Free State Will Open Next Month With Local Brews, Salt Water Taffy

This winter, a bar with Mid-Atlantic brews, booze, and snacks will anchor in Chinatown.

Free State Atlantic Bar, a new bar from the team behind Lost & Found, will sit below deck of Bantam King at 700 5th St. NW.

Co-owner Hilarey Leonard said the driving force behind the Mid-Atlantic theme: Her husband is from Northern Maryland and has “always been a fan of everything that goes with it.” That means 14 draft lines will pour craft beers sourced from Mid-Atlantic states only, so don’t expect any large domestic brews (like Bud Light). That rule has also gotten patrons at Lost & Found to drink outside the box, she said.

Booze will be sourced from breweries and distilleries located within Pennsylvania-to-North Carolina confines. The 1,700-square-foot space won’t have a kitchen, so expect small bites like salt water taffy from Delaware.

Oceanic accents will include white-washed woods, brick, and a vintage ship's lantern. Each booth will get the nautical treatment, like a Captain’s leather-covered booth, array of seafaring photography, and other antique pieces the team has curated. Hours will be 4 p.m. until close and could be extended if daytime Verizon Center events are happening. The goal is to open by mid-December, with seating for 80.