A Swanky New Cocktail Bar With All Kinds of Infused Spirits Opens in Georgetown

A swanky, library-themed cocktail bar that pours drinks infused with sarsaparilla root, turmeric, fall spices, and coffee opens tonight in Georgetown.

Tucked behind a burlap and leather curtain, L’Annexe slides into the space that formerly housed Unum restaurant (2917 M Street NW).

Small plates at the new bar include shrimp aguachile, corn hummus, charcuterie, mushroom toast, and a chocolate caramel tart for dessert. Scallops come with XO Sauce and miso aioli. Spice-rubbed ribeye skewers go the Middle Eastern route thanks to tabouli and preserved lemon labneh. Owner Fady Saba, who claims 22 years of restaurant experience across Paris, Beirut, and D.C., tapped Beuchert’s Saloon chef Andrew Markert to design the food menu.

Rey Lopez for L’Annexe

Beverage director Mick Perrigo most recently helmed the bar at Left Door, the upstairs speakeasy in Logan Circle. For his new gig, he’s making a Washingtonian (hibiscus-infused potato vodka, St Germain, simple syrup, lemon) and a lemon sazerac (lemon peel-infused cognac, Peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup). Classic cocktails include frozen or shaken margaritas and daiquiris, joined by an Old Fashioned and sazerac. Cocktials range from $14-$17.

A one-page wine list shows love for grapes growing in Italy, France and California. Wines by the glass jump from $12 to $20, and bottles are $50 to $150.

Rey Lopez for L’Annexe

The secluded setup sports a zinc-topped bar that glows with a warm, yellow light. A cement pineapple fixture gives off Southern hospitality vibes.

Soft couches and chairs sit atop a huge carpet in the lounge area, lined with rows of heavy books and vats of colorful, infused spirits that have fruits and spices bobbing inside.

Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and until 1 a.m. on Friday. The cocktail party starts earlier on weekends, at noon, and until 1 a.m. on Saturday and 11 p.m. on Sunday.

• A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Historic Georgetown [EDC]
• The 15 Hottest Bars in D.C., September 2019 [EDC]
• How D.C. Hotel Bars Are Trying to Supercharge Their Dull Reputation [EDC]