Good service, cool concept, but too pretentious of a vibe. I couldn’t just order a simple glass of white wine; also, no food unless you want to order from the donut shop on the top level.
Blake Arrington
Small place, about 20 people max but the drinks were very good and unique. Plan to be here a while as the drinks take some time to come but the experience is worth it.
Ryan C.
We've really been waiting to come here for a while and got lucky on some reservations for Valentine's Day weekend. You have to start by checking in with the person at the register of Sugar Shack. Took about 5 minutes before they gave us instructions to go down the stairs to the blue door. It's hard to miss this place. When you get there there's less than 20 seats around the dimly lit room and you're greeted by one of the two bartenders. We were seated and they explained the menu to both of us. The menu was based on regions which is a great concept. You can order drinks a la carte for $16 each or $45 for one region (3 in almost all regions). I got the Caribbean region and my girlfriend got the Middle East. Each drink we received was unique in flavor, ingredients, and even glasses/cups. We loved every drink so much that we both ordered one more from the Pacific Rim region which was also amazing. The service the bartenders provides were awesome and they were always willing to answer questions. I absolutely need to come back here again soon. Also, with how many drinks we got, couldn't help to grab some donuts on the way out!
Roniqua Jeffries
Cozy upscale cocktail bar hidden inside a Sugar shack off U st. When you arrive tell the sugar shack worker you have a reservation. Yes, you need a reservation. The bar fits about 17 people. The bartenders are amazing. Stick to the menu. It’s carefully crafted with a lot of thought. If you come here you should definitely be willing to try new things. The bartenders were amazingly patient and gracious. I would absolutely return.
Dr. Rachel C.
Initially walking in it smelled like there was a sewage issue. However, I thought it was a cute space and seductively hidden so we proceeded to try it. The bartender seemed as though he wAs not happy to be at work. He had an awkward sense of humor of which seemed insulting at times. I was extremely disappointed with the entire experience!!!!! Not to mention he was texting while we were waiting for our 3rd drink. We purchased the flight experience and unfortunately had to deal with the awkwardness of the bartender for 3 drinks. (2 hour experience). I would like to try it again, but definitely with a different bartenders
Niecey C.
A wonderful hideaway beneath the busy street. Reservations ar a must, or else you'll be left out side. we arrived when sugar shack was closed so we text the number for access. The bar is a little dated, but the drinks are worth it. The staff was very east coast initially, but warmed up and contributed to a wonderful experience. They don't have a food menu, but they will offer you snacks which was the cutest thing ever!
Chelsey F.
This could be one star based on what an incredible pain it is to gain access but by the end it was worth it. When we arrived, we had a hard time locating the space itself. When we found it, the doors were locked and we thought we were in the wrong place. It was frigid out but we did see a sign for Nocturne with a phone number. We texted and waited about five minutes but decided to leave as the neighborhood was a little sketchy but we were also freezing. When we got in the cab, we received a text back so we turned around and waited a few more minutes outside for the bartender to come up to retrieve us. The space itself is simple, everything decked out in purple. The uplit bar and clear menus are a cool touch. Some of the cocktails we loved, others were not our preference. The presentation however was impressive, they really went above and beyond. I recommend the Safiya, Sofia, Sophia (one of the most orginal, tasty and unique cocktails I've had in a while) and also the El Apasionado. I also loved the glassware they served the cocktails in, especially the little bathtub. Overall a hidden gem- just the prepared to wait outside a while.
Danae Hill
Amazing vibe. Lowkey and intimate setting. Great drinks!
carmen c.
I'd been wanting to go for about a year and it was worth the wait. Small intimate setting, drinks are superb but the bartender made the night. Drinks aren't cheap but if you like a well thought out cocktail then you'll know it's worth it!
Uwannalove J.
I visited this spot with a male friend and i absolutely enjoyed it. The atmosphere is chill and laid back only for the grown and sexy. Not your typical bar. You enter Thru the donut shop and let them know your have a reservation. My reservation was at 11:15 pm so i wasn't rushed at all. We choose the Caribbean trio for the drinks. The bartender gave us history on how he came. Up with the drink ideas. The old fashion option really was a hit! Cool spot for a date or girlfriends to catch up. I would recommend this spot if you like different vibes different from your average bars in dc. We headed next door to MK for our turn up.
