The captain’s booth at Free State Atlantic Bar, opening Wednesday. (Photo by Free State Atlantic Bar).
Free State Atlantic Bar (501B G St. NW) is bringing a slice of the mid-Atlantic to Chinatown. The basement bar has been outfitted with a nautical theme and stocked with plenty of touches for the discerning Marylander, such as Orange Crush cocktails ($10) and Fisher’s boardwalk popcorn. Even the name itself is a direct reference to Maryland’s “Free State” moniker.
Free State is the second concept from owners Brian (a Maryland native) and Hilarey Leonard, who also run the low-key Lost and Found (1240 9th St. NW) in Shaw. They hope to bring a similarly comfortable vibe to what can be a hectic area around the Verizon Center dominated by packed sports bars.
“It’s not in the hustle and bustle of places right across the street,” Hilarey tells DCist. “We wanted a place for locals to go and not be with the super rowdy.”
With that in mind, expect a drink menu that will include 14 rotating local craft beers on draft, large-format bottles, cocktails ($10-$12) using area spirits, and a thoughtful list of wines from Virginia, North Carolina, and around the globe. There’s also a menu of cordials and spirits and a house shot for $6 (Catoctin Creek rye, honey, lemon, orange, and spices). Still, don’t expect this to be the spot to get crazy downing shots or crushing cheap beers before a concert or sporting event.
“We don’t sell PBRs. We don’t sell Miller Lites,” Hilarey says.
Food options are limited, but peckish bargoers can munch on nostalgic mid-Atlantic snacks like Utz chips, Dollies saltwater taffy, Jerkface jerkey, Berger cookies, trail mix, and more. Or, grab some takeout from the Bantam King ramen shop upstairs.
Free State Atlantic Bar will open for business on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m.
