Left Door

Now I know why this bar is recommended by so many DC locals. I was hesitant at first during my initial visit based on what I had read from some of the previous reviews. But of course with Covid I had heard there was new management and staff. The team was all very friendly and personable. I think my bartender's name was Olf? He was so fun in a sweet quirky way. He took time to help me with my drink orders and made some pretty amazing suggestions. I personally love classic negronis and there was a riff off of that called the Oscar. Highly recommend! Next I had a Hachi Matcha, which as a big matcha fan hit the spot. Not too overpowering with the matcha and just the right touch of sweetness. 

There's a drink at Left Door for anyone, they break it up with a rotating cocktail list as well as classic cocktails that are always on the menu along with beer and small eats. You can tell a lot of thought goes into the details, down to the creative glassware. The vibes were cozy and I think this is a great place to take a date, you can disappear into a corner. I've been back multiple times since, and most importantly they take DC covid measures super seriously, and I can appreciate that. Every time I visit DC, this will most certainly be a stop.

I'm super thankful for this place because my bf and I were searching for a place for cocktails in the city but our usual spots were BOOKED. Around 7 pm on a Friday night we didn't have to reserve anything and could just walk in. There were maybe 2 other guests when we walked in.
I love the vibe of the place, it was dark and had a speakeasy-esque feel to it but perhaps a little quirkier? Drinks were awesome, boyfriend loved them but they weren't my personal favorites, still good though!

I went to Left Door last night. It was my first time out for drinks since COVID-19 started and I had heard how good their cocktails were. I had an absolute blast! The drinks were fun and tasty...and strong. I had a spin on the French 75 that used a rye base - yumm! The manager, Tom, was so hospitable and accommodating. He explained the drinks to us and made awesome recommendations. The ambiance was chic and sexy. Lights were dim. Good music. I am definitely going back!

PS- the restroom, beautiful and clean! And the staff all had their masks on the entire time.

As an addendum, there does seem to be a weird theme running through these reviews of staff obsessing about how customers treat the menus. I sat my drink down on top of the menu and the bartender literally said, "Let's not do that."

I paid for my drink and left. The menu is a piece of paper, and as a result of that interaction, the Left Door will now no longer be receiving my pieces of paper with pictures of dead presidents.

This is a cute bar with an inconspicuous entrance which makes it more fun than it does a "speakeasy." That word gets thrown around a lot and even though I love all forms of modern "speakeasies," we must never forget the 18th/21st amendments and how awesome those real speakeasies were.

Anyway, the drinks are good-looking/fabulous/delicious and the decor is interesting to see. The bartenders are true mixologists who just like making you a tasty adult beverage and can talk about each drink in depth. I wish I took a picture of the drink menu so I could tell you exactly what I got, but I did not. Just trust though that anything you order will probably be good, and if not, send it back! It's the type of place that looks out for you and won't be shady about it. This is a great bar to check out before or after dinner!

"No, not that door, the other left door!"

The ambiance, etc, of this place is great. In terms of the drinks on the menu, our group had mixed opinions but we could always have asked the bartenders to make something unique for us.

One of the bartenders though is incredible rude not only to is but other staff members. It put a bad taste in everyone's mouth.

This place is hard to find at nighttime so just be aware or you might walk right past it.

Came here on a Saturday evening and there was a line in which I heard from someone else in line that it is rare. The bouncer was nice and took our info down and texted us when we were next to go in while nicely letting us finish our just purchased beers from next door lol.

Very chill vibes here with unique twists on a lot of your classic cocktails. The place is pretty small though so try to not come here with a big group. Service was prompt and the bar tenders are very knowledgeable about their booze

My review is highly influenced by the fact that we had to wait for over 40' to get in and then once inside I wasn't blown away.

Before saying anything else, drinks were excellent and the menu is very extensive. Prices are ok for DC, not cheap but not crazy.

Now, on the negatives. We got there and the guy at the door was very nice. Can't complain at all. He told us we would have to wait before people left the bar and we had space to sit in. I was expecting a highly crowded and vibrant bar but it was quite the opposite. I did not like the ambiance at all. The lighting is wrong, isn't this supposed to be a speak easy? Also, very quiet music. You only here peoples voices. I don't know, this is probably my personal taste but i didn't get a cool, hidden vibe at all.

This place is one of the best quiet cocktail bars left in DC. If you are in the area and need a great drink or an intimate setting for a cocktail, this is your place.

My only critique would be the newly implemented iPad checkout system they put in place recently. The vibe and the ambiance of the place assumes a classic style check. I felt slightly irritated when, on a great night out, was slid an iPad to sign and add tip immediately, rather than at my leisure. This needs to go back to the old system.

Other than that, the place is one of the greats!

This is probably my favorite bar in all of DC. Quirky, intimate and a lively staff to boot.