Off The Record

Off The Record is the cocktail bar at The Hay-Adams, the historic hotel that faces Lafayette Square and the White House. Its tagline, "the place to be seen but not heard", suits its position a short walk from the White House. The hotel describes the bar as decorated with editorial cartoon artwork, which adds a light touch to a serious neighbourhood.

The drinks list focuses on handcrafted cocktails, and there is a separate light fare menu for something to eat. It is an upscale hotel bar, so prices reflect the setting, and it is a natural stop after visiting the White House area or the downtown museums.

The bar is open every day from 11:30am to 11:30pm, and the light fare menu is served until 10:30pm. That makes it useful for a late lunch or an afternoon drink as well as an evening cocktail. Tables can be booked through the hotel's website, which is a good idea in the early evening, when hotel bars downtown can be busy.

Off The Record suits couples, solo travellers and anyone curious about political Washington. It is not a loud bar, and it is best for conversation rather than a big night out. Dress smartly to match the surroundings, even though no formal dress code is published.

Because the bar is part of The Hay-Adams, staying guests can easily combine it with dinner at The Lafayette, the hotel's restaurant. Non-residents are welcome, and the bar works well before dinner elsewhere downtown. The drinks and light fare menus are both published on the hotel's website, so you can look before you go. The bar's long opening hours, from late morning until late evening every day, make it one of the easiest places downtown to fit in a drink around sightseeing, whether that is a quiet cocktail after a morning at the White House visitor area or a nightcap after dinner.

The hotel is at 800 16th Street NW, and Lafayette Square and the White House are directly across the street. St. John's Church is also opposite. Old Ebbitt Grill is a few minutes' walk away for oysters, and the Willard's Round Robin Bar is another historic hotel bar nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue if you want to compare. Metro stations in the downtown area are within walking distance.