DC Cocktail Lounge Series: From Good Sips to Great Vibes Part 1
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for solid cocktail lounges across the DMV. Within the last few weeks, I’ve hit up a few spots and had some great experiences—and a couple that were just okay. So, I figured it was finally time to share my thoughts. I’m ranking them from least favorite to favorite. Let’s get into it.
Jane Jane
14th & U Street Corridor, NW
Jane Jane has a solid reputation, so I was excited to check it out. But fair warning—getting a table here isn’t easy. I went on a Thursday night and still faced a 45-minute wait for indoor seating. Outdoor seating is available, but it’s right on the sidewalk and it was raining… so that was a no for me. I ended up killing time at a nearby bar until I got the text.
The space is super small but really cute—think cozy neighborhood bar with retro vibes. There’s a mix of booths, a few tables, and a compact bar. It sits right in the 14th and U area, so the crowd and vibe reflect that—trendy but casual.
I ordered my usual dirty martini, and it was solid—not the best I’ve had, but it got the job done. They serve drinks with Cheez-Its, which is a fun little touch and a nice snack while you sip. They also offer small bites. I tried to order one, but I think my server forgot because it never came.
Between the rain, the wait, and the missed food, Jane Jane didn’t quite hit the mark for me—but I can see the potential. I’d give it a 3.5/5. Worth a visit if you’re already nearby and can snag a reservation.
The Wells
Capitol Hills/Eastern Market
Now this place, chef’s kiss. The Wells is a gorgeous, upscale cocktail bar focused on gin-based drinks, which usually isn’t my thing… but the Instagram pics had me intrigued, so I went for it. And I’m so glad I did.
As soon as I arrived, they offered me complimentary champagne to cleanse my palate—already winning. The hostess helped me choose a drink based on what I like (light, refreshing, not too sweet), and I ended up with a cucumber martini made with a subtle gin that didn’t overwhelm the drink. It was absolutely perfect.
I also ordered the Beluga Caviar & Chips. Yes, it was a splurge—but yes, it was worth it. The service was amazing, the vibe was relaxed and refined, and I can’t wait to go back.
Death & Co
9th St NW, Mount Vernon Square
https://www.deathandcompany.com/location/death-and-company-washington-dc/
Death & Co and Silver Lyan are neck and neck for me—but if I had to choose, what set them apart was the space.
That said, Death & Co is still a sexy, intimate cocktail lounge and a must-visit in DC. The lighting is low, the energy is calm, and the bartenders? Top tier. The kind of place where you trust them with your drink order, even if you don’t understand a single word on the menu.
The space is on the smaller side, with a few round booths, two-sided booths, a few tables, and plenty of bar seating. Definitely make a reservation unless you like rolling the dice. They do offer snacks, but I haven’t gotten around to trying them yet, I’ve been too busy sipping.
Speaking of drinks, everything I’ve tried has been solid. This is actually where I first met the Silver Monk, which quickly became one of my go-to cocktails. As a tequila girl with a soft spot for a mojito, this drink felt like the perfect blend of both.
On one visit, the manager suggested I try the KINGKILLER—and even treated me to it (10/10 hospitality). The cocktail is made with Navèt 1804 Clairin Haitian Rum, Clear Creek 2-Year Apple Brandy, beet, Don’s Mix, lime, Angostura, and absinthe. Now, I love beets, but in my cocktail? I had questions. But I was pleasantly surprised. The drink was sweet, herby, with just a hint of beet, nothing earthy or overpowering. It was actually delicious.
Death & Co is definitely a place I’ll be going back to, a lot.
Silver Lyan
Inside The Riggs Hotel, Penn Quarter
https://www.silverlyan.com/
Silver Lyan might be one of the best-known cocktail lounges in DC—and it lives up to the hype. It’s tucked away in the basement of the Riggs Hotel and gives off that dark, moody, intimate energy that I love. If it’s dimly lit, cozy, and a little mysterious, I’m in my element. Good music, a little loud a times.
I started the night solo and was offered a complimentary glass of champagne—maybe it’s standard, or maybe the server felt bad I was alone (lol), but either way, it was a sweet gesture. I ordered the pizza spring rolls and tater tots with dill buttermilk ranch to snack on—both hit the spot.
Drink-wise, I started with the Oceanwide Fix, which was good but on the sweeter side, so I sipped it quickly (as one does). My second round was the Silver Monk, a cocktail I just recently discovered and now love. They nailed it. I ended up having a couple more.
My friend, who preferred dark liquor this night, stuck with Hennessy sidecars all night and seemed very content. The type of “content” where you keep ordering and ordering and ordering.
At one point, we asked to switch tables, and the staff accommodated us right away. Service here was top-tier, and the entire experience—from the vibe to the drinks to the snacks—was flawless. Right now, Silver Lyan is my #1 cocktail lounge in DC. No notes. I’ll absolutely be back.
So far, my hunt for the best cocktail lounges in the DMV has been fun, flavorful, and slightly fuzzy (in the best way). Here’s how the first four spots stack up:
· Jane Jane – Cute neighborhood spot at 14th & U with retro charm and Cheez-Its on the side. Loved the ambiance, not so much the wait or the forgotten food order. Dirty martini was solid. Rating: 3.5/5
· The Wells – An absolute gem near Eastern Market, especially if you're into gin or open to being converted. Beautiful interior, amazing service, and the Beluga caviar & chips made me feel like I had real tax bracket range. Rating: 4.5/5
· Death & Co. – Sexy, intimate, and creative with cocktails. Shoutout to the Silver Monk and the surprisingly good beet-infused KINGKILLER. Rating: 4.7/5
· Silver Lyan – My current front-runner. It checks all the boxes: dark, moody, fantastic service, and cocktails that are worth the second (or third) round. Great for dates or solo sipping with style. Rating: 5/5
There are a few more spots on my list, and trust, I’ve got some good ones lined up. Stay tuned for the next round of reviews. The hunt continues…
