The first time I tried Wisdom, I was on a first date, we sat outside, and the server barely noticed we were there -- which was fine because I had no plans to have another drink (or another date with that dude), but it did mean we had to go inside to get our check. Neighborhood people hang out there with their dogs, people metro in from northwest, it seems like a food number of folks just want to chill in a quieter part of the city with good cocktails.
So the second time I visited, it was right before NYE and Eric saw us trying to get in before they were open, and let us in to hang out while he finished prepping to open. Brownie points there. The decor is your typical dark, more-shabby-than-chic motif.
We sat at the bar and Eric helped us pick out cocktails to suit each of our needs (and we're a needy bunch). When I said I just wanted something simple, a la vodka soda, he whipped up something fun for me and I was set. We had a few rounds, and were even able to eavesdrop on a mixology session he gave a few people. I wouldn't mind doing one of those sessions sometime -- he walks you through various types of booze and what and why they are.
All in all, I've been dying to get back to Wisdom, but its off the beaten path location means it's tough to get NW-dwellers there.
My boyfriend and I wanted to try Absinthe for the first time, so we searched through Yelp for some Absinthe bars and found this place. It's very cute, lots of little nooks and crannys for privacy. The area where we were seated had a bunch of different benches inside of a tiny square room enclosed by a sheer curtain. Definitely someplace where you can just be alone with your significant other and be completely isolated from other people. There was a random dog just walking around the bar and we thought that was pretty funny.
The only reason why I gave this place only two stars was because the drinks were awful. I mean, to the point where we both could not take more than two sips. Not to mention they were very expensive. The Absinthe cocktail was the only thing that was remotely drinkable.
We tried the bacon maple waffle thingy which was pretty good, but I don't know if that's because it was actually good or because I was craving waffles that day. The overall experience was not that great, so although this place is very charming and I like the concept, I don't think I will be back anytime in the near future.
I really wanted to fall in love with it. Â Its a quirky little dive-ish bar (replete with a dog walking about the premises) with a cool cocktail menu and a great staff. Â I think the problem was that based on the reviews I read, I was expecting a speakeasy experience---with fresh herbs, homemade bitters and the whole 9. Â What I got was more like....a bar experience. Â While the cocktails were good, they were nothing special or unique. Â And the only vodka on premises is Svedka. Â Go, and have fun. Â Just manage your expectations.
Review Source:Wisdom is dark, moody, private and very mysterious; and part of this dark-moody-mysteriousness is actually making it out to Capitol Hill East. But hold off on grumbling about your transit experience, until you take your first sip of their finely crafted cocktails, which is for the most part a major tribute to absinthe.
I highly recommend the Capt. Jack's Green Sparrow (ordered by my friend, but I stole it), Lavender Vodka Soda and Dragon Tit (ordered by me, but my friend stole it). If absinthe isn't your thing - look out for their selection of beer and even wine, which is surprisingly extensive.
There are two ways you can soak in the ambience - sit at the bar, which is what I prefer, and that's where all the action is. Or hang out in the area at the back with its exposed brick, private booths and vintage-industrial furniture.
Either way this place is a winner; having the owner's dog hang out at the bar makes it win a 1000 extra bonus points from me.
I've only been in to Wisdom once, and while I can certainly understand where some of the more negative reviews are coming from, I actually had a pleasant experience.
Shrek the bartender (his actual last name) is very nice and knowledgeable about the drinks, and was helpful in suggesting things we might like. The "It's Always Sunny" is delicious and it's description on the drink menu is a hilarious reference to the tv show. All in all, not the typical kind of bar I'd hang out in, but I'll probably go back.
I don't know who wrote the other reviews because the staff is EXTREMELY FRIENDLY!!! Â We showed up over an hour late for our reservation and they bent over backwards accommodating us even though they were really full. Â The bartenders were extremely knowledgeable about all the drinks. Â Maybe the other reviewers never actually went there? Â I can't imagine that we had an awesomely amazing experience the day after a review that was terrible.
Some of the cocktails were not my favorites -- we went out of our comfort zone on the menu and ordered some things we weren't sure about -- but some were amazing. Â Overall great experience. Â Can't say enough about the vibe of the place and the friendliness of the staff.
We spent a great evening talking to the bartenders and regulars at the bar -- the place has a cool vibe. Â Can't wait to try out their other places (e.g., Church and State). Â
Only downside is the location and ease of getting a cab.
Went here on a Thursday night on a whim, we were worried about not having a reservation. That turned out not to be a problem, since there were about 5 people in the whole place. We finally settled on seats at the bar, despite wondering if they were open since dirty glasses were everywhere.
The bartender was terrible. He had no idea what was in any of the drinks. When someone asked him a question about a drink, he told the guy that it was, and I quote, "a stupid f*cking question." When we asked for recommendations (since the menu does not describe the ingredients in the drinks) he was vague and unhelpful.
I picked one and it was not bad. But not wanting to have to read the menu all over again to pick a second drink, I went with a Sazerac since I know I like them. Someone please tell this guy that sazeracs have a lemon peel and they are not served on the rocks. My date's drink tasted more like simple syrup than alcohol.
I know it's a bit out of the bartender's hands if a customer is acting up, but the guy next to me was loud, obnoxious, and kept swiveling his stool into the middle of my back. I tried to throw the bartender a look, but he was too busy flirting with women at the other end of the bar and spouting useless (and incorrect) knowledge about the cocktails he was attempting to make.