What cool little bar in The Shaw District! I highly recommend putting in for a reservation since Nocturne can have 15 people in at a time. If you don’t show up you will be charged $25 for your no-show.
Donte K
Good drinks. Place is very hidden below a donut shop. No food is being served here FYI.
Robert A.
What cool little bar in The Shaw District! I highly recommend putting in for a reservation since Nocturne can have 15 people in at a time. If you don't show up you will be charged $25 for your no-show. Nocturne is located in the basement of Sugar Shake Donuts. When you enter the bartenders show how to get to the bar. At your table is a menu of all their drinks. You can order individually or get a regionally trio, which costs $45. If you have any questions the bartenders were very helpful. My wife and I tried a trio and I got a fourth drink and they were all so good. Nocturne is well maintained and taken care. It's a very cool atmosphere. We had a great time and look forward to coming back in the future to try another trio of their drinks.
Zeb R.
This place is amazing and worth making the RSVP. We went there on a Saturday night. It's made so that there is never more than 15 customers in the speakeasy. I really liked this part of it because as you get older you don't want to be around loud and rowdy people. Drinks are $16 per drink but you can get 3 for $45. I think it would need to be from a section. I forgot which one we got but I enjoyed my drink. It had cardamon which is a common middle eastern spice used for many many things. The third drink that has hibiscus in it, well my friend wasn't a fan of that one. The owner was really nice and gave us a different drink instead which my friend loved. Definitely worth going to! Oh also, this place is in a donut shop.
Danielle W.
Hakim is an absolute dream! Some of the best cocktails I have had in the city in a while. Be warned this is a drinks only speakeasy below Sugar Shack Donuts and reservations are required. Due to the small space it's not great for groups, but it will not disappoint. Grab an early reservation before you head out to dinner and be sure to get the regional flight. You can't have just one of these creative cocktails. Every one has a story as well. Feel free to chat up one of the staff to learn about them or ask Hakim to share his inspirations. Menus change seasonally but once you have tried them all I am told there is a special menu for the regulars.
Good service, cool concept, but too pretentious of a vibe. I couldn’t just order a simple glass of white wine; also, no food unless you want to order from the donut shop on the top level.
Small place, about 20 people max but the drinks were very good and unique. Plan to be here a while as the drinks take some time to come but the experience is worth it.
We've really been waiting to come here for a while and got lucky on some reservations for Valentine's Day weekend. You have to start by checking in with the person at the register of Sugar Shack. Took about 5 minutes before they gave us instructions to go down the stairs to the blue door. It's hard to miss this place. When you get there there's less than 20 seats around the dimly lit room and you're greeted by one of the two bartenders. We were seated and they explained the menu to both of us. The menu was based on regions which is a great concept. You can order drinks a la carte for $16 each or $45 for one region (3 in almost all regions). I got the Caribbean region and my girlfriend got the Middle East. Each drink we received was unique in flavor, ingredients, and even glasses/cups. We loved every drink so much that we both ordered one more from the Pacific Rim region which was also amazing. The service the bartenders provides were awesome and they were always willing to answer questions. I absolutely need to come back here again soon. Also, with how many drinks we got, couldn't help to grab some donuts on the way out!
Cozy upscale cocktail bar hidden inside a Sugar shack off U st. When you arrive tell the sugar shack worker you have a reservation. Yes, you need a reservation. The bar fits about 17 people. The bartenders are amazing. Stick to the menu. It’s carefully crafted with a lot of thought. If you come here you should definitely be willing to try new things. The bartenders were amazingly patient and gracious. I would absolutely return.
