Press Club Bar Of Record

We loved our night here! It's dark and underground, so feels secret and swanky. We sat the bar and got great service and fun cocktail prep tips from the bartenders.Caveat that we were there for a special food-drink pairing night, so what I'm about to describe isn't available on a regular basis. Our drinks were SO unique--my favorite hands down was a pickle flavored cocktail, but a close second was a Middle Eastern inspired apple cocktail. And the small bites were awesome. Fave there was probably this umami-heavy brioche. But everything was SO good that I now need to come back to try the regular menu!

Reservations are required for this tiny but hip DuPont haunt and be prepared to wait even when you arrive because with so few spots and people sipping them cocktails, you too might order "one more" before you go.From the moment you walk in the door you are hit with low lights, brass chatter and music. A wall of records on one wall, a large and shaking bar take up half of the space with low couch/booths taking up the other and some cute low arm chairs filling the remainder of the space.The person who sits you might also be the DJ and/or your waiter, it's a group effort with staff typing on an old-school typ-writer, running food from their small Japanese-inspired menu and water refills keeping the energy and hydration going. The menus are on the back of LP sleeves (the food menu is on the LP inside the sleeve) and boasts Asian-inspired flavors (think lychee, yuzu, yogurt infused, and shiso). The drinks are very well crafted and balance (think gulpable) and NOT TOO SWEET!! A trend that I reject in the cocktail space is the over-burdening of the simple syrup! Not hear! We had the Paris Tokyo, French Waltz, Desperado and Summer in November. Rums, vodkas, Whiskey bases, all perfectly balanced and go down quickly. We split an order of the chicken karage which was thigh meat (my favorite) and good at sopping up the booze. At $20 a drink you might pause to order that 3rd but TREAT YO SELF, or be sure to come back. They've got the music and cocktail game on lock!

Best cocktails I've had in DuPont in years. This review is for the main menu, not the tasting menu. Highly recommend: French waltz: herbaceous and smooth. Refreshing. In a Cadillac (dueling martinis): the vodka based one was my favorite, which is surprising b/c I don't like vodka lol. But it was perfectly balanced. The other one was just as good but the grapefruit was strong in a way I didn't enjoy as much.I would still absolutely order both again lol. Paris in Tokyo & devil in a new dress also excellent. Service: Anna and Devin were so attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of! Atmosphere: inside is tiny, about 25 seats, but it's cozy. The space is used well. Truly hits the "someone's listening room" vibe. Nostalgic touches, lush velvets and neutrals. Great for dates, friends or small groups (def under 6 people). Walk ins: difficult to walk in unless you go right at 5 or after 9. There will be outdoor space in warmer weather so that may make it easier.

Press Club NAILS the concept. They provide an elite, intimate experience for cocktail and music enthusiasts. The consistency is inspiring--from the decor to the drink names (Paris, Tokyo...Nights Over Egypt...), the vinyl set, and even the cassette holders for the bill. I came once for the soft opening and another time for their Valentine's Day cocktail tasting, and both were amazing experiences. Their drinks are complex, well balanced, and nuanced. Kind service who are equally as knowledgeable about the bar program as their song choices. This is one of my new favorite bars in DC.

Press Club Bar Of Record, an intimate cocktail lounge and bar on the bottom floor of a 1907 row house, checks every box. Cocktails are well balanced and unique. There are twelve that change twice a year and more rare ingredients like squash amaro are incorporated. Enjoying more sweet and sour cocktails, I ordered the Paris, Tokyo with vodka, lychee, yuzu sake, lemon, and bergamot for my first drink. My second drink was the Temptation with blanco tequila, chenin blanc, serrano, mango, and lime. Both were quality cocktails, but my favorite was the Temptation. It's like a more balanced and unique margarita. The space is intimate and cozy. From the lit bar to the record player playing full LPs behind the bar, every detail is thoughtful. The menu comes on the back of a record cover. Remove the inside record to scan a QR code taking you to a menu of food and more drinks like wine, beer, and cognac. Record covers decorate the bathroom walls.The food is delicious! Their full menu includes a wagyu flank steak and katsu sandos, but their marinated cucumbers hit the spot. They are exactly like the ones I lived off of while studying in Beijing. Service is impeccable. Everyone gets a complimentary welcome drink, even those waiting outside near the heat lamp. Will, the man greeting people, is personable and introduced himself to everyone. This place is worth a visit, even if you have to wait for two hours if you walk in without a reservation.

Very cool atmosphere and vibe. I'm a sucker for that kind of theme and they do it tell. Wonderful wonderful service.

Very cool cocktail bar in Dupont. Really really good drinks. Tasty bites as well. Recommend the mushroom tempura, cucumbers and katsu sando. Drinks, you can't go wrong with the menu. There's something for everyone's taste... Service was also good. Staff was very knowledgeable about everything and anything cocktail related.

What a great addition to DC nightlife! The service was top notch - attentive, personable, but not overbearing. The drinks were amazzzzzzing - boozy, well balanced, and not too sweet. The atmosphere was intimate and sexy. I love that you can have actual conversations without yelling over the music. This would be a great date spot! The best part is the personalized note they left for us and the complimentary welcome cocktail!

Meh......overpriced batched cocktails. Never a fan of this program. But, I do understand the desire for consistency. $19 to $27 for the 2oz pour drinks??? I've been here twice, first and last.