The Early Word on Capitol Hill Speakeasy Harold Black

Speakeasy Harold Black has been open since late December. It's a bar from the owners of Acqua Al 2 and Suna, and tries to operate as one — you need reservations, and it's hard to find a phone number. As a result, there isn't a whole lot of chatter about the place online yet. But what have the early attendees learned about Harold Black? Here's the first comments on the bar's interior, menu and cocktails.

The Unique Liquors News: The Hill is Home is impressed with the obscure spirits used at Harold Black. "Cocktails are creative and use ingredients this writer doesn't often see on bar menus. My Bon Chrétien made with pear eau de vie, ginger, and maple was carefully created and delicious (note that these drinks take time to make, so don't arrive in a rush)...Other creative takes on traditional fare like gin and tonic or champagne cocktails get new twists with unique ingredients." [THIH]

The Gatsby Would Approve News: Girl Meets Food appreciates the location's decor. "Until you round the bend. Unfinished walls, four soft aged-leather booths, an equally cushiony bar for imbibing elbows–it is dark, masculine and electrifying.  You're either in a speak or Jay Gatsby's unfinished attic.  Even the bathrooms are beautiful." [GMF]

The Cozy Interior News: UrbanDaddy has this to say about the decor: "Like a 1920s speakeasy, it resembles someone's living room. So you and your date can expect funny angles, intimate little nooks, a few French-industrial fixtures and plenty of books." [UD]

The Twitter News: @BrunchGirl is a fan, sending this Tweet: "Got to check out the new Harold Black on Cap Hill with @TheMadameMeow. I think we'll definitely be going back! [Twitter]

The Boon for the Neighborhood News: Harold Black only has two reviews on Yelp, including this one from Venu N.: "If you have any appreciation for the art of cocktails, this bar should move right up to the top of your destinations.  If you live in Capitol Hill South, then you should rejoice in what clearly is a gem of an addition to our neighborhood." [Yelp]

The Solid Sazerac News: Yelper Marc D. gives Harold Black four stars. "Pretty good sazerac but amazing specialty tequila cocktail with egg and cream.  Mocktail for my expecting wife was superb. Cool setting with barn door at hidden entrance. Laid back non pretentious feel with solid mixology." [Yelp]

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