Dupont Circle has a new neighborhood hangout that’s sure to have something for everyone. Emissary, (2032 P St. NW) now open in the former Cafe Japone space, is an all-day eatery featuring a coffee bar, seasonal kitchen and a beverage program heavily focused on the D.C. region’s beer and spirits. The concept was inspired by European cafes where it’s as easy to grab an espresso and a pastry as it is to find a light bite and a cocktail.
The morning crowd can mosey into the cozy, bright revamped space on the way to work for a Counter Culture Hologram blend lattes and pastries from Fresh Baguette. Emissary’s coffee program is headed up by Reggie Elliott. There’s plenty of room at the bar to linger, as well as sizable cafe seating and a small patio. Starting at 11 a.m., the entire daily menu is up for grabs.
“The program is extremely local,” says Chef de Cuisine Matthew Whaley, who worked in kitchens in Manhattan (Louro, L’Artusi) and Ocean City, Maryland before landing in D.C.
Emissary’s produce is sourced primarily from the Tuscarora farmers cooperative. That means the menu—available from 11 a.m. to close—will see changes weekly and seasonally based on what’s available and fresh. A reflection of Emissary’s casual cafe feel, the menu is full of dishes for everything from a light snack, to a quick lunch or a larger meal of shared plates.
On a recent visit, the menu included a smoked salmon rillette with cucumber, pickled berries, lemon, and crème fraiche. Other options included avocado toast with local greens, a soba bowl with kale kimchi, and rockfish ceviche with grapefruit, charred scallion, crispy quinoa and fresno chili. The kitchen set up is relatively small at the moment, but expansion is underway, and Whaley says diners can expect a lot more pastas, meats and charcuterie as things get up to speed.
Emissary’s fantastic beverage program is headed up by Bar Director Jamie Imhof, who previously worked at Wildwood Kitchen (a Robert Wiedmaier restaurant) and Black’s Bar & Kitchen. Imhof places a premium on working with local producers, so don’t come here expecting to order your normal Tanqueray and tonic or Jack and Coke. Instead, dive in to her creative menu featuring spirits from across the region including One Eight Distilling, Catoctin Creek, and Maryland’s Blackwater Distilling.The cocktails here get names inspired by diplomatic and political quotes and are most definitely worth a visit on their own right.
Rum lovers should try the “protocol, geritol, and alcohol”, a drink that nods to flavors of the tropics with its use of Stonewall Colonial Rum, clementine cardamom shrub, Don Ciccio & Figli Nocino (walnut) liqueur, and angostura bitters. For something truly unique, order the herbaceous and refreshing “rum, buggery, and the lash,” a concoction with Picaroon Maryland White Rum, Don Ciccio Finocchietto (fennel) liqueur, dill, fennel, lime, and dehydrated garlic.
Beer and lovers will find many great choices too, with a full assortment of bottled and canned brews from Manor Hill, Stillwater, Port City, 3 Stars, Jailbreak, and others. There’s plenty of wine too, though the list is primarily international.
In addition to the regular menu, Emissary is gearing up for several special weekly events, starting with a Thursday night supper club series beginning on Sept. 8. The chef’s table themed menu is available for 12 people at $45, excluding tax and tip. There will also be an “Ambassador’s Series” cocktail popup each Wednesday featuring a local distillery. Next week will showcase James River Distillery.
Brunch fans will appreciate the craft “Kegs and Farm Eggs” menu on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The restaurant plans to bring in a temporary draft beer system highlighting a local brewery—this weekend is Handsome Beer Company.
Emissary is located at 2032 P Street NW. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to close and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to close.
