If you want a drink in the district, the options are endless. New DC bars are opening all the time. It can be hard to keep up, but it’s sure fun to try. Here are a few new spots that I’m loving lately.
La Jambe in Shaw
This place is so Shaw, you guys. Which means I’m obviously kind of loving it while simultaneously feeling way too uncool for it. Shaw, you’re a tricky mistress.
This incredibly hip wine bar is a Francophile’s dream come true with an entire menu of French wines, cheese and charcuterie.
The wine list is vast with many offerings by the glass, and plenty of rosé to keep you sipping happy all summer long. We stopped by the weekend it opened on a Saturday and barely found a seat. I predict this will be the “it” place to be very soon.
Hawthorne at 14th & U
A bunch of new multi-story bars have opened in DC in the past year, among them Bar Deco, Takoda and Hawthorne. I’ve been to all three and enjoyed each for different reasons. Takoda is always bustling and the food is delicious. Bar Deco has more of a party scene, but also offers tasty bites of food. Hawthorne, however, was more my scene.
I stopped in on a Thursday evening, surprised to find that the rooftop wasn’t crowded at all. It may have had something to do with storms that were about to roll in, but it was nice to have my pick of the tables. They have a solid happy hour with $5 beers, $6 wines and Tito’s mixed drinks and $7.50 smashes as well as a small selection of bar bites. I had a tasty French white blend to drink while Tom had a Stella. We also shared an order of the southern style croquettes as a snack.
These were quite tasty, made with stone ground asiago cheese grits, tasso ham and served with a smoky tomato sauce. I plan to go back soon to try more of the food and enjoy the rooftop.
The Brig on Barracks Row
A new watering hole near Navy Yard will always get me excited. The Brig is a great addition to the neighborhood, located across the way from another of my favorite drinking spots – Las Placitas.
The Brig is a no-frills beer garden with plenty of shady seating and beers of all shapes and sizes. If you don’t want to leave the dogs or kids at home but want a fun day out, the Brig is perfect.
What’s next? Anxo Cidery and Pintxos is opening Wednesday in Truxtron Circle.
For some reason, Hawthorne reminds me of a rooftop bar that you might find in cities like Detroit, Cleveland or Pittsburgh. That is some interesting decor and it looks like the building was once used for a Manufacturing company way back when. Perhaps? It definitely looks like a fun little bar to check out, though!