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The Gibson

The Gibson

(Now Closed)
Speakeasy, Lounge, and Cocktail Bar$$$$
U-Street, Washington
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  • Stars
    The experts at Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine recommend this place
    • Travel + Leisure
    • Food & Wine
Tips and Reviews icon137 Tips and reviews
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  • Christina D.
    Christina DinhMay 5, 2013
    In true speakeasy style it is difficult to find. It is right next to the Marvin with only a hand painted writing on the brick wall to indicate The Gibson. Great place with the best well mixed drinks.
  • Sam H.heart icon on user image
    Sam HAugust 17, 2015
    Get a punch bowl of just about anything and split it between friends! I had two other friends with me and we ended up getting three drinks each from the bowl. This is the one with chartreuse
  • Karen C.heart icon on user image
    Karen CooperNovember 13, 2016
    Cocktails are awesome, & there's a back patio fire pit. Capacity is fixed/strict (no standing) so it's never crowded- a great place for intimate convos. Upstairs rooms are perfect for private parties
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchMay 18, 2017
    Cheers to The Gibson's impeccable cocktails with clever names, creative ingredients, and a backstory behind the seasonal offerings. We love this intimate spot for a date. Read more
  • Katie R.heart icon on user image
    Katie RunyanOctober 18, 2016
    Absolutely love this place! Cozy booths, bar, tables & back make for plenty seating options. Great spot for a cocktail. Easiest if you make a reservation ahead of time (especially weekends)!
  • Ebrahim B.heart icon on user image
    Ebrahim BandookwalaJuly 13, 2017
    Super selection of cocktails , not too difficult to get in. Try the rip EPA and the 1900 drunk text.
  • Mark B.heart icon on user image
    Mark BramhillJune 25, 2016
    Loved the Self Starter and the Muse of the Warrior Poet. Nice speakeasy, great drinks and not overly pretentious. Cute back patio, too.
  • M. S.heart icon on user image
    M. SheppyOctober 21, 2017
    Great atmosphere... the patio is quite nice, especially with the sub-titled films. The movies have the Mystery Science Theater 3000 vibe!!!
  • Tia D.
    Tia DelayOctober 16, 2022
    Very cozy, intimate and chill. Suitable for date night. Loved it .. if you want to dance lost society is close by!
  • Bob S.heart icon on user image
    Bob SpechtAugust 12, 2014
    Great spot to duck into during a busy night on U St. Yes, it really is through that door! Every cocktail tried was superb, and service was enjoyable. Intimate but pleasant time.
  • Travel + Leisure
    Travel + LeisureJanuary 4, 2013
    A clubby speakeasy serving classic cocktails. Order one (or two or three) of the old-fashioned fizzes or sours, plus olives or another light bite from the snack menu.
  • Kat
    KatMay 26, 2014
    Fantastic atmosphere, especially at the patio. This place has so much potential, but it's biggest flaw is its rude/douchebag/hipster doorman! Zero people skills and an attitude to go with it! So sad!
  • Leandro L.heart icon on user image
    Leandro LageraMay 31, 2016
    Promises of what could've been is what I think of this place. Great cocktails. Great vibe. Great romance. Will cherish the memory.
  • Caraheart icon on user image
    CaraSeptember 19, 2014
    There is no sexier place in DC than The Gibson. A date once gave the doorman a description of me, and when I arrived I was greeted by name and whisked inside to the appropriate table. Fabulous.
  • Valentin G.heart icon on user image
    Valentin GuerinFebruary 18, 2017
    Good cocktails, nice vibe. Try to get a booth, or an outdoor table if the weather is nice.
  • Erik C.
    Erik CintronJuly 21, 2012
    these mixologist will bring u whatever drink u like and hulk it up, great atmosphere first date approved, each drink is smelled and they try it before they serve it to Make sure it's perfect for u
  • Lucille F.heart icon on user image
    Lucille FisherNovember 9, 2015
    Old fashioned cocktail bar lounge offering classic cocktails from days gone by. These guys know what they are doing. Reservations recommended.
  • Melissa M.heart icon on user image
    Melissa MonsalveJune 5, 2016
    Great cocktails (dark and stormy is my personal go to) and bar food! Bring a date here; it's a pretty sexy space for sure.
  • Marc S.heart icon on user image
    Marc SchneebergerNovember 11, 2017
    Amazing cocktails! And good decent snacks. Try the deviled eggs. Waiters are very skilled!
  • Nadia E.heart icon on user image
    Nadia EspinozaJuly 20, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Try anything on the menu...be adventurous..live a little..its sinfully delicious..ohh if u like boozy sweet sinful...try the de la louisianne...its like being in the latin quarter..without the airfare
  • Ellen S.heart icon on user image
    Ellen S. P.March 26, 2015
    Olives are a great snack. Make it a priority to come when local bands are playing. Intimate venue with great drinks.
  • Tse
    TseOctober 13, 2012
    Mixologist is on point & knows what to make you from mere description of preferences. Al Pacino's South Side - way good & another one wt lime flame...& a spicy aftertaste
  • John N.
    John NienartApril 1, 2014
    Top-notch cocktails. Forget the menu; sit at the bar, tell the bartender what you like, and let him create something just for you.
