The Gibson, Speakeasy in U-Street Corridor, Due North of Marvin and Up the Stairs

[sandynva]

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.

oh, ok then. good to know.

[rkduggins]

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.

I will caution you that the Gibson has "lost" reservations I've made for parties of four and six, respectively. I called ahead well in advance on both occasions and both times there was no record of my reservation upon my party's arrival. When I was there with my party of six, I asked how I could prevent this from happening in the future and was told to "call the day of your reservation". I guess that would save us the trip to find out the day of that we couldn't get in...

They did offer us a seat on the patio, which we agreed to take and then we were treated like rubbish as soon as our feet crossed the threshold until we left. Quickly herded through the bar as if we might commandeer a booth, ejecting occupants and being otherwise boorish, we were led to a four top table where our escort slapped the menus down in the rings of condensation left by the drinkers before us and promptly scooted back in to the dark bar, leaving us to scrounge two extra seats while FOUR servers and/or bartenders stood behind the outdoor bar having personal conversations and watching the show. Service was indifferent and slow. Not the "I'm crafting a quality cocktail for you" slow, but "I wish I were anywhere but here, I hate these patrons" slow. Plus the cocktails were meh. The bloom is off the rose at this place for me.

[synaesthesia]

I'd already had a drink at Room 11, and tasted some stuff, so by the time I made it to The Gibson it was time for something non-alcoholic. I asked for a shrub - fruit vinegar with tonic water. They have three options - roasted red pepper, strawberry, and pineapple. I asked if I could possibly mix the pepper and strawberry. NOM NOM. A little spicy, which was great with the rough acidity of the vinegar. And of course add that to fruit and it's even better. Both non-alcoholic choices on the menu right now are yummy, and I like both much more than the lemonade that they had before.

[Joe Riley]

Exciting news - beginning Sunday, November 1st, the "Apartments at The Gibson", will be open for business.

A completely new upstairs bar, which can seat around 10, and some two-top tables, can comfortably accommodate 17 in that room alone, plus there are two other private rooms and another restroom on the second floor as well. So, upstairs can handle approximately 40 more guests.

This is wonderful news, as The Gibson will be better equipped to accommodate larger groups, and take some of the pressure off of the main floor.

I hope that they keep the back patio open over the autumn and winter months, with heat lamps. It's such nice space, it would be a shame to sock it away until spring.

Kudos to the Gibson gang for continuing to improve an already-excellent establishment.

[TMFIII]

Exciting news - beginning Sunday, November 1st, the "Apartments at The Gibson", will be open for business.

I got all excited because I thought they were finally taking me up on my request to put a cot upstairs. Guess I'll just make do with the extra seating.

[goodeats]

I got all excited because I thought they were finally taking me up on my request to put a cot upstairs. Guess I'll just make do with the extra seating.

For those who want ot see Marshall's "cot," the Corpse Revival party may be a good opportunity. Tickets are $75 per person at the bar.

[qwertyy]

Has anyone been to the Gibson lately? How would you compare this to the Passenger as a destination for a post-work, pre-dinner, early-week stop?

[Rhone1998]

Has anyone been to the Gibson lately? How would you compare this to the Passenger as a destination for a post-work, pre-dinner, early-week stop?

The Gibson is still very nice, and they just came out with a new, expanded cocktail menu. Two rooms so it's usually not a problem to get a seat. It has a limited menu of simple snacks and sandwiches. I like it a lot and I think it's a very nice place to take someone after work for an upscale drink or two. I haven't been to the Passenger yet (need to remedy that real soon) so can't make a direct comparison.

[SeanMike]

The Gibson is still a good place to go, especially if you want some place less crowded and loud than The Passenger. Don't get me wrong, I like the Passenger, but sometimes I'd like to sit at the bar and not have people standing around me.

[Sthitch]

Aside from the point that SeanMike made, the main difference I have seen between the two is how the drinks are made. My one time at the Gibson the drinks I had were measured pours, while both times at the Passenger they were free pours. It could be a price point thing, but for me the best cocktails are always measured.

[sandynva]

Aside from the point that SeanMike made, the main difference I have seen between the two is how the drinks are made. My one time at the Gibson the drinks I had were measured pours, while both times at the Passenger they were free pours. It could be a price point thing, but for me the best cocktails are always measured.

the drinks at both are fabulous, but to me there's a difference in atmosphere. at the gibson, as someone noted, it's more upscale, and to my mind, the wooden booths inside are downright glamorous/romantic. The passenger's more casual, a better place to go if i'm feeling totally casual. and there's a similar difference in food--chacuterie and cheese plates vs hot dogs and chips.....so, both great, but for different moods. also, when it gets warmer the gibson has an outdoor patio, not sure if passenger has/will have outdoor seating...

[jlh]

Hi all. Wanted you all to know that there's a new menu at The Gibson. Some 22 exciting new drinks, most of them Gibson originals. Guests should come expecting sensory overload. Intense flavors, myriad aromas, pyrotechnics, etc. There's something for everybody on the menu, which is now split into 4 categories: Cocktails, Fizzes, Sours, Punches & Cobblers. Come try the bewitching Mary Travelar cocktail, the spicy, smoky Relapse, the gorgeous Electric Blue Lady, or bring a group of friends and dive into Father Bill Daley's Pear Williams Punch.

