Addendum cocktail bar will offer something new for Eighteenth Street Lounge guests. (Photo by Eighteenth Street Lounge)
Long-standing nightlife spot Eighteenth Street Lounge (1212 18th St. NW) is about to get a fresh addition from some of the brightest local minds in bartending. Fittingly named Addendum, the 18-seat cocktail bar-within-a-bar will open February 9 with the hope of appealing to “cocktail purists” looking to sip on something other than a typical club highballs like the rum and Coke or gin and tonic.
Addendum will take over what was previously the lounge’s walled-off Studio Bar. The project comes from Farid Nouri, an ownership team member at Eighteenth Street Lounge, along with J.D. Quioco (who bartends part-time at the lounge) and Lukas B. Smith (Cotton & Reed). Both are veteran bartenders and beverage program consultants in D.C. with more than 40 years of collective experience in the industry. Mixologist Michael Barton (formerly of Dram & Grain and Jack Rose) is on board as Addendum’s opening barman.
The concept draws inspiration from Amor y Amargo (meaning love and bitterness) in New York City, which specializes in drinks with bitter spirits. Unlike most cocktail bars, you won’t find any syrups, citrus, or sodas here. In fact, there won’t be any perishable items at all.
“The idea is to feature herbal modifiers rather than base spirits,” Smith says. “Vermouth, sherry, bitters, and amari are the show.”
In addition to high-quality drinks, Addendum also wants to provide some low-key refuge in what can be an otherwise raucous club environment. The menu will evolve frequently with drinks ranging between $11 and $17.
Smith also notes that the lack of citrus or syrups will necessitate a “somewhat less freestyle” approach to developing and mixing drinks.
“There aren’t any Band-Aids for the bartender if they screw up,” he says.
Still, Addendum will endeavor to have something for everyone—there will be champagne service, for example—and a staff happy to guide guests through the perhaps unfamiliar menu. Reservations will be possible, and there will be no cover charge.
Addendum (1212 18th St. NW) opens February 9. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to close.
