Drink Up at Espita Mezcaleria, Open for Dinner Today in Shaw

Espita Mezcaleria opens today at 1250 9th St. NW. The restaurant and bar comes from master mezcalier Josh Phillips and his wife Kelly. Check out the space and all the colorful murals here.

Dishes from Southern Mexico by executive chef Alexis Samayoa will be served in the main dining room. Think moles, sopes, tacos, and tlayudas (the thin, crunchy tortillas that are a specialty of Oaxaca). The tortillas will be handmade and many dishes will feature freshly ground masa. The restaurant will open for dinner service at first, and lunch and brunch will follow.

Beverage Director Megan Barnes is arranging beverage pairings. There will be a rotating selection of mezcals representing different agave varietals and styles. Selections will be served in one or two-ounce pours, a six-ounce carafe to share, in flights, or highlighted in nine different cocktails.

Espita Mezcaleria, 1250 9th St. NW; website