Pretentious/Exclusive? Stop Whining

I don't understand how people can complain about a discerning door policy and then lambast a croweded scene for letting in too much "riff raff." I enjoy what the Gibson offers and will take the door issues in stride. If you don't like it, walk over to St. Ex .

Waitresses are fun and friendly

I have a great time when I go to Gibson, its the perfect place for a date (intimate and quiet) if you want to talk. The waitresses are very friendly (big ups to Ellie from Scotland) and knowledgeable. Note though that one particular bartender is total snob, bordering on being an ass. When told that a customer liked to drink vodka, the reply was "if he likes to drink vodka, he likes to drink nothing". Seriously? Vodka is ubiquitous. Its the most popular hard liquor in the world. It is total hubris to say it is nothing. Definitely check out Gibson, just dont any stock in this bartender's opnions.

Great Drinks, Arbitrary Bouncer

The Gibson has great cocktails. However, if you are over 30, make reservations. The "bouncer" -- looking a bit like Napoleon Dynamite would at a prom in 1980's miami-- did not follow the wait process described above, i.e. wait list & txt msg, but instead picked and chose who he wanted in the "club" regardless of who was waiting. If the Gibson wants to retain its cache it should insist on a fair entrance process. Otherwise it will become a "high end" Adam's Morgan type joint -- bereft of soul and class.

Very Tasty Cocktails

While the Gibson is tough to get into, especially on weekends, the drinks are very much worth the wait. Can't wait for the new drinks for spring!

Absolutely Loves It

A good friend recommended The Gibson as a great way to cap off a pretty rough work week. We were worried we wouldn't get reservations but arrived right after 6 pm - and the lovely doorman escorted us right in. After admiring the beautiful decor we got down to the business of tasting complex drinks. The bartender surprised me with a yummy decadent chocolate style martini. I also had a snow type martini that pulsed with the various citrusy, minty flavors I could taste. You knew Thievery Corp had an influence just by the great music playing in the background and the multitude of candles & excellent vibe. Not pretentious in the least - just a great place to have an intimate conversation with a good friend or true love. Def recommend.

Very hip

Best manhattan I have ever had. Well, two manhattans.

SO not worth the attitude..

LOVE 18th Street Lounge.. and even Marvin next store is ok..if you don't mind being treated like cattle while you wait outside.. but Gibson is a joke. Nothing inside is worth the wait, or attitude that this spot exudes. A definite two thumbs down!!Slow Service, mediocre drinks, and pretentious attitudes are all Gibson has to offer.

Sophisticated and Sexy, great service

We weren't sure what to expect, because we were late and had heard about service, but it was fine. We lucked out and got our table, and a watitress came up to us telling us she knew all about the drinks and so forth. Great drinks, presentation,and even when our friends came things went smoothly because bar seats were available. You do have a time limit on the table, which I understand, because it is a very small seating area. I'd definately go there again, I think its a better date place than a group place. Love the whold dark, noir vibe.

Great Time, Great Atmosphere

We had 9 o'clock reservations on a Friday night. The doorman brought us in and we were shown to our table. The place felt full, but not crowded. Just right. The music and the decor were fun and set a perfect tone. The drinks took a little long, but they were worth the wait. I stuck to whiskey and but my friends tried some of the gin and pisco concoctions. We'll be back. Definitely.

Sophisicated, sure. Pretentious, Yes!

The decor is beautiful, and the doorman is polite, but the place is full of pretense. I am not sure how long a business that wants to make money can keep the front door locked. Yes, they actually lock the front door to keep prospective clientele out! We arrived a bit after 9 and were told we could have a table under the condition that we understood there was a res on it at 11. That is not usually the way a Restaurant works res's, but whatever. Our drinks were good, but they took a very long time. I can t imagine what would happen if it was busy. I say stop by have one or two and then keep moving. Maybe that's their plan anyway. . .

Better for Dates than Groups

Gibson seems better suited as a date place, or for a quiet night of drinks. Our volume as a group (6 people) was too loud we were told ... the door man approached us twice. The second time he approached a person in our party (who has a louder volume than most people) and said something along the lines of "don't make me come over here and ask you to keep it down again". Regardless it is a beautiful place. The dark decor, dim lighting and booths make it quite cozy. The drinks are amazing and unique - try the Etouffer un Perroquet and the Salad Days Sour. Unfortunately, our waitress was not very friendly - in fact we felt like we were imposing on her at times. Clearly Gibson is trying to maintain a specific clientele and atmosphere.

Same place?

I'm shocked at the positive reviews this place has received. Although the space is beautiful, our service was just awful. It took over 10 minutes just to get menus, and then another 30 minutes to get our first drinks. When we mentioned this to the manager, he rudely said that this was not a "cranberry and vodka" place, and that bartenders needed time to craft the drinks. I'm not sure why it takes longer to "craft" a drink than to prepare an appetizer (comparing the wait for a drink here to waiting for an appetizer next door at Marvin). When we left, our waitress was sitting at the table next to us, ignoring the rest of the customers in the back room.

Best Night Out at U Street

Gibson was indeed elegant and sophisticated. But the big surprise was that it is also warm and friendly. The staff was terrific. We received a great introduction to the menu. The benches were very comfortable and I can't wait for them to open up the spacious patio this spring. Our waitress told us that they will introduce some food items when they get a better handle on being open seven days a week.

Loved it!

Gibson is both intimate interesting, with an old-school cocktail vibe. Not for those looking to pound a Miller Lite special, rather for the person looking to try new drinks and submit to the mercy of the bartenders creativity. Enjoy.

Too slow

It took 45 minutes to get our FIRST drink and you only have the table for 2 hours--not worth the wait. We were excited to try it after reading all the reviews, but thought it was nothing special, incredibly slow, and overall we were really disappointed.

Perfect Night Spot for Couples

The Gibson not only can make a great cocktail at reasonable prices, but it provides a great night spot for couples who want a night on the town in an audible, fun atmosphere. Now the choices are (a) packed meat-market bar, (b) bar at the restaurant or stuffy piano bar, (c) go home, or (d) The Gibson.

DC needed this place

i'm afraid to write a good review, 'cause i don't really want the hordes to know about it. It's terrible. Don't go there.

Best Drinks in DC

The Gibson is hands-down the best bar in DC. Look forward to checking it out again soon.

Great Bar

Immediately The Gibson will rank as one of DC's best cocktail bars. I highly recommend a visit -- go with an open mind, try drinks you wouldn't normally order, and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Gibson

excellent place. great drinks, nice ambiance, a classy effort by all involved.