Allegory
Speakeasy bar
1201 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
OUR SCORE
3.0
ACCOLADES
- Named one of the "Best Bars in America" in 2019 by Esquire Magazine
- Featured on the "Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Washington, DC" list by Culture Trip
- Included in the "15 Best Bars in Washington, DC" list by Condé Nast Traveler
REVIEW & BAR SUMMARY
Allegory, a hidden gem within Washington DC's thriving cocktail scene, is an avant-garde bar that beckons connoisseurs and curious travelers alike with its alluring ambiance and a thought-provoking menu. Located behind an unassuming bookshelf inside the culturally conscious and art-forward Eaton DC hotel, this intimate space is a tribute to both literature and craft cocktails.
The bar's conceptual design invites patrons to embark on an immersive journey, surrounded by striking murals and eclectic furnishings that evoke the sense of a modern speakeasy, woven with the threads of a literary dream. Allegory's patrons are treated not just to drinks, but to a narrative that unfolds with each sip, blending the lines between reality and fiction.
The cocktail menu, a collection of innovative creations, pays homage to the art of storytelling with each drink artfully composed to elicit intrigue and conversation. Signature cocktails might include the "Tale of Two Pities," a harmonious mix of delicate botanicals and zesty citrus, or the "Hemingway's Muse," a concoction that provides a bold, rum-based tribute to the literary giant with a touch of sweetness and the complexity of amaro.
One standout selection, the "Once Upon a Thyme," marries the earthiness of fresh herbs with the subtle warmth of whiskey, offering a layered experience reminiscent of an aromatic garden at twilight. Another, the "Scarlet Letter," reimagines the classic negroni with an infusion of floral notes, creating a visually stunning and palate-pleasing libation.
Allegory doesn't simply serve drinks; it crafts a sensorial narrative where each cocktail is a chapter in an unfolding story. It's a place where the subtleties of flavor are as much a masterpiece as the art on its walls, and where each visit promises a new tale waiting to be discovered.