Barmini Alum Signs Lease to Open Second Bar in Dupont Circle

Copycat Co. founder Devin Gong is bringing his love of classic cocktails to Dupont Circle at a new 40-seat bar and restaurant.

Washington Business Journal reports that Gong, a Barmini alum who in 2014 made a home for himself and night owls craving cool drinks and Asian snacks along H Street NE, has signed a lease a open a new venture called Astoria. The two-story establishment (1521 17th Street NW) is projected to feature a restaurant and bar on the main level, a small patio that spills out onto 17th Street, and a kitchen down below.

WBJ says the menu for Astoria remains a work in progress, but notes that Gong will travel to China this summer to research dishes. Customers at Copycat Co. are currently served dumplings, bao buns, and skewers of grilled meats at the compact space below the popular bar.

Construction on Astoria isn’t the expansion effort happening on that block. Neighboring restaurant Agora (1527 17th Street NW) is working on filling the space left behind by now-defunct Pasha’s Kitchen (1523 17th Street NW).

• Copycat Co. owner to open second spot, this one in Dupont Circle [WBJ]
• Mediterranean Restaurant Agora Wants to Take Over Pasha’s Space Next Door [EDC]