Bar Openings: October 2014

Chaplin in Washington, D.C., pays homage to a silver screen legend, and Wine-O offers broad selection in Key West.

Washington, D.C.’s Chaplin features signature cocktails named for the films of actor Charlie Chaplin, and the two-story space includes a bar, private den and outdoor patio.
Washington, D.C.’s Chaplin features signature cocktails named for the films of actor Charlie Chaplin, and the two-story space includes a bar, private den and outdoor patio.

D.C. Bar Channels The 1920s In Ode To Charlie Chaplin

Mixologist brothers Ari and Micah Wilder unveiled their 1920s-themed bar and restaurant Chaplin in July in Washington, D.C.’s newly developed Shaw neighborhood. Named after actor and comedian Charlie Chaplin, the venue showcases vintage cocktails inspired by his films. Standouts include the Gold Rush, made with Montenegro amaro, Unokeg Singlo Prosecco, Rothman & Winter Orchard Peach liqueur and Peychaud’s bitters, and The Pilgrim, a blend of Bols genever, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette liqueur, Green Chartreuse liqueur, and fresh pineapple and lemon juices. The venue boasts a total of 12 specialty drinks ($12) and a selection of “dumpling shooters” and “drunken dumplings” that incorporate spirits with food, including pork dumplings served with The Yamazaki 12-year-old Japanese whisky and a lemon emulsion. Chaplin also offers ramen dishes, salads and family-style roasts ($8 to $13) and myriad craft beers ($5 to $22 a bottle or draft pour), such as Champion Brewing Co.’s Killer Kolsch and Het Anker Brewery’s Gouden Carolus. In addition, the venue lists several wines from Europe and the Pacific Northwest ($6 to $14 a glass; $33 to $220 a 750-ml. bottle).

South Florida Hotel Unveils Wine Destination

The Crowne Plaza Key West La Concha opened the upscale wine destination Wine-O in July, providing visitors and locals with a top-notch lounge, tasting room and retail space. The venue boasts more than 200 wines that are available via small tastes, full glass pours or bottles ($7 to $15 a glass; $14 to $300 a 750-ml. bottle). Managed by sommelier Chance Parker, Wine-O offers a large array of California labels, as well as wines from France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina, among other regions. There are also several flight options that are organized by varietal ($8 to $13 for three 2-ounce pours), a handful of beers ($5 to $7 a bottle), and small bites like cheese, antipasti and chocolate. Wine-O hosts live entertainment during the week and offers free 2-ounce wine samples in the early afternoon.

Bar Briefs

  • Hell’s Kitchen Hospitality Group debuted The Jolly Monk in July in Midtown Manhattan. Featuring a list of draft beers that changes weekly, the venue emphasizes Belgian brews, such as Delirium Tremens and La Chouffe, and Belgian-style American labels like Allagash White and Ommegang Rare Vos.
  • Located in Container Park in downtown Las Vegas, Oak & Ivy is a whiskey haven off The Strip. The bar features whiskies and barrel-aged cocktails in a pub setting complete with oak barrel taps, a marble bar and bow-tied mixologists. Set in a repurposed shipping container, the space incorporates a rooftop lounge overlooking Fremont Street.
  • Beer and burgers take center stage at Woodhaven Bar and Kitchen, a laid-back spot in Chicago’s River North neighborhood that opened in July. The tap house boasts numerous draft, bottled and canned beers, as well as a menu of sliders, macaroni and cheese, and appetizers.
  • The High Line Hotel in New York City unveiled the drinks den Champagne Charlie’s in July. The relaxed outdoor lounge offers a wide array of sparkling wines, beers, spirits and cocktails, as well as small plates like oysters, crudos, salads and burgers.