The Speak

Everyone needs their favorite speakeasy…
I absolutely loved this place on my trip to DC a few months ago, so I’m so sad to see that it has closed. :-(Must have been TOO secret.
I loved the entrance through the glass mirror door. Once you were inside the bar, it was very intimate with the dark lighting through edison bulbs. There were cozy setup around cocktail tables for date night. The space was large enough though if groups of friends just wanted to chill and hang out /​dance too.
We sat at the bar and had a fantastic time. Major shout out to the bartender that night, E Jay Apaga. He made us some really delicious cocktails — both from the menu and off the cuff with our specific preferences. Watch out DMV, this bartender will be a force to be reckoned with. He was very welcoming and provided some education on spirits /​bartender life and gave us other suggestions to try in the area. …((maybe I wouldn’t have enjoyed the speak as much if another bartender was working that day??))
Anyway, I guess I need to find another fave.

Came here on a Saturday evening after seeing a show at DC Improv. We tried two cocktails, the old fashioned and a moscow mule, and shared a homemade fireball shot. The old fashioned is something I like getting at many places for comparison’s sake, and while their version is ok, it is below average. Low on the liquor flavor and heavy on what tastes like syrup. When I asked my date for her thoughts on the Mule, her exact words were «it’s just ok.» And she has beamed over many a mule. The shot, on the other hand, is interesting, it is corn whiskey with cinnamon and honey added. I must say, for a speakeasy, I was surprised by how small and lacking in creativity the menu is, especially compared to other cocktail-​based bars that have opened recently, such as Copycat Co. and Brick & Mortar. You won’t find anything too adventurous in terms of cocktail options here. So, I was glad to see there was at least a shot on the menu that was out of the ordinary. It was pretty good, and it really burst with cinnamon flavor, which I enjoyed. I was feeling the burn through my throat and nose like drinking moonshine in the 20s.
It was busy but not uncomfortably crowded. Dark, stylish atmosphere with low key lighting that sets a good mood, but it does not have a speakeasy feel. They were blaring club music so loud you can literally hear it a block away. While that is not an issue in and of itself, there is a serious disconnect between the theme and the vibe. I would not come if you are looking for a chill time — they seem to be catering to people who left a nearby club and want something where they can sit. If that’s what you want, you will indeed get that here.
Besides the music, they do a good job making it feel like you are entering a hidden secret — you go down unmarked stairs, enter a seemingly empty hallway, and open a mirror to get in. Nice touch. Bonus points for a free postcard with your drinks. Mine showcased the white house and was very shiny.

This review pains me…
I want to keep a place like this more unknown than known. You’ve got classic (mostly 90’s and early 2000’s) hip hop. Great cocktails with an intimate atmosphere. A live crowd but it’s not packed. A good looking crowd, more on the professional side, with some diversity. No, there isn’t food service but right across the street you’ve got &pizza (which is all you really need) as well as a kabob place. At times I wondered how well the crowd actually knew about the Clipse-​Lord Willin album but then again not everyone is a hip hop head. The vibe was right, so no problem. I won’t mention how to get in but it’s actually pretty cool plus someone already gave it away in another review. This place is at the top of my cocktail bar list for all the reasons listed above, I haven’t found another like it yet.
I had the aviation which was very good, the flavors balanced well without overpowering the spirit. I also had an old-fashioned…they made it right. Lastly I had a shot of the house fireball and it’s 10x better than the stuff made with cinnamon syrup. Really good stuff for the same price as most DC cocktails except these are handcrafted.
Now all you’ve got to do is forget that this review exists…

So I might be the only one but I find the mirror door a little cheesy, doesn’t take from the fact this is an awesome bar but still a little gimmicky.
Once you get pass the door, the inside of the bar is cool, very nice laid back vibe. The bar has ample seating and as you move to the back, there are tables for optimal lounging. Music adds to the chill mood, mainly old school hip hop and r and b. I believe an upgrade in the sound system is in order as I was hearing the occasional static.
Drinks are the main draw. They have a variety of well crafted cocktails to choose from. The bartender was excellent, he took his time putting the drink together and the cocktails I had were well blended with nice flavors bended into the base alcohol.
Bar is a nice place for after work or after dinner drinks and worth a visit. Not sure if they have plans to add food but it’s not really needed as the drinks are the stars of The Speak.

