Barrel - Capitol Hill, DC

If you are a whiskey and bourbon connoisseur or appreciate elevated bar food, this is your scene. Be sure to try the famous biscuits or mac and cheese; or the duck gnocchi or Tuscan shrimp if you find yourself hungry. Once you are done with dinner, take a stroll downstairs and check out Rum-DMV!

Rating: 5 star plates 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️

Barrel is a whiskey lounge just outside the Eastern Market in Capitol Hill, and a beloved watering hole for hill staffers. But do not let the name fool you, they have more than just whiskey and bourbon. The food is just as much of a reason to return than the cocktails.

The Underage Drinker with bourbon, allspice dram, grapefruit juice, lime juice and honey

Bramble On with bourbon, blackberry, soda, mint, lemon, and sage.

Their cocktails look beautiful and taste great. Bourbon and whiskey are the base for most of them but you have other options or can request a switch.

Barrel of Old Fashioned served with sugar, large ice, and citrus swatches.

This is a fun presentation for a group with more than enough whiskey. The barrel comes with a tap, but careful not to over do it, it’s pretty strong.

These risotto balls are the perfect bite.

I can’t tell you how delicious these biscuits are - buttery and flakey best eaten warm.

Fonduta stuffed gnocchi with duck ragu, roast parsnip, red wine jus, and pistachio

Such a sophisticated dish! The red wine extenuates the duck and pairs perfectly with the soft, cushions of gnocchi.

Braised short rib with red slaw, potato roll, mac and cheese,

A great platter to share if you feel like some BBQ style food. The mac and cheese is especially famous with a unique tang and after taste.

Cheesecake with graham cracker crust and blood orange compote

No need to be skeptical about the blood orange, it works perfectly both the tang and the rich cream from the cake. Not too sweet either.

The drinks downstairs are subject to change, but the purpose is to celebrate rum, hop, and the Washington DC scene in general.