After many months of permit discussions with the community, Hank’s Bar and Lounge in Dupont Circle will open on August 16. This is an expansion of Hank’s Oyster Bar, doubling its existing size. The new addition by Chef/Owner Jamie Leeds features extended hours, a bar food menu and an expanded beverage program.
The existing bar will be dedicated to oysters, such as the new Hayden’s Reef Oyster. It was developed with Bruce Wood of Dragon Creek S&P in Virginia. The oysters are raised in water with the lowest levels of salinity in the Chesapeake, yielding a sweeter, more delicately-flavored oyster. They’ve laid out over 750,000 oyster spats, meaning there should be plenty to go around.
This expansion also adds a private dining room upstairs (The Yacht Room), a charcuterie bar and additional outdoor patio seating. The beverage program will be headed by Beverage Director Dana Mosbarger and Bartender Megan Coyle. The cocktail program will feature freshly-squeezed juices, and a number of house-made items. The wine and beer program has also been carefully selected to pair well with the menu.
The beer menu at first glance looks like the run-of-the-mill standards found around the city. But on closer inspection, gems like Tripel Karmeliet and Avery’s Ellie’s Brown Ale at reasonable prices made the list sparkle. Karmeliet’s wheat base gives way to hints of pepper, bitter citrus, honey and a dry finish all wrapped up in a creamy mouthfeel thanks to the addition of oats. This Belgian classic is always a great dancing partner to many things citrus and sea-dwelling.
Other offerings on the list may seem a bit timid, but seem to be hand-picked to play well with others on the menu. Old Rasputin and bacon peanut brittle, Port City Porter and a tin of smoked oysters, arugula salad with fennel, radish, lemonette and Gaffel Kolsch, or seafood salad with lime and jalapeño paired with a refreshing pint of Allagash White — all well put together and depicting careful attention to a cohesive dining experience. If you want an extensive list of rarities and obscurities, there are bars in town for this. Visit Hank’s for a menu calculated to please the palate.
Additional reporting by John Fleury.
Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge
1624 Q Street NW
Phone: (202) 462-4265
Metro: Dupont Circle
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Friday 5 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Menus:
