The Hour Cocktail Collection

I LOVE this shop so much! I only wish I could afford to buy more of their goodies. They have everything you could ask for to set up a classy home bar.
The staff is always courteous and helpful. Despite the high prices on some items, there are reasonable choices as well. Take some time on a weekend afternoon and don’t rush; there are hidden gems to be found.
Don’t forget to check out their selection of bitters and shrubs!

Awesome variety of Collectible Cocktail Culture goodies that were once the owners private collection and now she’s turned them into an awesome business.
If you enjoy great design, amazing craftsmanship or just want to see what cool bar tending and hosting gadgets exist Coke here and talk to the friendly owner and staff.
The prices are steep for your everyday bar setup, but they are quite reasonable for that person who is hard to shop for or who is a cocktail lover!
Everything in here is original — some things from the 1930s and possibly much earlier.
Even if you’re not in the mood to buy, simply stop on and let your imagination run wild!

I love this place for its novelty and whimsy alone. A fun place to stop in and ogle beautiful mid-​century glassware if you’re strolling King St.
It is true that the prices here are a bit steep. If you value the convenience of shopping a beautifully-​curated selection and are comfortable with a $ 200+ price point for a housewarming gift or decoration for your own bar, then you will love The Hour. If that number makes you shiver, though, know that you can find better deals on kitschy glassware by hunting online. Either way, don’t be turned away from this fun shop — lower-​priced items like books, bitters, and other baubles abound on the first floor!

Very unique. Great selection of stuff and the service was terrific. I actually purchased a non-​antique flask for a bachelorette gift. It was super affordable in a high end store, and I still got the treatment as if I made a $ 1000 purchase. So nice. The store is NOT child friendly — it is cramped and full of expensive glass — so beware. Lovely store in a lovely neighborhood.

The folks at The Hour were so incredibly kind! We are recent newlyweds and were a little overwhelmed trying to find the perfect items for our new home. The staff could not have made our experience better. They offered recommendations while also giving us time to look through everything. Each item had a story and we wound up with beautiful pieces for our new home. We entertain very often and now have bar items with history, how fun! PS their collection of mixers, bitters, shrubs, syrups, etc is impressive! We went home with about 20 new things to try!

I have been here often and purchased a few things. I collect vintage and retro kitchenware so I appreciate the amazing selection. That said, the prices are at a ceiling high and the help is stand-​offish/​snobby. I was asking for an antique dealers courtesy discount on a set of seven glasses… apparently one was broken, keep in mind the price was $ 220, she laughed, said no you will have to ask the owner, and repeatedly commented it is just 6+ one it is just 6+ one… She never offered to contact the owner who is quite nice. She was really annoying, I left.

Great collection of unique cocktail shakers, champagne glasses, and drink sets. The prices for many things are way above my price range, as most of it is vintage/​antique, but this shop carries gorgeous stuff. I have a few friends that are really into cocktails and this is the first place I stop when I am looking for gifts. If you appreciate fine glassware make sure to check out The Hour.

Wow! What a great spot and what nice people. Shop owner was present and really helpful. This store has a diverse selection of cocktail sets and bar tools that span decades — largely the 20′-40’s. Best of all, the prices were very reasonable. They dont have a lot of high end stuff, but there are some gems. If you are a bourbon, scotch, cocktail drinker and are looking for some festive presentation for such libations, this is a solid contender.

