Destination hotel bar with strong cocktails, political ambiance, and premium pricing; excellent for drinks, mixed for service, and food is secondary.
Off the Record delivers a distinctive cocktail experience anchored by iconic DC ambiance and exceptional setting appeal in a historic hotel basement. Cocktail quality earns consistent praise, but inconsistent execution—ranging from expertly crafted drinks to overly sweet pours—and variable service during peak hours prevent a higher grade. Premium pricing ($25–$34 cocktails) and recent reports of longer waits and service tone shifts suggest the venue works best for off-peak visits or those prioritizing atmosphere over flawless execution.
One caveat: Long waits for drinks and seating during peak hours; plan for early arrival