The aesthetic is lovely but please beware that this restaurant smells like a Porta Potty.
Clearly there is some sort of sewage/ ventilation issue in the indoor portion of the restaurant. The food is average, but even harder to stomach with the stench. Servers were very attentive, however.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Ben Lundin
Phenomenal experience at The Imperial last week. We aren’t surprised at its mention in the Michelin Guide, and frankly it deserves Bib Gourmand.
We tried a huge portion of the menu: shaved Caesar, red oak salad, crab claws (two kinds), rockfish, beef Wellington, Parker house rolls. We would order any of those again in a heartbeat. Same with the cocktails.
On the service side, they were instantly responsive when I mentioned that my wife was cold in the main dining room. They moved us up to the rooftop and didn’t miss a beat. They also deftly handled a few menu alterations.
The miracle is that you can still generally get a table, which is tougher at some nearby spots that we (frankly) don’t think punch at Imperial’s weight.
If you live in Admo, DuPont, or frankly anywhere in NW DC, you’re doing it wrong if Imperial isn’t in your regular rotation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffery Saeling
The Imperial: Exceptional Drinks and Warm Hospitality
We dropped by The Imperial late one night, hoping to experience Dram & Grain, only to find that the downstairs had closed early. Despite the change of plans, the evening turned out to be a delightful experience. The staff, especially the blonde lady with glasses tending the bar, was incredibly warm and accommodating. She made us feel right at home, even as the night wound down and the place grew quieter.
Though we missed out on Dram & Grain, the bartenders still crafted the pop-up drinks we were eager to try. Bob, the downstairs bartender, impressed us with his knowledge and passion. The sorghum whiskey he prepared was one of the most thoughtful and unique cocktails I’ve had in D.C. My partner enjoyed a perfectly balanced Mai Tai.
The Imperial’s ambiance is a blend of chic sophistication and Mid-Atlantic elegance, making it a fantastic spot for a late-night drink. The attentive service and quality of the cocktails ensured that our evening was memorable, even if it didn’t go as originally planned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kay New
We came on a night where the main dining was reserved. We had dinner in the basement. The basement is very nicely decorated and the staff was very attentive. Will return for the dining experience on the main dining floor.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Bo
Great place for a brunch in the neighborhood. We walked in and were seated immediately on a Saturday.
I had the smash burger with eggs and a house salad. It was delicious.
The staff was very friendly and patient. The atmosphere was elegant and cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Robert Sprung
Great brunch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Kuechenmeister
It was a pleasant evening with a break in the weather and we snuck out for happy hour. The fish and chips were great and check very reasonable. The roof top was refreshing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Daniel Johnson
This is a great local spot. Atmosphere is excellent - one of the nicest looking restaurants on the entire 18th street strip. Food, drinks and service are all on par. Don’t sleep on this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eleanor Henning
I booked the private tasting room at The Imperial for my husband's birthday in April and it was fantastic. We were able to do a scotch tasting and the food and atmosphere were lovely. Highly recommend for a private event.
This is my husband and I’s favorite cocktail bar in DC!! We’ve had Richard as our bartender each time and he is the absolute best. He is the most personable and always makes amazing riffs on a good cocktail based on our preferences along with taster samples. Even surprised my husband once with an impromptu birthday dessert after overhearing us talking. We wish we lived a block away to come more often to grab a drink :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dark Chocolate Mousse
Ryan McFadden
One of the best places in DC for a cocktail. Richard is one of the nicest people and takes the time to figure out the best riff on a cocktail for you, awesome place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bianca Williams
This place is a gem, the food and cocktails are AMAZING and reasonably priced. Can’t wait to go back to check out the rooftop when it warms up
Very good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The aesthetic is lovely but please beware that this restaurant smells like a Porta Potty.
Clearly there is some sort of sewage/ ventilation issue in the indoor portion of the restaurant. The food is average, but even harder to stomach with the stench. Servers were very attentive, however.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Phenomenal experience at The Imperial last week. We aren’t surprised at its mention in the Michelin Guide, and frankly it deserves Bib Gourmand.
We tried a huge portion of the menu: shaved Caesar, red oak salad, crab claws (two kinds), rockfish, beef Wellington, Parker house rolls. We would order any of those again in a heartbeat. Same with the cocktails.
On the service side, they were instantly responsive when I mentioned that my wife was cold in the main dining room. They moved us up to the rooftop and didn’t miss a beat. They also deftly handled a few menu alterations.
The miracle is that you can still generally get a table, which is tougher at some nearby spots that we (frankly) don’t think punch at Imperial’s weight.
If you live in Admo, DuPont, or frankly anywhere in NW DC, you’re doing it wrong if Imperial isn’t in your regular rotation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Imperial: Exceptional Drinks and Warm Hospitality
We dropped by The Imperial late one night, hoping to experience Dram & Grain, only to find that the downstairs had closed early. Despite the change of plans, the evening turned out to be a delightful experience. The staff, especially the blonde lady with glasses tending the bar, was incredibly warm and accommodating. She made us feel right at home, even as the night wound down and the place grew quieter.
Though we missed out on Dram & Grain, the bartenders still crafted the pop-up drinks we were eager to try. Bob, the downstairs bartender, impressed us with his knowledge and passion. The sorghum whiskey he prepared was one of the most thoughtful and unique cocktails I’ve had in D.C. My partner enjoyed a perfectly balanced Mai Tai.
The Imperial’s ambiance is a blend of chic sophistication and Mid-Atlantic elegance, making it a fantastic spot for a late-night drink. The attentive service and quality of the cocktails ensured that our evening was memorable, even if it didn’t go as originally planned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came on a night where the main dining was reserved. We had dinner in the basement. The basement is very nicely decorated and the staff was very attentive. Will return for the dining experience on the main dining floor.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great place for a brunch in the neighborhood. We walked in and were seated immediately on a Saturday.
I had the smash burger with eggs and a house salad. It was delicious.
The staff was very friendly and patient. The atmosphere was elegant and cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great brunch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was a pleasant evening with a break in the weather and we snuck out for happy hour. The fish and chips were great and check very reasonable. The roof top was refreshing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
This is a great local spot. Atmosphere is excellent - one of the nicest looking restaurants on the entire 18th street strip. Food, drinks and service are all on par. Don’t sleep on this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I booked the private tasting room at The Imperial for my husband's birthday in April and it was fantastic. We were able to do a scotch tasting and the food and atmosphere were lovely. Highly recommend for a private event.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a great time and delicious food!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is my husband and I’s favorite cocktail bar in DC!! We’ve had Richard as our bartender each time and he is the absolute best. He is the most personable and always makes amazing riffs on a good cocktail based on our preferences along with taster samples. Even surprised my husband once with an impromptu birthday dessert after overhearing us talking. We wish we lived a block away to come more often to grab a drink :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dark Chocolate Mousse
One of the best places in DC for a cocktail. Richard is one of the nicest people and takes the time to figure out the best riff on a cocktail for you, awesome place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is a gem, the food and cocktails are AMAZING and reasonably priced. Can’t wait to go back to check out the rooftop when it warms up
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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