Dram & Grain

Great cocktail menu (all cocktails $14) and Leighton is an excellent bartender. The amaranth was my favorite and not too sweet at all (plus it was gorgeous). The basement space is cozy and dark. There's not a ton of seats but there weren't a lot of people here when we went on a weekday so I'd guess reservations are the way to go on weekends. I'd absolutely return here with friends.

Made reservations for Valentine's dinnerMy guest was the best part of this experience !We sat downstairs in the Dram & Grain area$75 Tasting menu was not worth the costDrinks were goodFood was just okay and tappas styleThe crab deviled egg was the best part! If I wasn't soo allergic to crabs, I would have ordered these instead lolRisotto and shrimp was a 1/5. Lacked flavor. The Rice was actually SUPER hot when I received it, unbearable to eat initiallySundae and Bread pudding were devine!Risotto balls were so goodCeasar salad was like cabbage just cut up, I couldn't eat itMusic was a nice blend of 90s/early 2000 hip hopMixed crowdBar area was slightly packedI would only come back for the bar and music

The drinks here were just okay. We came here because a bar we wanted to check out near by was closed and this was the only bar that was opened at the time close to where we were. The drinks were okay and the ambiance was okay too. I felt like the floors were sticky and the bar kind of smelled bad. Kind of reminded me of a better college bar. I don't think I would go back to this spot to get drinks. However, the bartender was nice and helpful.

I've heard so many great things about Dram & Grain from when they first opened pre-pandemic. While they've been "open" for a while now, it's been the same menu as the rest of The Imperial. Fast forward to May 2024--I see a post advertising a preview night showcasing some experimental cocktails they've been working on.I ordered two cocktails which absolutely scratched that "unique cocktail" itch. The first containing Duck Fat Sochu, plum, Vermouth, Bourbon, and Mushroom tincture. It was extremely well balanced and I loved every sip--somewhat similar to a Manhattan but also a refreshing departure.Last, the Sorghum Whiskey is one of the most unique Old Fashioned riffs I've ever had. A very distinct flavor, and again, very well balanced.To top it all off, these unique cocktails were very fairly priced at $14 each. Leighton (the bartender) was very knowledgeable and did a fantastic job of explaining the menu and providing insight into the ingredients. While the experimental menu is currently only available on Wednesdays / Thursdays, I was excited to hear that they're working on turning the space into a more permanent "cocktail nerd" space--think a separate hidden entrance, seperate menu available on weekends, food pairings, etc. I'll definitely be back!

Really cute spot to stop in for an intimate cocktail in AdMo. The place was not busy when we went and the staff was very attentive. We liked all the cocktails we got - especially their take on a Ramos Gin Fizz and the White Negroni. Plenty of fun options to try out and they also have a small menu of snacks and bites.

Dram & Grain is a speakeasy style bar under Imperial in NW DC. The bar downstairs is very nice and intimate setting. The drinks are good and dessert is amazing. Highly recommend for after dinner. Tip is included and there is also a random service fee.

