Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience in Washington DC
Washington DC, United States

Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience

Outty Ranking 42 3.0 · 1 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $30

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September 2026

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Adults

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$30
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Outty Ranking

42/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience worth booking?

Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience is a 1.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3/5 rating across 1 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
42 / 100
Rating
3/5 (1)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$30 per person

A bold blend of history and indulgence—our cocktails and bites channel the glamour, rebellion, and rich flavors of the Prohibition era with a modern twist on timeless classics. Learn the history of the original speakeasy

What you get

    About this experience

    A bold blend of history and indulgence—our cocktails and bites channel the glamour, rebellion, and rich flavors of the Prohibition era with a modern twist on timeless classics. Learn the history of the original speakeasy, while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail, and seeing the country's oldest electric elevator in action.

    What's included

    Included

    • Dinner
    • Alcoholic beverages

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Washington DC

    Enter National Union Building and walk to the end of the lobby corridor to the curtained entry.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Enter National Union Building and walk to the end of the lobby corridor to the curtained entry.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    National Union Building

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Are zero proof options available? Yes.
    • Are full dinner menu options available onsite? Yes.

    Photos

    Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience in Washington DC, photo 2Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience in Washington DC, photo 3Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience in Washington DC, photo 4Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience in Washington DC, photo 5Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience in Washington DC, photo 6

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    0
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Jennifer_C · October 2025

    Not Really an Experience

    We were excited to try Sips of the Past – A Speakeasy Experience, but overall it didn’t quite live up to expectations. When we arrived, we were asked if we had a reservation, which we did, but there was no mention or acknowledgment of the special “experience.” We each ordered a drink and a small plate, assuming they were included as part of the package. The drinks were excellent and the food was delicious — definitely a highlight. The bartender was friendly and welcoming, though we had to ask questions ourselves to learn that the space was originally a speakeasy. When the bill came, it became clear that staff weren’t aware we had booked the experience. Once we explained, they corrected it and made the necessary adjustments, which we appreciated. However, the overall presentation didn’t feel like a true “experience.” With better communication and a clearer explanation of what’s included and what makes it unique, this could be a really fun and memorable outing.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 42

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)66
    Review evidence (18% weight)9
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)88
    Listing quality (10% weight)65
    Local standing (8% weight)40
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.

    Is Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Sips from the Past - Original Speakeasy Experience start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

    +

    Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience, Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Washington DC?

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    Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Washington DC?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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