The Alchemist DC

I stopped by The Alchemist DC with a friend around 6:30 PM and was lucky to snag a reservation--good thing I did! There was a large Christmas gathering that filled up most of the space. Despite the busy atmosphere, our waitress was incredibly attentive, checking in with us regularly.The bar itself is cozy and charming, with a quaint vibe. There's enough space to feel comfortable without being on top of other people, and the bar area is well laid out. We came for happy hour, and the highlight for me was the Caramel Macchiato-tini--hands down one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had. It was strong yet smooth, with a bold coffee flavor that didn't get overpowered by the alcohol.All the drinks we tried were delicious and beautifully presented. I'd love to visit again and highly recommend this spot for a relaxed and memorable cocktail experience!

My friend and I visited on a wintery night. Though we called ahead and were told we didn't need a reservation, when we arrived and tried to sit at the table, we were asked if we had a reservation and were sat at the bar instead. The bartender who served my friend and I only cleared his glasses and not mine. Inside is very dimly lit and gives secluded basement. My favorite bit of decor was the Harry Potter broom on the wall. The three stars are drinks, but because the service was less than desirable, I deducted two stars. It is possible with a different bartender, I would have different feelings

As a former bartender I really have a high ranking for cocktails. I do appreciate they put ingredients and the presentation on the menu so people are not guessing how things will be served. I didn't get the espresso martini because I prefer mine with fresh espresso, while I get it is annoying to have to do, if I am paying $22 for a cocktail I would expect fresher espresso. Not the best gin fizz I ever had, but it was up there. Great little speakeasy on U St. if you plan ahead and make reservations. It's small so you can't walk in during busy times and find a table. No food, but good if you want to enjoy a cocktail or two. Super great service that checks in on you when you need something and knows when you are catching up to steer away. It is dark so be ready to bring the table lamp over to read to menu or have your flashlight ready. Very good for date night or the first night out drink for pictures.

5 stars for a great specialty drink bar.I've been to several speakeasys around DC and in general and, while they are often cool or suave, the drinks are usually more about quality than fun. At the Alchemist, located near the intersection of 14th and U, you get a little bit more of that fun to go with the quality.I first checked out the Alchemist with some friends about a year ago because we were in the area. We went down some stairs to a dark and relatively simple bar area. We took a seat and the waiter/bartender immediately said hello and brought us menus. I say it plural because the venue has a more standard menu (including a few snacks like chips) and then generally a speciality menu. While the drinks I've had on subsequent visits show the change is more about theme, the drinks on that menu offer quite a show.What do I mean? Well, as shown in my picture with this review, you can get fire. Other options include a smoke bubble and smoke and lots of other fun options. Unlike other speciality drink bars though, the accompanying drink was actually delicious! Who knew fun could also mention quality? The prices were what you would expect (I think around $20 per), but in line with what you get.Overall, the Alchemist provides a fun and quality drink spot. If you are in the area, definitely consider checking this spot out.

The Alchemist is a unique underground bar with an intimate, dimly lit atmosphere. It has only high-top and bar seating, so I'd recommend making a reservation, especially if you're in a group larger than two, as it tends to get packed quickly.The drink menu is a lot of fun, featuring creative concoctions with theatrical touches like fire or smoke bubbles. There's even a themed menu inspired by House of the Dragon. The bartenders were quick with the drinks, and while the drinks themselves were good, they weren't very helpful with recommendations when the bar wasn't too crowded, which was a bit disappointing. However, this became more understandable as the place filled up.Overall, The Alchemist is a cool, fun spot worth trying out for the experience alone.

We came here after a bad dinner elsewhere and this place saved the night. I made reservations ahead of time which was a good idea. We arrived at 7:45 pm and the place wasn't full but by 8:15 pm there were no seats available. The menu was extensive with so many delicious looking cocktails. It was hard to make up our minds. I ordered the dragon tequila drink with passion fruit and it was absolutely delicious!!! Highly recommended. My husband ordered the award winning dandelion elderflower cocktail and thought it was too sweet. We asked the bartender if he could add something to make it a bit less sweet and he very nicely said he would make us another one. We thought that was so nice, my husband honestly would have drink it no problem and we told the bartender a few times he didn't need to make a new one but he did. The new drink was perfect!The ambiance was awesome, moody lighting, brick walls and an intimate place. Can't wait to come back to try more! I would highly recommend sitting by the bar, it's pretty cool to watch them make all the different drinks.

It's actually a pretty good cocktail bar. I really like the vibe and the experience was good. Here's what I imbibed Plus the other thing I like about this place is they put on the menu what gets set on fire, IE flamed, or what comes with a smoke bubble. It's a nice gimmick but it was definitely catchy.Sakura fizz: excellent I even liked the frothy alcoholic stuff they put on it was very cool. Nice pretty color too Old fashioned: meh, not very good but it did have a smokey taste Mezcal sour: probably the best drink I had the entire night. Was simply excellent very good combination of flavors House of dragon: terrible. Extremely sour, the taste didn't match at all Killer Sally: was okay. I wouldn't get this again. I like the ambiance. Service was very good we did have an issue with the AC duct leaking and pouring on us and getting a sweat so they did get us some free drinks to compensate and when I do appreciate that. Parking in this area is extremely tight. So make sure you Uber or come at a time when it's easier to park. The entrance is also pretty neat it kind of looks like a brick wall. There is somebody outside to help you in case you go in circles lol. I think this is a place I could definitely see myself at again.

They have some unique drinks and the staples. I got the banana old fashioned (pictured) and it exceeded my expectations. I also got the house of dragon. The house of dragon was okay, probably wouldn't order again. Lastly, we ordered some green tea shots. Probably the worst green tea shots I've ever had. This place is a hit or miss with its drinks. I think flavor wise they are pretty solid but I didn't think any of my drinks contained enough alcohol. Not a heavy drinker and after finishing 2 drinks and a shot I didn't even feel a buzz. Not drinking to get drunk necessarily but they could be a little more generous with alcohol given each drink was $15-18.

Atmosphere was super chill and the cocktails were absolute perfection. I wish i could keep it a secret. And the staff was attentive and thorough.

Delicious craft cocktails, excellent setting, and kind knowledgeable bartenders. Veronica was our server/bartender and she was fabulous. Beautiful cocktail presentation with smoke bubbles or smoked. Excellent infused alcohols. Highly recommend. Every drink our group of 4 tried was fantastic! Try the marshmallow infused whiskey!