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The Gibson
(Now Closed)Speakeasy, Lounge, and Cocktail Bar$$$$
U-Street, Washington
The experts at Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine recommend this place
137 Tips and reviews
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Christina DinhMay 5, 2013In 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 HAugust 17, 2015Get 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 CooperNovember 13, 2016Cocktails 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 BrunchMay 18, 2017Cheers 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 RunyanOctober 18, 2016Absolutely 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 BandookwalaJuly 13, 2017Super selection of cocktails , not too difficult to get in. Try the rip EPA and the 1900 drunk text.
Mark BramhillJune 25, 2016Loved the Self Starter and the Muse of the Warrior Poet. Nice speakeasy, great drinks and not overly pretentious. Cute back patio, too.
M. SheppyOctober 21, 2017Great atmosphere... the patio is quite nice, especially with the sub-titled films. The movies have the Mystery Science Theater 3000 vibe!!!
Tia DelayOctober 16, 2022Very cozy, intimate and chill. Suitable for date night. Loved it .. if you want to dance lost society is close by!
Bob SpechtAugust 12, 2014Great 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 + LeisureJanuary 4, 2013A 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.
KatMay 26, 2014Fantastic 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 LageraMay 31, 2016Promises of what could've been is what I think of this place. Great cocktails. Great vibe. Great romance. Will cherish the memory.
CaraSeptember 19, 2014There 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 GuerinFebruary 18, 2017Good cocktails, nice vibe. Try to get a booth, or an outdoor table if the weather is nice.
Erik CintronJuly 21, 2012these 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 FisherNovember 9, 2015Old fashioned cocktail bar lounge offering classic cocktails from days gone by. These guys know what they are doing. Reservations recommended.
Melissa MonsalveJune 5, 2016Great 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 SchneebergerNovember 11, 2017Amazing cocktails! And good decent snacks. Try the deviled eggs. Waiters are very skilled!
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. P.March 26, 2015Olives are a great snack. Make it a priority to come when local bands are playing. Intimate venue with great drinks.
TseOctober 13, 2012Mixologist 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 NienartApril 1, 2014Top-notch cocktails. Forget the menu; sit at the bar, tell the bartender what you like, and let him create something just for you.
Nicole KyleAugust 8, 2014Everything here is perfect. Just get the door guy to text you when your spot is ready so you don't miss out!
Mark HamrickAugust 29, 2015Great place for drinks. Don't judge by the exterior. Cool decor inside and terrific wait staff.
NightSceneJanuary 11, 2011Mind 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 HotelsMay 31, 2012You’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
Bob StaffordJanuary 21, 2012Great 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 GueneauJune 25, 2014Downstairs 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.
Christopher SopherJuly 23, 2013If you can forgive the occasionally rude folks at the door, this is a fantastic speakeasy- great cocktails, environment, and bartenders.
Food & WineApril 21, 2011This exclusive bar with a no-standing policy is all about well-crafted cocktails, both classic and innovative. The waitstaff flames twists over drinks tableside.
Justin EsquivelSeptember 13, 2013Fantastic intimate atmosphere wether you're looking for romance or mystery this is the perfect night spot,
Thaddeus PryorApril 13, 2013Up stairs is great but the full effect along with the attached menu is down stairs....
Peter ParkSeptember 17, 2014Drinks here are pretty wild. And it means both good and bad. You'd be wise to pick conservatively.- Mark HamrickAugust 29, 2015Explore the unknown with rare cocktails and engage the smart wait staff by asking for recommendations.
Peter WilhelmJuly 18, 2010This 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 ReedMarch 4, 2012Try 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 steadNovember 21, 2010Tired 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.
SneakshotMarch 12, 2014Try these drinks: Glam, I been drankin & blood of Kings and ask for Frank! He's great!!!!
Alicia GJune 22, 2010My 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 AnikhindiJuly 3, 2016Not 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.
GourmetLiveOctober 18, 2010Cocktails 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.
Angie HarmonApril 6, 2016This is the most DC of DC cocktail bars. They'll text when your wait is up.
Josh HigginsMay 12, 2015Very expensive. But the drinks are fantastic and the speakeasy environment is awesome.- The green olvies are delicious... The spiced nuts are perfectly saled and spiced... Mmmmm
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Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 6:00 PM–1:00 AM
- Fri–Sat
- 6:00 PM–2:00 AM
(202) 232-2156
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Happy Hour
Drinks
Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 6.6
"Very modern, good music, cool chandelier, and drinks are descent."
Mattglobetrottingfoodie M - 7.2
"16-Feb: Visited with Ericka/Fi. Solid drinks, loud music (hard to hear), old school hip hop, felt a bit clubby given the intimate setting?"
H L - 7.0
"Cocktails are around $15. Exposed brick, low lounge chair/table areas, projections on walls: very LA or NY vibe. Don't get the Pisco Sour - its premade."
Kaz K.
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- 8.4
"Great dogs, great chilli, but not off the scale. More than decent veggie option and unique history make this place a safe bet in DC"
Sarah J Parker - 7.0
"Real nice menu. Their filet is amaze-balls as is their Mac & cheese! Nice addition to the U St corridor."
Matt Rosenberg - 8.2
"Opt for the baller brunch. The frittata & goi ga salad are fresh & clean, but get a biscuit on the side. When you need something a little more the fried chicken biscuit, pork hash, & BLT do the trick."
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