Fool the cops between forbidden sips on this prohibition-inspired date. Here, you’ll uncover secret passages to sultry speakeasies. Just don’t get caught.
The Background
On this date, you’ll indulge in two sensational speakeasy experiences in the iconic Adams Morgan/Dupont Circle neighborhoods, just a nine minute walk apart. You can visit them in either order, but we recommend Out of Office for drinks and then Code Red for more beverages and dinner.
First, you’ll hit Out of Office, DC’s first barbershop speakeasy. Founded in 2021, this novel cocktail concept continues to grab attention. Manifest offers haircuts, a coffee bar, and stylish retail, while those in the loop head upstairs for unique cocktails. This black-owned business even hides the reservation link on their website in a refreshing picture. Can you find it?
Next is Code Red, modeled in the style and spirit of the Prohibition era. As soon as you enter, you’ll step into an upscale 1920s Chicago flooding with seductive jazz and deep reds – their signature color. Established in 2023, we know this joint has a dazzling future ahead.
The Standout Features
Here’s why it’s worth getting caught over this date:
- Get Fancy: These days, it’s rare to dress up. The chance to look your best not only spices up the entire evening, but gives you both a confidence boost that increases attraction.
- Romantic Atmosphere: Intimate seating for two, mood lighting, soft jazz, and much more create a deeply seductive environment for feelings to grow.
- Start Moving: The fresh air on the stroll between the bars stands to improve your mood and help with any date jitters.
- Find Your Escape: When you leave your normal routine, the resulting excitement can release dopamine and foster a stronger connection.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Getting a "Trim"
When my sparkling black heel hits the pavement, I can almost feel a red carpet underneath it. I exit the car in a tight black halter dress dripping with elegance. Next to me, my date dons a deep red button up punctuated by a smart grey vest.
As I tuck my hair behind my ear, my eyes lift to the barbershop across the street. While heading closer, I take in two men getting haircuts through the window. This unexpected peek into their everyday lives is art in motion, another hidden secret tucked in the folds of this place.
Then, we follow the narrow alley under the red and blue swirling barber pole to the front door. Upon entering, we check in with the receptionist. After a few quick words to his colleagues, he confirms we can enter early. With the push of a button, part of the wall-to-wall mirror opens, revealing a bright staircase.
We ascend the stairs past an impressive onyx bar to our table. When I ask my plus one for his first impressions, he takes immediate note of the privacy. It’s just the two of us, a testament to the owner’s mastery of interior design.
Once seated, we open the soft leather-bound menu. The beverages are inventive and varied. I order the Grand Bazaar with charcoal accents and a rich coffee undercurrent. Meanwhile, my partner in crime springs for a Black Savant, swirling with coconut and pineapple flavors. Both drinks are delicious, almost dangerously so.
Before long, it’s time to go. The nine minute walk to the next bar has a gradual incline, but I’m fine in my 2.5-inch heels. As we stroll through the bustling Adams Morgan neighborhood, he grabs my hand. Right away, I beam. The short walk acts as a mini-date, adding another private moment to the night.
Date Main Event - Red Alert
Soon, we arrive at our destination. At first, Code Red’s exterior is unremarkable with its grungy rundown look and flier-covered windows. If I didn’t know better, I’d walk right by it. Instead, I grasp the vintage knocker attached to the massive 900 pound steel jailhouse door and bang hard, twice. In an instant, the hinges swing open and we’re asked for our names. After a quick check of the list, a man ushers us to follow.
The sultry jazz music hits me first, followed by the brooding red emanating from every corner of the carefully curated room. When we’re seated, our bodies sink into the booth’s luscious velvet maroon cushions. The classic cocktails are as interesting as their individual backstories, from smoked bone marrow and lamb lollipops.
After much consideration, I request the Death in the Afternoon, an Absinthe & Champagne combo that Hemingway and I both loved. His Mary Pickford libation has the same effect on him. Everything we order is divine, made even sweeter by the surrounding old-world ambiance. Nearby, quaint film reels accent black and white photos from a forgotten age.
With each passing minute, the city and my place in time slip further away. I become so immersed in this new world that I lose myself in it, plunging deeper into our escape. As daily life and its stresses fade, I’m left without distractions. Focusing on him boldly flavors our conversation and enunciates each sensation. I resist resurfacing to reality, but eventually succumb.
