denson! It had been a while since I’d been to this fabulous DC speakeasy tucked underground at 6th and E Street NW, and I’m so glad a colleague suggested drinks after a recent work event. Denson...
First time at Denson and I’m not sure why I’m just now finding out about it. The vibe is lowkey and intimate and was exactly what I needed to take the edge off. As a bartender myself, I really...
Marquis made us the best cocktails we have had in a while. Every single one was top notch. Beautiful spot!! Look for the outdoor stair case to the left of Shakespeare.
Seemed like an off night. Inattentive and cold bartenders lacking basic knowledge. Dirty bar top covered in someone else’s crumbs that was never wiped. Filthy rags on the cutting board my garnish was...
Very cozy bar experience. Loved the art deco inspiration. Staff was friendly and attentive. Really lovely Aperol Spritz. Great cocktails though the foam on my alpinist cocktail had a stiffness and...
