Off the Record — Restaurant in Washington

Off The Record is the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret—but a polished, well-dressed one. I popped in solo one evening while wandering near the White House, drawn in by the allure of its speakeasy reputation and its nod to DC's political heartbeat. From the moment I descended the stairs into its cozy, almost Victorian ambiance, I felt like I’d entered another world—one where whispers of political intrigue float in the air, and every detail is carefully curated to impress. I started with a "Brooklyn in the House (of Representatives)," a drink that felt like a conversation starter in a glass. The Chianti floater gave it a bold twist I wasn’t expecting, and it paired perfectly with the deviled eggs, which were hands-down some of the best I’ve had in DC. The OTR Burger came highly recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. Juicy, perfectly cooked, and served alongside golden fries, it was the kind of meal that felt like a treat for the senses. The staff, friendly and attentive, made the experience even better—checking in without being overbearing and offering great suggestions for a first-timer like me. Before I wrapped up my evening, I couldn’t help but marvel at the caricatures lining the walls—a cheeky reminder that this spot doesn’t take itself too seriously, even with its upscale vibe. The only downside? The price tag. But hey, you’re a stone’s throw from the White House, so you’re paying for the experience as much as the food and drinks. And speaking of experiences, y'all also need to check out Pull Up DC after Off The Record. The combination of enjoying a nice, smooth blunt after dinner was top-notch. The food, the ambiance, and that perfect wind-down had me feeling like I was on cloud nine....

I was looking forward to my first visit at Off the Record, but unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the most disappointing upscale dining experiences I’ve had in D.C.

From the start, I was seated at a small two-top—only to have a group of six crowd around the same space directly next to me, pulling up chairs and physically piling onto the shared bench. Despite the tight, uncomfortable arrangement and my visible discomfort, staff said nothing. At one point, one of the guests sat so closely they nearly crushed my coat. I had to shift repeatedly just to maintain a basic level of personal space.

When I expressed concern to the waiter (Lee), he simply observed without intervening. Management stood by and watched as I was spoken to rudely by the group next to me—yet did nothing to de-escalate or restore comfort. Not a single proactive adjustment was offered.

This is supposed to be a five-star establishment. But the standard of service, crowd control, and guest protection tonight was completely off-brand for a place of this reputation. I’ve dined in luxury spaces all over the city—this is the first time I’ve felt unsafe, disrespected, and unacknowledged.

The only time someone stepped up was after I asked for my check and prepared to leave. A woman in management offered a complimentary glass of wine to stay—but by then, the damage was done. I declined.

I paid $50 for deviled eggs and wine—and while the food was fine, what I actually paid for was a lesson in how not to treat guests. Especially ones who came from across town, dressed for the occasion, expecting a refined evening.

The lack of enforcement, awareness, and professionalism made this visit memorable for the wrong reasons. I won’t...

I've visited Off The Record several times now, and I can confidently say that it's one of the best bars I've ever been to. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a cozy, intimate space that feels like your own private hideaway.

The drinks here are truly top-notch. The bartenders are incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, and they can whip up just about anything you can imagine. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more creative and adventurous, they've got you covered. And if you're not sure what to order, they're always happy to make a recommendation based on your tastes and preferences.

But it's not just the drinks that make Off The Record so special – it's the atmosphere, too. The decor is stylish and sophisticated, with lots of dark wood, leather, and velvet accents that give it a classic, timeless feel.

What really sets Off The Record apart, though, is the service. Every time I've been there, I've been treated like a VIP. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. From remembering your name and favorite drink to offering recommendations for other places to check out in the area, they truly care about their customers and want to make sure you have an amazing experience.

Overall, I can't recommend Off The Record Bar and Lounge highly enough. If you're looking for a sophisticated, upscale spot to enjoy a drink or two, this is the place to be. Whether you're a regular like me or just stopping by for the first time, you're sure to have a...