Frequenters of Capitol Hill can look forward to the opening of Hank’s Oyster Bar in June, 2012. Chef/Restaurateur Jamie Leeds–known for her popular neighborhood restaurants, Hanks Oyster Bar and Lounge in Washington, D.C., and Hank’s Oyster Bar in Alexandria, Virginia–is partnering with award-winning, celebrity mixologist Gina Chersevani.
Their new 40-seat restaurant is located at 633 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, 20003, and will be cocktail-driven with a welcoming neighborhood vibe and wallet-friendly pricing.
Notable bar and restaurant designers Lauren Winter and Brian Miller, the duo behind Edit, have been tapped to create the décor for Hank’s Oyster Bar.
Leeds’ menu will be comprised of her famous “Meat and Two,” with patrons picking one from the selection of protein options and two delicious sides.
Fans will be delighted to find all the Hank’s favorites from Leeds’ two other locations, such as the lobster roll, fried oysters, seasonal daily fish, Molasses braised short ribs, steaks, and chops, with additional specials making their way onto the menu based on the season.
Prices range for appetizers and raw bar selections from $2-$13 and entrees from $16-$27.
Partner Chersevani will be developing the entire beverage program to include a selection of local beers and a wine list of eclectic, small production wines, with more than 20 bottles and wines by the glass.
She will reign over her own 20-seat bar, Eddy Bar, within their restaurant.
The new mantra for Hank’s Oyster Bar is “swirling liquors and turbulent mixers,” Chersevani says.
To whet one’s whistle, some of the cocktails will include Deadliest Catch with mezcal, rye, and salt water taffy foam; Land Lover with Chairman’s reserved spiced rum, clove tincture, and citrus salt; Siren’s Call with Plymouth Gin, pineapple cardamom soda, and beet and vanilla syrup; and a new version of the Hanky Panky made “Hill style” with vodka, house-made sage, and lemon soda.
Gina’s libations range in price from $7-$12 each.
Hours of operation at opening for Hank’s Oyster Bar are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5-10 p.m.; and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5-11 p.m.
Eddy Bar will be open until midnight every night.
“We are very excited to bring Hank’s to Capitol Hill,” says Jamie Leeds. “Patrons who have frequented Hank’s Oyster Bar since it opened have asked why I did not look at opening on The Hill, so we are coming, and Gina will delight fans with her ingenious combinations.”
