Bring a book to this weekend gathering, where bartender Chantal Tseng creates beverages inspired by featured authors and literary themes. Recent offerings include the sherry-, vermouth-, and orange oil-laced Alfonsa’s Manipulation inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s The Border Trilogy, and Sal’s Aunt, a gin-fueled tipple inspired by Jack Kerouac’s On The Road.

Some walk-in traffic is welcome on Wednesdays and Thursdays (first come, first serve), but the best way to claim one of the 20 seats at Jack Rose's underground cocktail haven is to work the phones (202-607-1572) and book a reservation. Each seating time is limited to two-and-a-half hours.

From the outside, this low-key establishment doesn’t seem to exist as there’s no clear signage to lead the way. Once inside, the space is warm and hospitable with a wide range of cocktails sporting names like “Boi Bye” and “The Man I Forgot I Loved.”

Even those familiar with Logan Circle may have missed this sliver-sized bar specializing in cocktails such as the "Lola Sour" (campari, tequila, volcanic sea salt), and "Release the Kraken!" (tequila, lemon, honey).

“Hidden” behind a fake freezer door, customers can enjoy one of the many choice whiskies served inside the 50 person bar after 5 p.m. Prices range from $7 for a pour of Evan Williams Black to $28 for a Glen Scotia Victoriana single malt.

Hidden beneath Georgetown’s Graham hotel, this swanky enclosure is only accessible by a typed code, given to guests upon arriving for their reservation. Live jazz fills the air on weekends, while bartenders whip up drinks including gin-and-tonics served in tiny porcelain bathtubs, sake-vodka coolers, and a cure-all ginger/honey/Scotch concoction dubbed "Penicillin."

Across the street from a fire station, one is able to find an old-school cocktail bar tucked away in the lower level of 600 F Street NW. The dimly lit, intimate space offers an array of whiskies and cocktails that are either shaken or stirred. Expect prices at or around $14.It opens at 4:30 p.m.. Monday through Saturday, with a full dinner menu served until 11:30 p.m.; closing times vary.

This 1920s-style speakeasy above Acqua Al 2 in Eastern Market is super hush-hush— drinkers have to know it's there. There's seating for around 30 inside. The menu features light fare like charcuterie and sweets like cheesecake.

This Alexandria speakeasy has a hidden entrance inside sister restaurant Sugar Shack Donuts. Find the 24-seat space (hint: the door is covered by wooden paneling) but expect to only be able to stay for a couple of hours. Reservations can be made ahead of time for up to six people on OpenTable; walk-ins often end up on a wait list and are contacted when a table opens up.

A blue light indicates this iconic Alexandria speakeasy is open for business. Once inside, kick back and allow founder Todd Thrasher and his team of drink gurus to lead a flavorful journey featuring vintage cocktails, seasonal punches, and sparkling surprises. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.