Cocktails & Vinyl: Why Press Club is Washington DC’s Coolest New Bar

A brainchild of two extraordinary bar veterans Will Patton, the beverage director behind D.C.’s Michelin-starred duo, Bresca and Jônt, and Devin Kennedy, who shook up NYC’s hip Pouring Ribbons and the Panorama Room—the dreamy and relaxing Press Club is an intimate subterranean lounge located in the epicenter of the capital’s Dupont Circle neighborhood.

This new record bar, similar to a “listening room,” the Tokyo-ignited trend that lately has infiltrated New York nightlife, features a considerable collection of vinyl records and well-curated mixes of vintage disco, jazz and Brazilian spins. Press Club worked with a consultant for its music program, but Kennedy is often found manning the vinyl station. Most days of the week are dedicated to a different genre, with the flexibility to change the track to meet the moment.

What Have You Done for Me Lately cocktail, with Don Julio reposado, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and jalapeño agave / Photo: Courtesy of Ray Lopez

“Sitting in silence and appreciating the record is cool, but just not what we wanted in a bar,” Kennedy says. “Music is a focus but not the focus. Cocktails are.”

“In that same way our menus explore the boundaries of an enhanced imbibing experience,” he continues. Thoughtful details, fabrics and materials conjure an aesthetic that embodies both ’70s discotheque and the warmth of a living room, with the dimly lit ambiance, dark tones and rich wooden floors creating the perfect setting for listening to records and enjoying the company of others.

Photo: Courtesy of Press Club / Rey Lopez

The menu features an à la carte menu of 12 cocktails, artistically presented on custom record sleeves that will rotate biannually. Starting from $19, the collection offers traditional and innovative offerings mimicking the selections of a record store, providing guests the opportunity to return to the comfort of classics or explore newer, more adventurous possibilities. Examples include the White Ferrari, named after the Frank Ocean song. It is a take on the classic Vesper martini, which goes all the way in terms of high spirits, combining mezcal, tequila, Japanese plum liqueur and smoked pineapple.

A white Negroni dubbed Imaginary Players (after Jay-Z) is made with shōchū, gin, blanco vermouth, strawberry sherry and a raspberry eau-de-vie. Nights Over Egypt (The Jones Girls) is a riff on a New York sour, with tasting notes of a parfait created by combining bourbon, calvados, yogurt, Bordeaux and seasonal fruit syrup. The frothy drink is served with a granola cookie to mimic the crunchy garnish.

Photo: Courtesy of Press Club

Other Press Club pleasures include French Waltz, which swirls pisco and green Chartreuse in a dance romanticized by Kabinett Riesling and a dash of lime. Temptation plays with chenin blanc, mango and lime, with the devilish addition of blanco tequila. A surprising concoction of cognac, rye, strawberry and amontillado steeped in cacao nibs and shaken creates Devil in a New Dress, a revelation to be savored without reservation as it is destined to become a house signature.

Photo: Courtesy of Press Club

It was a favorite, leaving an indelible memory. But the true must-have is In a Cadillac, a favorite of Patton and Kennedy’s, a set of dueling martinis named after an OutKast song, savored side by side. One is vodka with Junmai Daiginjo sake, shiso and blanco vermouth, and the other features gin, Palo Cortado sherry, blanco vermouth and grapefruit. All drinks are ideal alongside snacks such as The Onion, a chef-driven version of Outback Steakhouse’s Bloomin’ Onion with ranch and a side of caviar.

Best For

Disconnecting and chilling. The setting is perfect, with exceptional drinks, snacks and music to make anyone happy.

Verdict

Every visit to Press Club is unique. The staff gets to know their clientele, with off-the-cuff surprises, evolving drink menus and special musical theme nights. And if there is something you would like, all you have to do is ask.
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