1550 7th Street, NW

“A Wine & Cocktail Hideout for the Bold & Unconventional

Dark, sultry, and unapologetically unique—Ugly Duckling is a neighborhood cocktail & wine bar for those who appreciate the unexpected. Sip on standout cocktails, explore an ever-evolving wine list, and lose yourself in the energy of the night. Because ordinary was never the vibe.”

Ugly Duckling opened in the former La Jambe space at 7th and Q St, NW in December 2024.

Thanks to Peter for sending word: “Ugly duckling in Shaw closed. Their Instagram is gone and there’s a sign on the door that they’re closed.” (more…)



3504 Connecticut Avenue, NW

ICYMI: December 18, 2025 – Major Progress at the Cork Market coming to Cleveland Park

Cork shared the good news with some sneak peeks last week:

“Hello, Cleveland Park! We’re so excited to be here — come see us until 9pm tonight (12/30) & 2-9pm tomorrow (12/30) for a sparkling wine popup & sneak peek of our new space at 3504 Connecticut Ave NW! And ICYMI: our grand opening is on Thursday, January 8!(more…)



1826 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

“🥐 Handcrafted pastries |☕Specialty Coffee |🥪Gourmet Paninis
Where every bite feels like home.
Open Daily: 7 AM – 7 PM”

I’m told when the liquor license goes through to expect a cafe in the mornings/afternoons and wine bar/mezze at night. STAY TUNED for more on that.

Caspian Crust took over at the former Janti Cafe back in March. Looking to kick things up a notch. Caspian Crust’s liquor license placard says: (more…)



1440 8th Street, NW

From an email:

“OyOy x Old Westminster: Brine Launch Party
Thursday, October 16, 2025 6:00 PM
Join Oyster Oyster and Maryland’s Old Westminster Winery for one night only at a special event launching the new wine “Brine.”

Old Westminster Winery has just launched Brine — a wine for oysters. Brine is a crisp, Vinho Verde–style blend that is our tribute to the Chesapeake and its oysters, nature’s own delicious tool for restoring the Bay, right in time for wild oyster season starting October 1.  (more…)



photo by Deb Lindsey

From an email:

“Opening Date: 9/13/25

Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday. Wed, Thurs, Sunday: 5pm-10pm full menu, 10-11 late night menu.
Friday, Saturday: 5-11 full menu, 11-12 late night menu. Bar stays open 1 hr after late night menu

About Maison Bar à Vins:

Nestled in a nineteenth century, four-story brownstone in Washington D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood is Maison Bar à Vins, a French-inspired wine and cocktail bar and full restaurant. “Maison” is the latest venture of The Popal Group (TPG), D.C.’s Afghan family-run, boutique hospitality group behind award-winning restaurant concepts Lapis, Lutèce, Pascual, and LaPop. Maison will combine the classic elements of a traditional European bar à vins with an extensive natural wine list, exceptional dishes and cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere that allows guests to get a casual bite and drink or linger into the evening with a full meal or drinks. (more…)



3504 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Cork Cleveland Park will have 20 seats in its street-level wine bar and retail area, a mezzanine-level tasting room with an additional 15 seats for wine classes, tastings, and private events, as well as storefront outdoor seating for 8. Gross and Pitts tapped acclaimed local DC firm, Gronning Architects (who also worked on Cork 14th and Cork Spring Valley), to curate the layout and design of the new project.” (more…)


View More Stories