Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileAllegory
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Allegory's cocktail program is a serious contender, with the 'Down the Rabbit Hole' menu earning Best Cocktail Menu in North America 2023 and a Top 4 nod in 2024. The current 'Banned in DC' concept continues the narrative approach. The library menu offers clever mashups like the Cosmogroni and Famous Cup, all at $16. A deep spirits list backs the bar, but expect a short menu and small pours.
- What should I order?
- Start with a library menu mashup: the Cosmogroni (citron vodka, ambrato vermouth, aperitivo, orange, cranberries) or the Famous Cup (mezcal, Pimm's, yellow monk juice, cherry, citrus). For spirit forward, the 50/50 Martini is a sharp choice. If available, the Daquirac blends rum, cognac, and absinthe. Wine and beer are simple: a rotating glass or Aslin Old Town lager.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate conceptual, story-driven menus and don't mind a limited selection. Spirit collectors will find rare pours like Michter's 25 Year Bourbon and Bowmore 30 Year. Those seeking a quick, casual drink may be disappointed by the small menu and off-menu restrictions.
- When should I go?
- Visit on a Friday or Saturday when the library menu is available, offering a broader selection of cocktails and snacks. The 'Banned in DC' menu is ongoing, but the library menu is a distinct experience worth timing your visit for.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails on the library menu are $16 each. Rotating wine is $14, and the Aslin Old Town lager is $6. Non-alcoholic options range from $4 to $7. Premium spirits can reach $946 for a pour of Bowmore 30 Year. Note that an automatic 20% gratuity is added to every check.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Allegory's cocktail menus are narrative-driven, with 'Down the Rabbit Hole' winning international awards and 'Banned in DC' continuing a story about Ruby Bridges. The library menu, available on weekends, offers creative mashups that deconstruct classic cocktails. The spirits list is extensive, with rare and high-end selections across categories.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Award-winning concept menus with creative, well-balanced cocktails. Limited to four options per night, but the quality is top-tier. Standout mashups include the Cosmogroni and Famous Cup.
Menu strengths
- — Internationally recognized cocktail menus with narrative themes.; Creative and well-balanced drinks praised by customers.
Standout selections
- — Cosmogroni: Citron vodka, ambrato vermouth, aperitivo, orange, bold cranberries.
- — Famous Cup: Mezcal, Pimm's, yellow monk juice, cherry, zesty citrus.
- — Daquirac: Rum, cognac, Stiggins' pineapple, lime, Peychaud's, absinthe.
Pricing: Library menu cocktails are $16 each.
Wine
Limited wine program with rotating red, white, and bubbles at a fixed price. No specific producers or vintages are listed, suggesting a simple, functional selection.
Pricing: Rotating wine at $14 per glass.
Beer
Single beer offering on the library menu: Aslin Old Town lager at 4.6% ABV. Minimal selection, but the price is reasonable.
Standout selections
- — Aslin Old Town: Lager, 4.6% ABV.
Pricing: Aslin Old Town lager priced at $6.
Nonalcoholic
Standard non-alcoholic beverages only: Red Bull, Perrier, Fever Tree, and Mexican Coke. No mocktails or NA cocktails are offered, limiting the appeal for non-drinkers.
Pricing: Red Bull $7, Perrier $5, Fever Tree $4, Mexican Coke price not listed.
Spirits
Extensive spirits list across all major categories, with premium selections and rare aged pours. Agave and whiskey selections are particularly deep, offering something for every palate.
Menu strengths
- — Broad and deep selection across vodka, gin, rum, agave, whiskey, and more.
- — Rare and high-end pours like Michter's 25 Year Bourbon and Bowmore 30 Year.
Standout selections
- — Michter's 25 Year Bourbon at $709.
Pricing: Spirits range from $11 (Angostura White Oak) to $946 (Bowmore 30 Year).
How it sits with the food
No food menu is documented, so pairings are speculative. The cocktail's balanced flavors suggest they could accompany light bar snacks, but no specific food pairings are supported by evidence.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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