by James R.

exactly my type of place.* awesome, super nice staff* dark, cozy, quiet space - unusual furniture, alcoves, etc.* great drinks (maybe just a tad expensive)* attention to detail - individual volume controls in the alcoves, for example - so nice will definitely be back next time I'm in town

by Amizu W.

I really wanted to like this place.  I liked it on paper for sure.  I liked the dark, loungy decor.  And the drinks were good.  But it is so ridiculously overpriced that I will probably never go back.  I was with a bunch of people - some big drinkers among us - who like cocktails and don't mind paying when appropriate, but we couldn't stop talking about the audacity of the pricing, given the location and the economy and, well, the drinks themselves.  We just didn't feel like we were getting a good value.  To add insult to injury, the bar staff were inattentive and didn't even try to be friendly, even though besides our party there was probably only one other couple in the place.  Caveat: I went there in December.  It sounds like there may be some cheaper options on the menu now.  Which is a good thing.  I may be able to persuade my friends to give it another try - maybe.

by Amanda K.

Went to try it out a few weeks ago and what a surprise.  The place a bit dark and Victorian, maybe to go with their absinthe service, but cozy with seating set up for conversation.  The waiter was really nice, and the drinks were really good.  Drinks were unexpectedly as expensive as you'd expect from some pretentious lounge in NW; unfortunately, rents are high here too, so it makes sense.  Despite that, I want to see them stay and I like what they're doing, so I'll definately return.  They will loose all their TV-watching and beer-drinking business to Trusty's bar, which is only 2 doors down.  But while there are a lot of fun average dive-y and drink-y bars like Trusty's around, this is the only real lounge around NE or SE Capitol Hill neighborhoods, and a great addition to the area.  I hope they make it!

by Lacy S.

Really loved this place!  Has the same vibe and creative drinks as The Gibson, but without all the hassle.  The drinks were fantastic (especially the Artini winner, the Tortoise and the Bare) and the service was friendly and quick.  I particularly liked sitting at the bar and talking to the bartender/owner, who can help you select drinks based on your preferences.  We also had the hot dogs, which are pretty much just huge pigs in a blanket and are delicious! The only downside was the drink prices.  I expected them to be higher due to the liquors used and the time to make them, but the regular martinis run $13, compared to $10 at The Gibson.  Still though, a great place to go if you're looking to have a couple of well made drinks!

by Jeremy B.

A blessing for an emerging neighborhood.  Great drinks, yummy food- and a friendly and knowledgeable owner.  A nice place in the 'hood, for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

by Matt T.

I went back to Wisdom this weekend and I was again very impressed with the quality of the drinks.  I ordered a Sazerac, which was impeccably balanced with just the right amount of Absinthe.  After a recent visit to the Gibson, I think the drinks here are a tad better.  And the atmosphere is even more intimate than the Gibson, without the hassle of making a reservation or standing outside waiting to get in.  Great service, great drinks, and easily accessible (via the Potomac metro).  Next time I visit I will have to order the bacon-infused whiskey, which is back by popular demand. I stopped in here with a friend a few weekends ago and enjoyed the experience.  It is a small place,…

by Patrick H.

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.

by amanda w.

Wisdom is now doing Trivia Night on Thursdays at 7:30.  Beer specials and free wings on the inaugural night...TONIGHT!!!  Come out and show your smarts!!

by Susan F.

Here's the combination.  Just watched a tragedy-filled movie and it's a Saturday night. What better fix can there be than a nice martini.  So my friend and I headed over to the new bar on the Hill, Wisdom.  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.  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.

by Chris T.