Date Wrap Up - The Cool Down
When we’re ready, we grab our belongings and slowly move towards the exit. Along the way, I bask in the speakeasy’s unique union of electricity and romantic seclusion. It’s addictive, calling me to come back soon for another hit.
The Planning
No need to do all the planning yourself. Here are the highlights, though always double check!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year-round |
| Typical Hours | Out of Office: Open daily from 5pm - 1am Code Red: Closed Mon & Sun. Open Tues-Wed: 5 - 11pm, Thurs: 5pm - 1am, Fri-Sat: 5pm - 2am. |
| Duration | ~2.5 hours (1 hour at the first stop, 1.5 for the second). For example, we made our first booking at 6:45pm, gave ourselves 15 minutes to walk over, and had an 8pm reservation at the second bar. |
| Cost | Entry is free for both places. Costs for drinks and/or dinner depend on you. The Out of Office only offers a drink menu which is not published, but is worth the wait. Drinks are ~$20 each on average. Check out Code Red food and drink prices. |
| Booking | Book Out of Office via Resy or website. Code Red booking is via Resy, Try to book at least a week early to secure your spot. Since you can't make two reservations on Resy.com at the same time, we recommend you book one place and your partner book the other on Resy. You can also book directly on Manifest's website to avoid going through Resy for both reservations. |
| Websites | Out of Office & Code Red |
| Address | Out of Office: 1807 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 Code Red: 2440 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 |
| Transportation | Street parking is available but likely hard to find. We recommend Rideshare or metro. The nearest metro stop to Out of Office is Dupont Circle station and the closest metro to Code Red is the Woodley Park-Zoo station. |
| Attire | Dress up for a romantic affair or down for a casual night - whatever you prefer. Code Red is fancier, but no matter what you wear, you'll fit in. |
| To Bring | Valid photo ID since these are 21+ venues. |
| Contact Info | Out of Office: (202) 903-0300, Code Red: (202) 265-0590 |
| Special Features | Code Red hosts events like restaurant week, happy hour, and $1 oysters on Tuesdays. See their events page for the latest. |
| Cancellation Policy | Out of Office: Free cancellations if made more than 24 hours in advance. For no shows or late cancellations, you may be charged a $25 fee per person. If you need to cancel less than 24 hours in advance, call them to see if they will modify your reservation to avoid a potential fee. Code Red: While you won't be charged for cancelling, please do so at least 24 hours in advance so someone else can take your place. |
| Accessibility | Code Red is wheelchair accessible. Out of Office can offer a separate entrance that requires four steps in lieu of using the full staircase. |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before your date, too. Make this list your own. The map shows the two speakeasies (purple), as well as post-date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check opening times in case something’s changed.
Note that OOO = Out of Order and CR = Code Red
- Jack Rose Dining Saloon (1 min walk – OOO, 7 min walk – CR): Rugged industrial iron mixes with warm oak at this timeless whiskey bar and restaurant. From their Tiki Bar to the open-air terrace, there’s so much to love. Open Tues 5pm – 12am, Wed & Thurs: 5pm – 1am, Fri: 5pm – 3am, Sat: 4pm – 2am, Sun: 4pm – 12am.
- Lapis (9 min walk – OOO, 3 min walk – CR): This modern Afghan bistro serves up homemade dishes with fresh, local ingredients and inventive cocktails. Perfected over generations, their flavor combinations weave childhood memories with love for a faraway home. After fleeing Afghanistan to start a new life, this family-owned business has never forgotten its roots and is eager to share them with you. Open Mon-Thurs: 11am – 3pm, 5-9pm, Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5-10pm, Sat: 10am – 3pm, 5-10pm, Sun: 10am – 3pm, 5-9pm.
- Madam’s Organ (8 min walk – OOO, 1 min walk – CR): Madam’s Organ in Adam’s Morgan is not only a tongue-twister, but a neighborhood staple. Do you have some liquid courage now? Then you’re ready for karaoke. If not, enjoy their five bars, live music, open mic nights, free pool, rooftop, and so much more. Check their website for upcoming events. No baseball caps, please. Open Sun-Thurs: 6pm – 2am, Fri-Sat: 6pm – 3am.
- Van Leeuwen Adams Morgan (7 min walk – OOO, 2 min walk – CR): We hope you saved room for dessert! They have it all, from vegan ice cream, cookies, and sundaes to cookie sandwiches and milkshakes. Their unique flavors are the great end to an even greater night. Open daily from 11am to midnight.