At the end of the night another employee came up to us with empty canisters and asked us if we could smell them for him and decipher what kind of juice had been inside them, since he was a smoker and had a terrible sense of smell. We're easy going people so we laughed about it and tried to help him out, but, um EW?!? Why are you shoving dirty dishes into your customers' faces? Who the hell runs this place?
Needless to say I will not be back, and I will never encourage anyone to make a visit themselves.
Pretty & tasty (though were out of stuff for my 2nd drink) but the service was an EPIC fail.
We called ahead to reserve/ warn of a large party (Sat. night). When I ordered my 2nd drink, she forgot entirely & had to be reminded. Still took 15 min after that.
When I finally got it, friend & I asked to close tabs. Took at LEAST 30 min to bring my friend's. It was wrong & took another 10 to bring hers only. Waitress explained on one check, can only close a bit at a time but didn't bring my original bill until after my friend had signed.
Also, they charge $1 for lemonade to be added to your sweet tea vodka which isn't on the menu. (or maybe they don't & did mysteriously for me - not worth arguing as I'd been there for well over an hour for one drink & a tab)
Service on drink #1 was fine, btw. A friend who'd been said it was way busier than usual. Apparently, they can't keep up so never go when busy. Combined with it being on orange line, I can't see myself ever going back though.
First of all, their are parts of the other Yelpers comments I agree with when it comes to Wisdom. It is not your typically bar.
Yes. It might take a while to get a cocktail. Yes. The food is pricey.
Wisdom is much more of local hangout than a somewhere you go to be seen.
This is not a place that is going to serve you and than ask you to leave.
It feels like to me Wisdom cares less about turning tables (or stools) and more about patrons enjoying their product. It is the kinda of place you go to when you want to chill out and maybe spend the evening.
The food is better than average pub food.
For living not so far from Wisdom, I finally just made it there for the first time about a week ago. Â One friend and I met for happy hour on a Friday and sat at the bar.
First, their happy hour goes from 6-8 p.m. WHAT? Â This is incredible! Â Amazing! Â Unbelievable! Â They offer discounts on house cocktails and cocktails and martinis made with what I call their house gin, because they seem to be pushing it pretty hard. Â It's not on the menu but I believe my friend got a little discount on her wine, and they were very generous pours.
I had the purple rain, a gin drink with Acai and aloe vera. It was super tasty but a bit sweet for my taste. Â But, heck, you put a drink called "purple rain" on the menu and what Minnesotan wouldn't order it? Â Then, I got a house gin and tonic, which was also very nice, but still just a gin and tonic (not meant in any disparaging way to one of my favorite cocktails).
I can't really speak about the decor as I didn't venture beyond the bar, but there are tables and booths in a dark setting. Â The food options were limited. Â We had hummus and pita, which was, well, hummus and pita, but it was enough to fill our tummies. Â
Overall, this place reminded me of places on H Street NE when they were just sorta getting going. Â Kinda hole-in-the-wall-esque but with an understated divvy charm inside. Â
Finally, I could do without their cocktail rating system outlined in their drink menu. However, my friend asked the bartender about it and the response really makes sense. Â Wisdom is trying to make craft cocktails on the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Â Although this neighborhood is changing, it is not one that is accustomed to craft cocktails with specialty ingredients. Â So, the rating system that they use is to help attract and inform new customers, and perhaps assist in relieving some of the shyness if folks wander in and aren't familiar with what they're reading on a drink menu.
Ultimately, what that means is that Wisdom is not trying to be a homogenous fancy drinking establishment, which is now pretty much all you get in neighborhoods like 14th Street NW. Â I applaud them for it, and it impacts my view and rating of Wisdom.
This place is very cool, and i'm sad that i just learned about it! Â both Dana and Tania were awesome. Â They made us some awesome, "personalized" drinks that tasted great!
the owner also stopped by with his doggy, really nice and down to earth guy! Â this place is a really cool spot with nice people and sweet drinks!
**** 3.5 stars ****
You would think a place where most of the drinks feature gin, and are all imagined by a guy who's gained some notoriety in the DC cocktail scene, would be just the sort I would be clamoring to visit quite regularly. However, even though my second visit to Wisdom produced a much more enjoyable experience than the first, I think it's relatively safe to say it will be my last. I found these cocktails far superior to Eric Holzherr's other bar, Church and State, but Fruit Bat has a firm grasp on my favorite of his trilogy.
Part of the reason I think Wisdom sort of flops for me is that there are just too many elements at play here, and the disjointed nature hinders several of them from being truly excellent. It begins with the menu, that in its effort to become wholly informative in terms of drink characteristics has instead become some sort of Pythagorean formula for obtaining the ultimate drink. There are numbers on sliding scales, colors and shapes for variables, and X's for intensity. I feel like I'm trying to decipher an Oregon Ducks offensive play call rather than picking what I want to drink. I understand what they're going for, guiding the guy like me who doesn't want a lollipop flavored sugar bomb in a glass away from them, but dear gods there must be a more efficient way of doing it. On the other hand, what's completely inexplicable from a menu that tries to cover everything is that quite often the actual liquors themselves are never mentioned! To give you an example, one of the drinks I ordered, Eminent Domaine, using their system, is a 1.5 in essence, 4 in clarity, 2 in subtlety, and 1.5 in finish and yet I have no clue what's in it other than Bluecoat gin because it's on that sponsor's page. Another drink, the Tortoise and the Bare, simply says "scotch-like" in the heading, yet never even alludes to what's in it. This all just lays the groundwork for the haphazard way we wound up ordering drinks here, because we were never really quite sure what to expect (and it didn't help that their numbering system really missed the mark in execution in some cases).
