The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia.  We find out about the background of the cocktail menu and how the restaurant uses it to make its mark on the nation’s capital.  

Ambiance

When you first walk into BOE, you feel like you've just been transported to a log cabin in Salt Lake City. The bar/restaurant, located in the heart of Penn Quarter, offers an outdoorsy new look to what was previously the all-white laced Sei.  Besides the animal skull busts that adorn the walls and woodsy vibe, the highlight of the new venue is definitely the food and drink menu.

Cocktails

The cocktails are creatively named, such as the 'Should I Get High on My Wedding Day?', which works as a great conversation starter at the bar, and the food follows suit with the 'balls on fire', which are crispy bulls' testicles. What's also special about their cocktails is that they utilize the sous-vide method. In a nutshell, they seal cocktail ingredients and submerge them in hot water to infuse the alcohol.

The standout cocktail was the 'Should I get high...', not only because of the name, but the flavorful kick of the scotch bonnet and the ginger hemp liqueur. It's definitely one to sip slowly. Another winner was the Porn Star, which comes with a shot of sparkling wine and a $1 bill for your troubles. You take the shot first and chase it down with the passion fruit-flavored cocktail. 

Food

BOE carries an extensive menu of what they describe as American fare but it's apparent that there are some Asian influences. Honorable mention goes to the 'BOE Bacos', which are tacos in a bao bun. The garlic shrimp bacos were delicious and a great snack to pair with the cocktails.

If you're in the DC area BOE should be on your go-to list. The drinks are fun and classy, and the menu will force you to try something different; I'm looking into the alligator ribs next time I go! You can find BOE at 777 9th St, NW DC or boewdc.com.

- Nyasha Chikowore