Denson Liquor Bar

“First time in DC. Made a reservation on resy and was caught off guard at first. The entrance is actually sub level so you had to take stairs down to get there but when you open the door it’s this beautiful large dark but romantically lit bar. Great for a date and couples. Get service”

“Denson is an absolute gem in DC! The atmosphere is incredible—a perfect underground speakeasy vibe that feels intimate and cool. The craft cocktails here are top-tier.”

“Ooohh Denson! It had been a while since I’d been to this fabulous DC speakeasy tucked underground at 6th and E Street NW, and I’m so glad a colleague suggested drinks after a recent work event. Denson was the first place that came to mind, and it was everything we didn’t know we needed. Even on a Saturday night during a holiday weekend, we scored a table. Huge thanks to Mikayla, the amazing hostess who was so friendly, attentive, and full of personality. She seated us in the perfect booth where we could relax and catch up. The vibe at Denson is modern and sultry, a true hidden cocktail bar with low lighting, great music, and an intimate atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’ve found one of DC’s best-kept secrets. Our server, Keimya, was equally fantastic and took great care of us all night. We started with the deviled eggs drizzled with white truffle oil and topped with trout roe. They were so good we ordered a second round. The grilled cheese was another standout with figs adding a sweet twist that made it taste like it had bacon in it. So creative and delicious. Of course, we had to try their craft cocktails. The She’s a Real Nice Lychee was a favorite — a refreshing gin cocktail with lychee, coconut cream, lemon, and brandied cherries. It was light, smooth, and beautifully balanced. The classic margarita was also spot on. Now that I know Denson still delivers on all fronts — amazing service, elevated bites, and perfectly made cocktails — I’ll definitely be back. If you’re near the National Building Museum, Capital One Arena, Portrait Gallery, or Harman Center, make your way to Denson. It’s tucked down a staircase on the corner, and once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a hidden cocktail den that’s pure DC magic.”

“Everything you could want in a speakeasy! Cool downstairs entrance, nice and dark, intimate, beautiful tile and great colors inside. Loved the descriptions of the drinks, read like a an excerpt from a perfectly eerie book of poetry. Food was good, not over the top shelf, but tasty esp for a bar. My drink was complex, unique and delicious. One tip: don’t go with a large group, the seating is very tight!”

“The reviews seemed promising for this bar in downtown DC. We ordered 2 manhattans at the bar and it came out to $71 including tip. They charged 4 dollars for the drink to be up as well. Odd. Additionally the bartender treated us as if we were at a dive bar. “What do you want?” “Open or closed” The service and quality of the drink did not match the price tag. You can easily get a better drink down the block at the bar at cafe Riggs.”