A BAR at Avenue Suites—that’s what it’s called—had its first night of service last night, says bar manager Brennan Adams, an alum of Richard Sandoval’s Masa14 and El Centro D.F. Garen Minton is the chef; he previously toiled under Top Cheffers Bryan Voltaggio (at Volt) and Mike Isabella (at Graffiato).
It’s a small-plates spot with an indoor lounge that accommodates 44 and a patio with 35 more seats. “We’re trying to sell it as a happy hour spot,” says Adams. “I’m not trying to do the Gibson. The idea is to put out fun craft cocktails at a good value.” An added enticement: All the wines by the bottle are available by the glass if customers commit to buying two glasses. Cocktails include the Midnight in Paris, with sparkling brut, St. Germain, lime juice, and chili-grenadine syrup; and the Clooney: Old Forester bourbon, apple and cherry cider, Carpano Antica, and orange bitters. Adams will also feature a fresh “patio punch” that will change up throughout the summer.
Minton’s limited menu will include chilled corn and crab chowder with cucumber with crème fraîche; kumquat, prosciutto, and maple-yogurt flatbread; seared tuna with rye croutons and sesame-ginger slaw; and panini. The daily happy hour currently features $5 wines, a $6 specialty cocktail, and $4 punch and select beers. During soft opening, it will be offered from 5 to 7; those hours will change to 4 to 7 next Wednesday.
A BAR at Avenue Suites. 2500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-333-8060.
Related:
A (New) Outdoor Patio for Every Day of the Week
Happy Hour Alert: Pulpo Is Now Serving Alcohol
