This Iconic NYC Cocktail Bar Has Just Launched in Washington, D.C.—Take a Sneak Peek Inside

Celebrated New York City cocktail venue Death & Co has opened its latest location in Washington, D.C. this week, revitalizing the former Columbia Room with plush blue-velvet booths and a stunning marble bar, where guests can enjoy top-tier spirits.

Death & Co first opened in New York in 2006 and has since branched out to Denver in 2018, then Los Angeles in 2019, and now to the capital of the nation.

“We have always envisioned opening in D.C.,” shared David Kaplan, founder and co-owner of Death & Co, with Dinogo. “The city has consistently inspired us with its rich history, depth, and vibrant food and drink scene. There’s a unique energy here that’s hard to replicate, and we aspire to honor it.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Death & Co in D.C.

The culinary and cocktail offerings at Death & Co in Washington, D.C.

The menu boasts 28 cocktails, with many set to rotate seasonally. Drinks are categorized by profile, such as “Zero Proof,” “Light & Playful,” “Elegant & Timeless,” “Boozy & Honest,” and “Rich & Comforting.”

Two standout creations include the “Coconut Jam” (a twist on a Piña Colada featuring rye whiskey, horseradish, apple, and coconut) and the “Hot Sauce Committee” (combining Arette Blanco tequila, raspberry brandy, Campari, hot sauce, and lime).

“The menu reflects our overarching philosophy: while all drinks are rooted in the classics, we leverage their structure and accessibility to introduce innovative techniques and highlight unique spirits,” explained Matthew Belanger, the bar manager responsible for the D.C. menu. “We aim to provide guests with a straightforward entry point to each drink, but once they dive in, the cocktail should unfold new and exciting nuances of flavor and ingredients.”

Many of Death & Co’s signature cocktails, like the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned, aren’t listed on the official menu. However, bartenders are happy to accommodate special requests. A selection of local beers, ciders, and wines is also available.

In addition to drinks, Death & Co features a tapas-inspired food menu with items such as marinated olives (infused with rosemary, coriander, and citrus), a crudité platter (including vegetables, labneh, sumac, and lemon herbs), caviar service (served with potato chips, crème fraîche, chives, and a shot of Akvavit), and “Uncle Wes’ Drunken Cookies” (freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies made with banana liqueur and accompanied by a glass of milk).

The fresh design and ambiance of Death & Co

The latest Death & Co location takes over the acclaimed Columbia Room, which, during its 12 years of operation, earned numerous accolades for its cocktail offerings, including the 2017 Spirited Award for “Best American Cocktail Bar” from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.

“By revitalizing Columbia Room and infusing it with the essence of Death & Co, we are dedicated to providing an outstanding guest experience while honoring the legacy of one of the finest bars in the nation,” stated Kaplan.

Guests familiar with the Columbia Room may be surprised by the transformation. Death & Co removed walls to enhance the space's openness, introducing new furnishings such as a marble bar, plush velvet booths in deep green and blue, gold accents, and wooden slats on the ceiling—a nod to Death & Co's original East Village venue. They did preserve a notable piece of art: a mosaic that stretches along the right wall, which co-owner Devon Tarby says pays tribute to its predecessor.

“The mosaic is not only stunning, but it also signifies a crucial chapter in D.C.'s cocktail bar history, and we wanted to honor that as we embark on this new phase for the space,” said Tarby.

The D.C. venue features 84 indoor seats, including 15 at the bar, and an additional 52 on the outdoor patio—this alfresco option is a first for Death & Co. The complete menu is accessible throughout the space.

What’s next on the horizon for Death & Co?

The Death & Co team is already looking toward Seattle, aiming to launch their fifth location there in 2024.

Visiting Death & Co Washington, D.C.

Death & Co D.C. is open from 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and until 1 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday. A limited number of reservations can be made through Tock, but walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Cocktails begin at $18.