National Democratic Club

National Democratic Club deserves at least a 4 star for its unique experience. I had a chance to come here for lunch today (SO SAD I didn’t have my phone with me to take pictures and check in! gaaaaa), and it was a very pleasant surprise.
This is a membership only place and you see these politicians’ portraits all over over the wall, so you do feel a little privileged to dine in here.
The atmosphere is comfortable and semi-​luxurious with dark leather chairs.
The menu is pretty simple American. Most people seemed to be having club sandwiches ($ 14), burgers, etc. My bosses ordered club sandwiches and meatloaf dish. I ordered Thursday’s special (they have daily specials), which was Ham & Brie Panini. You can choose one side (cole slaw, fries, sweet potato fries, fresh fruits, etc) with your dish.
The dish came with one pickle, and it was a generous portion. My panini was actually very good for the price ($ 12), and the brie cheese was super hot and oozing out of the bread. YUM. The Ham was sliced thickly (almost like Canadian ham style) and it was delicious!!! Bread was toasted almost to the crunchy level, and I enjoyed my dish very much.
I would like to come back to this place if I ever get another chance to do so. People who are dining next to you will be some members of congress, ambassador, diplomats, etc etc. I mean, this is DC, so it will be nothing special to run into a famous politician, but it is still a little cool. :)

I came here as a guest when I worked on the Hill, and I ended up joining this year. It’s a little expensive to get started, but I find this club to be excellent.
After you visit the club a few times, the day bartender Diane and the evening bartender Joseph know your names. All the wait staff is polite, prompt and discreet. They don’t bother you if you’re talking business and they will come by if they see you are out of wine or water. The drinks are discounted (and strong!) and the building is well-​appointed. I also have a private, locked humidor where I can keep my cigars.
This isn’t a five-​star restaurant, but it is a quiet, private place where you can relax when you’re on the Hill. I will be coming here for many years!

Admittedly it has been a while since I’ve been to the Club. However, as many other reviewers have said the food is good and the alcohol is better. It’s not uncommon to be dining and see some of the Washington Who’s Who come in for a bite after time at the DNC or up on the Hill.

Came here for a graduation party in honor of a husband and wife. Apparently, you can rent this place for your own private party.
Nice little place with pictures of Democrats all around. Well, a little overkill, if you ask me.
Bartender was nice and friendly. No one complained about their drinks. The food, satisfactory. I will tell you one thing. Their jumbo shrimps ain’t no lie. They were truly jumbo!

Actually Max, Republicans used to flock here in droves (unfortunately) since it was one of the few places that was still allowed cigars under the smoking ban.
But now, mostly Dems. Yes, it’s fun to witness «CSPAN-​after dark». Especially while watching a game.
Great food. But nothing truly spectacular.
I was, however, overly impressed with the quality of the drinks. Reminds me of the good old days working the clubs and events in LA. (sigh)
And it explains why everyone is so, well, ‘liberal’ with their speech at the NDC.

Veer *left* off Ivy Street into the National Democratic Club, where the alcohol flows liberally, the food is family farm raised, and the labor is union. A great place to see and be seen; political fans are sure to rub elbows with their favorite Members (just don’t rub your member — that would be impolite!). Be sure to make it to the once monthly sKaraoke to see a completely different side of these CSPAN hams.

I can’t imagine that there is a bar in DC that could be more political! I didn’t go on election night but I imagine it was a riot — especially this year. The nice interior and standard pub fare is great, conservative or liberal, although I can’t imagine too many Republicans frequent this left «leaning» establishment.