I had actually attempted to visit Wisdom several years ago, after Venu, Nicole and myself wrapped up a couple rounds of beers at Trusty's next door, and weren't quite ready to call it an evening yet. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations, and thus began the nearly 2 year hiatus before I would venture back this far out on the Metro line. Fortunately (debatable) Yelp was able to induce Wisdom into participating in a "Drinks Week" event, so Suzy and I got to sample a few of their selections at half price with Brian and his date. Without going into too much detail, I would say that all of the cocktails we tried (the Eminent Domaine, White Cosmopolitan, and the locally famous Dragon Tit with habanero-infused Sauza tequila, pomegranate juice, and Chambord) would have been acceptable at just slightly over the special price of $5, but I didn't think any warranted much more than $8, and that's with some general dissatisfaction.
Not ready to throw in the towel just yet though, I volunteered Wisdom as the spot for another guy's night out, to catch up on quite a few loose ended stories, and just get out of the house after a long day of busting my ass on my day off. This is where the setting of Wisdom gains it a bonus point, because it's just a damn chill bar. Since it was just Brian and I, we opted not to go for the intimate little corner rooms, and hung out in the middle of the living room style atrium. I began with a Capt'n Jack's "Green" Sparrow, a rather forgettable mix of Kubler Absinthe and Cruzan coconut rum...a shame, as it was a hot day out and I was craving something tropical. This put me back in the mood of doubting the bartender's capability.
They quickly recovered though, with several rounds of really unique offerings, beginning with the Porque Hola, which I thought a superior drink to the Dragon Tit, using habanero-infused vodka instead, with grapefruit juice and a spiced salt rim. The next drink though, the PB&J, really blew me away...a blend of vanilla vodka and crème de cassis with nut shavings on top, it not only smells just like its namesake, but tastes damn near close to it too, while still maintaining the alcohol presence. Brian's accompanying Masquerade with Van Gogh caramel vodka and port was equally astounding, much like a very rich dessert in a glass. My last drink, the Purple Rain, while soothing with its gin, acai, and aloe vera was overshadowed by his Shining, which tasted exactly like a Good Humor strawberry shortcake popsicle.
I rounded up to 4 stars rather than down to 3 because they really do seem to be attempting a large number of creative ideas here and I dig the vibe, especially with the semi-private rooms. Like PX they mask a lot of the alcohol flavors with various additives but unlike PX they use more than just sweetness to distract your palate.
I loved this place when I first entered. Â Beautiful bar, exposed brick, and great furniture....I thought to myself how could this go wrong....well I soon found out. Â
It has a lot of potential. Â What it is lacking is direction. Â First, the bartender was not friendly and seemed out of it. Â She served us drinks we didn't order and when we wanted a sandwich she had just served the last one. Â The beer selection was decent which means I would give it another chance. Â We went in on a Sunday night and the movie Thor was blasting obnoxiously so we had no choice but to forcibly watch this terrible film. Â It seemed like whoever works here is just turning this place into the personal hangout for themselves and their equally awkward friends. Â
It's a shame because it could be a fun spot.
Wisdom you are wise beyond belief when it comes to drinks. Â In fact, you are the ONLY place I've traveled to that I felt intimidated by the drinks. Â That's serious and I need to handle that accordingly. Â That's for another time. Â Koodos for bringing your dog to work environments. Â What a beauty she is. Â I hope she's a she. Â Definitely gives that at home feel
Inhale/Exhale. Â The Dragon Tit. Â I know dragons are these mean, ferocious creatures that will scare anyone who comes in sight with them. Â This my friend drink here couldn't have a more appropriate name for it. I literally felt like fire was breathing down my throat. Â It was spicy and potent and it beat me down. Â I didn't go out like a punk. Â I took it all but I didn't go back for more. Â That was the first and last time I had a Dragon Tit. Â I'm no contender in that match
The lighter more calming Imminent Domain was more of a friend to me unlike the Dragon Tit. Â It was like and inviting and still packed a punch but not a TKO. Â More like a love tap. Â What I love about the drink menu is it's extensive detail and legend to indicate the level of intensity of each drink. Â
I tried a piece of my friend's tuna melt. Â It was good. Â Just enough to help aide in the absorbing of the drinks alcohol content. Â I would eat before arriving the next time. Â Oh and there will be a next time. Â And a next time and another next time.
The curtain covered booths are a nice touch. Â It's private and dark and mysterious. Â Great place to drink those Dragon Tits..Yes, I'm still in my feelings about that
Now go and pop in and be ready for some out of this world, not your ordinary run of the mill cocktails that will have you telling stories about. Â Cheers
I'm sick of complaining about places that don't put booze in their drinks. Â Unfortunately, this place is one of them
I had the masquerade (?) which was port wine and caramal vodka. Â I drink port wine, Â I *know* port wine. Â Why can't I taste any alcohol if the menu states that the cocktail is only port and vodka? Â Am I that much of an alcoholic that I can't taste the booze anymore? Â Probably. Â But no really, if I'm paying $14 for a 4-ounce drink, please don't water it down with juice. Â Â
Same goes for the my boyfriend's tea vodka and lemonade. If I wanted just lemonade I would go to the lemonade stand and get it for half the price. Â
The only redeeming quality for this place is the decor. Â It's almost like a cave with fancy linens and lights.
