The atmosphere was lovely! Dark inside, the scent of the bar was wonderful. It smelled of incense and a cologne type room spray. My boyfriend and I went for our three year anniversary. The drinks were very lovely, though they did take a while. It was our first time at a cocktail bar so we were patient with the fact that the kind of drinks we had would take a while + the other guests also ordering. Our last drink order was forgotten which was a bit annoying, but it happens and wasn't a deal breaker. We would definitely come back to try more of their delicious cocktails and enjoy the ambience!
Mo Hynes
Loved it here! The cocktails and mocktails all looked so good. Decided on a warm drink and it was really good. Had the pretzel and it was pretty good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Scott
Only received one star in food because there is no food service. Service was okay in terms of took order and brought drinks but nothing else. Had two motion her over from her phone when we were ready to get the check to leave. Drinks were over valued in that they have the makings to make fantastic drinks but lack impresentation. Taste of drinks were mediocre at best. I think as a whole it's a great concept but just didn't deliver.
Michael
This is by far the best bar DC, staff was super welcoming and drinks, OMG! We couldn't get enough of this place. We went almost everyday while we were in DC. Don't listen to the negative reviews. This place is great for starting your night before dinner.
Jacqueline
Drinks were beautiful but not balanced whatsoever. We had four and didn't even finish 2 of them. It was clear we didn't like them but they did not offer to remove from bill. Wouldn't recommend
Ang N
This place used to be amazing when Julie was there. She had an incredible ability to read the room and make a drink that perfectly matched your mood for the night. She was warm, welcoming, and actually talked to you—she made the experience feel special and personal.
Since Julie left abruptly, this place has gone downhill significantly. We’ve given it multiple chances since then, hoping it would improve, but it hasn’t. The staff now only seems capable of making what’s listed on the menu—no creativity, no flexibility, no personality.
The atmosphere is uncomfortable and uninviting. No one greets you, no one engages with you, and you’re left feeling awkward just sitting there. It honestly feels like the staff thinks they’re better than the customers, with a very “nose in the air” attitude.
What makes it worse is how uncomfortable things get if you ask about Julie. Staff becomes visibly awkward and refuses to acknowledge her, and it’s clear there’s tension around the topic. Based on what we’ve witnessed, customers who ask about her are later talked about negatively once they leave—which is incredibly unprofessional.
The place is also always dead, which unfortunately makes sense given the decline in service, atmosphere, and overall experience.
This used to be our go-to spot for drinks. Unfortunately, it no longer is. Do yourself a favor and find a different place for cocktails.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Eric N
I love the drinks, great spot but the seating is so uncomfortable, and the services is mediocre, 5 stars still, cause I love having this spot, but hopefully they will update their stools and seating as time goes on. So much potential here, really feel like better seating, incredible service and more curb appeal could make this place blow up!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Christian
Overall, I was disappointed with my experience and just made the best of the situation. It definitely didn't give “speakeasy” vibes more crowded than intimate, and honestly a bit overwhelming. There was no host up front, so I had to go find someone myself, but once I did, she was super helpful and provided immediate service. The drinks were just okay, especially considering how pricey they were. Two drinks and two shots of well tequila came out to $80. Would I try it again? Maybe, on a random boozy night as a last resort. But will I make reservations expecting a vibey, sexy experience? Absolutely not.
Joyce Mcclain
Coolest place EVER!
Atmosphere: 5
Paul Heaney
Drinks are great, food is ok, atmosphere is good, service is painful. Really painful.
The Alchemist leans fully into its name — moody, experimental, and a little theatrical in all the best ways. It's the kind of speakeasy that feels secretive but still welcoming, with dim lighting, pulsing music, and staff who make the whole experience feel effortless and fun. The drinks were a mix of hits and misses — some a bit too experimental for my taste (lots of smoke, spice, or unexpected flavor pairings), but the ones that landed, I ordered more than once. The balance on the successful cocktails was excellent — creative without feeling gimmicky. What really stood out was the staff: genuinely kind, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they're doing. They walked me through the menu, gave great recommendations, and seemed to enjoy the process as much as the guests. The music and ambience sealed the night — lively but still intimate, with just the right dose of mystery. Overall, a strong 4/5: not every cocktail will be for everyone, but the service, energy, and atmosphere make it absolutely worth visiting — especially if you like your night out to feel like an experience, not just a drink.
Peter
Wonderful cocktail experience. We had a drink before dinner nearby and loved our cocktails. The smoke bombs and service was an extra bonus. We plan on going back!
Cody
Delicious drinks quickly brought to our large party, and all the items smoked tableside were a delight to smell and see. Drinks were well balanced and easy to drink for all members of our party
William
Jessica, the bartender, was absolutely AMAZING. It's my wife's birthday and she made sure we were taken care of almost instantly. She made the whole experience fun and had plenty of conversation. Drinks were absolutely amazing but the drinks don't top Jessica's top notch service.
Andrea Hare
Haven't been back in almost 3 years because my last visit the bar manager was less than inviting. They've done some changeover recently and the new bar manager was absolutely LOVELY!! so lovely, inviting and willing to step outside the menu to create something delicious! Hope this new round of staff sticks! Will definitely be visiting again soon!!
