McClellan's Retreat

McClellan's Retreat

McClellan's Retreat logo

✨ Vibe

Intimate and evocative, this Civil War-themed "officers' retreat" features dim lantern lighting, flannel banquettes, and a cozy speakeasy atmosphere that makes it a quintessential Dupont Circle neighborhood favorite.

🍸 Best For

Whiskey connoisseurs, intimate date nights, creative seasonal cocktails, and relaxed happy hours with friends or colleagues.

🔥 Highlights

  • Expertly Crafted Rotating Menus: Recently hailed as one of the best bars in DC, the venue features a beverage program that evolves every six weeks, offering everything from era-inspired classics to elaborate summer tiki drinks.
  • Unrivaled Spirits Selection: Guests can explore an extensive library of barrel-aged spirits, rare whiskeys, and unique rums, all navigated by a knowledgeable bar team known for their incredible bartending skills and personalized recommendations.
  • Charming Bar Bites: The menu pairs high-quality drinks with delightful snacks, including white cheddar grilled cheese, curated charcuterie boards, and their signature whale crackers.

ℹ️ Need to Know

  • The venue maintains a dedicated seating policy to ensure every guest has a stool or table, preserving a relaxed and comfortable environment for conversation.
  • Don't miss their legendary Happy Hour, which features a unique house punch that changes every single day.

Happy Hour

Drink specials including $8 Old Fashioneds (Old Forester Bourbon or Rye), $8 Hammond cocktails, $9 Palomas, $9 Aperitivo Spritzes, and $10 Martinis.

📰 In the News

Time Out Worldwide Apr 30, 2025

The best bars in Washington, D.C. right now

McClellan's Retreat is a cozy, Civil War-themed bar in Dupont Circle known for its intimate atmosphere, barrel-aged spirits, and creative rotating cocktail menus. The venue offers unique bar snacks like white cheddar grilled cheese and whale crackers to complement its high-quality drinks. It maintains a specific seating policy to ensure every guest has a stool or table, preserving its relaxed and friendly vibe.

WJLA Mar 3, 2025

Celebrate Mardi Gras with unique cocktails at McClellan's Retreat in Dupont Circle

McClellan's Retreat is an ambient cocktail bar in Dupont Circle that features a rotating menu of crafted spirits and light bites like charcuterie and muffalettas. Led by general manager Brian Nixon, the venue offers a cozy atmosphere and frequently updates its menu every six weeks to include themed drink specials for seasonal festivities.

Eater DC Aug 22, 2022

18 Destinations for a Late Summer Cocktail Around D.C.

McClellan’s Retreat in Washington, D.C. features an extensive summer tiki menu with classics like the Zombie, Penicillin, and Mai Tai, which can be served in a pineapple for an added fee. The bar also serves as a hub for the Tiki Trail bar crawl, offering guests a map to collect stamps from participating locations for access to a seasonal celebratory luau.

Washington City Paper Sep 19, 2020

Cocktail Bar McClellan’s Retreat Now Open in Dupont

McClellan’s Retreat is a Civil War-themed cocktail bar in Dupont Circle that offers a cozy, "officers' retreat" atmosphere with weathered wood and lantern lighting. The menu features a mix of era-inspired cocktails, such as hot spiced rum and sherry cobblers, alongside classic drinks and a selection of light snacks.

Thrillist Oct 5, 2017

McClellan's Retreat: A Bar in Washington, D.C.

McClellan's Retreat is a cozy, Civil War-themed whiskey bar in Washington, D.C., featuring dim lighting and flannel banquets. The beverage program highlights a mix of classic and original cocktails, including throwback options like the Sherry cobbler, served by an experienced team.

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