2337 18th Street, NW. Photo by Svenja Herrmann
From a press release:
“Craft cocktail bar Grand Duchess is poised to make a second grand entrance in Adams Morgan when it re-opens on Wednesday, September 19 after a brief summer hiatus, bringing back its spot-on, handcrafted libations and elevated bites.
Photo by Dannia Hakki
Co-owners and former roommates Vinnie Rotondaro and Rory Adair are bringing a laidback, eclectically cozy vibe to the newly renovated space, which was originally built in 1890 and actually was a living room in a past life. The new iteration replicates that vintage hominess with a candle-filled fireplace, dim lighting, a record player, bookshelves near a bay window and more come-and-sit-awhile touches.
Grand Duchess’ artfully curated cocktail menu is anchored by signature drink, “House in the Woods,” a riff on the classic Manhattan remixed with orange blossom water and aquavit. Guests can also enjoy a selection of organic wines and craft beer, as well as a playful Narragansett Boilermaker shot with a choice of bourbon or tequila, and a cornichon-brined pickleback.
In addition to bar food staples olives and Marcona almonds and a rotating seasonal Panzanella salad, Grand Duchess offers a quartet of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches — the “Hank,” “Audrey,” “Jackie” and “Kathleen” — featuring a mouth-watering array of fromages and fixings such as mozzarella, brie, prosciutto, thyme, basil and Nutella.
Interestingly, Grand Duchess was also the former home of the beloved Pharmacy Bar, which shuttered in 2014. The pair pay homage to the legacy with one of the bar’s old pill-encased tabletops hanging on the wall.
Also on the wall: their treasured photo of John Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones, whose framed image has been looking down on D.C. native Rotondaro and Philly transplant Adair in every space they’ve shared since becoming fast friends and roommates in Brooklyn in nearly 10 years ago.
“This has been a dream of ours ever since we met a decade ago, and after two years of searching for a space and a bit more time working through some growing pains, we are thrilled to reopen in Adams Morgan,” say Rotondaro and Adair. “We can’t wait to see our neighborhood regulars and welcome back the rest of D.C. We’re ready to hang!”
Grand Duchess is open Tuesday through Thursday, 4pm-late; Friday and Saturday, 4pm-3am; and Sunday, 4pm-1am. There is also a daily happy hour from 4-7:00pm.”