Initially walking in it smelled like there was a sewage issue. However, I thought it was a cute space and seductively hidden so we proceeded to try it. The bartender seemed as though he wAs not happy to be at work. He had an awkward sense of humor of which seemed insulting at times. I was extremely disappointed with the entire experience!!!!! Not to mention he was texting while we were waiting for our 3rd drink. We purchased the flight experience and unfortunately had to deal with the awkwardness of the bartender for 3 drinks. (2 hour experience). I would like to try it again, but definitely with a different bartenders
A wonderful hideaway beneath the busy street. Reservations ar a must, or else you'll be left out side. we arrived when sugar shack was closed so we text the number for access. The bar is a little dated, but the drinks are worth it. The staff was very east coast initially, but warmed up and contributed to a wonderful experience. They don't have a food menu, but they will offer you snacks which was the cutest thing ever!
This could be one star based on what an incredible pain it is to gain access but by the end it was worth it. When we arrived, we had a hard time locating the space itself. When we found it, the doors were locked and we thought we were in the wrong place. It was frigid out but we did see a sign for Nocturne with a phone number. We texted and waited about five minutes but decided to leave as the neighborhood was a little sketchy but we were also freezing. When we got in the cab, we received a text back so we turned around and waited a few more minutes outside for the bartender to come up to retrieve us. The space itself is simple, everything decked out in purple. The uplit bar and clear menus are a cool touch. Some of the cocktails we loved, others were not our preference. The presentation however was impressive, they really went above and beyond. I recommend the Safiya, Sofia, Sophia (one of the most orginal, tasty and unique cocktails I've had in a while) and also the El Apasionado. I also loved the glassware they served the cocktails in, especially the little bathtub. Overall a hidden gem- just the prepared to wait outside a while.
Amazing vibe. Lowkey and intimate setting. Great drinks!
I'd been wanting to go for about a year and it was worth the wait. Small intimate setting, drinks are superb but the bartender made the night. Drinks aren't cheap but if you like a well thought out cocktail then you'll know it's worth it!
I visited this spot with a male friend and i absolutely enjoyed it. The atmosphere is chill and laid back only for the grown and sexy. Not your typical bar. You enter Thru the donut shop and let them know your have a reservation. My reservation was at 11:15 pm so i wasn't rushed at all. We choose the Caribbean trio for the drinks. The bartender gave us history on how he came. Up with the drink ideas. The old fashion option really was a hit! Cool spot for a date or girlfriends to catch up. I would recommend this spot if you like different vibes different from your average bars in dc. We headed next door to MK for our turn up.
Restaurantji Recommends
What cool little bar in The Shaw District! I highly recommend putting in for a reservation since Nocturne can have 15 people in at a time. If you don’t show up you will be charged $25 for your no-show.
Good drinks. Place is very hidden below a donut shop. No food is being served here FYI.
What cool little bar in The Shaw District! I highly recommend putting in for a reservation since Nocturne can have 15 people in at a time. If you don't show up you will be charged $25 for your no-show. Nocturne is located in the basement of Sugar Shake Donuts. When you enter the bartenders show how to get to the bar. At your table is a menu of all their drinks. You can order individually or get a regionally trio, which costs $45. If you have any questions the bartenders were very helpful. My wife and I tried a trio and I got a fourth drink and they were all so good. Nocturne is well maintained and taken care. It's a very cool atmosphere. We had a great time and look forward to coming back in the future to try another trio of their drinks.
This place is amazing and worth making the RSVP. We went there on a Saturday night. It's made so that there is never more than 15 customers in the speakeasy. I really liked this part of it because as you get older you don't want to be around loud and rowdy people. Drinks are $16 per drink but you can get 3 for $45. I think it would need to be from a section. I forgot which one we got but I enjoyed my drink. It had cardamon which is a common middle eastern spice used for many many things. The third drink that has hibiscus in it, well my friend wasn't a fan of that one. The owner was really nice and gave us a different drink instead which my friend loved. Definitely worth going to! Oh also, this place is in a donut shop.
Hakim is an absolute dream! Some of the best cocktails I have had in the city in a while. Be warned this is a drinks only speakeasy below Sugar Shack Donuts and reservations are required. Due to the small space it's not great for groups, but it will not disappoint. Grab an early reservation before you head out to dinner and be sure to get the regional flight. You can't have just one of these creative cocktails. Every one has a story as well. Feel free to chat up one of the staff to learn about them or ask Hakim to share his inspirations. Menus change seasonally but once you have tried them all I am told there is a special menu for the regulars.