Off the Record, Hay Adams
8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/washingtondc12 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Off the Record is a small hotel bar in the Hay-Adams that most commenters recommend. A few say it draws interesting people or casual chat, one calls it hidden-away and pleasant, and one says its drinks hit hard and use premium liquor. One suggests it for weekend visits. One calls it overpriced with a fake-luxury feel, one says it gets very crowded, and one finds daytime visits an odd outing.
Address
Off the Record, 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Mixedu/Eric-HipHopple in r/washingtondc · May 2026service
Says it was once popular for midday cocktails with veteran bartenders, but is unsure of its current vibe.
- Recommendsu/GawbBluth in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026ambience
Loves it despite haters; busy and full of interesting characters.
- Recommendsu/jweezy61 in r/washingtondc · Dec 2025ambience
Hotel bar that tends to draw visitors and locals open to casual chat.
- Recommendsu/Ocean2731 in r/washingtondc · Nov 2024
Small hotel bar with great staff, very good drinks and interesting people watching.
- Recommendsu/fedrats in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026taste
Says the drinks hit hard and use premium liquor, priced similarly to other spots, with base spirits above typical hotel bars.
- Recommendsu/Few_Umpire7746 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026
Agrees with the positive take.
- Caveatu/Utennvolsfan in r/washingtondc · Nov 2024wait time
It gets very crowded.
- Recommendsu/Uglycanadianindc in r/washingtondc · Feb 2026
Suggests it, specifically for weekend visits.
Show all 12 cited comments
- Recommendsu/Lebanese_Squeeze in r/washingtondc · Jan 2026
Recommends the hotel bar in the Hay-Adams as a place to try.
- Mixedu/Chester2707 in r/washingtondc · May 2026
Says they love this spot but find daytime visits an odd outing.
- Recommendsu/dlarriv in r/washingtondc · Jun 2024ambience
Describes Off the Record, inside the Hay Adams, as a pleasant, hidden-away spot.
- Caveatu/AnthonySkejci in r/washingtondc · Feb 2026price
Calls the cocktails overpriced and the setting a fake-luxury vibe.
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Freshness
Details last checked 14 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.