I'd say Wisdom is a solid 3-star place. I haven't been knocked off my socks like at other cocktail bars, but I'd say that Wisdom is a sound addition to the DC nightlife scene. The location is a bit out of the way, but that's alright because it means Wisdom retains a bit of individuality and is very laid back and serene. It lacks the pretentiousness that is often purposely overdone at some cocktail bars which is refreshing. I think the environment of the place is probably the best attribute; it's a great option to go and relax away from the crowds of AdMo, U St, or DuPont. It makes a good first stop of the night to taste a few cocktails as a dessert before getting crazy or as the last stop to wind down the night.The absinthe and beer selections are worthwhile, but I found the cocktails to be a bit underwhelming. Maybe I'm just spoiled from having visited high-end cocktail bars in other cities where the creativity is mind-blowing (you know, when you look at a cocktail ingredient list and wonder how it could possibly taste good, but it is phenomenal), but the few cocktails I've had at Wisdom just didn't seem as revelatory as others I have had. Spending ten to fifteen bucks on one drink isn't a problem if it is a superlative concoction, but I didn't feel like the cocktails at Wisdom were worth the price. Maybe as business [hopefully] picks up, they'll refine their offerings and I'll be able to find something that really pleases me.The service has been average, neither exceptional nor bad. But given the price for 4 ounces of drink, one should expect it to be consistently great. I guess I sort of feel that the lack of cocktail bars in DC will allow Wisdom to maintain good business and might be responsible for the immediate hype of the place. I hope they don't just rest on their laurels and continue with the status quo because that is how cocktail bars die a quick death. If Wisdom continually update their creations and make a commitment to superior service, I don't doubt it could become a premier destination in the city. But at this point--though I'll make return visits from time to time--I don't think it has reached that level.

by Sarah K.

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.

by Heidi B.

Loved this place, heard about it through word of mouth and decided to give it a try.  The drinks range between $5-15 for a beer/glass of wine/signature drink which while a little on the pricey side for the location (next to the Potomac Ave metro) are entirely worth it. The ambiance is incredible - very loungey with comfy couches encircling low tables or nooks with couches that allow you to close the curtain for some privacy if you're with a small group.Try the saketini - it's crisp and unique and comes with a slice of cucumber. The wine list is m'eh but interesting - the prosecco is worth a try. The beer list is nothing special but has a couple of organic beers on it worth giving a try. The Peanut Butter and Jelly martini is incredible. Has a hint of strawberry but finishes with an aftertaste of peanut butter. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, the bartender is incredible and for a Saturday night - the atmosphere was just right for people who want to hang out in a lounge like atmosphere without the crowds of U Street.

by Christopher C.

Wisdom is a fantastic addition to Hill East.  Most reviews have focused on Widom's cocktails and absinthe, which although excellent, are not all they serve.  They also have two excellent beers on tap:  Affligem Blond, from Belgium, and Ayinger Celebrator Dopplebock from Germany.  Drafts are $5 on Thursday nights till 8pm.  Amongst the cocktails, Pears of Wisdom, made with pear vodka and elderflower liqeur imported directly from England, is the standout.

by Christopher M.

Very nice cocktail lounge with an awesome menu and incredible ambiance! I had the Manuka Mule, Rain, and Pears Of Wisdom and they were all amazing. The space is very...ecclectic, in the positive sense; it's filled with a bunch of nooks and it's dimly lit which gives it a really cozy charming feel. I also like the cocktail guide they thought up, it's handy and spot on.

by Justin S.