The Speak is a fantastic hidden gem in downtown DC and I was extremely glad I went to check this place out. I was in DC for a couple of days and had nothing to do Sunday night so I Unilocaled local bars and this seemed to be the most compelling and different.
It might take you a minute to figure out how to get inside when you first walk up to the address/​building but when you do figure it out, it’s like entering a new dimension where there are 12 amazing cocktails and just a few beers/​wines available. There is no food, just drinks. This is an old-​fashioned cocktail lounge, nothing more, nothing less… and it’s perfect.
EJ was the bartender and the place was somewhat dead (Sunday night mind you). He was great to talk to and made three different bang-​up cocktails for me which were all delicious in their own way but each packed a major punch. I had the Moscow Mule, Bobby Burns and the Rosemary Gin Gimlet. All were top-​notch, I wish I could try the other 9 on the menu!
The simple and to-​the-​point menu, coupled with the dark atmosphere, exposed walls and dimly lit light bulbs made for a bar experience I wish could be found in Boston, where I’m from.
Oh…EJ was on point with the music all night, Wu-​Tang albums from top to bottom. Fantastic.

I enjoy a good speakeasy because the atmosphere is different from your average bar. This place brings the one thing I do like about average bars to a speakeasy «good music». Secret entrance with dim lightly, classic 90’s hip hop, and then my man Scott behind the bar. Just told him to do something with Vodka and each time it was a different drink that was A1. Will be back.

Went on a quiet Wednesday night with my roommate. We almost missed the place as there is a «For Rent» sign by the «door» and we thought it might have closed!
I had the Aviation and thought it was wonderful. The ambiance is really nice. Dark and cozy.

Cool vibe, although this place sure plays a lot of west coast rap for a speakeasy. As a Californian, I’m not complaining but it does contrast a bit with the theme of the place.
I really enjoyed the Rosemary gimlet I had. The French 75 was «meh,» and my friend got a vodka soda she couldn’t drink (not sure how that’s a drink that you can screw up).
I found it odd that the place was firmly reluctant to take cash as payment. The bartender was plainly rude about the fact and also to my surprise at it (I was schooled that this is common practice on the east coast, when I mentioned that that just wasn’t common practice in the West, I was snarkily asked which coast I was currently present on).
I think he felt bad, because I was offered a free shot and a postcard (the postcard seemed a bit snarky too, but maybe I was just on guard based on the precious interaction).
Okay craft drinks, more of a clubby ambience than a speakeasy if that’s your thing, but I think I’ll pass next time and find a friendlier bar staff.

Matt and Jeff pour delicious drinks in a petite bar that can get a little steamy since reviews like this encourage the masses to check it out. Bathrooms are functioning, couches are available for the ladies who thought wearing heels was a good idea, and staff is all super friendly. It does get quite busy on the weekend (friday/​saturday) so plan accordingly.
If you don’t mind a late night pizza run, definitely check out the homemade fireball. Rockstar juice.

Very disrespectful staff.
Quality of drink = Bad
Service = Really bad
Speak is a place with a great potential, but not with the current staff

