Service Bar

Henry Zhang★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

I should start by saying that Service Bar is my favorite bar in the DMV area. However, tonight's experience was quite disappointing and a bit unusual. (I've posted photos of the cocktails I had this time and those I had before for comparison.) I ordered a Ramos Gin Fizz during my visit. I’ve had great experiences with this drink here before, which is why I was looking forward to it again. One thing that stood out to me was how short the wait was. I was sitting directly at the bar, and the place wasn’t particularly busy. From what I understand, a proper Ramos Gin Fizz usually requires a long shake — often around 10 minutes or more — and you can typically hear that happening. This time I didn’t notice that, and the drink arrived fairly quickly. I do recognize that a Ramos Gin Fizz is one of the most difficult cocktails to make, and I understand the bartender’s explanation that it was already around 1 a.m. and fatigue can definitely affect things. That part is completely understandable. However, the bartender told me he had shaken the drink for 9 minutes and did not use a machine. That’s the part I had difficulty reconciling. Earlier, when he walked back from the kitchen area, I happened to take a photo to send to a friend. I also took a photo when the drink was placed in front of me. Comparing the timestamps later, the difference was only around 7 minutes. I’ve ordered Ramos Gin Fizz in several bars and have seen the preparation process before. The flavor this time was decent, probably around average, but the texture of the foam felt off. The foam was extremely fine and somewhat fluid, unable to hold its structure and slowly spilling over the rim of the glass. This is still one of my favorite bars, and I genuinely enjoy coming here. But after this experience, I’m not sure I fully trust this particular explanation from the bartender. Honestly, I would have been completely fine waiting longer, paying more for the drink, or even being told that it was too late in the night to make a proper Ramos Gin Fizz. All of those would have been understandable. What I found difficult to accept was the explanation I was given.

Lucas Denney★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

A perfect bar. The experience is special if you’re there for one drink before a show or if you’re there to explore the menu and have a phenomenal dinner. True masters of their craft. Especially Cully who took amazing care of me all night. The cocktails are incredible. Truly magical in a time where most cocktail menus are uninspired repeats or complicated for complications sake, not flavor and fun. I don’t know who was working the fryer but like the rest of the FOH staff, they are masters of their craft. The wings were cooked perfectly and the hot dust was a simple yet perfect description. Best fried chicken I’ve had ever, hands down. It doesn’t get much better than that and a high life pony after three fantastic cocktails. A truly wonderful dining experience. I’ve already changed a vacation plan I had booked in a few months to comeback to DC just for this spot on a non work trip. Exceptional.

Whitney Davis★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

Really enjoyed having dinner here the other night. It was competitive to get a table, but we were able to because we walked up right when the doors open. The fried chicken was some of the better chicken I’ve had in DC, perfect crunch, not dry. (I had it spicy and the spice level was ideal - heat without losing flavor). If you want to treat yourself get a glass of champagne with it. I took advantage of a happy hour pisco punch (solid pisco and a good HH deal at $9 I believe), and then I tried one of the gorgeous bird inspired cocktails, the Kiwi, coming in at a cool $19. Worth it at least once for the presentation, which over performed, and for the cocktail itself that had a unique flavor profile without being overly strong or distracting. Really enjoyed it and will be back at some point.

Kaiden★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

Food was great! I got the honey eggplant. Our server, Dom was kind and fast. Cocktails looked creative. Would love to bring friends here!

Stacey Ferguson★★★★★★★★★★5.06 months ago

This unassuming place was surprisingly sophisticated and delicious, with top notch service. A lot of thought went into the presentation and preparation of each cocktail. Of the 5 we tried, each one was unique and tasty. I recommend them all, the hummingbird, African penguin, flying squirrel, golden pheasant and the Kumamoto manhattan. The deviled egg appetizer was tasty, but I definitely recommend trying the chicken. We had the chicken tenders and a chicken sandwich and can’t wait to go back for more. This place had some comfy bench seating but the bar stool seats were not the most comfortable. But don’t let that stop you from going, it still get 5 stars from me and we will be back!