Wisdom has been at the top of my list to revisit after more than a two-year absence since my previous visit. Â In fact, it was one of the first bars in DC that I went to upon moving into the area. Â I don't remember what I had back then, but I do remember enjoying it. Â So, I jumped at the chance to reacquaint myself with Wisdom's wares for Wisdom Wednesday during Yelp Drinks Week. Â Anytime you can snag half-price cocktails with DC Yelp's Queen Mother, the lovely and talented Kristin M, and other luminaries like Venu N, then you know you can't pass on going out for drinks on a school night. Â
Wisdom resides in a distinctive space in a neighborhood that can best be described as waiting for gentrification as it seems to be devoid of any other place that's decent to grab something to eat or drink. Â The bar itself has an odd, but certainly not bad or unpleasant feel. Â It feels like part speakeasy and part someone's basement bar. Â Cocktails are the name of its game, so I decided to go for its much hyped signature drink, the Dragon's Tit made with habanero-infused Sauza Tequila, pomegranate juice and Chambord. Â As promised, the drink did have a "fiery finish", but frankly, I was left a little cold. Â I didn't feel it lived up to the promise of its big build up. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid drink, but not to my particular taste. Â Instead, I much preferred the Eminent Domaine, a Bluecoat Gin based cocktail. Â
Upon final analysis, Wisdom is a good place to spend time over some cocktails, especially if it's a rainy Wednesday night. Â Cocktails are better than average, but even though it is a gin joint, they could use a few more whiskey based cocktails on the menu. Â Don't let Wisdom's location deter you from making a trip out to Potomac Ave. Â It's worth a try. Â Call this particular outing a 3.5 star effort rounding down to 3 stars.
Came here for a friend's birthday party - about 25 of us were able to walk in primetime Saturday nad pretty much immediately get served, there was plenty of space to stasnd around and even a few seats - I particulalrly liked the little 'confessional" velvet curtained booths.
Great cocktail menu and great service. There's even a list of absinthe's
" sorry, we no longer serve that one sir, it's illegal"
somehow i think that's just the line, but nevertheless it entertained me.
There was some sort of cocktail tasting / selection code at the beginning of the menu, but it was waay too complicated for me to figure out.
After a meal at Little Serow I made the trek down here for a nightcap. Apparently a lot has changed in the 3 years since I left DC, as I never once would have considered Potomac Ave a destination. Ever. But there lies Wisdom, all on its own, and it's definitely worth a look-see. Best cocktail bar in DC? Not in my book, but if I lived in the hood I'd probably make this a regular haunt.
The bartender was super friendly and knew his stuff, but I was less than impressed by the actual product. My first drink, the Purple Rain, was just not good. I should have known better than to order from a page in the menu that looked like a straight up Bluecoat gin advertisement, but those were the only gin cocktails on offer. Do not recommend. Luckily, on the second round, I was advised to try Old Raj gin in martini form and I wasn't disappointed. It was different and delicious... and $14.
And therein lies the problem. This place has high brow prices in a divey off the grid atmosphere. It isn't the right combination. I'm giving them an extra star for working to revitalize a formerly questionable hood, but I can't say I'll be rushing back here. There are too many good cocktails to be had in this town to fare the spendy cab/long Metro ride to this joint.
Wisdom is fabulous. Â If you are reading this and you haven't been yet, I strongly recommend you go. If you want to know more about why, read on
If you don't live in the neighborhood: Yes Hill East can be a hike, but it's no more difficult to get to than H street, and Wisdom is worth the trip.
If you do live in the neighborhood: Go. Go frequently, make friends. Go on a weekday night and you'll find a great owner, excellent staff, and a group of neighborhood regulars that don't act like they are some exclusive club, but are just people who know a good place and like to hang out there.
Drinks: As others have mentioned here, the cocktails are pretty spectacular. Â The standing menu has a good selection of different styles and almost anyone should be able to find something they like (don't be afraid to branch out and try something new!), and if you don't see anything you like, just ask the bartenders to make you something and tell them what you are looking for.
Prices: No, this is not the cheapest place to get drunk, but there are plenty of budget options (beer on tap for $6 during normal hours, even cheaper during happy hours and drink specials on cocktails and beer, cheaper standard cocktails) and Wisdom is the type of place you go to savor your drink. Â If you are looking to go out and get hammered on the cheap then I'd recommend somewhere else.
Ambiance: It's a lounge without being pretentious. The alcoves are nice for a quiet conversation, though to be fair the benches are a little uncomfortable for my back so I usually sit elsewhere. Â The real action is sitting at the bar and chatting with other folks. The music selection is excellent and matches the overall vibe.
Honestly I can't say enough good things about Wisdom, give it a shot!
I don't like a lot of bars.
Let me expand on that so you understand why I gave Wisdom 5 stars. I don't like beer; it's the hops, its not my thing, it tastes terrible to me and believe me when I say I have tried about a hundred beers, most of which were craft/local/not mass produced beers, and I have not found one that I like enough to drink 16oz of.
I am a whiskey kind of girl. Or bourbon. Or gin. Not beer.
Very few bars have a wide variety of drinks -AND- a bartender who knows how to fucking mix them and make them taste good. I can go anywhere and get a cocktail, hate it, drink it anyway because I paid for it, and finish my night as the Sober One because I don't want to keep drinking poorly mixed drinks.
Or I can go to Wisdom where My Kind are liked and the Beer Types can spend their time next door at Trusty's.
