Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
For those who have followed us on our past golf adventures, this feature is a little bit different. We checked out the new Puttery D.C and it sinks a hole-in-one when it comes to redefining an interactive bar and social scene located one block from Capitol One Arena.
Built in the space the former Spy Museum occupied, Puttery brings possibly one of the coolest concepts in nightlife to hit the area since Top Golf arrived. We know this is not the first adult putting experience, but this one is a bit different from the other one that may be viewed as competition. Puttery, has curated with top designers from Baker Nestor Inc, to showcase incredible visuals around the venue. Be sure to walk around and check out the entire venue, three completely different vibes amongst the putting courses, and sip a few cocktails before hitting one of their three 9 hole putting courses.
The D.C location becomes the third location to open under the Drive Shack ownership. The first two, one outside of Dallas and one in Charlotte have all had rave reviews and the one in D.C seems to be getting the same early feedback.
As you walk inside, you will notice the expansive bar and cocktail lounge which has enough space if you are waiting to play golf, or just want to come hang and have a drink after work. Plenty of craft cocktails, which we will show case in this feature a little bit later.
Working your way through the entire area you will find several places throughout the entire area that are capable of hosting up to 40 or 200 people for corporate gatherings with food and drinks. While most will want to play golf, it is not required to enjoy the evening, if you want to enjoy the food and drinks while staying seated.
One of the best features of the golfing experience is the ability to order specialty cocktails for each course that you are playing at the time. The Art Museum, Conservatory, and Illusion course have specific drinks while you play your round of 9 holes, that can only be ordered at that course. Makes for a fun evening to coordinate cocktails with the theme of each of the courses.
We checked out the Conservatory course, which mimics everything you might find in the desert of southwest United States. No moving objects on the course that we remember from our childhood mini-golf experience, but quite a few replica desert dwellers to add to the decor. The course is fun and considered one of the more difficult courses out of the three.
Unlike some of the other putting style courses, each one of these holes passes very quickly, even with 4 players. They also suggest just picking up if you can’t hole out after 6 attempts. Better check your craft cocktail consumption if your score exceeds 4 on any of these holes.
Moving on from playing golf, the main reason we really wanted to sit back and check out their food was the relaxing areas outside of golf. It’s not just bar style seating, there are plenty of comfy couches and chairs creating a relaxing vibe. You will enjoy the food and have a good night listening to, arguably the best decade of hip-hop, upbeat early 2000’s hip hop music mixes.
On their cocktail menu, the Margarita Standoff and Mark of Cincoro are a must. Is it ironic that they threw in a drink with Michael Jordan’s tequila brand as well? We think not, as the great MJ is a former Washington NBA player… very highly recommended.
The food is well worth coming for appetizers and a pizza. The Lamb Sliders with Harissa Spiced Lamb, arugula, shaved red onion, heirloom grape tomatoes, citrus vinaigrette and Greek sauce are so good, we had two orders. A great item for $17. If pizza is your thing, try the Spice Capicola Garlic oil, pecorino, fontina, mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, cracked black pepper and basil. While it is enough to share, you probably won’t want to. Pizza’s range from $18 to $22.
Lastly, do not leave Puttery without trying one of their Jar Flights for dessert. The Key Lime one is the best of the three but try the entire flight for $17. Definitely share these.
Overall, the concept works for us, and it certainly will work for those who want a fun night out filled with great food and drink. Don’t worry if you can’t sink a putt, this place birdies all day long when it comes to the overall good time had.
Puttery is located at 800 F Street and has some amazing hours on the weekend, open until 2am Thursday- Saturday and Midnight every other day. We highly recommend making a reservation for golf, as there will be higher demand in the late-night hours.
For more information, or to book a reservation for golf visit