This review commemorates my admission into ranks of the Elite Unilocal!!!The Hour is an amazing concept, and I can spend a solid 60 minutes browsing its collection of vintage cocktail-​ware. Its floor is packed with row upon row of sparkling shakers, high ball and sidecar glasses. Entering this store is really like stepping back into time, for it immediately conjures images of the 50s and 60s, a time when things just seemed to be so much cooler. Yeah, hold a vintage highball glass in your hands for a moment and you can almost hear The Rat Pack in the background. And I’m sure I’m not the first guy to pick up one of the store’s classic martini glasses and say to himself, «Bond, James Bond.»
This unique store really does have it all, and in many ways, it gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself as the perfect cocktail host. I know while in this store I have had more than one vision of myself throwing a Mad Man-​like cocktail party. Now, if I just had the perfect glassware, Perhaps this Play Boy bar set or this collection of 60s cocktail glasses adorned in Pink Elephants (my personal favorite)?
Besides its ambiance, another thing I love about this store is that I can always find the perfect gift. I’ve purchased a wedding gift of vintage seltzer bottle from the 1920s that had Jay Gatsby written all over it. And of course, there is my fated gift of a vintage ice crusher for my best friend’s birthday. Several reviews have remarked on this store’s poor customer service, and I have to agree that the employee’s can be a bit rude. However, I have never had this experience with the owner, and the catastrophic event surrounding my purchase of my BF’s birthday gift illustrates my point:
With day’s to go before her birthday, I had found my way up to The Hour’s second floor. Careful not to let my Shrek-​like build bump into anything, I was eying up a cobalt blue martini shaker when it slip from my fingers, shattering a tray of stemware. Horrified, I could hear the owner climbing the stairs. All I could do was shout down, «Don’t worry, I am reaching for my credit card now.» When she got to the top of the stairs, she surveyed the damage and asked me if I was hurt. I assured her that I was not and handed her my credit card (I quickly surmised that I had gotten of lucky with only $ 100 damage); however, she simply returned my card saying that accidents happen and that this kind of thing was the cost of doing business. Of course, I was relieved and I could have very well made my escape without spending a dime, but the Eagle Scout in me stepped in and I soon purchased my best friend’s classic ice crusher… Take that Don Draper.
So, for me, The Hour has been a very good experience. Sure the prices are a bit high and the employees somewhat snobby, but the owner has always been kind and accommodating, and she spared me the humiliation of the walk of shame for which I am ever grateful. No, even with a few pitfalls and the potential calamity of shattered glass, I would visit this store any day of the week

Stuck between 2 and 3 stars, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Stopped in here a few times, including once this weekend, but have yet to actually pull the trigger on a set of antique glasses/​bar accessories.
While their stuff is beyond awesome, the prices are a little bit outrageous, considering what I’ve found on eBay and other internet sites, not to mention you can find very similar items at yard and garage sales.
I will add that they have strange hours. They don’t open until 11 on the weekends and close fairly early on Friday/​Saturday nights… that’s when a lot of people with disposable income are in Old Town (dinner and weekend brunch hours). But to each their own! I guess you probably don’t need to sell more than 2 – 3 of the $ 600 decanters to make your numbers each month!

Throwing a ‘Mad Men’-esque cocktail party? Depending on your budget, you should consider browsing The Hour’s selection.
Simply gorgeous vintage glassware. Whether you’re looking for a Scottish Terrior set, a collection of miniature swords to pierce your garnishes, or a stunning set of solid copper glasses. well, yes, they do have that. Just be ready to empty your wallet on most any item.
The only things I could possibly afford were the modern accessories (coasters, ice cube trays, and the like) but I decided to pass and try my luck online for slightly lower prices.
It did feel like more of a museum than a store to me, but maybe someday I’ll be able to stock my bar with a set from The Hour… and invite over Don Draper. Hey, as long as I’m dreaming, here.

The concept for this shop is delightful. The selection is superb even if the prices are high (It’s vintage. It’s hard to find. It’s King St. That’s how these things go.)
I was a bit miffed by the customer service though. My friend and I stopped in today to look for a gift for my husband. Specifically, I have two sets of vintage glasses and wanted a shaker for mixing cocktails.
We entered after admiring the delightful storefront windows and were «greeted» by a less-​than-​cheerful woman. We smiled and said hello. She gave us a gruff «can I help you?» I explained that I was looking for a gift for my husband. She didn’t respond for a moment and then asked «Well does that mean you need help or are you just looking around?» I was a bid puzzled by this question, and said that we were fine and would just look around. After that question, who would say yes?
We were able to look at a few really great sets and some awesome cocktail shakers. Upstairs, I met another staff member who was lovely and helpful. She pointed out that they had just gotten in a set of new metal shakers and that she liked them because they make drinks so chilled. This was the type of boutique-​style service I was expecting: personalized, friendly, ready with suggestions.
I almost purchased after meeting the second salesperson, but couldn’t bring myself to do so after the initial experience.
You go to a boutique for the awesome service not the awesome prices, but if the service is sub par, that’s your cue to buy much cheaper online. They lost a sale today.