Wisdom is the sort of lounge I'm really into.  The crowd is very chill, the space is intimate, and the music might as well be off my college playlist.  If you're into candle-light, trip hop, jazz vocal remixes, and secluded conversation space, Wisdom's got it going on.I've been here 3 times now though, and I'm slightly skeptical of their theme.  Wisdom's prime drink feature is Absinthe (or at least what is now legally called Absinthe in the USA).  The 1st time I ordered it, I was served with proper procedure... there's cultural rules to follow with absinthe similar in nature to serving a bottle of wine.  For the unfamiliar, absinthe is usually served straight up in a clear glass.  It's color is slightly green and quite clear.  A sugar cube is placed over a slotted spoon that rests on top of the glass.  Water is then dripped slowly onto the sugar and into the glass.  As this happens, the absinthe will turn from a clear liquid to a milky white.  It's a fun process to watch and is a large portion of the drinks appeal.Unfortunately the second time I came here, the cocktail waitress just poured the water in the cup at our table and left in all of about 6 seconds.  It was extremely disappointing... I was out with a friend who had never seen the process before.  After having hyped it up, I was pretty ashamed at the result we were given.The third time I came here the waitress didn't bother with the process at all.  She just brought the pre-watered drinks to our table.  If I'd been in more comfortable company, I'd have demanded they all go back.  Such treatment is rude and uncalled for at a place that supposedly is themed around the beverage.On my most recent trip, I stuck with gin and tonics.  I asked the bartender what gin was part of the happy hour special... he gave me Bombay Sapphire.  Quite pleased, I sipped on Bombay for the rest of the evening and encouraged my friends to do the same.  They did.  When our checks came, none of our drinks were at happy hour price.  When I asked for the fix, the waitress explained that nothing I ordered counted for happy hour.  I found that a bit odd since I didn't even ask for a specific drink... I asked for a happy hour drink and I accepted what I was served.  She "fixed" the problem by removing one of my drinks, which didn't quite make up the difference (since the happy hour special was really good), but didn't fix my friends, some of which had already cashed out and left.  As a group, we were drastically overcharged and the problem was not resolved.  I consider this an epic bar fail.  At no point should a bartender offer drinks at one price, and then raise the cost when the check comes due, that's trashy and irresponsible behavior.  Wisdom is too nice an establishment for patrons to be expected to put up with crap like that....so Wisdom gets a generous 3 stars. 5 for having a great atmosphere and fun drink menu, but -2 for having some severe staff issues. (honestly, if I didn't like the space and drinks so much, I'd be really pissed about things so far)  If you go, be sure to double-check your bill and don't expect proper protocol with your absinthe.

by Kelly B.

I love this place! Walking in you're not sure what to expect but once you enter you are transported somewhere inbetween cozy and Phantom's layer.  There are alcoves along the wall to sit in or if you choose to sit on the large couches, someone will come along and light the chandelier creating just enough light to see the menu.  Which is why you may think it's the lighting playing tricks on you when you see a $13 martini but a very well-done martini it is.  The variety of absinthe is also a fun treat with a similar uniquness as a hookah.The food is good, not your typical bar food but pricey and not a lot of it.  I love their events and just wish I had more time to go to them!

by Ronnie C.

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.  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.  His attractive cousin is trying to convince him to bring it back for Spring.  I hope he listens to her.  Lucky for me, Wisdom is actually a very nice place even without liquidized fat cocktails.  I fully expect I will bring my real friends here someday, once I make some real friends.  It's a lot like going to The Gibson, except you don't need reservations.  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.  The alcoves in the walls are fun too - seems like a good place to hide and makeout while the curtains are drawn.  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.  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.  Letting the water drops slowly melt your sugar adds to the ceremony, and hence, the anticipation and fun.  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.  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.

by Jaemie D.

I never heard of this place until a friend invited me out for a rum tasting hosted here.  It's kinda tucked away in Captiol Hill and we got a little lost trying to find it, but I am glad we did!  The place is a dark, cozy dimly lit bar with the right atmosphere to enjoy a nice cocktail.  Even though upon arriving it appeared to be small, there were interesting alcoves and booths along the sides that created more room and actually a nice quieter space so you don't have to raise your voice to converse.  While I regrettably did not have the winning Artini cocktail, their drink list looked intriguing and different.  I ordered the crab dip which was deliciously creamy and had huge chunks of crab which is always refreshing to get when so many other "crab" dips leave me wondering if they just put in crab flavoring instead of real crabmeat.  Anyway, this a great place and will hopefully get a chance to go there again.

by Yasmeen A.

