The Next Whisky Bar

This review is for the Igloo experience. Main takeaway: It is a complete disappointment. Don't waste your money. Book at La Vie. My experience at La Vie last year was infinitely better in every way. The Watergate has offered igloos in the winter for many years so I was shocked at how low budget the experience was. They purchased cheap plastic igloos that can be found on Amazon. The furnishings inside the igloo were basically extra chairs from the patio area that they threw a fuzzy blanket over. The igloo was freezing when we arrived. Had they attempted to preheat the igloo they would have realized earlier that the heater was not functional. It stayed freezing for about an hour (despite informing them) until finally they accepted that the heater was broken and supplied a new one. There was no radio on the igloo for us to play music. It is impossible to modify the reservation online. I called the phone number provided to modify the number of guests and to arrange something special for my boyfriend. Whoever I spoke with stated someone would return my call. No one ever did. Also the igloos are on the ground floor near valet instead of the rooftop. There is zero view.
Positives: The servers were nice and professional. The manager (I think) that evening was kind and did her best. The drinks were good.
Overall, the igloo experience at The Watergate Hotel is not worth your time or money.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board

Cool bar, yet very expensive with the first cocktails starting at a mere $25…

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

The atmosphere was really fun. Great selection of whiskeys. Service was a bit slow and we didn’t get a second round as the server didn’t come back to us a second time until we were very ready to go. The Blade and Bow Old Fashioned was on point!

Parking: There is a valet and it cost $25 to park and drink at the bar. You have to drive under an awning that at first glance doesn’t look like an entrance.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 4

A luxurious and decadent whiskey bar. The staff were happy to provide suggestions and event allowed me to sample their favorites.
The atmosphere was incredibly impressive and the vibes were unmatched.
A very fun experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Incredibly over priced. Take the cost of any new bottle of whiskey, divide that number by 2 or 3 and that's the cost of a shot. I could almost forgive the price given the setting / connection to Watergate, but our service was terrible. First attempt to order whisky we were told one wasnt available so switched to another. About 15 minutes later were informed they also didn't have that whiskey so switched to yet another. 20 minutes later still had no whiskey (or waters that were requested shortly after arriving) so went up to the bar/ wait staff to tell them to cancel my order and was told my credit card was sitting on the bar (which incredibly it was - just sitting out in the open). Beautiful venue but will avoid in the future.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 1

Drinks are good, atmosphere is very cool. Just advertise their happy hour poorly. Sign in hotel (not sure about website) says happy hour Thursday - Sunday. Which is not Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun but the other days of the week, just a heads up.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Cool spot in the Watergate Hotel. Classy and comfortable. Cal made a fantastic Cherry Blossom cocktail.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shared Plates

Stopped by for a nightcap and was happy with the service and variety of spirits. The Whiskey list was impressive and as I was looking for a Smokey and peaty whiskey, the recommendation of a Lagavulin 11 was prefect. The Whistle Pig Old Fashioned was very tasty as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

It's an awesome whiskey bar located in the watergate Hotel. Allot of whiskey options and they offer some unique flights of whiskey. It was a very nice vibe with great service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Buffalo Trace

I will be visiting again soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries, Maryland Crab Dip

We reserved one of the unique winter igloos here and what an absolute treat! We also got lucky as it was just after the first snowfall so we had a magical little snowglobe to ourselves.The domes are kitted with heaters and blankets and the setting is great for intimate conversations. A speaker was provided should we want to play our own music which was a delightful touch.The food was delicious and served fairly quickly and the staff were lively and friendly.Would recommend this experience to all.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries

They overcharged me TWICE. Tried calling and they don’t have a phone line. Could not get a manager on the phone at The Watergate and the operator told me to send an email and they’d get back to me in two business days.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1

Winter Igloos last night, Sunday, were incredible. Great service, bartender, and manager. Great people. Can’t recommend enough. A very fun night out !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Trendy bar right inside the Watergate Hotel. The drinks definitely aren't cheap but they are good. Cool place to grab a drink while you're at the hotel, but there are plenty of other options if you're not staying here.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

The ornament igloos were soooo cute! We were fortunate to not have to have the $300 minimum. All of our food and drinks were really good too. The drinks are pretty pricey but they’re

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4