Set the Scene.
Positioned at the base of Riggs Washington D.C., the capital city’s most polished hotel in an original Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, Silver Lyan reveals itself as you glide down the wraparound staircase to the subterranean level.
After checking in with the maître d’, you’re escorted to the expansive, exclusive lounge area, which was formerly Riggs National Bank vault. A sultry ambiance permeates the space. The color of the moment? Red. Red carpets, banquettes, and red-tinted marble countertops, paired with moody, ambient lighting, set the tone for an immersive evening.
To the right, cozy banquettes beckon, while to the left, a sleek opal-glass enclosed bartop invites you in. At the head, the Cabinet Room hosts a floor-to-ceiling trophy case wall concealing an eclectic collection of silver and gold athletic cups—symbols of the wealth and power that define the bar’s home.
Being the heart of the nation, you can’t help but feel the weight of political secrecy—whispers of JFK and Marilyn Monroe, Bill Clinton, and Monica Lewinsky—lingering in the air as you and your friends sip on fabulous libations and share stories of your own.
Let’s Start with the Drinks.
As the first iteration outside of Europe’s Mr. Lyan—formally known as Ryan Chetiyawardana, one of the world’s most award-winning bartenders who sources weird and bespoke mixology techniques and brings them to each of his globally renowned cocktail lounges—Silver Lyan follows suit, avoiding perishable ingredients to craft its quirky libations.
This genre-defying hotel bar challenges societal norms with a provocative cocktail menu that explores taboos and cultural customs. Divided into four categories—Self-Expression, Basic Instincts, Shared Beliefs, and Silver Classics—the menu connects historical and modern topics, like the link between cannibalism and colonialism and Senator John Fetterman’s rebellious fashion.
These topics come alive in drinks like the Cannibal Old-Fashioned, stirring Maker’s Mark, embalmed jackfruit, Silver snake oil, and rhubarb bitters. Each component emulates the hypocrisy of Victorian Europe’s embrace of medically prescribed cannibalism (hence the name). Meanwhile, a tincture of aji amarillo creates a vibrant yellow-gold elixir.
Naturally, we fiddled with the menu until we arrived at the martini section, playfully labeled as the “Silver Service Martini.” Guests can choose from four variations of the traditional shaken or stirred beverage, each made with top-shelf gin and vodka. The options lean toward either dirty, dry, or 50/50 (for those unfamiliar, 50/50 means equal parts gin and dry vermouth). No matter the choice, the drink comes with an oyster, olive, house-pickled onion, and a slice of lemon.
Fruity-flavor fans can opt for the Lychee Martini (Roku gin, lychee sherbet, and elderflower shochu), the Parasol Punch (Grey Goose, ATOM mulberry, rainwater Madeira, tomato honey, and Champagne)—served with its own umbrella for a whimsical touch—or the Forbidden Fruit Effect, which blends Patrón reposado, pawpaw amazake, cornflake fro-yo, white cacao absinthe, and Silver pepper mix in homage to the “Garden of Eden” tale.
Can You Touch on the Food?
You’re here mostly for the drinks and the vibes, but the bites are definitely worth adding to your tab. Think elevated American-style finger food with plates like the Everything Pretzel Bites, served with a gooey cheese dipping sauce; Pizza Spring Rolls, packed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce; and a Hot Dog, featuring Wagyu beef, Chi-Town relish, and mustard, all wrapped in a poppyseed bun.
There are also some classic cocktail bar pairings, including marinated olives in a citrus and herb-infused olive oil, as well as oysters on the half shell, served with yellow cocktail sauce and mignonette.
Final Thoughts?
Secretive, seductive, and, as they say, a damn good time, Silver Lyan seamlessly blends Washington D.C.’s history, culture, food, and drink into a space that honors their dynamic interplay.
Top Takeaways
Location: Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.
Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cuisine: Cocktail Bar
The vibe: A sultry, intimate escape nestled beneath Riggs Washington D.C., Silver Lyan offers a blend of modern elegance and historical intrigue.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – silverlyan.com
Our favorite dish on the menu: As a martini fanatic, I couldn’t resist trying one of the Silver Service Martini offerings—Fords Gin served 50:50 with Dolin vermouth—and I was not disappointed. On the food side, we couldn’t pass up the Everything Pretzel Bites with gooey cheese dipping sauce.
The attire: Smart casual with a touch of sophistication.
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open for drinks and bites Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