Very pretty barware, fun to look at, but if you go in wearing your casual clothes, be prepared to be literally looked down the nose at & ignored by the staff.
The store was practically empty when I was there, yet the two staff on hand were far too busy talking to each other to pay any attention to me. I don’t mind that, since it leaves me free to look around, and they do have lovely examples of midcentury and earlier barware in remarkably good condition. It’s definitely a fount of design inspiration. However, I was having a day off in grubby capris carrying a tote bag, and I assume that’s probably why, when I said I was «just looking,» the woman gave a comical, audible sniff and sigh, and turned her back on me. When I thanked them as I left, I got another disdainful look. It was all very amusing. Perhaps it’s because I’m from the West Coast originally, but I think it’s often the people on a mission to buy something who bother the least with appearances, and you ought to treat every customer well just in case. :)
Anyway, I went two days later and bought a set of vintage cocktail glasses I’d been eying on Etsy, where I won’t have to deal with snooty attitude. Yay! :)

I really, really, would like to like this shop. But I can’t, and here’s why:
Yes, The Hour has a wonderful selection of vintage barware, small furniture, decorative and gift items, and vintage costume jewelry.
Yes, they’re expensive. It’s a boutique in Old Town — that’s to be expected.
I’ve been in the shop several times and have made purchases (usually about $ 200 each time), and each time the customer service has been awful.
The first time, I bought about $ 200 worth of barware for Christmas, and wanted to buy one $ 15 ornament that was in the window (they had a display with about thirty of them). I was told I couldn’t buy them because they were decorative. Okay, I get it — as a store owner, I would not have done that, but it’s their prerogative. However, I left my contact information and was told they’d order one in time to ship the gifts for Christmas. Never got a call. I understand that everyone’s busy at Christmas, especially retailers, but it’s hard to take the «support independent business!» sticker in your window seriously if I end up having to go to World Market to find a similar ornament because you can’t be bothered to follow up.
When I went back about two months later to buy birthday presents, I reminded them about their promise (which was too late, of course) and got a lot of shocked looks but no real apology.
They left out part of my purchase when they bagged my items, which in and of itself isn’t a big deal, except it was part of a gift and I was rushing off to the birthday party. They called to let me know, which I appreciated, but the salesperson didn’t apologize. When I ran back to the store to pick it up, they’d already unwrapped it and put it back on the floor (even though it was paid for), and then couldn’t find it again, so they gave me a similar item, but acted as though it was my fault.
I’ve been looking for a set of barware with a specific motif, and left information asking them to contact me by Saint Patrick’s Day so I could buy one and have it shipped for a birthday.
Of course, never got a call. Again.
It’s a shame because they do have a great inventory and this is a store where I could spend a lotttt of money (boyfriend and several friends are vintage barware nuts). But I just don’t feel like it’s worth patronizing a more expensive store unless the customer service is good, and unfortunately The Hour doesn’t seem to take it seriously. I do make the effort to shop at local boutiques because I like to support businesses in my neighborhood, and in most cases I feel that the customer service is good enough to make up for the extra cost — but I really resent being treated like I’m a bother when I’ve just dropped a few hundred dollars in your store.
ETA: While I appreciate Victoria taking the time to follow up on my review, having had a negative experience every time I’ve shopped at The Hour doesn’t make me want to experience the «normally flawless» customer service again. The least they could have done was offer me a discount on a purchase (and I’m not a person who haggles — if I want something, I’ll pay the posted price for it or do without), especially after losing the item I’d already paid for.

