It has been a few months since I’ve been back to Calico, and unfortunately today was a very disappointing experience. I’ve been to Calico many times, especially for their bingo nights, which I’ve always enjoyed. I saw on their website that they had an all day spritz special of two spritz and a pizza for $30. I thought it would be a fun way to stave off the Sunday scaries and decided to go with a few friends at 6:30 PM. Despite the website displaying the special for Sept. 21, 2025 (the day we went), as well as on the fence of Calico itself, the bartender sad that they were no longer doing those specials. I mentioned the date, and he said that “it must take a while for the website to update.” While I am sure no longer doing the special was a managerial decision (and therefore not the fault of the bartender), I do think it’s unfair and bad business to advertise for something that you aren’t serving. We ended up going to All Purpose instead, which was great. But a warning to others because we were all coming from various neighborhoods for what would have been a fun Sunday event.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Tim White
I’ve been to Calico before and had a great time, enjoyed the drinks and the board games but last night was different. My group arrived at 11:30 pm (1.5 hrs before closing). The bouncer told us the patio was about to close but that indoors was still open. We were looking at the menu at the bar. The bartender asked us if we were ready to order. When we said not yet, he signed loudly. Shortly after, my friend and I ordered our drinks. Our third friend was taking an extra couple seconds to make up his mind. While he was doing that, the bartender started counting down. I found this to be super rude. At around midnight (an hour before closing), the staff turned up the lights and turned off the music. Soon after, they picked up our drinks and at 12:15 the same bartender announced to the bar (seemingly to us) “5 minutes.” We left soon after that. On our way out, I asked another staffer what time they close. He said it was early that night cause the bar was empty. I totally understand the desire of the staff to leave early since we were the only table in the bar but I didn’t understand why they had to be so rude about it.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Adam
Fantastic service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elie Singer
Fun bar for casual drinks or a date! Great vibes overall - love all the outdoor seating and they put up nice seasonal decorations. The actual food and drinks are OK, nothing amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Karla Keim
The juice boxes were delish!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Andrew Fertig
Tots are great, everything else is meh food wise. Drinks are pretty good! Service at the bar is kinda crappy, but luckily it's a QR code system at all the tables so I usually sit at one of those. Very cute outdoor space
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Charli Caylor
This is the best place ever!!!! I lost my ring under the deck and the manager ventured underneath the deck, into the unknown, to find it for me!!!
Best staff, best time!!
Live, love, calico!
Tom
Went here Saturday with my sibling, it was a vibe and a great bar but the pour she got for her Smello was less than desirable. Tots were great but if you’re gonna charge people make the pricing reflect better than at best half a glass pour. We were both blown away.
Melanie Meyers
Thank you for selling Phony Negroni’s!!!
Orest Schur
The location is nice if you want to hide from a busy urban life. Big bar goes from the inside to outside. Worth visiting.
If you’re searching for a place that feels like home but comes with great drinks and an inviting vibe, Calico in Blagden Alley is your spot!
This charming spot combines cozy and chic, making it perfect for happy hour or a casual night out. Their cocktails are consistently fresh and flavorful, thanks to a skilled staff that knows how to deliver quality in every glass. The outdoor space is a dream, with beautiful seasonal décor, heaters for the colder months, and even a bar that stretches outside.
Calico isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience. Whether you’re joining friends for bingo, sipping and painting, or carving pumpkins in the fall, there’s always something fun to do. The shareable plates are perfect for groups, and the main entrées hit the spot every time.
Don’t miss out—ask for Randall, Kyle (the amazing manager), or any of their friendly staff to ensure your visit is top-notch. Calico is one of those places that can quickly become your regular hangout. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mikael LaRoche
Hidden
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Femi Elemoso
Cute place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oluwatunmise Oladejo
Celebrated a friend’s birthday here, and I have to say, it was a night to remember! We were lucky enough to have
We tried a mix of dishes, and each one was a treat. The Spicy pasta, with a slight kick that balanced the richness, were crispy with just the right amount of sauce.
One thing to note: the ambiance here can get a bit lively inside, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, definitely consider the outdoor seating. When we arrived on a Friday night, the restaurant was buzzing, which added to the fun, but sitting outside let us enjoy our own conversation without shouting. The bar area is tucked off to the right, making it feel cozy and more intimate if you just want to hang out with a drink.
While there was a bit of a wait for our food and drink refills, the bartenders were always checking on us, and the complimentary charcuterie sampler they bring out when you first arrive kept us going in the meantime. Plus, I noticed that the portions are more than generous, so it’s a perfect place to go with friends and share everything family-style.
And after a night filled with amazing pasta and even better service, if you're looking to keep the good vibes rolling, definitely hit up Pull Up DC! It’s a convenient way to keep the night going without worrying about parking or logistics, especially if you’re looking to wind down somewhere local. Altogether, the evening was a win, and I can’t wait to come back!
Food: 5
Dan Murphy
With a patio that’s charming and bright, Perfect for snaps in flattering light, It’s a post-brunch dream, Where the vibes all gleam, And service that's swift feels just right.
