Eco-friendly cocktails: Dram & Grain hosts an eco-friendly cocktail event, “Dram & Green,” on Monday at 7 pm. Dram barkeep Benny Hurwitz and guest bartender Justin Hampton of Radiator are teaming up for six sustainable cocktails ($13 a piece), served straw-less and made with a machine that blends with a moderate amount of ice to reduce waste. Fresh herbs and produce will be used for “garden-to-glass” drinking.
Olympic celebration: Vietnamese Olympian Hoang Xuan Vinh made history by winning Vietnam’s first-ever gold medal, clinching first place in the ten-meter air pistol (it’s a thing!). To celebrate, Doi Moi is offering a week-long special of $1 Vietnamese “33” beer, or a $5 glass of sparkling golden pineapple wine in honor of the achievement. The fine print: the offer is available anywhere in the bar/dining room, but there’s a limit to one per customer.
Summer BBQ at DGS: DGS Delicatessen hosts its third annual summer barbecue on Thursday at 6 pm at the Dupont location. Chef Brian Robinson and accomplished pitmaster Rob Sonderman (ex-DCity Smokehouse) are working together to whip up smoked brisket, chicken and hot wings, pastrami baked beans, slow braised greens, and corn on the cob. You can make reservations online, or call 202-293-4400.
Room 11 turns seven: Room 11 is turning seven years old, and plans to celebrate with $7 birthday specials on Thursday from 5 pm to 1 am. Stop by the Columbia Heights bar/coffee shop for signature drinks like the burnt sugar old fashioned, or jalapeño St. Germain sangria. The drinks can be paired with grilled cheese and spicy marinara dipping sauce, or with a slice of honey goat cheesecake.
The Vegabonds at Bayou: The New Orleans-style restaurant Bayou hosts a night of live music featuring Nashville-based rock band The Vegabonds with Groove Fetish on Friday at 10:30 pm. Tickets are $7 online and $12 at the door. Bayou’s dinner menu has an array of special options, from grits to po’ boys. You can purchase tickets for the event here.
Pop-up brunch: All-day happy hour meets a brunch party this Sunday at Black Jack, which throws a Jock Jam pop-up brunch from to 1 to 5 pm. Barmen Lukas B. Smith (Cotton & Reed) and Trevor Frye pour specialty cocktails like the Franz 75 alongside $5 red, white, rose and sparkling wines, and half-off draft beers. Specialty dishes from Pearl Dive chef Austin Ginsberg will be available, such as the Cajun sausage skillet and dive burger. Tables are first-come, first-serve, with an optional $10 charitable donation.
Inaugural 14th Street Burger Battle: Three 14th Street eateries compete to make the best burger on Sunday. Drop by the patio of host Cafe Saint-Ex from 4 to 8, which will duke it out with Garden District and Matchbox over plenty of 3 Stars Brewing beers. Tickets are $15 at the door and include three burger tickets and a taste of 3 Stars Dissonance. Attendees will choose the winner, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit charity.
Free Ice Cream: Local ice cream maker Milk Cult pops up at Kit and Ace‘s Georgetown shop on Sunday at noon, offering free treats on a first-come, first-serve basis. Regular and vegan ice cream will be served along with specialty desserts. Frozen treats are available until supplies run out.
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
