Resurrected Bar Builds on Barrel-Aged Drinks

The temporary watering hole that used to cater to those exploring the mobile kitchens that rotated through dining hub Prequel is back to pouring drinks — many of which are drawn from a growing library of barrel-aged beverages.

Those familiar with the original Prequel (it closed earlier this year) should be pleased to hear that house bar, Brick & Mortar, has resumed operation at the pop-up restaurant showcase’s new location (919 19th Street NW).

Prequel co-founder Andrew Harris tells Eater that drink pros Rob Long and Jose Diaz are once again calling the shots, and that the duo is amassing a collection of cocktails that have spent some time soaking up wood.

The two dozen (and counting) creations include: a “DC negroni” composed of Green Hat Gin from New Columbia Distillers, rosé vermouth from Capitoline, and amaro from Don Ciccio & Figli; a Manhattan featuring rye, Cappelletti, vermouth, and orange bitters; and a Boulevardier made with Japanese whiskey, Aperol, Campari, and vermouth. Harris says the team is working to perfect another drink featuring the collaborative Dia de los Muertos spirit produced by homegrown Catoctin Creek Distilling Company and Adroit Theory Brewing Company.

A standing weekday happy hour deal (4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday) shaves select cocktails down to $8 a pop. Some cocktails also get rolled into the meal deal (think: burger, fries, and a cocktail) made available for $14.95 on Mondays and Tuesdays.