barmini by José Andrés
501 9th St NW, Washington
(202) 393-4451
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From the cocktails to the service…our experience was top notch all around! Highly recommend!
I can’t say enough about the overall quality of food, service and atmosphere! One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great meal and experience!
This isn’t as intimate and innovative as you would expect. The cocktails, while good, were no better than other bars throughout DC. The seating is weird and the craftsmanship of the cocktails cannot be appreciated nor understood entirely without being at the bar. This is an insane amount of money for a cocktail flight that seemed to lack cohesiveness and a buzz.
This place is a gem in all the ways - thoughtful, creative craft. Every drink is delicious and the little bites are so yummy and with an excellent presentation. The drink menu is inventive and unending in options. Try delicious things you’ve never heard of or thought about.
Wonderful experience and would definitely come back next time visiting DC. Gorgeous and delicious cocktails. Our server was fantastic and had perfect recommendations. Must try!
Barmini is definitely a vibe. The decor was unique and refreshing, the staff were super professional and welcoming, and the drinks were not skimpy. My wife was so happy we capped off her birthday at this gem. I would recommend if you're a party of two and considering the flight, just pay for one flight while the other person choose drinks from the menu. That way you experience more.
A magical experience with some of the most creative cocktails I've found anywhere.
barmini's sample flight is absolutely worth it. When you enter, you're surrounded by an incredible space - bright with all sorts of unique decorations that will reveal new things on each visit. The service is top notch - presentation, explanations, and care. The drinks are presented with a thematic connection and the food is elegant.
The drinks themselves are incredible - unique ingredients and techniques that you won't find even at other top cocktail bars. One drink from the current menu involves stirring a cocktail into liquid nitrogen to create a slushy texture, spooning into a glass, and covering with a warm matcha foam for an experience which hits all the senses. Others bring in various savory flavors and spices to create beautiful combinations, some are deeply refreshing or herbal....the bartenders here are artists in every sense and experts in all techniques.
Having visited a number of cocktail bars around the world, this is easily a top-3 experience for me.
Unforgettable experience. Did the cocktail flight and it was worth it. The cocktails are not only super interesting / creative, but very tasty. Unique ambience and excellent service (very professional without being pretentiousness).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We booked a special drink tasting menu for our anniversary. While the cost is a bit high for the cocktails, it's definitely worth it. We did the drink through the ages menu and everything was delicious. The service was great and they gave us some champagne in the house. Recommend making a reservation and visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The minibar experience begins weeks before you step inside, when you manage to secure a coveted spot at one of the two nightly seatings. Each passing day builds anticipation, knowing you're about to embark on something truly special and unique.
On the big day, you gather with fellow diners outside the understated entrance. As the door opens, it feels like cashing in a golden ticket to a Willy Wonka-esque affair. The all-white anteroom acts as a physical palette cleanser, separating you from the world outside and setting the stage for a journey of culinary wonder.
You and your ten fellow diners (soon to be friends) are welcomed into a space where food becomes theater. To describe any individual dish would spoil the magic, but know that each course--arriving as a meticulously crafted bite or two--showcases extraordinary precision and creativity. The timing and choreography are more akin to poetry and ballet than a typical kitchen. For fans of shows like The Bear or Hell's Kitchen, this is a glimpse of what a professional kitchen can achieve at its best--no panic, no yelling, just chefs focused on elevating food to its highest form.
Throughout the evening, a gracious team guides you, making sure you feel genuinely appreciated. The chefs encourage questions about the dishes, their construction, and the inspiration behind them. Even when my curiosity led me to ask question after question, their patience and enthusiasm never waned.
Despite the attention to detail, there is no sense of pretentiousness here. The pacing is relaxed, with each course seamlessly following the last. You'll find yourself wondering how each dish could possibly top the previous one, only to be amazed time and again.
The team's warmth makes you feel like family rather than just a guest. It's humbling to experience such sincerity and grace. As Chef Andrés has said, his secret is to treat every guest as if it's the only meal they'll have all year. Mission accomplished.
If you're fortunate enough to afford it or can save for a special occasion, a night at minibar is worth it. It's an evening of pure pleasure and delight--one you won't soon forget.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The minibar experience begins weeks before you step inside, when you manage to secure a coveted spot at one of the two nightly seatings. Each passing day builds anticipation, knowing you're about to embark on something truly special and unique. On the big day, you gather with fellow diners outside the understated entrance. As the door opens, it feels like cashing in a golden ticket to a Willy Wonka-esque affair. The all-white anteroom acts as a physical palette cleanser, separating you from the world outside and setting the stage for a journey of culinary wonder. You and your ten fellow diners (soon to be friends) are welcomed into a space where food becomes theater. To describe any individual dish would spoil the magic, but know that each course--arriving as a meticulously crafted bite or two--showcases extraordinary precision and creativity. The timing and choreography are more akin to poetry and ballet than a typical kitchen. For fans of shows like The Bear or Hell's Kitchen, this is a glimpse of what a professional kitchen can achieve at its best--no panic, no yelling, just chefs focused on elevating food to its highest form. Throughout the evening, a gracious team guides you, making sure you feel genuinely appreciated. The chefs encourage questions about the dishes, their construction, and the inspiration behind them. Even when my curiosity led me to ask question after question, their patience and enthusiasm never waned. Despite the attention to detail, there is no sense of pretentiousness here. The pacing is relaxed, with each course seamlessly following the last. You'll find yourself wondering how each dish could possibly top the previous one, only to be amazed time and again. The team's warmth makes you feel like family rather than just a guest. It's humbling to experience such sincerity and grace. As Chef Andrés has said, his secret is to treat every guest as if it's the only meal they'll have all year. Mission accomplished. If you're fortunate enough to afford it or can save for a special occasion, a night at minibar is worth it. It's an evening of pure pleasure and delight--one you won't soon forget.
This was truly an unbelievable experience in every single way. The service, food and drinks, and ambience were exceeded all my expectations!
The attention to detail was completely astonishing. The fact that the servers recognized I was left handed and began placing the utensils on a different side was the cherry on top of the sundae.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barmini by José Andres is a hidden gem that starts with an unassuming entrance off 9th Street, where you're greeted by an energetic host who sets the tone for the evening. We opted for the cocktail flight, which I highly recommend. It's easily the best cocktail experience my wife and I have ever had. I tried a whiskey cocktail with cucumber, Thai chile, and garlic, which was in addition to the flight, and she loved the Yuzu Meringue Pie drink—both were outstanding. The staff was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable without being overbearing. While it's not a cheap night out, it's definitely an experience worth indulging in if you have the chance.
Vegetarian options: They accommodate vegetarians. One of the cocktails on the flight included a ham fat washed tequila, which they substituted for vegetarians.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
minibar is still at the top of their game. Service somehow as good as the excellent food. Definitely a very special occasion place, but worth the splurge.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
While the food was fantastic, creative and beautiful, I have to commend the staff. They made the experience memorable. An unpretentious experience with a group that clearly loved their work. We were made to feel welcome the moment we arrived until we departed - 2 1/2 hours later. Dietary restrictions were thoughtfully and discretely accommodated. A 5-star experience, A 10 out of 10 for sure. We have already talked about returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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