To hazard a guess, Last Exit, is an unknown outpost for libations to the DC cocktail cognoscenti. However, if given proper room to grow and a steady clientele, I think Last Exit will be a sure-fire stop on the cocktail tour.

Last Exit is a speakeasy-esque cocktail bar located next to Tonic in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of DC. The entrance is an unmarked door to the left of the entrance to Tonic, though you can enter through Tonic as well.

The bar is fairly short, only accommodating about six guests. But there are plenty of other seats in the form of couches and lounge chairs. The eclectic furniture, exposed brick walls and concrete floor underscore the ambiance that you are in a clandestine speakeasy hidden from the patrons of Tonic.

Of course you really want to know how the drinks are right? Before answering that question, I need to give a little caveat. Tonic itself is not a cocktail bar. The cocktails at Last Exit are not the prime focus of the establishment. With that said, Matt the bar manager is very enthusiastic about the cocktails at Last Exit and from my observation is working hard for Last Exit to succeed.

So about those drinks . . . delicious! Our tour guide for the evening was Anthony Rivera and the lovely Ashley. Both bartenders were beyond friendly and hospitable and more so they enjoyed talking and debating the finer points of mixellany.

Their winter menu contains several hot drinks such as a gl?gg and a Root Toddy. Both were delicious and perfect to warm the cockles. Anthony made me a Martinez which was just about perfect. My final drink was my standard La Louisiane and I’m happy to report it was made just the way I like them.

I’m looking forward to more trips to Last Exit. The staff are making a big push to become another cocktail destination in DC and I see good things in their future. I don’t believe they will be an unknown outpost for very long.

Last Exit
3155 Mount Pleasant Street, NW
Washington, DC. 20010
(202) 986-7661

Cheers!