barmini — Restaurant in Washington

The minibar experience begins weeks before you step inside, when you manage to secure a coveted spot at one of the two nightly seatings. Each passing day builds anticipation, knowing you're about to embark on something truly special and unique.

On the big day, you gather with fellow diners outside the understated entrance. As the door opens, it feels like cashing in a golden ticket to a Willy Wonka-esque affair. The all-white anteroom acts as a physical palette cleanser, separating you from the world outside and setting the stage for a journey of culinary wonder.

You and your ten fellow diners (soon to be friends) are welcomed into a space where food becomes theater. To describe any individual dish would spoil the magic, but know that each course--arriving as a meticulously crafted bite or two--showcases extraordinary precision and creativity. The timing and choreography are more akin to poetry and ballet than a typical kitchen. For fans of shows like The Bear or Hell's Kitchen, this is a glimpse of what a professional kitchen can achieve at its best--no panic, no yelling, just chefs focused on elevating food to its highest form.

Throughout the evening, a gracious team guides you, making sure you feel genuinely appreciated. The chefs encourage questions about the dishes, their construction, and the inspiration behind them. Even when my curiosity led me to ask question after question, their patience and enthusiasm never waned.

Despite the attention to detail, there is no sense of pretentiousness here. The pacing is relaxed, with each course seamlessly following the last. You'll find yourself wondering how each dish could possibly top the previous one, only to be amazed time and again.

The team's warmth makes you feel like family rather than just a guest. It's humbling to experience such sincerity and grace. As Chef Andrés has said, his secret is to treat every guest as if it's the only meal they'll have all year. Mission accomplished.

If you're fortunate enough to afford it or can save for a special occasion, a night at minibar is worth it. It's an evening of pure pleasure and delight--one you won't...

Barmini Review: An Exceptional Cocktail Experience Barmini isn’t your typical bar—it’s an immersive experience where cocktails meet theater. From the moment you sit down, you’re watching bartenders use techniques like liquid nitrogen and color-changing ingredients to create drinks that are as visually striking as they are delicious.

Creative Cocktails Worth the Hype The tasting menu showcases genuinely inventive drinks with unexpected flavors and presentations. Each cocktail uses high-quality ingredients and techniques you won’t find elsewhere. The creativity is impressive, but more importantly, everything tastes excellent. The attention to detail, from custom ice to unique serving vessels, makes each drink memorable.

Yes, It’s Worth the Price Barmini is expensive, but you’re paying for a unique experience, premium ingredients, and exceptional craftsmanship. This is special occasion territory, and the quality justifies the cost. You’re not just buying drinks—you’re buying entertainment and artistry.

Important Tip: Eat First Definitely have a large meal before you go. The tasting menu includes many cocktails, and you’ll want to pace yourself to fully appreciate each one. Coming on an empty stomach would be a mistake—you need a good foundation to enjoy the full experience.

Bottom Line If you want innovative cocktails in an entertaining setting, Barmini delivers. It’s not a casual night out, but for cocktail lovers or anyone wanting something truly different, it’s an experience worth having. The combination of skill, creativity, and showmanship makes it stand out in...

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This is probably the most fantastic bar experience I've ever had, period. From start to finish, my time at Barmini was nothing short of extraordinary.

One of my friends was visiting from out of town and Barmini was recommended by one of my coworkers as a great spot to hit up for a special occasion. We arrived at 8 pm and were immediately greeted with an introductory cocktail to begin the evening.

We started with the foieffle which was incredible. The peanut butter and foie gras mixed together harmoniously and the waffle quite literally melted in your mouth.

Fresh off of the foieffle, we decided to order the waffle flight because we wanted to try the other waffles. I enjoyed all three but my favorites were the Philly and the foieffle.

The grilled cheese was also a good small plate to indulge in before drinks (or was it in between?).

I ordered the Cross-Eyed Mary and the Floral Cloud, both of which were fantastic. The Cross-Eyed Mary had a fruity whipped topping and the Floral Cloud was quite honestly one of the best drinks I've ever had. There was a hibiscus "cloud" placed on the drink before it was served to me and every time I took a sip, I was experiencing a symphony of smell (hibiscus) and taste (the floral drink) all at once.

My friend ordered the Divine Wind and one of the tiki cocktails. Both were very good. We were also given some sort of other drink served in a rocket ship which was out of this world. Sorry, I had to make the joke.

Prices are steep for the drinks but I think the experience was...