Quill at The Jefferson — Restaurant in Washington

Located inside the Beaux Arts edifice of the Jefferson hotel, Quill is an upscale lounge and cocktail bar. It is steeped in old money and is super classy and elegant, with tons of Jeffersonian inspiration. Quill's bar is separate from the hotel's bar so be sure to ask the concierge or follow signs to Quill.

Quill is actually a series of small rooms. The actual bar itself is a gleaming molded curved glass lit up in an amber hue, a modern touch in an otherwise old-school room. Quill's dark wood walls gives off that traditional, sophisticated feel. You can also sit in the parquet floored lounge, where 18th-century maps detailing Jefferson's wineries and circular mirrors line the walls and a baby grand piano sits eagerly (they have a pianist that plays Tuesday through Saturday). There is also what's called the Book Room which has a fireplace and sofas and you're surrounded by leather-bound books on Jeffersonian subjects. The Book Room is big enough to accommodate 30 guests. Lastly, across the hall from the main bar room, there are the East and West Jefferson Cabinet rooms which are small, semi-private rooms with discreet pocket doors that can accommodate a small group (4-5 max seated). The rooms have a sofa, armchair that is a replicate of Jefferson's favorite armchair at Monticello, and a hidden flat-screen TV that pops in and out with a press of a button.

My friends and I ended up in one of the cabinet rooms. We ordered plenty of cocktails. I opted for the Autumn Zephyr, which has Bombay Sapphire gin, Sailor Jerry rum, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, and egg white. If you read any of my reviews for cocktail bars, you'll know that I'm a huge lover of egg white cocktails. Although I've relied on Todd Thrasher, sommelier of Restaurant Eve Group, and his colleagues for perfected egg white cocktails, Quill did not disappoint with their version. It was beautifully light and the consistency of the foam cap was just right. The flavors were balanced and complex. I was loving the whole experience.

Two of my friends got the Eastern Standard, which has Bulleit rye, homericon liqueur, maple syrup, old fashioned bitters, and beets. Beets. I've never had a cocktail with beets before but this one was fantastically done. The color of the drink was a gorgeous red and the taste was ideally balanced. Another friend ordered Ichabod's Bane, which is their second egg white cocktail that contains pumpkin infused Bulleit bourbon, lemon juice, and lime juice. This was a great festive drink and the pumpkin flavor was subtle. All our cocktails were well-executed. Undoubtedly, this is one of my favorite upscale bars in the city. The servers are all very friendly too, and we had a really great time here. If only the bar was open just a wee bit longer than midnight. House cocktails are at least $15.

Quill gives off a very old-fashioned glamour. They even allow you to indulge in cigars and cognacs on the outdoor terrace (note the cigar box on one of their tables), presenting a very 18th-century gentlemen's club feel. Elegance, luxury, the rich and elite are just some of the words that popped into my mind as I walked through the bar and hotel. You'll find Washington's elite here, engaging in tête-à-têtes for an intimate, classy night on the town.

You stay...

A stop at The Quill is a must if you're in the area. If you've never been to the Jefferson before it's actually one of DC's oldest boutique hotels. When you walk in everything is marble and upscale. The hallways are lined with authentic documents signed by Jefferson himself when he was Secretary of State and later when he served as President. It's all very impressive!

Walking through the lobby to the Quill though makes you feel like you've left DC though. The sounds of the street disappear and you suddenly feel at home in the dark lounge. Whether you sit in the large over-sized leather chairs or at the bar, you'll be comfortable for hours.

The highlight and main attraction for The Quill is certainly their cocktails. Everything is hand crafted and made to order, there aren't any pre-made mixers or watered down ingredients to be found here. Two highlights from the current menu (it rotates frequently) were the Impossible Mission (which used fig infused cognac) and the Seas the Day (a bit like a sweeter Aviation) which promoted the nearby National Geographic Museum.

It's worth it to at least pop in for a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. If you have time, the dinner menu is worth it as well! One stand out on the current list the Bratwurst appetizer. The Brat was fresh, the bread homemade, and it had just the right amount of German mustard on it. Did I mention that the Chef is also German? Be warned that it's large enough to be your dinner though!

While you're there, ask for a quick tour of the book room next door that serves as a private reading nook for hotel guests (key card access only). It has a large antiquated book collection, comfortable furniture, private reading nooks, and a gas fireplace. There are also two accessible studies by The Quill (you'll pass them on the way to the restroom) that are worth taking a look at as well. Turn the key that you see in them and you'll be greeted with a hidden television that rises out...

If you’re in DC, Quill cocktail bar is the place to go. Its dim lit atmosphere and ambience provides such an intimate setting whether for friends and family or for business. You have your choice of sitting indoors or outside on their raised patio. Oh, and the service here is phenomenal! When you first sit, they bring you mixed nuts and olives and introduce themselves. Their cocktail menu may have only been just a page but if it’s not on there, they can definitely make it for you. My wife requested an Espresso Martini (non-menu) and it was the best of its kind she’s had yet. She also enjoyed the Ventura Highway, from their menu. My personal favorite of theirs was the “Johnny be Woode.” This became my go-to there. They do have a dinner menu as well. Their burger exceeded my expectations! Their desert menu impressed! The presentation was artwork and the flavors will surely make you long for more.

Our server two of the three nights we were there was Andrew. Andrew made sure we had everything we needed and could possibly want. He provided absolutely excellent service, great humor, and pleasant conversation. On our third evening here, Amber greeted and served us. Amber is another gem at Quill, making recommendations on menu items as well as local recommendations around the town based off what my taste preferences are. Both Andrew and Amber had an awesome attitude and helped make our stay at the Jefferson Hotel just that much more memorable!

The atmosphere, service, and great attitudes made for such a unique and satisfying experience that we ended each of our evenings, visiting Quill.

Next time we’re in town, we will definitely be going...