The reviews seemed promising for this bar in downtown DC. We ordered 2 manhattans at the bar and it came out to $71 including tip. They charged 4 dollars for the drink to be up as well. Odd. Additionally the bartender treated us as if we were at a dive bar. “What do you want?” “Open or closed” The service and quality of the drink did not match the price tag. You can easily get a better drink down the block at the bar at cafe Riggs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Dione Marshall
Top tier vibes, dark and intimate
Mike
Great whiskey bar with SpeakEasy vibes
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jack Ryan
Great drinks, questionable service. I’ve had multiple great experiences prior and have been back time and time again, but my most recent experience was abysmal. I got the sense my partner and I weren’t ordering enough so we were told there was a ‘time limit’ on the reservation, even though nothing in the online booking system says there’s a time limit and we’ve never had an issue prior. Bottom line, you’ll love the drinks, but be aware you have to order loads and not stay too long (especially on busy nights).
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Tigran S
Denson is an absolute gem in DC! The atmosphere is incredible—a perfect underground speakeasy vibe that feels intimate and cool. The craft cocktails here are top-tier.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martha Kortiak Mert
Do stop in for a cocktail at this fabulous bar with a speakeasy feel, well worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Wendy M.
Ooohh Denson! It had been a while since I’d been to this fabulous DC speakeasy tucked underground at 6th and E Street NW, and I’m so glad a colleague suggested drinks after a recent work event. Denson was the first place that came to mind, and it was everything we didn’t know we needed.
Even on a Saturday night during a holiday weekend, we scored a table. Huge thanks to Mikayla, the amazing hostess who was so friendly, attentive, and full of personality. She seated us in the perfect booth where we could relax and catch up.
The vibe at Denson is modern and sultry, a true hidden cocktail bar with low lighting, great music, and an intimate atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’ve found one of DC’s best-kept secrets.
Our server, Keimya, was equally fantastic and took great care of us all night.
We started with the deviled eggs drizzled with white truffle oil and topped with trout roe. They were so good we ordered a second round. The grilled cheese was another standout with figs adding a sweet twist that made it taste like it had bacon in it. So creative and delicious.
Of course, we had to try their craft cocktails. The She’s a Real Nice Lychee was a favorite — a refreshing gin cocktail with lychee, coconut cream, lemon, and brandied cherries. It was light, smooth, and beautifully balanced. The classic margarita was also spot on.
Now that I know Denson still delivers on all fronts — amazing service, elevated bites, and perfectly made cocktails — I’ll definitely be back.
If you’re near the National Building Museum, Capital One Arena, Portrait Gallery, or Harman Center, make your way to Denson. It’s tucked down a staircase on the corner, and once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a hidden cocktail den that’s pure DC magic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Davis
Seemed like an off night. Inattentive and cold bartenders lacking basic knowledge. Dirty bar top covered in someone else’s crumbs that was never wiped. Filthy rags on the cutting board my garnish was cut on. Total amateur hour from a bar that was impressive the first time. Cheese was fine.
First time at Denson and I’m not sure why I’m just now finding out about it. The vibe is lowkey and intimate and was exactly what I needed to take the edge off. As a bartender myself, I really appreciate a well-crafted cocktail, and “The Princess and the Monk” did not disappoint. I’m a gin lover, and this one was perfectly balanced, herbaceous, slightly bitter, not too sweet. Also gave the grilled cheese a try (was hesitant about the fig jam) but it was surprisingly delicious. Shoutout to Jalil behind the bar he was super friendly and had a great, performative shake that made the whole experience even better.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
silent h
Marquis made us the best cocktails we have had in a while. Every single one was top notch. Beautiful spot!! Look for the outdoor stair case to the left of Shakespeare.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Tristan Nichols
Great bartender yesterday amazing service as always
M P
Martel was a wonderful bartender, he was very knowledgeable and even taught me something new about mixology. I had a wonderful experience!
The reviews seemed promising for this bar in downtown DC. We ordered 2 manhattans at the bar and it came out to $71 including tip. They charged 4 dollars for the drink to be up as well. Odd. Additionally the bartender treated us as if we were at a dive bar. “What do you want?” “Open or closed” The service and quality of the drink did not match the price tag. You can easily get a better drink down the block at the bar at cafe Riggs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Top tier vibes, dark and intimate
Great whiskey bar with SpeakEasy vibes
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great drinks, questionable service.
I’ve had multiple great experiences prior and have been back time and time again, but my most recent experience was abysmal. I got the sense my partner and I weren’t ordering enough so we were told there was a ‘time limit’ on the reservation, even though nothing in the online booking system says there’s a time limit and we’ve never had an issue prior.
Bottom line, you’ll love the drinks, but be aware you have to order loads and not stay too long (especially on busy nights).
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Denson is an absolute gem in DC! The atmosphere is incredible—a perfect underground speakeasy vibe that feels intimate and cool. The craft cocktails here are top-tier.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Do stop in for a cocktail at this fabulous bar with a speakeasy feel, well worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Ooohh Denson! It had been a while since I’d been to this fabulous DC speakeasy tucked underground at 6th and E Street NW, and I’m so glad a colleague suggested drinks after a recent work event. Denson was the first place that came to mind, and it was everything we didn’t know we needed.
Even on a Saturday night during a holiday weekend, we scored a table. Huge thanks to Mikayla, the amazing hostess who was so friendly, attentive, and full of personality. She seated us in the perfect booth where we could relax and catch up.
The vibe at Denson is modern and sultry, a true hidden cocktail bar with low lighting, great music, and an intimate atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’ve found one of DC’s best-kept secrets.
Our server, Keimya, was equally fantastic and took great care of us all night.
We started with the deviled eggs drizzled with white truffle oil and topped with trout roe. They were so good we ordered a second round. The grilled cheese was another standout with figs adding a sweet twist that made it taste like it had bacon in it. So creative and delicious.
Of course, we had to try their craft cocktails. The She’s a Real Nice Lychee was a favorite — a refreshing gin cocktail with lychee, coconut cream, lemon, and brandied cherries. It was light, smooth, and beautifully balanced. The classic margarita was also spot on.
Now that I know Denson still delivers on all fronts — amazing service, elevated bites, and perfectly made cocktails — I’ll definitely be back.
If you’re near the National Building Museum, Capital One Arena, Portrait Gallery, or Harman Center, make your way to Denson. It’s tucked down a staircase on the corner, and once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a hidden cocktail den that’s pure DC magic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Seemed like an off night. Inattentive and cold bartenders lacking basic knowledge. Dirty bar top covered in someone else’s crumbs that was never wiped. Filthy rags on the cutting board my garnish was cut on. Total amateur hour from a bar that was impressive the first time. Cheese was fine.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Great wings!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not the best cocktails.
Restaurantji Recommends
Batched cocktails were ok. Great atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time at Denson and I’m not sure why I’m just now finding out about it. The vibe is lowkey and intimate and was exactly what I needed to take the edge off. As a bartender myself, I really appreciate a well-crafted cocktail, and “The Princess and the Monk” did not disappoint. I’m a gin lover, and this one was perfectly balanced, herbaceous, slightly bitter, not too sweet. Also gave the grilled cheese a try (was hesitant about the fig jam) but it was surprisingly delicious. Shoutout to Jalil behind the bar he was super friendly and had a great, performative shake that made the whole experience even better.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Marquis made us the best cocktails we have had in a while. Every single one was top notch. Beautiful spot!! Look for the outdoor stair case to the left of Shakespeare.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great bartender yesterday amazing service as always
Martel was a wonderful bartender, he was very knowledgeable and even taught me something new about mixology. I had a wonderful experience!
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