Located in the center of Washington D.C., beneath the prestigious 5-star hotel, The Hay-Adams, there is a sophisticated bar lounge called “Off the Record.”
While this bar lounge may appear a bit upscale, it is open not only to hotel guests but also to the general public, making it accessible for anyone from outside to drop by casually.
The interior design features an abundant use of red on the walls, floors, and sofas, reminiscent of the White House’s Red Room, enchanting the many people who gather here, becoming a favored social hub for gentlemen and ladies.
In the center of Washington D.C., just north of the White House, sta...
Spending Time in the Red Room
The underground bar lounge at The Hay-Adams is designed with red elements, creating an ambiance reminiscent of the White House’s Red Room. However, as it is a bar lounge, the ceiling is quite low, and it does not provide the spaciousness akin to the White House.
The interior lighting is dim, and the red ambiance creates a unique atmosphere different from the outside world.
Alcohol and Dining Options in the Bar Lounge
When traveling from Japan to Washington D.C., arriving late at night is quite common. Finding open restaurants at such late hours can be challenging, but “Off the Record” is open until midnight and offers not only alcohol but also a variety of dining options, making it convenient for those who arrive late at night.
Moreover, seating is generally unreserved, making it relatively easy to enter compared to the upper-level restaurant, Lafayette Room. The entrance is accessible from the hotel lobby as well as directly from the outside, so even if you are not a hotel guest, why not drop in and have a look?
Surprisingly Varied Menu
When thinking about bar lounge meals, one might imagine light snacks. However, the dining menu at Off the Record is surprisingly extensive, offering appetizers, salads, sandwiches, main courses, and desserts, with the portion size per dish not overwhelmingly large (except for shareable items). Ordering two or three dishes would be sufficient for most individuals.
Bar Counter or Relaxing Sofa? Relax the Time on your Own
Off the Record is indeed both a bar and a lounge. This means you can enjoy the ambiance at the bar counter or relax on the spacious sofas along the walls. However, once you take a seat, you cannot change to another spot, so find your favorite spot and savor the moment until you leave the place.
A Sophisticated Nightlife Experience at a 5-star Hotel’s Basement
The underground bar lounge at The Hay-Adams is a place for adults, and it is always bustling with sophisticated ladies and gentlemen.
If you travel from East of Asia to Washington D.C., you might think the first day might not be as enjoyable due to arriving late at your destination. However, dining at this bar lounge will undoubtedly be an experience you cannot easily have in your country.
While U Street is well-known for nightlife spots, I don’t recommend going one street away, as the safety might decline suddenly. On the other hand, the downtown district, where The Hay-Adams is located, remains relatively safe and vibrant with people until around 10 PM. You can stroll around the streets without worries.
While going out at night in foreign countries may not be advisable, Washington D.C.’s downtown area offers several safe and enjoyable nightlife spots. So, when you visit, be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself.
In Washington D.C., the political hub of international affairs, nume...
