Denson Liquor Bar

You know how I feel about subterranean bars. Denison's in DC is the spot. Drinks are fantastic. The real highlight was a delightful find: Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers. These little bites were so good. The creamy goat cheese paired beautifully with the smoky piquillos. I didn't expect a good snack, I only went for the drinks. Cheers!

I really like the vibe at Denson' Liquor Bar in DC. It gives major speakeasy vibe secret as its a little hard to find as you have to do down some stairs to access (and the only "signs" are the bar name in the light fixtures down the stairs). The decor is simple, but sleek. The bar on the smaller side and first come first serve, the tables are by reservation only. I've been here a couple times and the bar is crowded and most of the tables stay empty so I kind of wish they'd change that policy. In addition to fancy cocktails that change regularly they also have beer, wine, and a small food menu. Our group ordered the cheese plate to share. We did the selection of 4 cheeses which included Humbolt Fog, Brie, Boschetto al Tartufo, and Gorgonzola. It was nice to have a mix of cow, goat, and sheep cheese. It came with baguette, honeycomb, fig jam, chutney for $22 which in DC is not a bad price. I got a cocktail off the Fall Menu which was called the Art of war (Tequila blanco, ancho Reyes, ginger liqueur, pomegranate syrup, lime. Served on rocks with chili threads). I don't typically lean in to tequila creations, but this one sounded good. I liked its little spicy and sweet combination. I like that everyone time I come I can try something new and different. I'm glad my friend told me about this place so we have a staple to visit when spending an evening in DC. It just a fun and laid back place to hang out with some good drinks.

Drinks are 10/10. My Aztec Orchard was served in a smoker and gone way too fast. Espresso martini looked expertly crafted. Jessica Rabbit is a fun one and a bright color without tasting too carrot juice-y. These are a little pricey. Obviously. Server was wonderful. Her timing was great. We had a reservation for 6 but only had 5 and that ended up being better because the circle booth we got is a tight squeeze! I don't know how another full grown person who have fit in there. The whole place is a little crampes but I suppose that adds to the speakeasy ambiance. To get in, go around the corner and down the stairs into the basement.

Deliciousness - 4/5Happiness - 3/5I popped on in to Denson's liquor bar, which has a really fun exterior that does make you feel like you're sneaking into an old time speakeasy and a fun throwback interior. That said, despite being alcohol-focused, I was a bit underwhelmed with the selections. A lot of the liquor were things commonly available elsewhere (although the vodka I went with, a single estate vodka from Belvedere, was delicious), the wine selection was just OK, and the beer was very underwhelming. They did have some cocktails but I stuck with straight liquor and wine for this outing. They have a very small food list. My favorite thing all together was the duck prosciutto and beef bresaola - both of which were delicious and came with a healthy portion. But I also note that it's not like they made it or or anything. I also got caviar (which I love) that was presented nicely and a reasonable price (for caviar, meaning it's still unreasonable, but sometimes you just gotta TREAT YOSELF), but there wasn't really anything to set it apart from caviar I've had elsewhere (i.e., a perfectly generic crema and forgettable toast).Most disappointing was the service. Although the servers were very nice, the service was extremely slow. It took a bit over an hour and a half to get the two small plates (neither of which needed to be cooked) and 3 drinks. When I asked for recommendations, they simply said "whatever you like" and the generic "that's a good choice" when I ordered. That may be fine in a less upscale place, but I hope for more guidance and engagement at a top-end liquor bar.

Such a fun speakeasy setting with a neat off the beaten path entrance! Appreciated that the website gave such clear directions to find the entrance too. Got lucky and found bar seating easily around 7 on a Wednesday! Loved the goat cheese stuffed peppers- the pink sea salt on it was more than it needed, so I did brush that off because the goat cheese brought the perfect saltiness in my opinion :) the Jessica Rabbit drink was all of the carrot cake vibes and was a nice slowly sipped cocktail. The current seasonal menu is a lot of fall/winter spice- am excited for the next menu that drops in March! The bartender also mentioned a chocolate Old Fashioned that I would like to try next time!

Came here on a busy Friday night. There were no seats available but we lucked out and got the only two available seats at the bar. It definitely gives speak easy vibes, but it may just be a standard bar. My friend and I ordered drinks and had a chill evening.

Great servers who know their stuff. Reasonably priced drinks, good atmosphere. Need to add some gin cocktails to their menu though. Menu is extremely dark liquor heavy, need more vodka/gin/tequila options. Had to ask the bartender what kind of gin cocktails he could make me since there weren't any available. Probably many more spots with better variety than this spot.

What a Fantastic speakeasy! We stumbled into Denson and found THE BEST cocktail I've had in a long time - 'Who Framed Jessica Rabbit.'This was a carrot cake inspired cocktail that made me SO HAPPY - delicious and creative without being overly sweet and managing a balance that was downright refreshing. I had three (don't judge me). Staff was great and the bar managed the right balance of speakeasy/bar and had a diverse clientele.

Denson's in Washington, DC, is the ultimate spot for a dark, sexy night out. Wesley, our server, delivered flawless service, making us feel like VIPs, while Marquiz crafted cocktails that were as seductive as the ambiance--rich, smooth, and unforgettable. The low lighting, sultry vibe, and sophisticated setting made the whole experience feel effortlessly luxurious. If you're looking for incredible drinks, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that oozes allure, Denson's is the place to be.

Been back here a few times and it remains a great place! The drinks are seasonal and very creative. Also tried a new food item this time with the burrata and it was very tasty.