A shiny spot in the otherwise still-emerging Potomac Ave stretch, Wisdom has all the makings of a super chill spot to drink cerebral cocktails (and mocktails, if you please!). Moroccan lamps, dim lighting and tucked-away booths make patrons feel warmly welcomed and undeniably cool.I ordered the Professor, a tropical concoction with fresh coconut water, flesh and cherry vodka. Delish and elegantly less sweet than expected. They have a brief but impressive list of high-quality absinthe, which my friends ordered and very much enjoyed. The only disappointment came in the presentation -- now that absinthe is available in the US, we should be pouring with panache, no? Isn't the joy of absinthe that slow, sensual drip over the sugar cube, watching it mysteriously cloud into your cup? A quick show would knock it up to 5 stars.

by Swinnon S.

We have now been to Wisdom a couple of times.  We technically give it 3 1/2 stars, but see great potential for the full four. On our first trip there, we had a wonderful, enthusiastic, but not annoying in the least bit, waiter. He made us feel right at home -- even as one of us insisted in ordering off the menu (ahem...). That night, the order-off-the-menuer even had a nice conversation with the incredibly friendly, bartender/owner. Since then, we've had a nice waitress, not quite as patient with us, but very nice. Our drinks have been good to great. We've taken friends. The vibe is pretty mellow, not at all scene-y. You can wander on in and feel right at home. Our only complaints are: a) the bathrooms are pretty icky, and b) the seating in the "booth"/nooks is n'ere to comfy, unless you are a posture-wary, super-erect stiff.  The drinks, though, wonderful.  Especially the "Ghetto Symphony" (not sure why it's named the way it is).  The bacon infused bourbon had my mouth watering just from the smell of the bacon.  They just need to make sure too much ice isn't added.  And they know know how to make a proper Manhattan (our drink off the menu).  We did not order "bourbon" and the rye was a welcome surprise.  We write this review after a night spent in our regular hood up here on "H;" realizing we need more people to gain a little more Wisdom...

by Mary R.

I found this place out of necessity, I needed a place to grab a drink and because I was tired of waiting for my friend to pick me up from the Potomac Ave metro station. I found this place thanks to Yelp app on my phone and was very pleased with what I found. This place is very reminiscent of my favorite Seattle Bar, Sun Liquor. They make neoclassical cocktails and use fresh juices. These are always good things. The atmosphere and people were delightful and my French 75 was pretty damn good. I will definitely be returning the next time I found my self in this part of the District

by Brendan F.

Wisdom is what you will attain if you visit one of the better additions to the DC bar/lounge scene. They've done a great job of creating an atmosphere that is conducive to long chats over very well crafted drinks. I especially love the small private spaces with individual volume controls. For those that think this location is a turn off, it's not. The bar is literally a 30 second walk to the metro and it's only a few hundred yards from Eastern Market. Don't let it stop you from taking part in an excellent drinking experience.As far as drinks go, you won't be disappointed if you order one (or two) of the Capt Jack's (Green) Sparrow. I think I saw the green fairy but she ran away before I could make a positive ID.

by Vonetta Y.

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!

by Venu N.

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.  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.  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.  Wisdom should be lauded for their efforts to be highly inclusive through their offering of a number of interesting non-alcoholic beverages.  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.  I would certainly rank the flavor, complexity, and most importantly, the quality of ingredients, well above the overrated cocktails served at the Gibson.  The bartender on our particular night even tried his hand at a Lynchburg Lemonade, replete with fresh lemons.  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.  The bar is quite out of the way, and it is hard to transition from there to Trusty's Full Serve (two blocks away).  It would probably work best for a couple of drinks with close friends on a weeknight.  It would also double as a fine moderately casual date spot.  If you live in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market/H St NE corridor, this is certainly worth your time.

by Tara L.