I do not know how I never knew The Hour was in Old Town. I guess because I live in Maryland now and I don’t get down here very often anymore. This place is a gem! It’s a small store but it has a ton of vintage cocktail paraphernalia. A lot of 20s and Mad Men era items. The saleswoman told me that the woman who owns the store collected vintage cocktail ware as a hobby and decided to turn it into a business. It is two stories and is packed full of glassware and bar ware. There are also cute signs around the store suggesting cocktails to make for specific types of glasses.
Some of the sets are pricey but there were many options that were not very expensive and they also sell jewelry. I wish I had more room in my house for a nice bar set. I don’t know why the fancy cocktail era isn’t as big anymore, I guess it’s because everyone goes out for happy hour now where a clean house isn’t required.
Upstairs they also have a kitchen and every few months they offer cocktail making (and tasting!) classes. I wish I wasn’t such a klutz or I would definitely buy nice cocktail glasses from here. I think my favorite items in the store were the portable shot glasses. One was shaped like a bullet and had 6 metal shot glasses inside and the other one was a small leather case that housed 6 metal shot glasses.

Not sure how I’ve managed to miss this little beaut in the 1,000 or so times I’ve strolled King Street since it opened a few years ago, but I won’t miss it again on any Old Town constitutional. The Hour specializes in new and vintage merchandise dedicated to one of my most favorite distractions: the cocktail. But not just any cocktail. Oh, no. The cocktail of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. A bygone era when Tom Collins was king, a circle dress hung in any self-​respecting woman’s closet, and the cocktail party was a regular weekend occurrence. (To drive home their commitment to this epoch, The Hour sells «Mad Men» box sets.)
The vintage glass collection here is mesmerizing. I was particularly taken with the cocktail sets — gorgeous pitchers or shakers plus the requisite sipping glasses — and a little stand of silver and stone picks. Husband was particularly taken by the flasks, especially a masculine looking glass one with a mahogany brown leather cover. He also wanted to walk out with a fun set of golden Toledo cocktail swords. En garde!
I spent a lot of time in the little back room that features cocktail party baubles and accessories any woman would covet, from sparkly rhinestone broaches and silk clutches, to exquisite cocktail rings with oversized flowers and feathered hair pieces. I picked up a funky portable purse hook with a fun, retro design… for some reason I’ve been wanting one for ages, and where better to buy one than at an independent neighborhood store?
Not only is The Hour a completely absorbing place to browse and shop; not only is the merchandise impeccably selected and thoughtfully displayed; not only are the prices fair and the staff friendly; but they have also partnered with St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a non-​profit that works with adults with intellectual disabilities. The Hour sells pretty glass coasters and trays made by the St. Coletta community, and for each purchase donates $ 5 back to St. Coletta. Supporting a small local business that, in turn, is giving back to my community? Yes, please.

The Hour is one of those delicious stores filled the rafters with moderately expensive beautiful things you don’t need. In this case, it’s cocktail paraphernalia. Their collection is impressive, covering many eras and styles. It is a great — if occasionally cramped — store to browse.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find out its inventory is overpriced; a lot of what you’re paying for here is being able to see such an inventory all in one place. The Hour isn’t cheap and I’m sure a little eBay work could get you a better deal. If you want to do that, great. If you’re someone who enjoys shopping for or just looking at beautiful things in person — and appreciates the bygone art of a sophisticated cocktail hour — the Hour will tickle your fancy.
I do have one big complaint: their return/​exchange policy is ridiculous. In a nutshell: there is none. WTF? I wanted to buy a cocktail set for my husband for his birthday, but was uncomfortable making a 200 $+ bar purchase for him he couldn’t exchange. They lost a sale when they told me no exchanges.
(And sorry, The Hour, but a gift certificate wouldn’t have been at all close to the same thing. If you’re going to sell merch that is so traditionally gifted, you should gain some flexibility in your return/​exchange policy.)
ETA: I appreciate that Victoria has discussed their return policy below, but it certainly wasn’t explained this well while I was shopping! I’m also not sure I find it convincing. Obviously if the piece is damaged, they wouldn’t accept a return. But for a non-​used item? What’s the harm? Regardless: the policy lost a 200 $+ sale from me. Regardless of *that*, it’s still a beautiful shop.

