DonRocks Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 "Where's your brother?" I demanded, looking directly into his eyes, my hand impatiently tapping the bar."I don't know.""WHERE IS HE?""I DON'T KNOW!"I put down my glass, and inched closer towards him."Is it open?""Is what open?""IT!"He shrugged his shoulders, and muttered something. "Maybe. I don't know."I took my pen, and instead of gouging it into his eye, signed my check (2007 Chateau Magneau Graves Blanc, $8), walked out the door, turned left, and headed up the street to find his brother.---Salad Days Sour ($12) - Celery-infused Macchu Pisco, Lemon, The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters, Burnt CinnamonRhum Manhattan ($14) - Neisson Rhum Agricole Reserve, Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, Walnut Liqueur, The Bitter Truth Orange BittersSazerac ($8) - Old Overholt Rye, Peychaud Bitters, Kubler Absinthe.Cheers,Rocko. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMike Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 The Salad Days Sour is quite wonderful. The Brunswick Sour is an amazing surprise. The Whiskey Skin I've been making over and over at home. The Japanese is even better now that they make their own orgeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Slater Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 To paraphrase Lord Douglas: The Speakeasy that dare not speak its name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 This is a Hummingbird to where? I promise to dress nice. Just PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan7147 Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 This is a Hummingbird to where?I promise to dress nice. Just PM. Whats that martini like thingy with an onion called again?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brettashley01 Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 This is a Hummingbird to where?I promise to dress nice. Just PM. I smell a DR.com gathering... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Ox Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 All I have to add is three words: Strangle The Parakeet. (careful, it'll knock you on your ass) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Whats that martini like thingy with an onion called again?? Same name as Marvin's cousin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 All I have to add is three words: Strangle The Parakeet. Is that what they're calling it nowadays? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 gosh, we're not really trying to keep it a secret, guys. http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/bars-clu...on,1154361.html the Gibson 2009 14th St. NW Washington, DC 20009 202-232-2156 open Wednesday-Sunday at 6pm -------------------- Brian designer, the Gibson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Slater Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 gosh, we're not really trying to keep it a secret, guys.http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/bars-clu...on,1154361.html the Gibson 2009 14th St. NW Washington, DC 20009 202-232-2156 open Wednesday-Thursday at 6pm -------------------- Brian designer, the Gibson Food also? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 open Wednesday-Thursday at 6pm I think Brian means Wednesday through Sunday. Great space, great drinks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMike Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 Food also? Not yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edenman Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 A little birdie told me the Gibson is now 7 days a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 A little birdie told me the Gibson is now 7 days a week. I feel drunk just reading this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pizzaandbrew Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 These guys were just listed in Jan-Feb issue of Imbibe (along with PX and 8 others) in article about speakeasies. Great name! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 An incredibly civilized place to stop and imbibe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Slater Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Nice article about the boys in the business section, for a change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMike Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 If you're trying to lure someone into the world of cocktails, there's plenty of choices on this menu. The Whiskey Skin has introduced my brother to Scotch, and the Expat is easily quaffable and very good for a change of pace. The Brunswick Sour shows how a small addition to a drink can completely change it and the Salad Days Sour just makes the place smell good. But if you know you like your drinks strong, I can't resist the Malt & Hops. Every time I order one it's all I can do not to order another...and another...and another... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Anybody know how far in advance they take reservations? I called to ask yesterday and the person answering the phone wasn't sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia R Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Nice article about the boys in the business section, for a change.Fritz Hahn's nightlife review in today's Weekend section has a thorough rundown including quotes from a couple of well qualified quaffers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Slater Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Fritz Hahn's nightlife review in today's Weekend section has a thorough rundown including quotes from a couple of well qualified quaffers. Great review. Jeff and Danielle are longtime DR.com posters. Very cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edenman Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Also a nice writeup in the NYT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collije Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Was able to finally stop by last week & catch a seat at the bar. I tried the Expat & the Salad Days Sour, I enjoyed both. This place has a nice chill vibe to it, what may look somewhat basic upon deeper observation has some really nice design elements [moulding, bartop I specifically noticed]. It was nice chatting w/ Tiffany behind the bar & enjoyed watching her expertly craft drinks. Looking forward to coming back here & letting the bartenders recommend drinks off-menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 The Expat is scarily