The Mirror — Restaurant in Washington

When our uber dropped us off, we were unsure of where the bar was. What made it more difficult to find was the fact that there was no phone number on the website, Google, or Yelp.

When you go downstairs, you'll see a large mirror and a For Rent sign. Honestly thought that this place didn't exist. I didn't link the large mirror with it's name. The mirror is the door to the speakeasy like bar.

Upon entering the bar, be sure to have your ID handy for the security guard to check. You have the choice of sitting at high tops, the bar, or the cozy lounge in the back.

Since there were open seats at the bar, we took them. There is light under the bar to read the drink menu. Our bartender Jacob was knowledgeable about the cocktails and made sure we were taken care of. I'll admit that you get what you paid for and the cocktails are stronger than what you are used to.

We enjoyed a Moscow Mule, an Old Fashioned, and a Fourth Regjmen (similar to a Manhattan). The latter two consisted of 100 proof alcohol and served with a hand carved ice blocks. I liked the Old Fashioned more than the Fourth Regimen because of the cinnamon flavor.

If you ask for water, don't be surprised to get it yourself. The water station is located at the end of the bar. It's not the typical push but rather functions like a faucet where you twist or...

This place has a great speakeasy aesthetic, but the music completely undermined it. Why are we playing Drake and Ty Dolla $ign throwbacks in a speakeasy? Throw on some sexy jazz or minimal and let the space breathe a little—set the mood instead of killing it with radio hits. The crowd was also a little disappointing - we were greeted by the bouncer who told us the #1 rule was to not use flashlights and 20 minutes in, we see multiple people taking flash photos etc. Having the entrance to the bathroom wide open and letting the light flood out was kind of a buzz kill. There could definitely be more seating as well. With plenty of open space there couldve even been a DJ which would resolve the music issue too. The last thing was, it really did not smell good in there. Maybe because it's a sweaty basement with no airflow, but i could've done without the musty air. I still had a great experience despite my criticisms, just think some more thoughtful curation and elevating the ambiance would help justify the...

Even before entering The Mirror the excitement begins. Speakeasy style bars are becoming commonplace but I can't seem to get enough of a good thing. A fun, mysterious entry seems to never get old and it's nothing short of spectacular here. Although no longer a secret the "for rent" sign, mirror door and dilapidated stairwell provide a good start to the overall experience. First and foremost the drinks are quality and fitting to the dark environment. It is important to reiterate that it is indeed extremely dark here. I feel old even mentioning this but it was at times debilitating when communicating or seeing the menu. This is but a small detail however as the bar is so much fun and almost transporting to a place far away from DC. The low ceiling, blank wall and Edison bulbs set the scene for an intimate hideaway. The Mirror shines in both atmosphere and in their cocktail craft and for that reason I'm very much a fan. They deserve the good praise and would become a regular if still living...