Columbia Room

Make a reservation for their 3 or 5 course tasting. You won't regret it. You'll get access to the smaller bar in the back room and the expert bartenders will craft you cocktails you won't forget. I initially went to the Columbia Room when they were hidden inside The Passenger. When they moved, I knew I had to try them again in their new location. It's good to see that nothing has changed. The craft cocktails are still amazing, made by the freshest ingredients by bartenders who take pride in their craftsmanship. Perfect for a date night, Columbia Room continues to impress!

Very unique experience for a special night out. In glad to see the food provided with the drink tasting menu has increased in quantity. The bartenders are extraordinarily knowledgeable with good conversation.

For a top notch experience, do the tasting room. For a cozy night, try the library. For more space, the outdoor patio is quite nice. Enjoy!

What a unique, exclusive, all-around amazing cocktail bar. Not much on food—was there late and just got some tasty seasoned popcorn. However, atmosphere (has a speakeasy vibe) and cocktails gave this the 5 out of 5. There is typically a wait to get in, but once you’re in, it’s worth it—keeps the place from getting too crowded. Very nice staff also.

Excellent cocktails and food. The staff and Sherra were top notch. Yes, it's in an alley! Reminded me of Spain cobble stone alley, beautiful flowers, string lights...very nice.

The tasting menu was AMAZING. Words can’t describe how incredible this experience was seriously. The drinks were so intricate and I loved hearing the explanations. The little bites were soooo tasty too, best scallops I’ve ever had. The photos help tell it!!! I can’t wait to come back.

Loved this cocktail bar! Outdoor area is amazing, indoor space is very very cozy. There was a bigger group inside so it was pretty loud, but drinks were great and they have a fantastic whiskey and bourbon selection. (Although my father in law was unhappy they didn't have Crown). Old fashioned was solid.

Highly recommend for a special night out. I went with my partner and the staff were very kind and did a great job communicating covid safety expectations. The open garden rooftop is very lovely and tables are spaced out enough so we felt safe. The cocktails were *amazing.* be sure to check their reservation calendar because it books up quick. The garden rooftop is a more secluded experience than the aperol spritz patio, so keep that in mind. The fee you pay for your reservation is taken off your bill at the end 😌

Easily the best bar that I've visited. Ranked by the Washington Post as DC best bar two years in a row, and a semi-finalist for outstanding bar program in the US by James Beard two years in a row. The service was fantastic- they're happy to make you off-menu classic cocktails as you like, but you'll want to try some of their own creations and takes on classics. The tasting room is a beast of its own. A prefix 4-course beverage menu in a back room approaching a theater in style, but only 12 or so seats across and 1 row deep. Absolutely fantastic.

There’s a reason this place has been called best cocktail bar in the country. The seating is limited so make sure you go at opening or are prepared to wait - but the intimate atmosphere is worth it. Cocktails and snacks are both wonderful - you can’t go wrong with any of their crazy cocktail concoctions! I’ve had the radishes and the zaatar popcorn and they’re great to go with the drinks. Waitstaff is very friendly for when you come across an alcohol listed that you don’t know what it is. You can’t go wrong sitting inside or outside; both have their own wonderful and charming vibe.

Fantastic cocktails with incredible service. There are three different areas for you to enjoy, the Punch Room, The Library, and a back room that is reserved for tastings (which requires a reservation). I have sat in all three places (and completed a tasting) and have never had a bad experience or a bad drink. The bartenders were all extremely well-versed in a wide array of spirits; the seasonal menu is always interesting and has a wide selection of drinks. You'll find riffs on classic cocktails as well as interesting creations with unusual ingredients.

The wait can often be long, so I would encourage you to always have a reservation. Several times I've walked up in the evening around 9 PM on a weekend and there's been a two hour wait.

Hands down the most innovative cocktail bar I've ever been to. Amazing drinks!!

I highly recommend doing the spectrum tasting. And if you do...go with the white ;)

This place is the epitome of sophisticated cocktails in DC. First off you get the best booze, the best ingredients, and talented bartenders. Also, it is one of the classiest places to get a buzz. The décor is like a fine library in a Victorian mansion. One really interesting thing is there is no seating at the bar. The bartenders are there to make drinks, not socialize or listen to your problems.