drinkable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collije Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 The Expat is scarily drinkable. You got that right lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted February 20, 2009 Author Share Posted February 20, 2009 The Expat is scarily drinkable. Apparently, Mommessin got into a dispute with its Massachusetts importer. It was an Ek spat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Apparently, Mommessin got into a dispute with its Massachusetts importer. It was an Ek spat. Many Ek spats have been won with these: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHG Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 I must give a shout out to John for a brillant cocktail served up at or near last call on Tuesday. Armed with nothing more than my professed passion for the Martinez, he delivered a glass holding a playfully devilish burnt yellow libation. Having substituted mezcal for gin and ginger liquor for the traditional maraschino, he had created an original spin on my standby. The mezcal's trademark smokiness and the ginger's bite added new, complex flavors without disturbing the perfect balance of the classic cocktail. The choices of a Crema de Mezcal and Dolin's sweet vermouth added an unexpected and welcome lightness to the drink. Unfortunately, John refused to coin a name for the drink, insisting that he had delivered something I liked, and that was all that mattered. When I attempt to imitate the drink and pass it off to my friends as an original creation, I'll be calling it a "Oaxacan Martinez." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wahoooob Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Does anyone know during what hours reservations can be made in (going to call after work but thought I'd ask now..)? Think I'll have trouble trying to get a spot for 4 this Saturday around 7? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wahoooob Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Oops forgot one other question - what is the dress code? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcandohio Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Oops forgot one other question - what is the dress code?I'd say..."loose"We went very casual. Others were either less or more casual. The place is accepting. Just enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefdc Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 I wasn't aware of a strict dress code being enforced, but there is certainly an implied one- no shorts, probably no sandals, and preferably decent (non-sneaker) shoes. Beyond that, I wouldn't worry. It's not a blazers type of place, and most guys will be in jeans. By the way, does anyone know when the outdoor garden area will be open? It will greatly increase capacity and decrease wait times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 There is no dress code. The patio will be open later this month - there's a retractable canopy getting installed, furniture coming in, and the patio menu is being finalized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMike Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 As for reservations, if you call at at time that they don't take them - they'll tell you when to call back. I *BELIEVE* they start around 5 PM (taking calls). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
togflx Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I *BELIEVE* they start around 5 PM (taking calls). i've been told 12-5pm is the time to call for reservations. they are open 7 days a week now and it's much less frentic earlier in the week, natch. also, after much frustration with their reservation system (not getting anyone to answer the phone, reservations being confirmed over the phone and then not on the books when we show up, etc) i was thrilled to be phoned by the staff confirming my reservation last week, saving much heartache all around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 i've been told 12-5pm is the time to call for reservations. they are open 7 days a week now and it's much less frentic earlier in the week, natch. also, after much frustration with their reservation system (not getting anyone to answer the phone, reservations being confirmed over the phone and then not on the books when we show up, etc) i was thrilled to be phoned by the staff confirming my reservation last week, saving much heartache all around. I was recently told that you need to plan about 2 weeks out for a weekend reservation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sphere777 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I was recently told that you need to plan about 2 weeks out for a weekend reservation. Two weeks ago (or so), I made enquiries about a reservation for 1 and was brushed off with "just show up," for what it's worth. Wish me luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walrus Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 We've tried to call to make reservations but have yet to get someone to answer the phone. When we contemplated going without a reservation this weekend, the line was down the block. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baczkowski Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 We went about a month ago on a Saturday. Though we could not get reservation, they did put us on a waitlist (they said they'd call if someone cancelled) and they did encourage to stop by b/c they might open the back patio b/c it was so warm that day. We had dinner at Marvin beforehand and our waiter said "leave it to me" b/c he works there occassionally and he escorted us over after our meal. We got four seats at the bar that happened to have just opened up and we enjoyed the drinks and the show. For what it's worth, there were at least two booths empty for our entire 2 hours there, so it may be ok to just stop by just in case if you don't have reservations. Pax, Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TedE Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 With gorgeous weather on tap for this weekend I don't foresee many open seats in the new addition. New menu sounds interesting as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wahoooob Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 With gorgeous weather on tap for this weekend I don't foresee many open seats in the new addition. New menu sounds interesting as well. Suhweet! Thanks for posting TedE. Was thinking about trying to get in tonight so the extra seating is a plus. *fingers crossed* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyNoonan Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Stopped