I really enjoyed myself this evening. The Speak is a diamond in the rough with perfecting the classics without the bells and whistles. They offer a couple of specialty drinks that they rotate every week, but they have the same weekly specials that offer their own take at.
Tonight we tried a batch of their Old Fashioned in addition to having their margarita, Moscow Mule, and Aviation. All the drinks are heavily induced alcoholic beverages. The liquor is intense and you better be prepared for the intensity.
They do not have food, so you either come here with a full stomach. If not, be prepared to get your drink on an with an empty stomach and don’t expect to walk out of here without someone carrying you unless you know how to hold your liquor after one or two drinks. They are that strong!
Happy hour prices offer $ 6 glasses of wine, $ 2 off of beer, or $ 9 cocktails from the regular menu versus them being $ 12 after happy hour. Happy hour is 5 – 7:30 during the week.
I love the music that they play. They play old skool hip hop and rap. It really took me back to my high school days when they played Naz and old Jay Z. It’s pretty loud. Don’t expect to talk with your regular voice.
To get in here you’re going to walk down the steps of 1413 K Street, then there is the drywall that was deliberately placed to make it a speakeasy. You’ll walk through the mirror door and it opens up to the world of The Speak. It actually is really easy to find.
If you need to get your food fix before coming here just go to &Pizza across the street. You’re not allowed to bring it inside of the bar, but go there before going here. The only thing you’re allowed to bring into the bar as far as food goes are cakes and sweets. Nothing savory is allowed.
I look forward to returning.

If you haven’t been here yet, than you’re blowing it. Found this gem today on Unilocal and decided to make the walk over tonight. Walk down the mysterious dark steps off the busy k street. Once you’re down in a dead end you’ll hear late 90s early 2000s hip hop blasting from behind a full length mirror. Pull the mirror off the wall and enter into the dim lit modern vibed speakeasy. Roll to the bar with a small hip hop head nod as you walk. Order up off their creative small menu or ask the bartender to make you something unique. They’ve got large square ice cubes crushed ice copper mugs and everything you need to have an excellent experience. This place is excellent and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys great drinks, a good ol’ hip hop sound track, and a dark speakeasy vibe

I love this bar! My college friend had heard about this place from someone and one Thursday night we decided to check it out.
When we got to 1413 K Street we were certainly unsure of what to do, but here’s the trick: Walk down the shady set of stairs and go in through the glass door. There you will find a small room with a For Rent sign and a big mirror hanging on the wall, pull on the mirror and you’re in!
Once inside the dim lighting, mismatched arm chairs and comfy couches surround a white marble bar and a unique selection of craft liquors. Jeff is probably the best bartender in the city, I love the Old Cuban and the Aviation!
You should def check this place out, but don’t tell too many people :)

This place really should get a 4 or 5 star rating from me, except that I must’ve been drinking haterade coz this is one of those places and things in life that is just not quite right. It seems like they have all the proper ingredients: mood lighting, copper cups hanging on the wall, bingo-​style bulletin board with their specials, you have to walk through a giant mirror to get into the place– not actually walk through, but pull open and then go through. And they play hip hop on a sound system that’s actually pretty good. Not new hip hop, but old school and some of it is very obscure. So, what is it about this place that just makes me go eeeeeehhh.
De La Soul — Engine Number 9 came on the speakers and I went HAM. And Lil Kim — Crush On You came through and smoooooothed it out. I look up and realize… people are just chillin’. The druglord lookin’ dude and his shady chick in the short skirt are making out on the couch. Bryce and Connor on another couch just chugging bear bottles like speed and volume were necessary. Do they know about these songs?! Why are they not feeling it like I am?! Who are these people and where are they from?!
Maybe this is one of those places. I have to get used to it. It’s doing all the right things. It really is. But there’s just something a little bit off. It’s definitely a curiosity that I wouldn’t mind exploring again.

What a gem on K st! This place oozes classy and sexy, you can’t go wrong. I don’t even live in DC but this place has become a weekly staple for me. With fantastic prohibition-​era style cocktails that «SPEAK» for themselves; the fantastic drinks are served strong and cold. But what’s better? Very reasonable prices, for the quality ingredients… in DC!
The entrance starts you off with a sense of suspense, but without the pain of wondering if you can find the place or get a reservation. I walked in with a friend and was greeted immediately by the bartenders. The bar itself is beautiful, dimly lit, romantic, mysteriously dark. Would be a good first date place or a place to host a small group?
The bartenders were super sweet explaining the house cocktails, and the rotating drinks they had for the week. Their service and knowledge of the menu was beyond expectation. I started off with the Aviation, then ordered a Moscow mule where they even crushed the ice! Extra points for the copper glass. My last drink was made with cucumber and wasabi, super amazing since I hadn’t ever had anything like it.
There was the right amount of people, not too loud, not too quiet and the old school hip hop playlist had me smiling. This has become my go to spot for a happy hour, or late evening night cap. If you just want to enjoy some good company and amazing drinks, go to the speak.

