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The Gibson

(Now Closed)

Speakeasy, Lounge, and Cocktail Bar$$$$

U-Street, Washington

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The Gibson

8.0^/10

383

ratings

Ranked #2 for cocktails in Washington
The experts at Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine recommend this place
"We love this intimate spot for a date."(5 Tips)
"Get the Sazerac."(5 Tips)
"here request an Old Fashioned"(8 Tips)
"The benedictine is off the menu but you need it."(6 Tips)

137 Tips and reviews

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cocktails
outdoor seating
off-menu items
boozy drinks
trendy
fire pits
great value
restaurants
casual
rum
gin
vodka
staff
good for special occasions
duck
mint
takes reservations
well
rye
mixed drinks
(15 more)

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AskMenFebruary 9, 2010
The Gibson, the sleek speakeasy that treats cocktails like extensions of the fine-dining service, not lubrications for it. With some added space the waits should now be shorter for this A-List place.
David MorarSeptember 20, 2013
Ted is the best! Ask for the "dry but refreshing" drink. It'll blow your mind.
Ashley RMarch 7, 2012
Ask for the classic "south side" drink for a refreshing gin and mint infused cocktail!
Jon PJune 4, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Next time you are here request an Old Fashioned, Sazerac, or Lion's Tail with @AtlanticoRum awesome!
TBDAugust 2, 2010
U Street Girl says the Gibson has a relaxing atmosphere with no pretension. She recommends sitting at the bar (as opposed to tables) for the fastest drink service. Read more
Oreo VilarinoJuly 13, 2014
Try the classic Old Fashioned. Best ever.
TV Food MapsAugust 29, 2014
Check out The Gibson as seen on Drinking Made Easy Read more
Jessica PlacenciaApril 18, 2016
Fancy and unique cocktails.
Micah PDecember 29, 2014
Chill spot to get your night started on u street
Karen ElizabethJanuary 30, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Door staff is cool. Don't try to make a reservation after 5pm
Evan EllmanMay 25, 2013
good people, great drinks, awesome atmosphere
Claire CorbettNovember 30, 2014
You will think you're entering a sketchy place, until you get inside.
Real Living | At HomeJuly 8, 2013
Want a cocktail? This has everything you could possibly imagine.
Marta Lynne SchantzMay 28, 2014
Awesome outdoor patio in the back!
TimurAugust 7, 2014
Been here 25+ times
Back patio for date night.
Sophia Chua-RubenfeldAugust 24, 2014
Wildly overrated. People lining up just because they see a line. "Speakeasy" concept lasts as far as the judgmental bouncer; inside is just another $16 cocktail spot.
Piero MarinucciNovember 27, 2010
This is a speakeasy, which means you get to pretend you're high class and exclusive, but regretably, they would even let me in.
Abbie WApril 2, 2013
bartenders were fanfrickintastik. Let them concoct a drink especially for you.
Kathryn YuSeptember 16, 2010
Sit in the back patio when the weather's nice, but put on insect repellent. Order one of the gelato based drinks.
Mithun DevrajNovember 2, 2014
Been here 5+ times
You can depend on the bartenders!
Leigh FerreiraApril 25, 2012
Speakeasy. Go to the bar upstairs. Great cocktails
Adam SegerSeptember 22, 2011
Ask the bartenders to do some Mixology magic w/ hum while you 1st sip on a Margarita w/ a hum Float
Julia Lord NickleMarch 22, 2016
Favorite spot in DC for drinks.
AnaFebruary 28, 2010
Best cocktails anywhere ever. Try a "De la Louisiane" or just have the bartender custom make something for you.
John McCarthyMay 3, 2013
The "Bren on the Patio" is like drinking a Yankee candle. Give it a try.
Jane AirgunSeptember 29, 2010
Bespoke cocktails & best old fashioned in town (Rye drinkers, try the copperfox).
Adrianna TanJanuary 6, 2015
Worst cocktail bar I have ever been to. Smug service. When it exists, for a few seconds, that is. Bullshit bartender. Horrible drinks. The staff seem to hate each other too. Awful awful awful.
Alex LeonidasNovember 20, 2011
Drinks here are STRONG and extremely well-made, but pricey. However, you really only need two drinks from here, so it's somewhat cost-effective.
TaylorNovember 12, 2011
Off-menu drinks are great. Enjoyed the sazerac.
Brian AlvarezJanuary 19, 2017
Great cocktails.
C KSeptember 6, 2014
Took us without a reservation but barely so make one!
Dominique BrownFebruary 24, 2015
Awesome atmosphere and amazing people.
Adam GurriFebruary 5, 2012
Don't hesitate to ask them to improvise, they're great.
Hotel TonightMay 2, 2011
For a truly memorable experience, ignore the menu and let the bartenders do their thing.
Brian CopelandMay 12, 2010
Congrats on getting the hot NAR ticket of the week. We're honored you've chosen to spend tonight with YPN!
Greg ReedMarch 29, 2012
Don't order from the menu, describe what you like and see what the bartenders come up with
Greg GioiaNovember 26, 2009
So I've drank in 48 states, DC, and half of Europe, and this may be the best bar I've ever visited. Tiffany rocks.
BestOfJanuary 3, 2012
Voted Best Bar in Washington, DC in 2010. Read more
Ashley SmithOctober 1, 2010
I love the three way with Sam drink and the carrot soup.
JJune 9, 2013
Awesome Date Spot
Maarten PeschierJuly 4, 2011
Go off the menu and you won't be disappointed! Read more
Daniel SalinasJuly 25, 2011
Watch out for the dress code, long pants or closed toe shoes. Who knew?
Kelly GApril 5, 2011
Order the Grames #1 if you can get it with Vodka.
Greg ReedMarch 29, 2012
Sit at the bar and watch the magic
Rob ChristensenNovember 26, 2011
Like tequila: ask for the kaleidescope.
Ken GermerJanuary 22, 2010
The Blackbird is a reddish drink, but it's delicious. Their juleps are great too.
Michael PerryDecember 17, 2009
the cricketeer is fantastic. smooth rum with a bit of ginger a fantastic combo
Nicholas BirasaAugust 31, 2012
Go on a weeknight when you don't need a res
Kate 🍸 E.J.February 26, 2011
Don't like bourbon? Ask for a Brunswick Sour, you won't be disappointed..
Chad CapellmanSeptember 19, 2014
It better be the weekend if I'm here.

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