L2 Lounge, Georgetown

I'm not going to be able to write this without gushing like a school girl. I LOVE L2 Lounge. That Guy at the Bar has been to L2 three times over the last couple of weeks with different groups of friends, and every time the experience has been fantastic. L2 is a private drinking lounge, like you might expect to find in London or New York, located in Cady's Alley just off M Street in Georgetown. Membership fees begin at $1,500, though $30/person will get you in on the weekends. Yes, that's steep. No, you may not be interested any longer. But read on...


Philippe Lanier, the owner, described their desire to create something unique in DC. They are in no hurry to grow the membership, preferring to attract the right mix of people to make for a diverse and interesting crowd (but never over-crowded). The lounge has a very clean, warm style blending modern furniture and multimedia with the original exposed brick and stone of Georgetown. The djs are great, creating an acoustic ambiance that lets you feel the music while still being able to carry on conversation with your friends.


But the real action is the bar. I will state this unequivocally -- L2 has the best drinks in the city. If you appreciate exotic cocktails, made carefully (not quickly) from fresh ingredients, then you owe it to yourself to try L2. My favorite drink is the Rangpur, made from Tanqueray Rangpur gin, ginger and lemongrass essence, and lime juice. The most popular drink with my friends is the Forbidden, a blend of Tanqueray Rangpur, fresh grapefruit, fresh basil, lime juice, raw sugar and fresh grapefruit juice. Watching all of the fresh ingredients carefully muddled and blended builds up alot of anticipation and the drink goes down so easy, it's not wonder how it got its name. I could go on and on about the drinks as I've had a half a dozen different cocktails, each of which are my favorites in the city. From the Green Fairy (absinthe) to the Hemingway (23year rum, champaign, mint, lime juice), to the Elderflower (Plymouth gin, elderflower syrup, lime juice, sage leaves) this is the best collection of exotic cocktails you will find.

L2 has established a the high water mark for cocktails in the city. The staff, including Leo, my new favorite bartender/mixologist in the city, are superb. Unlike some other lounges in the area, good food is available at the bar from the menu of Kafe Leopold, which is next door and owned by the same group. And the design and ambiance are excellent. The crowd can be spotty on some nights, so if you're looking for a packed lounge, you'll be disappointed. But, as the membership grows, I believe L2 will emerge as THE destination for the late night sophisticate. So, is it worth a $30 cover or a membership fee? You might say, "no" now, but try it once, either by paying cover or getting invited to one of the many events that use the space, and you may be surprised how your opinion changes.

3307 M St. NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20007
202-965-2001