The drink menu changes frequently based off of what fresh ingredients are available. The cocktails I've had really work the flavor of the booze in with the mixers and don't crush you with the alcohol. The drinks are expensive, but they are very tasty. Be careful, you will have downed four of them before you realize it.

Really great experience. I had the 5 cocktail tasting. All of the cocktails were good, and I learned a lot about the history of the drinks they served. I will be back for the summer tasty menu.

Delicious Green Elevator! Cool vibes. Highly recommend the Rooftop bar...solid views.

Had an excellent cocktail and chat with the bartender. Loved the feel and design of the place.

I’m not a huge cocktail fan (I like the sweeter stuff), but my husband is so I booked here and the bartender gave two recommendations for a carbonated cosmo and the go-to. They were both delicious. Service, rooftop ambiance, and drinks were all great.

It's extremely rare to have such a pleasurable experience from the moment you walk in and walk out. The drinks were amazing and the staff was not only friendly, but knowledgeable in their craft.

My favorite part was the relaxing & cozy environment in the back room. I really felt at home and the style is something that warms the soul. This is now my favorite place to relax, unwind and enjoy a delicious cocktail.

Rated best cocktail bar in the country and it's hard to disagree. I've had both the set menu in the reservations only space as well as numerous drinks on the patio. The cocktails themselves are creative and use rare and interesting ingredients. Seasonality is very important and the menu changes frequently. Small food menu so this is a place to go before or after dinner. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

This place is AMAZING and I will definitely be back! The atmosphere is very romantic and classy.

The Establishment:
The music wasn't loud at all. You can really have some good conversations here and hear the person across the table without having to speak up. I love how they don't over crowd or over book either. Felt really personable. They also practice social distancing and other CDC guidelines like taking your temperatures at the door. This place is also very popular and you will have to book well in advance. The décor was upscale and classy as well. Everything was neat and clean. Makes you feel like you're "top notch" right when you enter. Might be hard to find but not impossible. Worth the effort.

The Drinks:
Probably the best drinks I've ever tasted. I've seen some reviews saying the drinks were "pre-made", but not the ones I've had. You can see the Bartender really working hard on these drinks. The ingredients were superb. I highly suggest you take your time when sipping' on your cocktails to really taste the mixture and how they compliment each other. Please try all the drinks too, each drink is so different in taste and very well made. Elegant but not too overwhelming in design. Well worth the price! Now if you want heavy food and a quick fruity drink or a G&T. DON'T COME HERE! This isn't the place for that. Go to Tallboy around the corner.

The Service:
I came at night around 10pm. The staff including the Host(dark-skin, heavy set gentleman) are very friendly and knowledgeable. Britt, who was our server/bartender was absolutely amazing! Hands down the best I've experienced. I worked in the restaurant industry and also been to quite a few bars in the area and she is the example of how service excellence should be handled. Britt takes pride in what she does and you can tell it through her work ethics and body language. You can't always find that even in the most lavish of restaurant and bars. Also they will add 20% gratuity to your bill as well. Not surprised. A lot of places do this even other cocktail bars.

Overall:
This place is great for dates and for people who aren't into big crowds or settings. If you have some class, structure, and love small details then this will easily become you go-to. I had a great time. I felt welcomed. Located right in an urban alley area. Very secretive and definitely a gem that will "WOW" you! Highly recommend this place.

They will literally give you the shirt off their backs. True story. I was at the bar this last Saturday night on a first date for one of their tastings. Me and my date made the choice to walk (30 minutes) from our dinner to Columbia Room (romantic but very hot). By the time I got to the bar I was sweating. Since the shirt I was wearing started to show the sweat I asked the manager if they sold shirts so I could change. The bar did not but he personally went into the back and let me have one of his own shirts so I could still impress my date. In full disclosure when I came out with a new shirt she started laughing and it made for a great story and a great first date. Thank you Columbia Room! The drinks and tasting presentation were also very well done!! Great spot! Great people!