Meanwhile, here's a fun recipe to try out -- Angostura shortage be damned.

First Go Round Fizz

1.5oz Cointreau

.75oz Fresh Lemon Juice

.5oz Angostura Bitters

.5oz Simple Syrup

1 dash Orange flower water

Egg white

Chill a 10oz highball glass. Shake all ingredients without ice. Add ice and shake again. Strain into chilled highball. Top with soda water.

Cheers

[Miami Danny]

Aside from the point that SeanMike made, the main difference I have seen between the two is how the drinks are made. My one time at the Gibson the drinks I had were measured pours, while both times at the Passenger they were free pours. It could be a price point thing, but for me the best cocktails are always measured.

Like the best dishes are usually created by the best chefs, the best drinks are usually crafted by the best bartenders. Regardless of technique.

[DaRiv18]

Meanwhile, here's a fun recipe to try out -- Angostura shortage be damned.

First Go Round Fizz

Now that was a nice cocktail. I'm a sucker for fizzes, too. Thanks for sharing.

[weinoo]

We finally got to try out The Gibson last night, and we weren't disappointed.

Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders are always a plus, and the new fall menu has evidently just been released. Wanting something a bit bitter, I opened with a Rabbit Hole, comprised of Ramazotti, Campari, Creme de Cassis (Clear Creek, iirc), lemon juice and a flamed orange peel for garnish. Eminently likable, especially if you like your drinks a bit less "boozy."

My wife started with a Kentucky Racer, a nice Manhattanish spin with Old Overholt, Punt e Mes, Kubler Absinthe, Allspice Dram and Peychaud's to finish. That's the picture below.

After round one, we moved into heavier booziness, as I drank a well-made Old Pal, and Sig Eater went with a perfect Manhattan. If I could recall the 5th drink, I'd tell you it was as good as the first 4.

They also have started (someone tell me if I'm wrong) serving some light food from a kitchen upstairs - in just the past week or so. We didn't eat, though the menu looked good, and after our lousy burgers at Black Squirrel, I wish we had partaken. Oh well, there's always next time.

[xcanuck]

Has anyone been recently and tried the food? Are there actual entrees or is it all small plates?

[jparrott]

Has anyone been recently and tried the food? Are there actual entrees or is it all small plates?

There's not much food. Certainly not entrees.

[DonRocks]

Has anyone been recently and tried the food? Are there actual entrees or is it all small plates?

I was there a few months ago, and found myself at Fast Gourmet afterwards.

[bookluvingbabe]

We usually eat at Bar Pilar first and then nibble at The Gibson.

[SeanMike]

When I was there the other night I was told no food at all...at least ahead of time.

It was okay, I have plenty of reserves.

[SeanMike]

(Speaking of which, is it true Jon Harris left The Gibson?!)

From what I understand, yes.

[SeanMike]

As an update for those who didn't know, Frank Jones is now the manager here from what I understand. Frank's a great guy, so it reminds me of how remiss I've been at visiting here (i.e. I haven't been in ages, about a year in fact). (And Jon's a great guy too, so I need to get over to Firefly, but that's a different thread...)

[The Doctor]

Has anyone been recently? I notice they have a back patio, and some of the pictures I've seen make it seem like the light shines through and brightens up the whole interior. I'm looking to take some people there but want it to be very dark inside. Should I wait til after sunset or does it not make that much of a difference?

[DonRocks]

9 hours ago, The Doctor said:

Has anyone been recently? I notice they have a back patio, and some of the pictures I've seen make it seem like the light shines through and brightens up the whole interior. I'm looking to take some people there but want it to be very dark inside. Should I wait til after sunset or does it not make that much of a difference?

Not to be glib, but absent information to the contrary, I would go with your premise: It's a light bar due to the windows, and the sun goes down at sunset.

I should add that I've never been before dark, and it has always been speakeasy-dark inside (plus, I vaguely remember them having little alcove-rooms in the back).

If you want me to go scope it out before-and-after sunset, I'll be happy to do it for you. Let me know?

[Ericandblueboy]

I think it's always dark inside.  Are u going with vamps?

[brian]

19 hours ago, The Doctor said:

Has anyone been recently? I notice they have a back patio, and some of the pictures I've seen make it seem like the light shines through and brightens up the whole interior. I'm looking to take some people there but want it to be very dark inside. Should I wait til after sunset or does it not make that much of a difference?

It won't make much of a difference, the ground floor is always pretty dark. The upstairs is brighter and has more windows.

[The Doctor]

1 minute ago, brian said:

It won't make much of a difference, the ground floor is always pretty dark. The upstairs is brighter and has more windows.

Ah, thanks! I didn't even know they had an upstairs. (Don's comment about windows makes more sense now.) Is that how you get to the patio or is that on the ground floor?

[brian]

42 minutes ago, The Doctor said:

Ah, thanks! I didn't even know they had an upstairs. (Don's comment about windows makes more sense now.) Is that how you get to the patio or is that on the ground floor?

The patio's off the ground floor, but through a short corridor so not much light gets through.