+ Their staff was super nice, entertaining, and actually wanted to get to know me and my party at the bar rather than just take my order and glare if I don't tip.
+ The bartender was cool enough to listen to what I did and didn't like, and mix drinks from there until I liked something new (because who likes the same-old same-old?). Â He didn't try to sell me shit because it was expensive, or sponsored, or easy for him to make; there was a genuine concern for what I liked. I cannot say how much I appreciate that.
+ Their cocktail menu is to die for, but don't be afraid to ask for something off the list, there are some "signature" drinks that weren't printed that you will love.
+ The music was good, but was an undertone. For good ambiance music you need good music that people will enjoy, find intriguing, but not jump from genre to genre too quickly or distract from the conversation or the atmosphere. They have a 1000+ song playlist that is fantastic and I assume constantly updated. None of it (that I heard) was top 40.
+ The look and feel was enough to keep you looking and interested and seeing something new, but not distracting or god-forbid kitschy. Â
+ The "regulars" I talked to were nice and helpful, which is a relief from other places in DC where the "regulars" think they are Hot Shit and you will never be "One Of Them." Fuck that.
+ Dogs. My lovely DC apartment does not allow dogs, I am in the midst of a serious lack of canine companionship, so seeing the bar dog made my day a little less stressful.
What do I like more than a ma and pa store? Â Well...a sis and bro bar. Â Technically, the sister is the bartender there and the brother is the owner; however, it works for me. Â From the owner to the waitresses, everyone was very friendly and personable. Â They spent the night visiting our little group where the conversations would range from one's dating life (200 people..really?) to how the bar's got it's start.
From the other reviews, it seems like I should have tried more than their Abbey Ale (which was named after another family member.) Â I did have their chicken pesto sandwich which was very good. Â
As for the location, it's at a perfect spot near the metro (or so I was told.) Â The atmosphere was low key. Â The front of the bar has a window seating with low tables. Â There were a handful of chairs and tables outside of the bar.
Pro: 1)The owner's awesome dog that is just chilling with the patrons
    2) The Dragon's Tit (habanero-infused tequila with grenadine (?)) -   Spicy and yet sweet at the same time...very tasty
    3) The Milky Way-infused shots (I still don't understand how but they were awesome)
     4) Container full of condoms in the bathroom (Not that I will ever have a chance to use them but it's good to know they are there)
Con: 1) It's kind of small. Definitely not suitable for trivia.
     2) Not many beers on tap.
     3) That is all.
A solid four stars. I started the night with a glass of the Clean Slate riesling while we waited for stragglers to arrive. Wisdom has a respectable offering of absinthes, but that's not something I ever care to partake in alone. We eyed the TV briefly and admired the sexily draped booths, and Nirali chatted up the bartender with enthusiasm upon learning he was a fellow Cowboys fan. As we perused the menu, he warned us that the kitchen hadn't restocked that week in anticipation of the holidays, so we really only had vegetarian options left to us... which was fine by Nirali, haha. Her innocent fascination with the female condoms in a fishbowl in the loo led to our neighboring lushes' entertainment. Fairly quiet crowd throughout the night, but not so much of a ghost town that our rowdiness felt awkward.
The portabello panini had an evenly browned crust, and the rosemary was detectable in the focaccia without being overwhelming. The smoked mozzarella toned down the flavor of the chopped garlic, and the mushrooms were cooked to tenderness. It was just a rustic enough sandwich to qualify as decent bar grub, but the macaroni salad on the side was neutral and forgettable. As a snooty jerk, I was ready to be underwhelmed by the smoked mushroom duxelles, but the dip was blended beautifully and the thin cut of Brie accentuated the flavors nicely. Not too much heat from the chilies to distract from the earthy richness.
I'm not a gin fan. In fact, I think it would've been safe to say that I had a noticeable distaste for it. But during this visit, my palate underwent a pricey mixology lesson as I found myself enjoying the It's Always Sunny (In Philly), and to a lesser extent the Purple Rain. I'm certainly appreciative of the numbered tasting system, as well as the bartender's friendly encouragements. All said and done, the Pears of Wisdom was the highlight of my evening. The slice of green Anjou pear was cut thick, but the cocktail itself was impeccable. The Belle de Brillet cognac cut the Absolut pear vodka and Elderflower cordial to the right balance so the lingering aftertaste wasn't too cloying. This drink single-handedly convinced me that I must try their other concoctions over time... I'm already eyeballing the Masquerade and Captain Jack's (Green) Sparrow.
2.5 stars
Maybe i went here way too late on a Saturday night because it was D-E-A-D. Â The drinks were pretty good, and I can certainly appreciate the "Most Interesting Man In the World"'s pic hanging proudly on the wall, but other that that I just don't get it. Â Location is terrible...randomly placed next to a Domino's Pizza with not much else around it except for a pretty sketchy bar called Trusty's a few doors down. Â Decor is meh and I found it odd that all of the liquor bottles are messily placed behind the bar on 2 shelves. Â Maybe that wouldn't bother most, but with my OCD organizational tendencies, I couldn't stop staring at the randomly placed clusterfuck of bottles! Ugh! Â
Lastly, I just don't understand owning business and having a dog run all over the place. Â This is the second business I have been to in 3 weeks that had a dog running around it. Â What's going on here DC?? Not a fan of the canines in dining establishments, but to each his own.
Here is the collective wisdom I got from the bartender, random people sitting at the bar, curtain-door tiny booth and the drink menu:
1. Extensive Gin-based cocktail under funny interesting name.
2. List of Absinthe: blue sin... got curious? try it.
3. Free protection stuff in the bathroom.
4. $5 cheap cocktails available.
