Silver Lyan
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Category: Speakeasies, Cocktail Bars, Hotel Bars
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
Price: $$$
Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Ranked as one of North America’s 50 Best Bars for 2025, Silver Lyan is a world-class subterranean cocktail lounge from the legendary Ryan "Mr. Lyan" Chetiyawardana, currently captivating the city with its ambitious and inventive "Butterfly Effect" menu.
✨ Vibe
Nestled in a former bank vault beneath the Riggs Washington DC, this upscale speakeasy offers a mysterious and intimate atmosphere characterized by mid-century decor, cozy table lamps, and a sophisticated, secluded energy.
🍸 Best For
Romantic date nights, avant-garde cocktail enthusiasts, upscale pre-dinner aperitifs, and showing off DC's elite nightlife scene to visitors.
🔥 Highlights
- Award-Winning Pedigree: Recognized as a top-ranked destination on the "North America’s 50 Best Bars" list, ensuring a premier experience led by a highly knowledgeable and attentive service team.
- The "Butterfly Effect" Menu: A groundbreaking selection of 12 complex cocktails, featuring imaginative creations like the electrocuted "It’s Alive! 75" and the playful "Pikachu Pop."
- Elevated Late-Night Bites: A curated menu of sophisticated snacks that pair perfectly with the drinks, including fan favorites like everything pretzel bites, halloumi fries, and crispy fried chicken.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- While walk-ins are welcome via a first-come, first-served waitlist, making a reservation online is highly recommended to secure a spot in the vault.
- All guests must be 21+ with a valid ID after 7:00 PM.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.
🔄 Weekly Events
🤝 Sunday Lyan Industry Takeover
Once a month, Silver Lyan hosts industry pals from local and international bars for guest shifts and collaborations.
📰 In the News
2 DC Bars That Are Absolutely Worth A Special Trip, Top 100 List Says
Silver Lyan is recognized as one of two Washington D.C. establishments featured on a prestigious list of the top 100 bars worth a special trip. The venue is celebrated for its innovative cocktail menu and its status as a premier destination within the city's vibrant nightlife scene.
2 D.C. Bar Just Ranked Among The '50 Best' Bars In North America
Silver Lyan has been recognized as one of the '50 Best' bars in North America, solidifying its status as a premier cocktail destination in Washington, D.C. The ranking highlights the venue's excellence in mixology and its standing as one of the top-rated bars on the continent.
Top DC bars team up at Silver Lyan to tap cherry blossom footfall
Silver Lyan hosts a collaborative event with top Washington D.C. bars to capitalize on the increased foot traffic during the cherry blossom season. The partnership features specialized cocktail offerings from prominent local mixologists at the venue.
National Happy Hour Day
Silver Lyan Senior Bartender Clinth Lopez appeared on FOX 5 DC’s LION Lunch Hour to celebrate National Happy Hour Day. The segment showcased the Washington, D.C. bar's cocktail expertise and offerings through a live demonstration.
Silver Lyan Cocktail Bar Review
Silver Lyan is a sultry, subterranean cocktail bar located in the Riggs Washington D.C. hotel, featuring a provocative menu that explores historical and cultural themes through bespoke mixology. Led by world-renowned bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, the lounge offers high-concept drinks like the "Silver Service Martini" alongside elevated American finger foods such as Wagyu beef hot dogs and everything pretzel bites.
Recent Reviews from Google
A cozy, upscale bar with a speakeasy-esque vibe to it; being a level down and adorned with a vault door. The cocktail options are amazing, with each one telling their own unique story. If you feel...
usually not too bad of a wait. drinks are creative and fun while not being outrageously priced ++ cute ambiance! and i asked - they do have a fair amount of alcohol in them so it’s not scammy (some...
We were excited to get a table for 2 without a reservation on a Friday evening with only a short wait! Drinks were fantastic - creative, nice variety, well-prepared, and solid recommendations from our...
Great experience at Lynn. They have a selection of really creative cocktails and more classic ones. Bartenders as well as waiters/waitress are all very knowledgeable and gladly give you advice on...
the bar was very secluded from the rest of the hotel which already set the atmosphere to be intimate and mysterious. i loved that the only light source surrounding us was the small table lamp. the...
