Entry No. 9 — the Washington, D.C. file — filed under: speakeasy
The Mirror
The entrance is a literal full-length mirror hanging on a basement wall next to what looks like an abandoned storefront — pull it aside and it swings open into a 55-seat Prohibition-styled den three blocks from the White House.
The story
Three blocks from the White House on K Street—a strip usually defined by lobbying firms and corporate glass—an unmarked basement stairwell leads down off the sidewalk. At the bottom, right next to a shuttered storefront, sits a full-length mirror hanging flat against the basement wall. Find the frame, pull, and the mirror swings open on heavy hinges into a 55-seat underground drinking den.
Inside, the space bypasses modern mixology theater in favor of a low-lit, Prohibition-style layout lined with leather booths. The bar menu leans into classic, spirit-forward builds: Aviations made with gin and violette, Bobby Burns stirred with scotch and Bénédictine, and classic Boulevardiers and Sazeracs served beneath the noise of Downtown DC.
What it's like
Head down the unmarked exterior stairs at 1413 K St NW and look for the mirror mounted on the wall. Pull the frame outward to step directly into the room. With only 55 seats and a zero-reservation policy, finding a leather booth on weekends can take a wait; arriving early on a weeknight is your best move. Claim a booth, order a classic cocktail, and confirm their current opening hours before heading out.
The move: Walk down the unmarked stairwell together and race to spot the hinge on the mirror before pulling it open, then claim a leather booth for Sazeracs and Old Fashioneds.
- 📍 Downtown DC (McPherson Square)
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1413 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Eaton Wellness (Eaton DC) — Unwind two blocks away at Eaton's wellness floor before slipping into a dark underground booth.
- Zero Milestone — Inspect the granite block intended as the starting point for measuring all American highway distances before heading into the basement.
- Waldorf Astoria Washington DC — Himalayan Salt Therapy Room — Pair a session in the pink salt room inside the historic Old Post Office building with classic cocktails three blocks from the White House.
Good to know
How do I find the entrance?
Walk down the basement stairwell at 1413 K St NW next to the seemingly abandoned storefront. Look for the full-length mirror hanging on the wall and pull it open.
Does The Mirror take reservations?
No. The bar operates strictly on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis.
What kind of drinks do they serve?
The menu focuses on classic cocktails, including the Aviation, Bobby Burns, Boulevardier, Old Fashioned, and Sazerac.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · secretdc.com · themarissadaily.com
last checked: 2026-07-19