I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Wisdom. The bar seems to have a lot of neighborhood regulars - all delightful and comfortable in the dim-lit atmosphere.  On a Wednesday evening,  most seats were taken at the front bar - many of them middle-aged gentleman mingling and socializing.  There were also a lot of much younger, small groups of men and women hanging out at tables, chatting over wine and creative mixed drinks. There are also some really cool "private" seating areas.  Not "private" in the VIP sense...but private in the "I can get a lil heavier on the PDA after a few drinks and not offend others because they can't see me behind this little curtain" kind of way.  Do you feel me?  Let's refer to these spaces as "cozy nooks" (because I'm still not sure what a cranny is).  Needless to say I was intrigued by these nooks and fought the urge to poke my nose in to unveil what was behind curtain number 1, 2 and 3!Hmmm...what to order ...what to order.  If only they had some kind of semi-scientific drink chart to help guide me.  Oh wait - they do!! After reviewing the drink chart, I settled on the "Wealthy Missionary"  - a ginger and peach infused martini accented with candied ginger on the end of the toothpick. It was taaaasty and went down oh-so-smoothly.  Dangerous! They also had a drink called 'Ghetto Symphany" which is some sort of combo of bacon and whisky.  Bacon is cool. Whiskey is great. Bacon and whiskey...why not?!They also have a selection of absinthe that will give you the "one -two punch", so watch out! If you're still standing, watch out for a left hook when you get your bill. Drinks are pretty damn pricey.Overall, a nice change of pace. There is a lot of creativity here in the midst of this laid back atmosphere.

by Melanie V.

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.

by Kelly G.

Is it _really_ wise to get a third round of cocktails (after the pre- and post- game bevs at Nationals Stadium) on a Friday night? It is if you get 'em at Wisdom. This kitschy lil spot, unexpected in its area of town, is (cocktail-wise) a Raines Law Room wannabe, no a PX wannabe, no a Gibson wannabe. Only it doesn't have all of the cloak dagger mystery entry. On my two visits, I sat at the bar, and can only rate the experience from there. Fri, I talked Dom into making the Kentucky 623 for me. It was just as tasty as I remembered it from Policy. Each time I visited, I noticed the water dripper (used to dilute absinthe) and each time I've said to myself "Dang, I should have ordered an Absinthe!" Next time. We tried the Haute Dogs. They were $8 worth of tasty lil phyllo dough wrapped hot dog pieces. The mustard dip was good, too. I could have eaten the entire order by myself. Wisdom. A good bar/lounge in an up coming neighborhood. I'm a fan.

by Kelly G.Melanie V.Tara L.

Is it _really_ wise to get a third round of cocktails (after the pre- and post- game bevs at Nationals Stadium) on a Friday night? It is if you get 'em at Wisdom. This kitschy lil spot, unexpected in its area of town, is (cocktail-wise) a Raines Law Room wannabe, no a PX wannabe, no a Gibson wannabe. Only it doesn't have all of the cloak dagger mystery entry. On my two visits, I sat at the bar, and can only rate the experience from there. Fri, I talked Dom into making the Kentucky 623 for me. It was just as tasty as I remembered it from Policy. Each time I visited, I noticed the water dripper (used to dilute absinthe) and each time I've said to myself "Dang, I should have ordered an Absinthe!" Next time. We tried the Haute Dogs. They were $8 worth of tasty lil phyllo dough wrapped hot dog pieces. The mustard dip was good, too. I could have eaten the entire order by myself. Wisdom. A good bar/lounge in an up coming neighborhood. I'm a fan.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.I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Wisdom. The bar seems to have a lot of neighborhood regulars - all delightful and comfortable in the dim-lit atmosphere.  On a Wednesday evening,  most seats were taken at the front bar - many of them middle-aged gentleman mingling and socializing.  There were also a lot of much younger, small groups of men and women hanging out at tables, chatting over wine and creative mixed drinks. There are also some really cool "private" seating areas.  Not "private" in the VIP sense...but private in the "I can get a lil heavier on the PDA after a few drinks and not offend others because they can't see me behind this little curtain" kind of way.  Do you feel me?  Let's refer to these spaces as "cozy nooks" (because I'm still not sure what a cranny is).  Needless to say I was intrigued by these nooks and fought the urge to poke my nose in to unveil what was behind curtain number 1, 2 and 3!Hmmm...what to order ...what to order.  If only they had some kind of semi-scientific drink chart to help guide me.  Oh wait - they do!! After reviewing the drink chart, I settled on the "Wealthy Missionary"  - a ginger and peach infused martini accented with candied ginger on the end of the toothpick. It was taaaasty and went down oh-so-smoothly.  Dangerous! They also had a drink called 'Ghetto Symphany" which is some sort of combo of bacon and whisky.  Bacon is cool. Whiskey is great. Bacon and whiskey...why not?!They also have a selection of absinthe that will give you the "one -two punch", so watch out! If you're still standing, watch out for a left hook when you get your bill. Drinks are pretty damn pricey.Overall, a nice change of pace. There is a lot of creativity here in the midst of this laid back atmosphere.