5. $5 decent wine and beer available.
6. interesting infused rum/vodka: e.g. sardine infused vodka..
7. low-key bar where you can be alone with your book, iphone/android or a drink. Â Yes, you can talk to the bartender as well.
But.. Â the wisdom of the day is...
- Take your date/crush/sweetie to Wisdom and be happy in that-cozy-tiny booth. Just don't go overboard.
PS: HH (5-7pm) $5 wine, sangria, beer. $2 off from specialty cocktails (gin-based)
I really hope the hipsters don't find out about this place anytime soon. Upscale ambiance without the snootiness. Dark, intimate decor, and amazing cocktails. Overall, this soothes the gap in my soul from being without my beloved Liquid Kitty in Los Angeles for low key craft cocktails.
Pears of Wisdom, a pear and elderflower concoction with a real slice of pear, is my new favorite drink in town. I may just start a yelp list to compare pear cocktails it's that bloody good.
They also have a tutorial page to try and describe the cocktails to you based on their different grading systems (eg. sweet v dry, delicate v bold, or something like that)
Granted when there were only a handful of patrons the bartender tends to watch the sportscenter channel more than you, but I'll let it slide since I was too busy enjoying myself. His recommendation of the mini-hotdogs...spot on. Try the dragon's tit or absinthe if you dare.
Price is what you expect at $10-$12 for craft cocktails (and about $10/wrap or sandwich). You're here to sip and savor some cocktail craftsmanship, not chug down grain alcohol. Happy hour is $5 house red and white wine, $5 basic call drinks, and there's Bluecoat gin cocktail specials. Ironically, an Amstel here will cost you the same as a Yeungling next door at Trustys. Did I mention happy hour runs until 8pm?
4.5 stars
I went to Wisdom on a random weekend night after my boyfriend and I met friends out at Hawk & Dove. It is another one of those bars that seem to be popping up in/around DC with very little signage or lighting. Soon, I fear you'll have to have a Ph.D in shadow skulking to find the newest (and wishfully trendy) places in the city.
Nevertheless, Wisdom was a pleasant surprise. Half the menu is fancy cocktail and the other half is absinthe. I am not a huge fan of absinthe (to me it tastes like black liquorice) so I ordered a cocktail off the menu. I can't remember what it was called but I do remember it had pear in it and I enjoyed it.
The waitress we had was nice and had come to work without an attitude, which I found to be refreshing. The ambiance was as you would expect ... dark with loungey sofas and chairs throughout. Its quiet. No raucous cheering or high-fiving here. It was also priced as you would expect, but since the cocktails were good I felt like I had gotten my money's worth (unlike the $15 martini I had at Hook in Georgetown - gimme a f*cking break).
The cool vibe works for it and it is off the beaten path of the Eastern Market strip. It is definitely worth a visit.
*****3.5
I dragged a few friends here for my birthday to satisfy my curiosity of absinthe, I guess I should have researched before hand, but no one mentioned it tastes like licorice! Â I found this out the night of, which kind of sucked for me, because I really wanted to try it, but I absolutely hate licorice, like with all my soul. Â So I ended getting one of their signature cocktails with rum in it, sorry I forgot the name, but it was good! and strong! Â They change up their cocktail menu monthly, so I'll have to go back and try others. Â They are at least $10 though, but definitely well crafted.
Now onto the place, it's a quiet venue with a long bar at the entrance that opens up into a room full of little lounges on one side. Â They have curtains and would be perfect for a group of 4 more or less. Â Our group had about 10 people and luckily we were able to get the larger seating area on the other side of the small lounges. Â They played some decent music, it was dark and quiet enough to have conversations. Â I would definitely come back and chill here.
Oh Wisdom. Â You have St. Germain. Â And for that I love you. Â From the moment I walked in, and you showed me how beautiful a lounge in DC could be, I fell. Â I fell hard for you.
Fantastic lighting, surrounded me in the form of many different candles. Â And although you had wonderful music, you didn't try to drown out my conversation with it. Â In fact you let me whisper.
There is something to be said about a space with minimal decor, that really gives you that zsa zsa zu. Â The atmosphere was understated, yet perfectly balanced to keep you submerged in a fantasy middle eastern / european lounge. Â The couches were comfortable, and really very clean.
I know you're sad, Wisdom, but I cannot give you 5 starts... not today anyway. Â You see, my waiter was clumsy, and awkward, which made me feel awkward. Â And I swear that boy was trying to get into my panties by offering me so many drinks. Â I in fact had 2. Â Before I could finish one he was offering me another, and then almost each pass by he would offer me another, and another. Â Is it just ridiculous attention to detail, and you are super fantastic at your job? Â My dear, sweet child, I am only 5 feet tall, and I drove here. Â Please, do not get me drunk. Â The offer is so tempting, but I do not think I can sleep on your lovely couch, that is unless you blow all those candles out.
And- also I never got warm. Â I went on a night that was well below freezing. Â I don't think I was dressed to minimally, but I had to seek refuge, and find comfort in my coat. Â And really, who wants to sit in a lounge in their coat when they have such adorable attire on underneath? Â
"G-d did not invent designer duds to be hidden under winter coats, and therefore hide G-d given bodies. Â They are meant to be shown off, and adored." Acts of Winter Attire According to Kat 6:3-5
Heeeeeeeeeya, Wisdom!
