The Fountain Inn DC — Restaurant in Washington

If you're looking for remarkable cocktails and rare spirits, look no further than the Fountain Inn. Originally established in 1783, the Fountain Inn was once a tavern steeped in history (Thomas Jefferson once drank at this Georgetown landmark, and it's also the location of the first presidential debate between Jefferson and John Adams). Now, some 230+ years later, it has flourished into a bar that has over 250 unique spirit expressions. Not to mention, there are spirit flights, craft cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, and beer and wine selections. They even offer small plates/snacks of cheese, charcuterie, olives, and bar mix.

The 21-seat first floor tasting room is for walk-ins while the upstairs space is primarily for private events. There are illuminated cabinets that showcase all the different spirits. You can find so many unique spirits here, whether you're looking for American, Scotch, or Asian whiskey, brandy, gin, vodka, amaro, and even agave and cane spirits. One oz. pours range from $10 to $4,500. Flights start around $75 and go up to $500. The Fountain Inn features three craft cocktails on their menus, my favorite being the Fish Bowl Punch. Even the zero-proof cocktails are fantastic (try D.C. Tea Party!).

The second time we came here, we were served by the Assistant General Manager Dakota Hines himself. He was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating, showing us different spirits he thought may interest us. He also created cocktails for us using spirits that attracted our attention, and they were phenomenal. He definitely knows his stuff! You can tell he and the other staff are all very impassioned about spirits and want to educate.

A must stop if you're in the...

To say this spot is the current toast of a transforming Georgetown would not be an understatement!

Apparently, it’s got a long history as the go-to bespoke whiskey bar in this toniest of DC neighborhoods, but with new investors, The Inn has expanded to include a complete dining experience under the helm of Chef De Cuisine, Greg Heitzig.

I discovered The Fountain Inn because my friend recently moved to the neighborhood, and she recommended we try it after reading about it in The City Papers Best of DC issue. The paper got it right, and voted this chef the best for a reason. I’ve now been back 3x and I live in Potomac! 🫣

Heitzig, a Michelin rated chef (formerly of Pineapple and Pearls) creates delightful seasonal menus that pair perfectly with any of their high-end bourbons or cocktails. I didn’t know you could “pair” whiskey or bourbon with anything but overpriced chocolates, but Heitzig has shown me otherwise. Ask your waiter for this months best pairings. He’ll know whats what.

If available, do start with the snacky cheese puffs with prosciutto (it’s divine!) and don’t sleep on any of his soups, even the chilled ones. The chilled soups always somehow manage to warm every last cockle of my heart, even if my ex-boyfriend says I don’t have any left.

It’s a small speakeasy vibe…only one room really…so make a reservation before showing up, unless you like to live on the edge and hope to find a seat or two at their 4 seater bar or sit outside.

Me thinks I’ll be visiting my friend Amal over there in Georgetown a lot more before the end of the year. My soul and my spirit(s) could use it…especially if it gives me an excuse to visit The...

The Fountain Inn is everything you'd want in a D.C. cocktail bar- history, location, space, quality, and service. As part of my 39th birthday celebration, my wife surprised me with dinner at Herbivore Indian followed by drinks at The Fountain Inn. Here's our experience.

1. Cocktails: Their menu is large with over 250 different options from cocktails to wine to beer. Their liquor is displayed beautifully behind the bar and includes unique options like a new rum from Thailand.

If you love sweet cocktails, they don't have any overly sweetened, but they do have sour. Their cocktail menu includes originals and seasonal options. To start, I ordered the Snallygaster, which comes with strawberry. For my second drink, I did "bartender's choice" and got a drink made with Thai rum, orange wine, and egg whites. Both were very refreshing, complex, and unique.

For more still drinks, my wife loved her Old Fashioneds.

2. Space: Off the busy part of Georgetown, it feels more like a neighborhood space. They have a small bottom room and bar and an upstairs where they host tastings and events.

The space is intimate creating a perfect date spot. The space is beautiful!

3. Service: The bartenders take pride in their craft and are very skilled. It was a delightful experience.

If you love cocktails, go here! Opened in 2021, it honors a 1783 tavern with deep history once...