Quirky, laid-back hangout for cocktails & fried chicken eats boasting an intimate bar-within-bar.
Stacey Ferguson
This unassuming place was surprisingly sophisticated and delicious, with top notch service. A lot of thought went into the presentation and preparation of each cocktail. Of the 5 we tried, each one was unique and tasty. I recommend them all, the hummingbird, African penguin, flying squirrel, golden pheasant and the Kumamoto manhattan. The deviled egg appetizer was tasty, but I definitely recommend trying the chicken. We had the chicken tenders and a chicken sandwich and can’t wait to go back for more.
This place had some comfy bench seating but the bar stool seats were not the most comfortable. But don’t let that stop you from going, it still get 5 stars from me and we will be back!
… moreBarrett Darnell
If you are looking for a place that treats flavor like a complex puzzle, Service Bar is the answer. They avoid the common trap of just mixing two sugary red liquids with a shot of well liquor and calling it a day. Instead, they source about eight exotic ingredients from across the globe, blending them into a drink that is remarkably smooth and genuinely memorable. It is the kind of balance that makes you realize what you have been missing at every other standard bar in the city. Make sure to go when J is conjuring magic.
… morePhilip Gasparovic
Great bar with great service. We had Jay tonight and she crushed it. Very unique drinks. The penguin and heirloom carrot margarita were our favorites. Highly recommend.
… moreLucas Denney
A perfect bar.
The experience is special if you’re there for one drink before a show or if you’re there to explore the menu and have a phenomenal dinner. True masters of their craft. Especially Cully who took amazing care of me all night.
The cocktails are incredible. Truly magical in a time where most cocktail menus are uninspired repeats or complicated for complications sake, not flavor and fun.
I don’t know who was working the fryer but like the rest of the FOH staff, they are masters of their craft. The wings were cooked perfectly and the hot dust was a simple yet perfect description.
Best fried chicken I’ve had ever, hands down. It doesn’t get much better than that and a high life pony after three fantastic cocktails.
A truly wonderful dining experience. I’ve already changed a vacation plan I had booked in a few months to comeback to DC just for this spot on a non work trip. Exceptional.
… moreWhitney Davis
Really enjoyed having dinner here the other night. It was competitive to get a table, but we were able to because we walked up right when the doors open. The fried chicken was some of the better chicken I’ve had in DC, perfect crunch, not dry. (I had it spicy and the spice level was ideal – heat without losing flavor). If you want to treat yourself get a glass of champagne with it. I took advantage of a happy hour pisco punch (solid pisco and a good HH deal at $9 I believe), and then I tried one of the gorgeous bird inspired cocktails, the Kiwi, coming in at a cool $19. Worth it at least once for the presentation, which over performed, and for the cocktail itself that had a unique flavor profile without being overly strong or distracting. Really enjoyed it and will be back at some point.
… moreAnnie K
I almost don’t want to write this because I’d love to keep this place a secret. Service Bar is that good. The drinks are adventurous but always delicious, the food outshines most restaurants in DC, and the simplicity of it all somehow makes it even better. Yes, it’s a loud, lively bar with limited seating—but the energy is unmatched and the playlist doesn’t miss.
We really enjoyed yourselves!
… moreFrey Bendele
The best bar I’ve ever been to. Chris gave me a beautiful walkthrough of the cocktail menu. This place somehow succeeds on having the best food and the best drinks possible. They chilled my daiquiri glass with what appeared to be liquid nitrogen and the bartender making my drank tasted the drink. It tasted slightly off so he tossed and remade it. I’ve never been to a bar that’s done that before it’s even made it to my glass. They truly go above and beyond. A must visit.
… moreEvroy Marrett
I think the server was having a bad day or had other personal things going on because they were pretty short and were not too helpful when we had questions. The establishment, however, probably had the best chicken tenders I’ve ever tasted with house made ranch, honey mustard, a Chipotle like sauce, BBQ, and a buffalo sauce.
The drinks were pretty decent, but mines had too much ice. The atmosphere was fine and it did the job! I’ll definitely be back to give the service another try but also to try out some of their other menu items.
… moreNathaniel “Nate” Savio
This is going to be our new go to bar before going to see shows at DC9, The Atlantis, or 930 Club. Drinks here are amazing, the fried chicken is fantastic, and the happy hour deals aren’t bad. We really enjoyed the laid back vibe, and I was a huge fan or the mostly late aughts pop punk music playing in the background at just the right volume.
There was a guest bartender there, which I assume is a regular occurrence, so that was fun. Food and drinks came out quickly, but we didn’t feel rushed at all. The waiter was able to make great recommendations as to what drinks we should order, as well. Great place, would go back in a second.
… moreRob L
Noisy but otherwise incredible. The cocktails are fantastic and well balanced. The fried chicken? Soooo good. Great sides and I’m not usually a Mac n cheese guy. Server took great care of us. Definitely will be back.
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