One of my favorite hotel lobbies in Washington, DC is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco at Penn Quarter. The quirky and colorful design transports you to a different place from the grey buildings which surround the neighborhood. The virtual trip continues as you walk past the lobby and into Dirty Habit DC, the new restaurant at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. I recently went to Dirty Habit DC to sample their bar menu with my Dutchman. There, we had the opportunity to meet the beverage manager, Sarah Ruiz who shared her inspiration for the cocktail menu she created.
All About Dirty Habit DC:
Location: Although Dirty Habit DC is located at the busy Penn Quarter area, the restaurant is tucked into the back of Hotel Monaco, creating an escape from the busy streets of the area. With its close location to the metro, it makes it the perfect place to have a few drinks without having to worry about driving home!
The Scene: Previously known as Poste, the space of Dirty Habit DC has been beautifully redecorated with dark colors and metallic touches, giving it a sexy and mysterious vibe. Perfect for a date night. The bar area is lined with hundreds of spirits from the usual suspects to the rare picks. I really liked the outdoor space with fireplaces, an ample bar, and cozy couches. I can see this space jumping in the spring…
The Cocktails: I was nine months pregnant with la piccola when I visited Dirty Habit DC. Sarah Ruiz created mocktail versions of some of her favorite cocktails for me. She began with The Gaucho, a beautifully presented drink with pineapple gomme, grapefruit bitters, yuzu, and yerba mate soda. The mocktail is presented in a gorgeous mate cup from Argentina. I never had a cocktail with yerba mate, but I was pleasantly surprised with the marriage of flavors. Dining Traveler Tip: most bars do not have a non-alcoholic menu but most (good) bartenders are more than happy to get creative to make you a mocktail.
I also sampled “Lost in Sonora”, the mocktail version of “Prickly Position” on the current cocktail menu. This mocktail is made with nopal, pineapple, citrus and serrano ice cubes. I loved the mix of these ingredients. The cocktail version adds mezcal which the Dutchman loved. We both loved how the serrano ice cubes gave the drink a gradual spicy touch. Unfortunately we didn’t get to eat there as their new menu looks amazing but we did get to try their truffle fries…delicious! We’re hoping to return for dinner soon. The staff was raving about the braised short rib by Chef Kyoo Eom, on our list to try soon!
The Verdict: Love the space at Dirty Habit DC and their inventive cocktail program. Suggest this space for date night, girls night out, or happy hour.
