Update (07/03/2020): Restaurant is closed.
While the name of this restaurant may make you think that the focus of the venue is only on beverages, in reality, there are a host of delicious dishes on the menu at District Distilling you really need to sample. From appetizers to desserts, there is some seriously good food coming from this kitchen.
Where to Start
You’re going to want to kick off your meal at District Distilling with three sharing dishes: housemade potato chips with onion dip, freshly baked biscuits, and a beet and goat cheese Napoleon. The potato chips are the ideal snacking dish, perfect with any cocktail on the menu. The onion dip is sweet and savory, bold and creamy. The biscuits are the epitome of American comfort fare. You will find them to be super flaky, buttery and light. Be sure to slather that honey butter all over them!
The Napoleon is full of earthy flavors. Given its large size, you can easily share it with your dining partners. I always think sharing appetizers are more fun – you get to sample more food! With the appetizers, I enjoyed the Colonel Joe cocktail, a combination of gin, housemade lime soda, and lime jam. The drink is super refreshing, perfect for hot summer nights.
Where to go Next
For your entrée, there are a wide variety of choices, with everything from agnolotti to red curry and rice. My vote is for the kabocha squash red curry, which features a rich coconut curry laden with fresh vegetables, including huge half-moons of squash. It’s fragrant and spicy, with a crunch from peanuts and freshness from local herbs. Order the What’s The Rush cocktail to go with your entree, its a blend of bourbon, honey syrup, and ginger vinegar. The ginger notes pair well with the Asian flavors, and the sweetness will offset the spiciness.
Where to end
I am a sucker for classic American desserts and District Distilling has two of my favorites: warm chocolate chip cookies and seasonal fruit pies. The cookies come with a glass of cold milk, and the current pie is a sweet and tart cherry pie, complete with a crumbly crust.
District Distilling: The Verdict
Chef Justin Bittner is an experienced chef who draws on seasonal ingredients and international flavors to develop his dishes, which complement the beverage program that the District Distilling is known for. Come for a drink and stay for dinner!
District Distilling, 1414 U St NW, Washington, DC, Website
