The Imperial

We went there for a NYE dinner, reservations for 8p were no problem the morning of. While the waiter was great, and food was good, it was the constant unsureness of everything we wanted to order. We would order something on the Happy Hour menu that was on the QR code, but told it was not HH pricing but also did not know what it would cost ("no more than a couple dollars more..."), ordered the Ham and Cheese Croquettes, but they were just potato croquettes, ordered the Parker House Rolls but told they were out and then two minutes later they were available, ordered a seasonal cocktail but the main ingredient was no longer available... And then there's the 4% "2023 Recovery Surcharge". Restaurants need to quit with this nonsense and just raise the prices because it is coming out of your wait staffs tip. All that to say, I would like to give this place another try. It has a lot going for it. If it is a better experience next time, and they actually get rid of the "2023 Recovery Surcharge", I will update the review.

Still celebrating my birthday and my daughter's birthday we decided to try the Imperial Wednesday happy hour and ordered the seafood tower. The seafood was very fresh and delicious 😋. The oysters Rockefeller were some of the best I have ever had. The only thing is tey only give you 6. I would gladly trade 6 of the raw oysters for 6 more of the oysters Rockefeller. The next time I go I am going to ask if that is possible. The lobster was very delicious, it alone would make a great meal. The raw oysters were fresh and very good. I truly recommend The Imperial and their seafood tower. The service was very attentive the atmosphere was very good. The Imperial would make a good date night place. I am looking forward to my next visit.

This review spans two visits, one for cocktails at the rooftop bar and the other for dinner on the rooftop deck. ROOFTOP BAR (April 2022) Loved the hidden away, cozy rooftop bar. On a Friday evening around 10pm, there were only a handful of folks there and we had two highly skilled and friendly bartenders attending to us every moment. I sampled two cocktails and they were both expertly crafted but wildly different. Luna Cosecha - Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Martini & Rossi Fiero Amaro, Amaro Cio Ciaro, Lime Infused Verjus Rouge, Trinity Bitters, Pink Himalayan Salt It was described as a cross between a margarita and a martini and while that's somewhat apt, that description does a disservice to the complex flavor in this elegant and beautiful drink. -- Ice Cold Sunshine - Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Martini & Rossi Rubino Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coke Reduction, Trinity Bitters This was a sweet, bold and highly indulgent creation. The presentation was lovely too, representing the playful but strong flavors in this cocktail. DINNER (April 2023) While service was suspect, the rooftop dining experience and on the mark dishes pretty much made up for it. We started with the Loaded Potato Croquettes (chopped bacon, cheddar, scallion, sour cream) and the Lobster Deviled Eggs (butter poached claw, chive) and both were quite good, memorable in flavor. The Path Valley Golden Beets (shaved radish, blue cheese mousse, honey-thyme vinaigrette) were just ok, nothing too distinctive. The Pan Seared Scallops (Congaree Milling yellow hominy grits, pickled onion, grilled scallion aioli) were amazing, perfectly succulent scallops. The Duck (parmesan spaetzle, sauerkraut) was also superb, and I am a sucker for a good spaetzle, and this one with the parmesan drizzle was epic. Cocktails were again very good. I tried the Easy Rider (Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac, St. George Spiced Pear Brandy, Grand Marnier, Lemon, Clove Syrup) and the Gin & Imperial Tonic 15 (Bombay Sapphire Gin, house-made Imperial Tonic, Clarified Grapefruit, Lemon). The former was a lush and boozy creation, and the latter was the best G&T I've had since Barcelona.

Went for the daily oyster happy hour. Got 2 rounds of 3 different regions including Chesapeake ones which became our favorite. Enjoyed a bijou which was an incredible balance of chartreuse and gin. Later we headed downstairs to the speakeasy style bar I believe was called Dram and Grain which was a livelier environment with great drinks.

Good for happy hour drinks, but a bit tight on space and average cocktails. Went for the Thursday happy hour & it’s a great deal - half priced cocktails at a normal cost of ~$15 per drink works out to some great savings! With that said… I wouldn’t pay full price for these cocktails. They were good, but nothing special. The rooftop is cute and seating at the tables might be more comfortable - the seats at the bar were much too close together and made it almost impossible to squeeze in and out. If we go back we’ll definitely make a res for a rooftop table.

I've gone a few times for drinks at the bar. Their cocktail menu has some interesting ideas that are well executed. When I've ordered classics, the staff know exactly what I'm talking about and make it well. The staff don't go out of their way to start a conversation with you, but once I got them talking, they were very friendly. The atmosphere feels classy and polished like what I am looking for from a cocktail bar.

The food was awesome. The roof top was really nice. Good views with a great atmosphere to fellowship with friends. The only reason for the dip in our rating is due to the rolling eyes and snarky attitude received form the wait staff (the one tall blond girl). She did not want to have anything to do any of our questions or comments. Other than that it was great. Parking in DC is always hit it miss. We did find a parking garage just north of the restaurant. $20 for 3 hours, not great bit not horrible.