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Fri / Feb 26
Party Earth Review Situated just two blocks from the White House and guarded by a saluting five-foot Native American statue, Shelly’s Back Room is one of only a handful of DC establishments where folks can still get together for an indoor... ... read full review
1331 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
Blue, Orange, Red Lines: Metro Center
202–737–3003
M–Th 11:30am–2am, F 11:30am–3am, Sa noon–3am, Su noon–1am
DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, DC –
Situated just two blocks from the White House and guarded by a saluting five-foot Native American statue, Shelly’s Back Room is one of only a handful of DC establishments where folks can still get together for an indoor smoke without suffering the evil eye from suburban yoga moms and soy milk-drinking herbivores.
In fact, just behind the red door, politicians and diplomats relax on club chairs and sofas to sip Willett Bourbon Whiskey and puff away on smoldering Ashtons, unapologetically blowing gray circles of smoke into the air.
Framed cigar boxes give a nod to the same premium brands for sale in the display case, which are frequently paired with the bar’s excellent selection of rare bourbons, whiskeys, and wines.
Both cigar connoisseurs and novices cull through the lengthy tobacco menu before settling into the lounge, where they join international travelers, after-work regulars, and savvy young politicos pulling their favorite stogies from one of the two hundred personal humidors.
Although Shelly’s Back Room also offers a small but hearty selection of American dishes, the obvious draw for the mostly male crowd is the chance to enjoy a guilt-free smoke in an upscale and relaxed setting.
A mostly male mix of young professionals, politicians, judges, cops, DC interns, and international travelers, late 20s to 40s+.
Four TVs tuned to sports or local news.
American menu including roasted wings, grilled salmon, and crab cake sandwiches.
Appetizers $8–$13, soups and salads $5–$12, entrées $10–$35.
Beer $6–$12, wine $7.50–$18/glass or $25–$70/bottle, bourbon, rum, whiskey, and scotch $6–$300/glass. Cigars $9–$60. Humidor lease $850–$900/year.
Business casual to upscale: business suits and sports coats, slacks, dark jeans with a button-down or sweater, black dresses, nice pants with simple tops.
Weekdays for a mellow scene, or any time the weather outside is frightful and the (cigar) fire is so delightful.
W. Curtis Draper (640 14th Street NW), the oldest full-service tobacconist in the District and the fourth oldest in the United States.
Shelly's Back Room User Reviews