VERY cool place to hang. Low key and chill atmosphere with an old school hip hop sound track.
The owner (Seth) is a proud papa of the place that will go the extra mile to ensure you get the ‘Speak easy’ experience.
Highly recommend for a couples night out (ask for a perfect bourbon Manhattan)
— mrk

This is the definition of speakeasy. First, remember the address because you need it to reach the entrance. You see stairs leading into a basement and you wonder if you are in the right place. Don’t worry, you are. Next, you enter into a small pool-​like room with a big mirror. The only thing that signaled that the mirror was a door was the fact that we heard bass coming from the other side. It was quite interesting, especially in this area with big law firms and major corporations near by. Once you enter, you see dim lights, a full bar, and a bartender.
There is limited seating so it is very difficult to hold larger parties. We had 7 people and we took the larger couch area. There was another larger party for a birthday party, but luckily they were able to sit at the other cough area. There are about 3 – 4 two-​seat tables as well. Then, of course, there is the bar area. The good side to this size is that the single bartender could try to attempt to cater to everyone, but the service became slow when the area became full and people were waiting for drinks and waiting to pay at the same time. It was not a huge inconvenience but would be helpful to have another bartender since the drinks are crafted meticulously, which does take a bit of time.
Also, even though the temperature was about 91 °F, humid, rainy outside, the inside was very well air-​conditioned. I was wearing a suit and felt really relaxed, but other people in skirts, dress shirts, or just shorts felt that it was too chilly over time. They did turn it off at a certain time — probably because of complaints.
Now to the juicy part: the drinks.
I had the Aviation and the Moscow Mule. I did try my friend’s Bees Knees. All three were delicious and interesting, but I personally liked the presentation on the Moscow Mule and the classic taste. The drinks were all well crafted and you really do not taste how strong the drinks are until a couple minutes and you try to order the next one. After two, I was pretty much content.
Do try the experimental drinks because they are very interesting to try. I was trying to figure out the Bees Knees, but stop thinking and kept thinking of taking my friend’s drink instead.
Some Information:
Happy Hour runs until 7:30 on the dot.
Cocktails are $ 9 HH specials. $ 12 Non-​HH.

I was debating whether or not to write a review for this place…
Because I’m selfish and want to keep it as my little secret!
So, I’m going to keep it short and simple.
Amazing bartenders, dim lighting, great music — old school hip hop will always and forever be the best, tasty cocktails, and this place actually feels like a speakeasy.
Seriously my new favorite spot in the city!

I absolutely love this bar. I came here for Happy Hour last week with a couple of friends and had a great time. Admittedly, I had a difficult time finding the bar to start, obviously being a speak easy, this was bound to happen. However, the entrance is amazing! Once you step through it’s like you’ve been transported in a time machine. The bartender was friendly, laid back, and gave us great recommendations. Their negroni is especially on point. This is a great place to go for after work drinks, especially if you are looking to have good conversation. When I was there, the music was a perfect selection of old-​ish school rap, but played at a volume that still allowed you to hear your friends. I’ll definitely be back here soon!

Love the atmosphere! All the feeling of a speak easy without the pompous attitude. They take credit card and you can stay as long as you like. The cocktails are crafted very well and I would even dare say they compare to my personal favorite cocktail place POV.
Admittedly I got lost trying to figure out where the door was. Hint… it’s past the looking glass. Once you get in, it’s like being immediately transported to the 1920s. Atmosphere gives the feeling of a secret hiding place with the warm low hanging lights and wooden wall structure meets today’s industrial underground feel.
Highly recommend a place to check out.