Though prices do lean a bit high, The ambiance helps justify. For Instagram flair, And a chic affair, This cute little spot’s worth a try.
It has been a few months since I’ve been back to Calico, and unfortunately today was a very disappointing experience. I’ve been to Calico many times, especially for their bingo nights, which I’ve always enjoyed. I saw on their website that they had an all day spritz special of two spritz and a pizza for $30. I thought it would be a fun way to stave off the Sunday scaries and decided to go with a few friends at 6:30 PM. Despite the website displaying the special for Sept. 21, 2025 (the day we went), as well as on the fence of Calico itself, the bartender sad that they were no longer doing those specials. I mentioned the date, and he said that “it must take a while for the website to update.” While I am sure no longer doing the special was a managerial decision (and therefore not the fault of the bartender), I do think it’s unfair and bad business to advertise for something that you aren’t serving. We ended up going to All Purpose instead, which was great. But a warning to others because we were all coming from various neighborhoods for what would have been a fun Sunday event.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
I’ve been to Calico before and had a great time, enjoyed the drinks and the board games but last night was different. My group arrived at 11:30 pm (1.5 hrs before closing). The bouncer told us the patio was about to close but that indoors was still open. We were looking at the menu at the bar. The bartender asked us if we were ready to order. When we said not yet, he signed loudly. Shortly after, my friend and I ordered our drinks. Our third friend was taking an extra couple seconds to make up his mind. While he was doing that, the bartender started counting down. I found this to be super rude. At around midnight (an hour before closing), the staff turned up the lights and turned off the music. Soon after, they picked up our drinks and at 12:15 the same bartender announced to the bar (seemingly to us) “5 minutes.” We left soon after that. On our way out, I asked another staffer what time they close. He said it was early that night cause the bar was empty. I totally understand the desire of the staff to leave early since we were the only table in the bar but I didn’t understand why they had to be so rude about it.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Fantastic service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun bar for casual drinks or a date! Great vibes overall - love all the outdoor seating and they put up nice seasonal decorations. The actual food and drinks are OK, nothing amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
The juice boxes were delish!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Tots are great, everything else is meh food wise. Drinks are pretty good! Service at the bar is kinda crappy, but luckily it's a QR code system at all the tables so I usually sit at one of those. Very cute outdoor space
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
This is the best place ever!!!! I lost my ring under the deck and the manager ventured underneath the deck, into the unknown, to find it for me!!!
Best staff, best time!!
Live, love, calico!
Went here Saturday with my sibling, it was a vibe and a great bar but the pour she got for her Smello was less than desirable. Tots were great but if you’re gonna charge people make the pricing reflect better than at best half a glass pour. We were both blown away.
Thank you for selling Phony Negroni’s!!!
The location is nice if you want to hide from a busy urban life. Big bar goes from the inside to outside. Worth visiting.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
A Hidden Gem in Blagden Alley: Calico
If you’re searching for a place that feels like home but comes with great drinks and an inviting vibe, Calico in Blagden Alley is your spot!
This charming spot combines cozy and chic, making it perfect for happy hour or a casual night out. Their cocktails are consistently fresh and flavorful, thanks to a skilled staff that knows how to deliver quality in every glass. The outdoor space is a dream, with beautiful seasonal décor, heaters for the colder months, and even a bar that stretches outside.
Calico isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience. Whether you’re joining friends for bingo, sipping and painting, or carving pumpkins in the fall, there’s always something fun to do. The shareable plates are perfect for groups, and the main entrées hit the spot every time.
Don’t miss out—ask for Randall, Kyle (the amazing manager), or any of their friendly staff to ensure your visit is top-notch. Calico is one of those places that can quickly become your regular hangout. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Cute place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Celebrated a friend’s birthday here, and I have to say, it was a night to remember! We were lucky enough to have
We tried a mix of dishes, and each one was a treat. The Spicy pasta, with a slight kick that balanced the richness, were crispy with just the right amount of sauce.
One thing to note: the ambiance here can get a bit lively inside, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, definitely consider the outdoor seating. When we arrived on a Friday night, the restaurant was buzzing, which added to the fun, but sitting outside let us enjoy our own conversation without shouting. The bar area is tucked off to the right, making it feel cozy and more intimate if you just want to hang out with a drink.
While there was a bit of a wait for our food and drink refills, the bartenders were always checking on us, and the complimentary charcuterie sampler they bring out when you first arrive kept us going in the meantime. Plus, I noticed that the portions are more than generous, so it’s a perfect place to go with friends and share everything family-style.
And after a night filled with amazing pasta and even better service, if you're looking to keep the good vibes rolling, definitely hit up Pull Up DC! It’s a convenient way to keep the night going without worrying about parking or logistics, especially if you’re looking to wind down somewhere local. Altogether, the evening was a win, and I can’t wait to come back!
Food: 5
With a patio that’s charming and bright,
Perfect for snaps in flattering light,
It’s a post-brunch dream,
Where the vibes all gleam,
And service that's swift feels just right.
Though prices do lean a bit high,
The ambiance helps justify.
For Instagram flair,
And a chic affair,
This cute little spot’s worth a try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
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