McClellan's Retreat
✨ 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recent Reviews from Google
One of my favorite bars in DC! They have a small but fun menu of unique, seasonal, and perfectly crafted cocktails. Their charcuterie board is well curated too. Looking forward to my next visit with...
Best happy hour in DC! Make sure you get the punch at that time - it changes every day. The cocktails are amazing, and they aren't kidding - they have the best bartenders in DC. Went with a group of...
Staff at the bar are responsive when you get their attention, and do more than asked for. They're busy with conferences and hotel guests. An easy 4.5 star for service if it were a choice. Food was on...
Incredible cocktail bar that’s been serving the neighborhood for years. The interior is dark, cozy and thoughtfully decorated, giving out a speakeasy vibe without being over the top. All the drinks...
McClellan’s is always a good time! The staff are super welcoming and knowledgeable. Not sure what you want? The bar team has awesome recommendations and has yet to steer me wrong. The vibe inside is...