Having been to the original Dram & Grain when it was underneath Jack Rose, I was extremely surprised at what it has become.If you're a huge fan of Jack Rose, this place is not for you. The way the waiter explained this establishment is that they took Jack Rose and stripped it of all the things you may like about it (the dark sensual vibes and strong whiskey drinks).AMBIANCE: As huge fans of the original establishment, we made reservations way ahead of time for 6:30pm on a Saturday. When we walked into the back entrance (of Imperial) for Dram & Grain, the bouncer immediately held his hand up to stop us and told us "we're at capacity" before we even had a chance to speak. When we told him we had reservations, he directed us to the host and told us to check in there (not sure why this step isn't set up before the bouncer tried turning us away so quickly). The host then led us to the basement, where we waited for a couple minutes for them to set up our table. This is where they served us their delicious complimentary punch (a cocktail of whiskey, rum, aperitivo, etc) which deserved the two stars. The waiters all seem very knowledgeable about the menu, but continuously repeated how "light and refreshing the drinks are". Other than that, all the waiters and busboys were extremely friendly and welcoming. DRINKS: This new Dram & Grain has "lighter, more refreshing drinks", so if that's the type of whiskey you enjoy, this is right up your alley. However, the Creole Louisiana may be too much for you because it was far from light and refreshing. For the price we paid, it was quite literally hard to swallow. The other drinks we got (Put the Lime in the Koji-Nut, Buckin' Hinny) were good though, and worth giving a try.FOOD: They have oysters and small plates for a fine dining experience. Our table ordered the Grand seafood tower, and they forgot a few of our shrimp on the platter, (which we wouldn't make a big deal about, but it cost an arm and a leg). The seafood was fresh, but a majority of the oysters had loads of shattered shell pieces in them (a few pieces would obviously be fine, but some of us had to spit out the entire oyster because there were so many stray shell shards). If you're looking for something filling, go for the Braised Path Valley Rabbit or Fried Poulet Rouge (chicken). The Golden Potato Gnocchi was okay, but the table next to ours recommended the Carmelized Onion Tart over the gnocchi. The Sorghum Risotto is small and delicious, but the puffed sorghum (like popcorn) made slightly weird. Overall, if you've been to the original Dram & Grain and was looking forward to going to this new one, be prepared for a completely different experience.

Better than the original in several ways; it's easiest to describe the experience as the next level compared to the bar that used to be below Jack Rose. The current menu focuses on aperitifs and digestifs as anchor ingredients to create nine very different drinks. I've tried at least a little of most of the menu and two stand out for me. The Pearls Before Swine is a great take on a savory cocktail -- a little boozy, undeniable smokey, and meaty flavor. The cavalletta is a riff on a grasshopper, but is in a class of it's own. It's one of the most delicious and well-balanced drinks I've had anywhere. I'm not sure if they will always be there, but there are three off-menu drinks from the old D&G. I won't spoil anything but ask about them. All three are great.The ambiance of the new bar is pleasant and cozy. Remains the best bar in the District.

Andy has taken the Dram & Grain experience (which I already thought was basically perfect) and upgraded it again. He's proven that not only is he an exceptional bartender, but also that he can assemble a team that can live up to the high expectations of his customers without missing a beat. The space is much larger but still maintains an intimate feel. The ever evolving cocktail list made the wait for the new space worthwhile. Although everything we drank was exceptional, the cavalletta was the standout of the evening. Of course, there are also a few surprises from the old menu too. Dram & Grain is the first recommendation I have for anyone going to Washington DC, as no matter what your tastes are, you're going to get amazing service and perfect cocktails. If you want instagramabilly trendy, you might be disappointed, but if you know a great cocktail when you see it, this is your new favorite spot.

Went to Dram and Grain last night to get drinks with some friends. First, many of us had issues getting in to the bar. The door to the bar was closed at some points in the night and open at other points. If the door is closed, you cannot go directly into the bar. You need to go into The Imperial and ask for permission to go in a side door and head down the the bar. One of our friends asked for Dram and Grain and was shown the kitchen of The Imperial, which was an interesting start to the night. While the cocktails themselves were fine, the service at the bar was extremely slow. It took about 45 minutes to get a drink after we ordered, and the bar was not packed. There were many open tables, so we did not understand how things could be so slow. One friend ordered a Hot Toddy which took over an hour to receive, which is simply unacceptable. We do not think the drink would have been brought out but for our continuous asking about it. Because the service was so slow at our table, we got up to get drinks at the bar. Our server was kind, but the bartender at the bar was very rude. We asked him about a drink recommendation and he seemed as if he couldn't be bothered to give it. Finally, the bar closed at 12:30 which seems a bit early. We were not asked if we wanted a last call and no one came around to let us know the bar would be closing soon. Rather, they simply turned on all of the lights which was our cue to leave. We have been to Dram and Grain when it was in Jack Rose and this new location felt like a step down service wise. We do not think we will be back.