Can ya come to Chicago? Pretttttty please? We need some of you in our lives here!
Ahhhhhhh. Refreshing. This bar serves up the most awesome and creative cocktails I've ever seen. (And Absinthe. Multiple drinks with Absinthe!)
They have this extensive menu that we were reviewing extremely thoroughly. It even comes with a drink scale, so you get a feel for how strong a drink is, how sweet, etc. Illustrations always help, no?
We must have looked like we were literally studying the menu because the waitress joked that we 'wouldn't be quizzed' on it. Whooops. Too many choices! I finally settled on the Pear Wisdom drink (I can't remember the exact name!) and absolutely fell in love with it. It was not too tart and pretty strong. Awesome combination, ya know?
Wisdom kinda has that old school Victorian decor goin' on, so I really liked the feel of it. But, my friends and I chilled in one of the private, sectioned off areas. It kinda resembled a window ledge/patio deal - with exposed brick and curtains. You're away from the crowds and left to enjoy each other's company! I loveeeed it!
We came kinda early, so Wisdom had this chill vibe to it when we got there. The waitress was super attentive and so friendly. Music was good, too. Great place to kick back and catch up with friends in DC! I'm requesting to come back here the next time I visit.
Bonus: I got to meet the owner and was in complete awe. Entrepreneurs? Hotness.
Being the literary nerd I am, I leapt at the chance to try newly legal absinthe in the States (and I am going to save all of the "It's not really absinthe 'cause it's missing that whatever ingredient" rubbish), and I upped and fell in love with this bar.
I took a pleasant stroll from the Eastern Market metro stop instead of going straight to Potomac Ave since it was such a nice day (I highly recommend the walk; it was lovely meandering up Pennsylvania Ave just before the sun set). Given my 'hood-turned-yuppie upbringing, it didn't take long to notice the vast difference between the two neighborhoods as I walked, Eastern Market being the much more gentrified bit and Potomac Ave being not so much. It's not uber-hood, though, and the bar is smack next to the metro, so don't let an irrational fear of the 'hood keep you away from this wonderful bar.
Our group decided to sit in one of the alcoves along the wall, which I must say I ADORE, with its red brothel lighting and individual sound system, so you can take ownership of your tunes as you draw the curtains and snog in private. I love the decor in the open area, too. Lots of woods and antique wallpapers and dim lighting. Very unpretentious and quite cozy.
Drinks were the priority, though. I started with the Green Torment, Le Tourment Vert (which you *must* hear in my horrible fake French accent), which Venu said tastes less like licorice than the other absinthes. I tried my friend E's Pernod (which, he said, "Hemmingway drank at lunch every day in Paris"), and it tasted about the same amount of licoricey to me. I'm not the biggest fan of licorice, so I can't say absinthe is going to become my signature drink, but I could definitely go for it again, just to feel like Hemmy for a few minutes. Next round was a Bombay Sapphire & tonic; so refreshing, and I think I got it at the happy hour price of $5, which is sensational.
Another cool bit about Wisdom are the mocktails, which E's friends, who didn't drink, were able to indulge in, and they said were tasty delicious. Seems like there's something for everyone at this lovely lovely bar. I'll definitely be bothered to make the trek all the way to Potomac Ave to go again, esp for the brothel-lighted alcoves. WoooOOOooo!
Amongst the dilapidated structures that form the cornerstone of the Potomac metro stop, the unassuming Wisdom offers masterfully crafted alcoholic beverages for those looking for a sophisticated lounge experience on the outskirts of Capitol Hill. Â
Perhaps the most dynamic aspect of Wisdom is their extensive absinthe menu.  Wisdom does not carry any of the illegal brands; instead, they carry an array of brands including the potent Pernod.  I tried the Green Torment, an absinthe cocktail carrying the typical licorice flavor but accented with notes of peppermint.  For those just getting initiated with absinthe, I would strongly recommend the Green  Torment as your initial experience.
Unlike any other bar in DC, Wisdom makes a number of non-alcoholic "mocktails" should you have friends who are 1) social but 2) do not drink. Â If you happen to have a designated driver, this might be an excellent place to at least give said individual something to do while you and your friends are enjoying beverages. Â Wisdom should be lauded for their efforts to be highly inclusive through their offering of a number of interesting non-alcoholic beverages. Â
For those of us who do intend to partake in the alcoholic drinks, Wisdom compares more favorably to PX, the gold standard for custom crafted drinks in the DMV. Â I would certainly rank the flavor, complexity, and most importantly, the quality of ingredients, well above the overrated cocktails served at the Gibson. Â The bartender on our particular night even tried his hand at a Lynchburg Lemonade, replete with fresh lemons. Â The on-the-menu drinks offer modern takes on classics (my Moscow Mule, for example, had hints of honey in it to quell the generally bitter aftertaste of the original preparation) as well as truly original drinks. Â
The bar is quite out of the way, and it is hard to transition from there to Trusty's Full Serve (two blocks away). Â It would probably work best for a couple of drinks with close friends on a weeknight. Â It would also double as a fine moderately casual date spot. Â If you live in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market/H St NE corridor, this is certainly worth your time.
Stopped in this place because I live in the area and always wanted to try it.
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Totally unexpected!
Small place with tons of little corners and couches. I love the curtained-off holes in the wall, even though the seats are a little less than comfortable in there. Beautiful candles. The place has a gothic-old enchanted castle sort of feel to it. Very sexy...a little creepy...totally awesome.