in The Gibson for a few drinks last night with a colleague. Tried to get a reservation for a table to be on the safe side but was told by the gentleman on the phone that the time to make reservations was 12-5pm daily. I noted that it was exactly 5pm as we spoke but he insisted, in a nice tone, that I was indeed too late but that I could try to walk in. I figured it was a Tues so wouldnt be too crowded so we showed up and were shown immediately given a table in the back. So not being given a reservation was not a problem but just kinda weird. Anyway, the drinks were fantastic. The menu offers a great variety of cocktails with carefully chosen and unique ingredients. I stuck with the Gin section of the menu, as is my tendency, sampling both The Improved Gin Cocktail and The Meridian. Both were smooth, balanced, thoughtfully served and deceptively strong. The former was my favorite of the two, as evidenced by my ordering two of them. Not sure if it was the maraschino liqueur or the ale bitters that provided the nuance but I detected a subtle background flavor that was totally unique in this drink and I'm not sure what it was. It shows that alot of thought went into creating these drinks though. My colleague had the Horses Neck, which he said was a tad sweet, The Meridian, which he liked, and the Rites of Spring. I like this place. The ambiance is low key, music isn't too loud, and the decor makes you feel like you are secreted away some place. I'll be back at some point. Maybe not every other night, as $10-12 per drink is a bit steep, but overall I enjoyed my visit here and will return. I'm curious to see how the drink menu changes as the seasons change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Stopped in The Gibson for a few drinks last night with a colleague. Tried to get a reservation for a table to be on the safe side but was told by the gentleman on the phone that the time to make reservations was 12-5pm daily. I noted that it was exactly 5pm as we spoke but he insisted, in a nice tone, that I was indeed too late but that I could try to walk in. I figured it was a Tues so wouldnt be too crowded so we showed up and were shown immediately given a table in the back. So not being given a reservation was not a problem but just kinda weird. Anyway, the drinks were fantastic. The menu offers a great variety of cocktails with carefully chosen and unique ingredients. I stuck with the Gin section of the menu, as is my tendency, sampling both The Improved Gin Cocktail and The Meridian. Both were smooth, balanced, thoughtfully served and deceptively strong. The former was my favorite of the two, as evidenced by my ordering two of them. Not sure if it was the maraschino liqueur or the ale bitters that provided the nuance but I detected a subtle background flavor that was totally unique in this drink and I'm not sure what it was. It shows that alot of thought went into creating these drinks though. My colleague had the Horses Neck, which he said was a tad sweet, The Meridian, which he liked, and the Rites of Spring. I like this place. The ambiance is low key, music isn't too loud, and the decor makes you feel like you are secreted away some place. I'll be back at some point. Maybe not every other night, as $10-12 per drink is a bit steep, but overall I enjoyed my visit here and will return. I'm curious to see how the drink menu changes as the seasons change. I believe that they only allow reservations for a portion of the tables so that may be why you did not get one even though you were able to walk in. In regards to the drink prices, where else in the area can you get cocktails of that quality (or even close) for a better price? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 In regards to the drink prices, where else in the area can you get cocktails of that quality (or even close) for a better price? FWIW, my impression is that Danny wasn't saying $10-12 represents a bad value; only that it's a lot of money for "a drink" (which it is), and not something he'd want to do all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 FWIW, my impression is that Danny wasn't saying $10-12 represents a bad value; only that it's a lot of money for "a drink" (which it is), and not something he'd want to do all the time. True, but the prices are pretty much standard (or lower) for the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyNoonan Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 True, but the prices are pretty much standard (or lower) for the area. Sorry for the delayed response, but Rocks characterized my viewpoint correctly. I am perfectly willing to pay for the craftmanship and quality of ingredients that go into creating cocktails of this quality and expect to re-visit this establishment again in the near future. Rocks said it right, they are "just drinks" after all, and though you are right that the Gibson's price level is about equal to that of other fine establishments in the area, that just means that you pay alot for drinks everywhere. Please don't take it as griping. I'm fully aware of how much I spend on drinks and if I really wanted to spend less, I could drink less but that's hard to do when perusing a drink menu at a place like The Gibson. Thanks, Rocks for clarifying on my behalf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentbob Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Anyone been recently? Is the place still packed on Saturday nights, and what is the largest-sized party for which one can reasonably expect to (and successfully) reserve space? 4? 6? 8? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandynva Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Anyone been recently? Is the place still packed on Saturday nights, and what is the largest-sized party for which one can reasonably expect to (and successfully) reserve space? 4? 6? 8? I haven't been in at least a month so I can't comment as to how packed the place is, but if i remember correctly, with the booths inside i think it would be hard to accomodate more than 4 people inside, unless maybe you were at the bar. outdoors has smaller, moveable tables though, so i would think that you could do 6 or 8 there were enough tables free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mame11 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Um, between the bar and the outside area is a room lined with banquettes. I have seen parties of 8 easily seated in that area. I don't know how hard it is to get ressies for that area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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