The atmosphere was lovely! Dark inside, the scent of the bar was wonderful. It smelled of incense and a cologne type room spray. My boyfriend and I went for our three year anniversary. The drinks were very lovely, though they did take a while. It was our first time at a cocktail bar so we were patient with the fact that the kind of drinks we had would take a while + the other guests also ordering. Our last drink order was forgotten which was a bit annoying, but it happens and wasn't a deal breaker. We would definitely come back to try more of their delicious cocktails and enjoy the ambience!
Loved it here! The cocktails and mocktails all looked so good. Decided on a warm drink and it was really good. Had the pretzel and it was pretty good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Only received one star in food because there is no food service. Service was okay in terms of took order and brought drinks but nothing else. Had two motion her over from her phone when we were ready to get the check to leave. Drinks were over valued in that they have the makings to make fantastic drinks but lack impresentation. Taste of drinks were mediocre at best. I think as a whole it's a great concept but just didn't deliver.
This is by far the best bar DC, staff was super welcoming and drinks, OMG! We couldn't get enough of this place. We went almost everyday while we were in DC. Don't listen to the negative reviews. This place is great for starting your night before dinner.
Drinks were beautiful but not balanced whatsoever. We had four and didn't even finish 2 of them. It was clear we didn't like them but they did not offer to remove from bill. Wouldn't recommend
This place used to be amazing when Julie was there. She had an incredible ability to read the room and make a drink that perfectly matched your mood for the night. She was warm, welcoming, and actually talked to you—she made the experience feel special and personal.
Since Julie left abruptly, this place has gone downhill significantly. We’ve given it multiple chances since then, hoping it would improve, but it hasn’t. The staff now only seems capable of making what’s listed on the menu—no creativity, no flexibility, no personality.
The atmosphere is uncomfortable and uninviting. No one greets you, no one engages with you, and you’re left feeling awkward just sitting there. It honestly feels like the staff thinks they’re better than the customers, with a very “nose in the air” attitude.
What makes it worse is how uncomfortable things get if you ask about Julie. Staff becomes visibly awkward and refuses to acknowledge her, and it’s clear there’s tension around the topic. Based on what we’ve witnessed, customers who ask about her are later talked about negatively once they leave—which is incredibly unprofessional.
The place is also always dead, which unfortunately makes sense given the decline in service, atmosphere, and overall experience.
This used to be our go-to spot for drinks. Unfortunately, it no longer is. Do yourself a favor and find a different place for cocktails.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I love the drinks, great spot but the seating is so uncomfortable, and the services is mediocre, 5 stars still, cause I love having this spot, but hopefully they will update their stools and seating as time goes on. So much potential here, really feel like better seating, incredible service and more curb appeal could make this place blow up!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Overall, I was disappointed with my experience and just made the best of the situation. It definitely didn't give “speakeasy” vibes more crowded than intimate, and honestly a bit overwhelming. There was no host up front, so I had to go find someone myself, but once I did, she was super helpful and provided immediate service. The drinks were just okay, especially considering how pricey they were. Two drinks and two shots of well tequila came out to $80. Would I try it again? Maybe, on a random boozy night as a last resort. But will I make reservations expecting a vibey, sexy experience? Absolutely not.
Coolest place EVER!
Atmosphere: 5
Drinks are great, food is ok, atmosphere is good, service is painful. Really painful.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
The Alchemist leans fully into its name — moody, experimental, and a little theatrical in all the best ways. It's the kind of speakeasy that feels secretive but still welcoming, with dim lighting, pulsing music, and staff who make the whole experience feel effortless and fun. The drinks were a mix of hits and misses — some a bit too experimental for my taste (lots of smoke, spice, or unexpected flavor pairings), but the ones that landed, I ordered more than once. The balance on the successful cocktails was excellent — creative without feeling gimmicky. What really stood out was the staff: genuinely kind, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they're doing. They walked me through the menu, gave great recommendations, and seemed to enjoy the process as much as the guests. The music and ambience sealed the night — lively but still intimate, with just the right dose of mystery. Overall, a strong 4/5: not every cocktail will be for everyone, but the service, energy, and atmosphere make it absolutely worth visiting — especially if you like your night out to feel like an experience, not just a drink.
Wonderful cocktail experience. We had a drink before dinner nearby and loved our cocktails. The smoke bombs and service was an extra bonus. We plan on going back!
Delicious drinks quickly brought to our large party, and all the items smoked tableside were a delight to smell and see. Drinks were well balanced and easy to drink for all members of our party
Jessica, the bartender, was absolutely AMAZING. It's my wife's birthday and she made sure we were taken care of almost instantly. She made the whole experience fun and had plenty of conversation. Drinks were absolutely amazing but the drinks don't top Jessica's top notch service.
Haven't been back in almost 3 years because my last visit the bar manager was less than inviting. They've done some changeover recently and the new bar manager was absolutely LOVELY!! so lovely, inviting and willing to step outside the menu to create something delicious! Hope this new round of staff sticks! Will definitely be visiting again soon!!
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