Fabulous music- from r&b and hip hop to brazilian to jazz to everything. The bartender is SO nice, and so is the waitstaff.
Went on a Thursday night when it was pretty empty.
The drinks are cool- a big absinthe offering. I tried the "rain" martini and the name worked so well with the drink. So many of the of the martinis are very fragrant, and therefore pretty good. Expensive, but the cool ambiance is really what you're paying for anyway.
Definitely coming back! What a great lounge!
Finally, a real bartender/mixologist in DC who understands classic cocktails/martinis and how to give them a modern twist -- without making them sugary sweet, overwhelmingly complex, or just plain bad.
Folks, I get that the specialty martinis are expensive -- but seriously, they're unlike anything else in this city, with liquors no one else is using and offering depth to the drinks that leave you marveling at the blend of ingredients. Â And as for the Potomac Metro references, whatever. Â Somehow Georgetown has the lock on expensive, high-end or classy? Â If you want cheap and mundane, go to Adams Morgan and join the masses. Â (Seriously, the previous comment about the "audacity given the location and the economy"?! Â Are you serious, buddy?) Â Wisdom offers brilliant drinks that are worth the pricetag. Â
And yes, there is now a happy hour with more "standard" priced drinks. Â
Re: the atmosphere, glad to see there is unanimous agreement on that. Â It is such a comfortable, laid-back place that simultaneously feels hipper than most of DC. Â All without trying too hard at all.
Hats off to the owner and staff who have put a gem in a new area of the city!
When I read Patrick H.'s review, only on portion stood out, as if it were written in blinking, 52-point font: "bacon-infused Jack Daniels."
With that, I knew I would be visiting this establishment to partake of delicious Bacohol. Â Soon after skipping through the door, I learned that the bartender/owner got bored with a lot of the drinks and did away with the bacon-infused sauce. Â His attractive cousin is trying to convince him to bring it back for Spring. Â I hope he listens to her. Â
Lucky for me, Wisdom is actually a very nice place even without liquidized fat cocktails. Â I fully expect I will bring my other friends here someday, once I make some other friends. Â It's a lot like going to The Gibson, except you don't need reservations. Â It was agreeably empty (but not dead) on a Thursday night.
The space itself is dark, but cozy - there's exposed brick here and there and lots of seating options situated around a snazzy chandelier. Â The alcoves in the walls are fun too - seems like a good place to hide and makeout while the curtains are drawn. Â I wish the place were bigger - there are only three main areas, the bar, the alcove/sitting area around the chandelier and the back bar where the absinthe fountain lives. Â I can see it getting waaay too full on a weekend.
I decided to try the absinthe and it was not nearly as awful as I expected. Â Letting the water drops slowly melt your sugar adds to the ceremony, and hence, the anticipation and fun. Â Though it is a little weird that while you're drinking a $10 drop of liquor, you're also watching the server five feet away from you making appetizers in a toaster oven. Â Yes, the backbar has the absinthe fountain, but it also faces the miniature kitchen.
Another plus, when you're done pretending you're more cultured than you are, you can head next door to Trusty's. And next door to Trusty's you can get your hair put in cornrows.
Once you get over the oddity that is paying $13 for a martini a stone's throw away from the Potomac Ave metro, this place will grow on you. The atmosphere is laid back, probably a function of being out on the hill and not on U street. The clientele is incredibly friendly and talkative and the owner and his sister regularly hang out with the crowd, which adds to the cozy feeling the place has.
Great drinks and liquor selection too. A friend of mine did their Wednesday wine tasting and raved about it, though I haven't checked it out myself yet.
Here's the combination. Â Just watched a tragedy-filled movie and it's a Saturday night. What better fix can there be than a nice martini. Â So my friend and I headed over to the new bar on the Hill, Wisdom. Â Here's what we expected. A quiet, low-lit, and full of character setting, highlighted by a good bartender who just knows how to make a drink. Here's what we got. A quiet, low-lit, and full of character setting, highlighted by a darn good bartender and a friendly staff to boot. Â The owner/bartender has taken the time to create a very hip yet not-too-trendy setting and a menu of custom-mixed drinks, like the previously mentioned Ghetto Symphony (a mix of bacon-infused Jack Daniels). My only request would be that the bartender add other traditional cocktails to his menu just because I know what a Cosmo is, but often don't remember what is in it and I might just want to order it.
Either way, Wisdom is definitely worth a stop.
The Wisdom cocktail parlour is a brand new spot opened near Eastern Market that features house-prepared specialty cocktails as well as wine, beer, and even a nice selection of absinthe. The atmosphere at Wisdom is what really stands out, before you even order a drink. It features a lounge-like feel, but without that pretentious undertone. Exposed brick walls and comfortable seating, along with relaxing music that doesn't lull you to sleep, makes this a great place for conversation too.
The back bar features 4 different brands of absinthe, a rare occurrence, but worthy of your attention. The most expensive bottle goes for $10 per drink, and every glass is carefully prepared using an absinthe fountain. This classic contraption is filled with ice water and small spigots are opened to slowly drip water over a sugar cube set atop a slotted spoon on your glass, properly mixing your absinthe. A little patience is required, but the process is unique and brings out the true flavor of the drink.
And if you're a fan of whiskey and bacon, Wisdom has just the drink for you. A bacon-infused Jack Daniels Black Label on the rocks is the combination of 2 amazing tastes, and they mix together quite well.
Check this place out when you get a chance. It's new and could definitely use some word of mouth advertising.
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