Looks like Upshur Street is getting a bit more busy: Twisted Horn, the cocktail bar from the folks behind Hank’s Oyster Bar (and formerly Commonwealth on Irving Street) is aiming for an opening in December, according to Petworth News.
Previously we heard the spot will have about 40 seats inside and another 40 outside, and will have classic and new cocktails, rotating beer and wine, and small bites for food — sounds kind of like the idea behind Room 11, but larger.
Petworth News has the press release, which includes bits on the drinks and food:
The opening beverage list features unique drinks such as Scarlet Billows: Blackwell Rum, Camparno Anitca, Fresh Blood Orange Juice; Ghostwood Development: Jensen Old Tom Gin, Sapins Liqueur, Port, Salmiakki Dala Scandinavian Fernet, Whole Egg, Black Pepper Nutmeg; and Black Hat: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Grapefruit Juice, Housemade Cinnamon & Clove Demerara Syrup, Angostura Bitters.
Guests are invited to snack on small bites to accompany their carefully crafted beverages. Jamie Leeds has designed a menu consisting of bar favorites and colorful tastes, such as Assorted Pickles, from their neighbors Gordy’s Pickle Jar; Crostini, choice of Pimento Cheese, French Onion, Spicy Carrot, Chopped Chicken Liver; Onigiri Japanese Rice Balls, choice of Pickled Vegetable, Tuna Tartar, Smoked Salmon, Ume Plum Paste; and a curated selection of Cheese & Charcuterie.
If you recall, Hank’s owner Jamie Leeds opened Commonwealth, a British gastropub, a few years ago in the space that is now Acre 121. It was tasty and apparently successful, but Leeds closed it to focus on Hank’s. Too bad too, I really enjoyed Commonwealth, although the Scotch eggs at Small Fry are just as good.
Presumably a cocktail bar would be easier to run than a full restaurant, so I don’t think Leeds would close this the same as with Commonwealth.
Twisted Horn will be at 819 Upshur Street NW. Right now they will only be open Thursday-Saturday: Thursday 5pm-1am and Friday and Saturday 5pm-2am.
They have a website and mostly dormant Instagram and Twitter account too.