  • Nicole K.heart icon on user image
    Nicole KyleAugust 8, 2014
    Everything here is perfect. Just get the door guy to text you when your spot is ready so you don't miss out!
  • Mark H.heart icon on user image
    Mark HamrickAugust 29, 2015
    Great place for drinks. Don't judge by the exterior. Cool decor inside and terrific wait staff.
  • NightScene
    NightSceneJanuary 11, 2011
    Mind blowing cocktails in this little hidden getaway. For extravagant drinks be prepared for a longer prep time, and a dollar or two extra on the tab, but with his atmosphere it is well worth it
  • Renaissance Hotels
    Renaissance HotelsMay 31, 2012
    You’ll need to make a reservation to pay $15 per cocktail at this speakeasy-style spot. And you’ll be grateful you did. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com
  • Bob S.
    Bob StaffordJanuary 21, 2012
    Great cocktails on their rotating menu, but give the server your preferences (eg bourbon, but not sweet) and let them mix something custom for you. Great atmosphere - no food though
  • Arthur G.heart icon on user image
    Arthur GueneauJune 25, 2014
    Downstairs and inside. This is how you go about the Gibson. Bar seats are the best as you can get personalized cocktails and chat with the bartenders.
  • Eboni T.heart icon on user image
    Eboni ThompsonMay 19, 2017
    Awesome drinks! Great for dates and small groups
  • Christopher S.heart icon on user image
    Christopher SopherJuly 23, 2013
    If you can forgive the occasionally rude folks at the door, this is a fantastic speakeasy- great cocktails, environment, and bartenders.
  • Thiago B.heart icon on user image
    Thiago BenicchioOctober 18, 2016
    Good (but not amazing) cocktails. Small portions of good food.
  • Food & Wine
    Food & WineApril 21, 2011
    This exclusive bar with a no-standing policy is all about well-crafted cocktails, both classic and innovative. The waitstaff flames twists over drinks tableside.
  • Elizabethheart icon on user image
    ElizabethNovember 9, 2015
    Write this down: Sazerac, old fashioned and a bartenders choice. Cheers!
  • Justin E.heart icon on user image
    Justin EsquivelSeptember 13, 2013
    Fantastic intimate atmosphere wether you're looking for romance or mystery this is the perfect night spot,
  • Thaddeus P.
    Thaddeus PryorApril 13, 2013
    Up stairs is great but the full effect along with the attached menu is down stairs....
  • Peter P.heart icon on user image
    Peter ParkSeptember 17, 2014
    Drinks here are pretty wild. And it means both good and bad. You'd be wise to pick conservatively.
  • Mark H.heart icon on user image
    Mark HamrickAugust 29, 2015
    Explore the unknown with rare cocktails and engage the smart wait staff by asking for recommendations.
  • Peter W.
    Peter WilhelmJuly 18, 2010
    This place is a speakeasy so there's not even a sign outside - how cool is that? It's the 1st bldg north of Marvin's on 14th. Grab a seat upstairs in the study and enjoy a mint julep. Read more
  • Greg R.
    Greg ReedMarch 4, 2012
    Try a proper gin , bourbon, or rye drink. Get away from vodka for once, you will not be disappointed. And do not be afraid to go off menu
  • scott s.
    scott steadNovember 21, 2010
    Tired of the attitude? Check out Wisdom for a relaxed cocktail experience right off of Potomac Ave Metro on Capitol Hill. Wisdom Mixologists will exceed your expectations. Seriously. Escape U Street.
  • Sneakshot
    SneakshotMarch 12, 2014
    Try these drinks: Glam, I been drankin & blood of Kings and ask for Frank! He's great!!!!
  • Alicia G.
    Alicia GJune 22, 2010
    My favorite drink at the Gibson is the Pampered Moose - elderflower liquor, vodka, grapefruit juice, prosecco and a giant orange peel. Wonderful citrusy aroma - can't go wrong!!!
  • Akshay A.heart icon on user image
    Akshay AnikhindiJuly 3, 2016
    Not as great as it used to be. They used to have really unique drinks, but now 4 out of 10 drinks are "classics" that you can find at any bar in DC. Go to PX or Columbia Room instead.
  • GourmetLive
    GourmetLiveOctober 18, 2010
    Cocktails at The Gibson are worth the wait. The Salad Days Sour is a blend of celery-infused pisco lemon & celery bitters streaked with burnt cinnamon.
  • Eric D.heart icon on user image
    Eric DarnellJanuary 26, 2017
    The Whiskey Daisy was outstanding!
  • Angie H.
    Angie HarmonApril 6, 2016
    This is the most DC of DC cocktail bars. They'll text when your wait is up.
  • Matt B.heart icon on user image
    Matt BernsteinAugust 8, 2014
    Old Fashioned and Lions Tail were both great. Cool atmosphere.
  • Josh H.heart icon on user image
    Josh HigginsMay 12, 2015
    Very expensive. But the drinks are fantastic and the speakeasy environment is awesome.
  • Nadia E.heart icon on user image
    Nadia EspinozaApril 26, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    The green olvies are delicious... The spiced nuts are perfectly saled and spiced... Mmmmm
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