by Kelly G.Melanie V.Tara L.Venu N.Vonetta Y.

Is it _really_ wise to get a third round of cocktails (after the pre- and post- game bevs at Nationals Stadium) on a Friday night? It is if you get 'em at Wisdom. This kitschy lil spot, unexpected in its area of town, is (cocktail-wise) a Raines Law Room wannabe, no a PX wannabe, no a Gibson wannabe. Only it doesn't have all of the cloak dagger mystery entry. On my two visits, I sat at the bar, and can only rate the experience from there. Fri, I talked Dom into making the Kentucky 623 for me. It was just as tasty as I remembered it from Policy. Each time I visited, I noticed the water dripper (used to dilute absinthe) and each time I've said to myself "Dang, I should have ordered an Absinthe!" Next time. We tried the Haute Dogs. They were $8 worth of tasty lil phyllo dough wrapped hot dog pieces. The mustard dip was good, too. I could have eaten the entire order by myself. Wisdom. A good bar/lounge in an up coming neighborhood. I'm a fan.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.I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Wisdom. The bar seems to have a lot of neighborhood regulars - all delightful and comfortable in the dim-lit atmosphere.  On a Wednesday evening,  most seats were taken at the front bar - many of them middle-aged gentleman mingling and socializing.  There were also a lot of much younger, small groups of men and women hanging out at tables, chatting over wine and creative mixed drinks. There are also some really cool "private" seating areas.  Not "private" in the VIP sense...but private in the "I can get a lil heavier on the PDA after a few drinks and not offend others because they can't see me behind this little curtain" kind of way.  Do you feel me?  Let's refer to these spaces as "cozy nooks" (because I'm still not sure what a cranny is).  Needless to say I was intrigued by these nooks and fought the urge to poke my nose in to unveil what was behind curtain number 1, 2 and 3!Hmmm...what to order ...what to order.  If only they had some kind of semi-scientific drink chart to help guide me.  Oh wait - they do!! After reviewing the drink chart, I settled on the "Wealthy Missionary"  - a ginger and peach infused martini accented with candied ginger on the end of the toothpick. It was taaaasty and went down oh-so-smoothly.  Dangerous! They also had a drink called 'Ghetto Symphany" which is some sort of combo of bacon and whisky.  Bacon is cool. Whiskey is great. Bacon and whiskey...why not?!They also have a selection of absinthe that will give you the "one -two punch", so watch out! If you're still standing, watch out for a left hook when you get your bill. Drinks are pretty damn pricey.Overall, a nice change of pace. There is a lot of creativity here in the midst of this laid back atmosphere.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.  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.  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.  Wisdom should be lauded for their efforts to be highly inclusive through their offering of a number of interesting non-alcoholic beverages.  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.  I would certainly rank the flavor, complexity, and most importantly, the quality of ingredients, well above the overrated cocktails served at the Gibson.  The bartender on our particular night even tried his hand at a Lynchburg Lemonade, replete with fresh lemons.  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.  The bar is quite out of the way, and it is hard to transition from there to Trusty's Full Serve (two blocks away).  It would probably work best for a couple of drinks with close friends on a weeknight.  It would also double as a fine moderately casual date spot.  If you live in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market/H St NE corridor, this is certainly worth your time.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!