Dupont Nightclub Jumps on the Cocktail Bar Bandwagon

Dirty Martini, the Dupont nightclub that currently offers all-you-can-drink happy hours ($30) and serves food ranging from jerk chicken pizza to galbi tacos, is morphing into a more traditional cocktail bar dubbed Twelve.

Construction is already underway at the multi-level club (1223 Connecticut Avenue NW). But managing partner and corporate chef Walter Rhee tells Eater the venue will keep to its current Thursday through Sunday schedule during the changeover.

He says everything is being redone inside, from the decor in the main dining area to the menu. Rhee predicts a few existing menu items will likely carry over, but stresses that he’s interested in doing more local sourcing and regionally inspired dishes.

“The new menu will be American based, but will not be limited to just American fare,” he says. The bar, which a few years back unveiled a novelty 48-ounce martini (the Big Dirty; $80 a pop), is projected to focus on a mix of traditional cocktails (Manhattans, rickeys) as well as original creations. The bar currently serves over a dozen martinis and other specialty drinks.

Dirty Martini/Facebook

Rhee says the switch to Twelve should take about a month.

• Where to Eat and Drink in Dupont Circle [EDC]
• D.C. bar serves up 48-oz martini [Washington Post]