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Nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington, DC, barmini offers an exceptional bar experience that is as innovative as it is inviting. Located at 501 9th St NW, this standout destination elevates craft cocktails to an art form, pairing them thoughtfully with a curated selection of gourmet bites that delight the palate with every bite.
At barmini, creativity is the cornerstone. The cocktail menu is a playground of imaginative recipes featuring both classic concoctions and bold, inventive blends. Signature drinks like the Pisco Sour, Mezcal Negroni, and the intriguingly named Magic Carpet Ride showcase the skill and artistry of barmini's expert bartenders. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted with intricate layers of flavor, inviting you to savor every note. For whisky lovers, the intense smoky richness of an Islay Scotch like Laphroaig, 10 Year, is available, while classics such as the Corpse Reviver #2 and Bees Knees are reinterpreted with a unique twist that surprises and delights.
Complementing these exquisite drinks are barmini’s thoughtfully curated snacks and small plates, designed to elevate the drinking experience. From the luxurious Wagyu and Uni Tartare to the delicate Oyster Ceviche spheres, each preparation is a testament to innovative culinary craftsmanship. The grilled cheese, widely praised, delivers comfort with a gourmet upgrade, while other offerings like Cornbread, Mochi, and Finger Foods provide a delightful mix of textures and flavors that pair beautifully with the cocktails.
The atmosphere at barmini resonates with an intimate yet lively energy, perfect for those seeking to truly immerse themselves in the art of mixology. Guests often highlight the skilled bartenders and attentive hosts who create a warm and welcoming environment that enhances the experience. Brandon Richardson sums it up best, noting the “excellent atmosphere, and even better bartenders/hosts,” emphasizing how each drink is a unique journey crafted by a different bartender, making every visit feel fresh and special.
While some may find the tasting menu options daring, as Alexis shared, the bold flavor combinations and creative “plating” push the boundaries of traditional bar offerings, inviting guests to explore new taste territories. Others, like Marissa P, celebrate the tasting flight’s perfectly proportioned servings, describing it as “some of the most innovative drinks we’ve ever had,” affirming that this is not just a bar visit but a sophisticated, multisensory experience.
For those who appreciate bold, thoughtful craftsmanship and crave drinks that challenge and intrigue, barmini is a gem. With its inventive drink menu and impeccable presentation of snacks, it promises a memorable night out that goes beyond the ordinary — an experience where every sip and bite reveals a new story.
Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a curious newcomer, barmini’s dedication to originality, flavor, and ambiance makes it a must-visit in DC’s bustling bar scene. Be sure to make a reservation to secure your spot in this captivating adventure, where creativity flows as freely as the cocktails themselves.
Excellent atmosphere, and even better bartenders/hosts. The flight was absolutely worth it as each individual drink was crafted by a separate bartender and is each unique in a myriad of ways. Make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee a good spot and time.
Inventive cocktails, beautiful ambiance, skilled bartenders and sweet service but for me, too bold on the tasting menu options. I love a good cocktail because it can feel like a food, intricate flavors, unique “plating” and creative recipes but the tasting menu was too much for me. They all had really different flavors and didn’t hit the mark for me. I loved the last one that was a play on sweet potato casserole but besides that they felt like a gamble on the average cocktail drinker that unfortunately in my case weren’t as yummy as I had hoped. But I love what bar mini is doing, and there are really creative and skilled people curating the menu and building the gorgeous cocktails. I salute the concept and expertise but next time would go with an ala carte approach. Also a negative for me was that the food was pricey and not as substantial I was hoping for with the strength of the booze. Would try again!
Wonderful experience! Foods were great. Wished there was one more main protein dish. Overall very good experience.
everything about our cocktail tasting experience was fantastic from beginning to end. the featured cocktails, without a doubt, were some of the most innovative drinks we’ve ever had. you are served six drinks, all smaller portions, totaling about four full size cocktails. the experience, ambiance, and drinks are WELL worth the price. the cocktails are so creative and with each one you are instructed to consume it in a different way. the soup du jour cocktail is still on my mind; it somehow tasted exactly like french onion soup, especially after you eat the biscuit and cheese. this is an experience that i will be talking about for a while. take the chance and splurge - you will NOT regret it. there are truly genius mixologists behind each cocktail.
This place is a gem in all the ways - thoughtful, creative craft. Every drink is delicious and the little bites are so yummy and with an excellent presentation. The drink menu is inventive and unending in options. Try delicious things you’ve never heard of or thought about.
Barmini Review: An Exceptional Cocktail Experience Barmini isn’t your typical bar—it’s an immersive experience where cocktails meet theater. From the moment you sit down, you’re watching bartenders use techniques like liquid nitrogen and color-changing ingredients to create drinks that are as visually striking as they are delicious. Creative Cocktails Worth the Hype The tasting menu showcases genuinely inventive drinks with unexpected flavors and presentations. Each cocktail uses high-quality ingredients and techniques you won’t find elsewhere. The creativity is impressive, but more importantly, everything tastes excellent. The attention to detail, from custom ice to unique serving vessels, makes each drink memorable. Yes, It’s Worth the Price Barmini is expensive, but you’re paying for a unique experience, premium ingredients, and exceptional craftsmanship. This is special occasion territory, and the quality justifies the cost. You’re not just buying drinks—you’re buying entertainment and artistry. Important Tip: Eat First Definitely have a large meal before you go. The tasting menu includes many cocktails, and you’ll want to pace yourself to fully appreciate each one. Coming on an empty stomach would be a mistake—you need a good foundation to enjoy the full experience. Bottom Line If you want innovative cocktails in an entertaining setting, Barmini delivers. It’s not a casual night out, but for cocktail lovers or anyone wanting something truly different, it’s an experience worth having. The combination of skill, creativity, and showmanship makes it stand out in DC’s bar scene
Sometimes you go somewhere and it is so good you know you want to stop by each time you are in town. Barmini was so phenomenal that from the moment we had our first sip we were planning a future trip solely around being able to come in and experience the magical drinks, service, and food once again. This wasn’t just a bar, it was an experience, if you are in DC know that there may be lovely museums to look at art, but if you want to taste art this is the place for you!
A magical experience with some of the most creative cocktails I've found anywhere. barmini's sample flight is absolutely worth it. When you enter, you're surrounded by an incredible space - bright with all sorts of unique decorations that will reveal new things on each visit. The service is top notch - presentation, explanations, and care. The drinks are presented with a thematic connection and the food is elegant. The drinks themselves are incredible - unique ingredients and techniques that you won't find even at other top cocktail bars. One drink from the current menu involves stirring a cocktail into liquid nitrogen to create a slushy texture, spooning into a glass, and covering with a warm matcha foam for an experience which hits all the senses. Others bring in various savory flavors and spices to create beautiful combinations, some are deeply refreshing or herbal....the bartenders here are artists in every sense and experts in all techniques. Having visited a number of cocktail bars around the world, this is easily a top-3 experience for me.