Another quintessential D.C. bar, one known for serving craft cocktails behind an unmarked door along 14th Street NW, is closing.

The Gibson will close on Jan. 1 after 15 years. Owner Eric Hilton says in a press release the decision to close was “difficult,” and he is considering opening it at another location.

“It’s truly the end of an era — the Gibson has had a long, great run and will always hold a special place for me,” Hilton says in the release. “Unfortunately, there are too many challenges to continue in its current form. We are working with our team to look for opportunities to continue the Gibson name in the future.”

The Gibson opened in 2008, making it one of D.C.’s original “speakeasies” before the rise (and fall) of such bars. The U Street Corridor spot did make locals work for their cocktails — having them search for the unmarked door to get in (it’s black) — but rewarded them with innovative drinks such as the “Chuck Brown,” made with Old Overholt rye and Belle Meade sour mash bourbon with honey, pamplemousse liqueur, lemon, and angostura bitters.

But it proved the concept for many other under-the-radar (or not) speakeasies that came after it, including Capitol Hill’s Harold Black, the bar behind Capo Italian Deli, and others. The dimly-lit, multi-level Gibson was well respected in the local bar and restaurant industry, attracting talent from like-minded places like José Andrés’ barmini and the late Espita and Columbia Room. Meanwhile, patrons loved it for its cozy atmosphere and solid Sazerac.

The bar is one of several haunts to close closed in recent months, including the city’s pioneering tiki bar and game bar, Archipelago and H Street Country Club, respectively. Hilton was not immediately available for an interview. DCist/WAMU will update the story if he becomes available.

The Gibson is expected to host a farewell party on New Year’s Eve. Tickets should be available shortly after Thanksgiving.