OH MY GOODNESS. Vintage cocktail glasses and sets! I fell in love with a 7 glass set with teal sea horses and a gold trim. Gorgeous. Wish I had an extra $ 140 lying around for cocktail glasses. I love those days when there was more emphasis on cocktail hour. You need to use the right glasses for each drink. No solo cups here! Not all the sets were that pricey. They have cute watermelon ones that I would expect to see in my grandma’s cabinet along with an array of designs, sizes, weights and styles. Luv luv luv it.
And the two story row house/​store is awesome too. They have a renovated kitchen upstairs with wooden floors. I could live here.

Lush [luhsh] –noun: a person who drinks copious amounts of alcohol, but can never be an alcoholic because of his or her innate fabuloucity. [origin: from the Latin «lushicus”].
–source: The Fenny Dictionary, 2010 Abridged
Distinguishing between an alcoholic and a lush is quite simple — it’s like being able to define the difference between a chimp and modern man. While there are many genetic similarities, to confuse the two is ludicrous. You’ve seen alcoholics. You probably had one as a roommate in college. Alcoholics are those who drink (and drink heavily) with no socially redeeming value when they drink. They are sloppy, tends to be angry (or worse… cry!), and will drink whatever is available without any class or dignity. Most often, they are found with the ubiquitous red plastic cup in hand. Some famous alcoholics include: Lindsey Lohan, Britney Spears, and Betty Ford.
A lush on the other hand, is the totally fabulous, albeit tipsy, person at the bar. He or she will have amusing stories, only order top rail (or at least, have so much panache that whatever they are drinking will always seem like top rail), and tends to be the life of the party. They are the people that you want to hang around with, their stories outlandish yet witty, and their very presence makes everyone else sparkle a little bit brighter.
Another key difference between alcoholics and lushes, is the barware of choice. As previously mentioned, alcoholics tend to drink straight out of the bottle, keg or from a cheap plastic red cup. A lush will only be seen with deliciously quirky martini glasses, unique highballs, or marvelously vintage (real vintage, not faux hipster vintage) rocks glasses.
And if you are a lush (or a lush-​wannabe), The Hour is where you want to go to start, add to, or complete your collection (heh, is a barware collection *ever* complete?). This delightful two story store is filled with one of a kind finds that will make you gasp in wonder and make your eyes sparkle with lust. After a brief chat with one of the sales staff, it seems that the owner, a notable lush — duh, has been collecting vintage and unique barware for a billion years, and decided to share her magnificent tastes by opening this store. And it’s not just glassware. There are all the paraphanilia that one needs to have a beatifically outfitted bar, as well as drool-​worthy vintage bars! There is one in particular that I’m contemplating selling my kidney for. I have two kidneys… but there is only one original 1964 Lucite bar in mint condition!
Yes, I will not deny that the prices are steep, however, considering that the last time I saw a Lucite bar of this radiance, and in such great condition, I was in Vegas… and to ship it back with me would have easily doubled the cost of the bar (not to mention the constant worry that it would get damaged during transport), view the price tag as inclusive of shipping. The Hour’s fabulous owner is going through the trouble of travelling and hunting down all these wonderful pieces — you just need to carry them as far as your car! It’s a bargain if you really think about it. Heh.

I can’t believe this store has only one Unilocal review. It may be a secret, but it is super cool. I’ve never seen a store like this, it is built entirely around the idea of a cocktail hour — with really unique barware and accessories. A mix of old and new.
To satisfy your home cocktail craze, meet a store full of antique and new shakers, cocktail glasses, bar tools, glass stirrers, the works. Obviously procured by a buyer with an eye, this store is super fun and super unexpected.
A great place for a gift that will surely be well received, or a shaker for celebratory toasts — or chasing away the blues.