The motto at Dos Mamis, Petworth’s newest hangout, is buenas ondas—good vibes. But it isn’t a just a call to break out the booze with a Womanhattan and play a few rounds of Juego de Sapo, a Peruvian coin toss, in the outdoor wine garden. It’s also reflective of the kind of space renowned restaurateurs Carlie Steiner and Anna Bran-Leis wanted to create for their first collaboration: a neighborhood spot where all patrons feel welcome and safe.
The two seasoned D.C. entrepreneurs became friends through their restaurants on Upshur Street. Steiner, a cocktail connoisseur named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Zagat’s 30 Under 30 lists, is co-owner of Himitsu. Bran-Leis, a Maryland-raised Guatemalan who first came onto D.C.’s food radar through DC Empanadas, owns Taqueria del Barrio across the street. They’d often call out, “Hey, mami!” to one another on their way to work.
After only one meeting, Bran-Leis and Steiner nailed down a vision for a bar that would be both a blend of their personalities and a departure from other projects. They brightened the moodiness of Hank’s Cocktail Bar—the former tenant of the space—using splashes of seafoam, pinks, and blues, in a design by Natalie Park, for “a little ‘80s and ‘90s Miami” mixed with today, says Steiner. Tearing out Hank’s booths in favor of bar stools and standing room to open up the main area was also intentional.
“We talk a lot about having a safe space and making this anti-creep,” says Steiner. “A good way to do that is to keep the lights on throughout the night. It’s about that natural ability to witness when other people might be in danger. Because we’ve actually been through it. Every single one of us.”
Another intentional push for an inclusive environment is the sobria menu of lower-proof cocktails and mocktails for those who prefer not to drink. Many of the no-proof drinks feature Seedlip, a nonalcoholic spirit, as well as tonics and “summery” water batched with leftover fruits. The owners note they know they’ll get pushback on the prices ($6-14), but say these non-alcoholic drinks aren’t an upcharge.
“You’re getting a cocktail without the proof,” said Bran-Leis. “We’re not just giving you lemon water.”
A list of headier cocktails showcase the creativity Steiner is known for. Among Bran Leis’ favorites are the Buenas Ondas, a frozen rum chilled with Luxardo Aperitivo and strawberry, and the Hayley, a tequila and cantaloupe crusher named after Bran Leis’ daughter. Steiner favors two “crushable” drinks spotlighting the aromatic Bolivian-imported Rujero Singani, including the pineapple and ginger Teal Eye and the citrus Mas Paz—a phrase she also has inked into her arm.
Guests can also order a $9 glass of wine or a $120 bottle of French Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne. To snack on, the partners curated a list of cheeses—triple crème brie and candied pecans, Manchego drizzled in lavender honey, lavender and “xxxtra” sharp cheddar and whole-grain mustard—served with crackers ($14 each) and croquettas. On warmer days, the wine garden begs for an order of the Pedro Ximenez sherry soft-serve ice cream. Dos Mamis will also roll out pop-up collaborations with some of their favorite chefs in town as the bar gets underway.
Dos Mamis is quick to stress its toe of the line between homey bar and cocktail haven—nixing, in Bran-Leis’ words, the “dark and brooding” mentality of the current drink scene. In a city full of low-lit bars and speakeasies, the partners’ effort is a Latin-inspired color splash that doesn’t let up on “killer” cocktails.
“We wanted to give the neighborhood what it was looking for,” says Steiner. “If this was just a cocktail bar, it would put a little bit more of the pretentiousness that we’re avoiding out there. We’re just trying to keep it super low-key, neighborhood vibes, affordable pricing, cocktail quality.”
Dos Mamis is located at 819 Upshur Street NW. Hours are 5 p.m.- 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Hqppy hour is forthcoming.
