Popular U Street Distillery Leaves Its Restaurant in Limbo

District Distilling, the nearly two-year old U Street attraction that one local tastemaker billed as having the best bar menu in town, is closing its modern American restaurant on Wednesday, July 4.

Co-owner Michael Cummings says the restaurant overhaul will allow management to focus on the company’s booming liquor business; District Distilling makes gin, vodka, bourbon, and rum. “The spirits side of our business … has grown faster than we could have hoped for,” Cummings says in a release. “We look forward to announcing our new restaurant partner this summer, and re-opening the restaurant this September.”

According to the release, the forthcoming restaurant will include “new management” and a “new concept.” It remains unclear whether that means District Distilling is handing over the dining room to another party or bringing in new personnel.

Justin Bittner, a Bar Pilar and Cafe Saint-Ex alum, currently oversees the kitchen there. Fan favorites at the upstairs dining room range from the Double D burger to a weekly fried chicken dinner deal. Eater reached out to District Distilling about whether Bittner will continue on with the company, but has not heard back.

After July 5, the bar and restaurant will operate from Thursday through Saturday for the summer. Local events management firm Rex & Regina is scheduled to handle private parties in the interim.

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