McClellan's Retreat

wonderful corner bar that I keep going back to. Wonderful drinks and the cheddar whales are great!

If you look in up,this will be one of the oldest bars in town.It's got character and ambiance baked in.The vibe and prices are hipster. The house specialdrinks run $15 generally with one at $25. It's all high end liquor so prices not out of hand.It's not a budget friendly choice but you're in the wrong town if you're looking for that.The service is great and that addsa lot of value.

I love a dimly lit, dark wooded, casual bar, and McClellan's is that place. I appreciate that you need to be seated and that there is no vying for a bartender's attention or a claustrophobic atmosphere, as is wont to be at a popular bar like this. I enjoy their whiskey and Scotch selection. Recently, their Muppet-themed holiday drink menu was really fun and savored the Frostbitten Teddy Bears and the Marley & Marley. Service has always been friendly and welcoming, which is great. There aren't many bars I like these days, but McClellan's Retreat is one that I love.

Underneath the Christmas lights, we sipped cocktails to some 2000s tunes. I was always hesitant to come here because of the amount of indoor seating and the sliver of a sidewalk patio outside. It just so happened to be a lucky Friday for me around 7:30pm. I got a seat for myself and a friend at the end of the bar. Though later on the bar did get crowded and louder. It's a dark, but cozy atmosphere. I think the limited seats and low ceiling contribute to that. I had the orchid drink from their spring cocktail menu and the Pepperbox, served on a "haberno rock" and is covered in seeds. The more it melts, the spicier the drink gets!The bartender was very nice and checked on us through the night even though we were near the end of the bar. Lots more options on the menu to come back and try.

This cute and quaint cocktail bar serves unique and interesting cocktails with bar snacks if you're feeling peckish. The dim lighting and twinkling lights set the mood and as a local, you won't get bored with their drink menu because they switch them out often. Not only that, but they come in cute glasses perfect for an Insta pic. If you do get bar snacks, it can take a little bit to come out, but it's as good as an excuse to grab another drink I've only had good experiences here, and the staff is always very friendly! I recommend stopping by here if you want to grab a drink before you go out or to take away the nerves before a friendly get together - perfect little "pre-game" spot ;-)

Nice dive bar to meet up for a drink or go on a first date. It's busy but not too loud, with fast service.

3.5 stars! Came on a Friday night -- the bar has a cool and casual vibe and no standing room, you must be seated which was really nice though we did spend some time waiting at the door to be seated.I've heard great things about this place so I was surprised to be let down by the cocktails. Both my friends and I's cocktails had totally different flavor profiles and somehow tasted exactly the same. Kind of one note and none of the various flavors used really showed through. Not bad cocktails but just as expensive and not as good as other cocktail bars in the city.That being said, great ambiance, really friendly service, and really great music. Would still come back for the vibes and would give the cocktails another chance.

I've never wanted to be a regular at a bar as desperately as I want to be a regular at McClellan's Retreat. Stopped in on a Friday afternoon to check out the Barbie cocktails - initially the bouncer said there wasn't space but since I was alone, I managed to snag a seat at the bar. Brian was incredibly friendly and a talented bartender - I loved my Four Loko Barbie cocktail. I wasn't planning on staying for a second drink but I was having a lovely time, enjoying the music and my conversation with Brian. I ordered a Manhattan and it was delicious. Yes, the cocktails are on the pricier side, but it's worth it for the craftsmanship and creativity!!! I love this bar. I almost didn't want to leave this review in fear it will become even more popular than it already is. Highly recommend!

Anytime I can find a pour of Little Book, it's a win.McClellans has one of the best whisky selections I've ever seen + their atmosphere reminds me of being in an abandoned ship (in the best way possible). If you're in and around Dupont, it's worth a stop!The bartenders are top notch and the bar was everything you'd want in a good whisky bar. Let's just say after all the bars we've tried in DC, we keep coming back to this one

This place is ok. The atmosphere is very dark and woody and just didn't do it for me. It was busy and the bartender was attentive and the drinks were good, but the ambiance just isn't for me.