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.

Open since November 2014, Copycat Co. (1110 H Street NE, 20002) is a new dumpling shop and cocktail bar located in the H St. Corridor of NE Washington, DC.  I was able to chat with owner Devin Gong, taste a few cocktails on their extensive menu and sample a couple of food items.

Cocktails

According to Devin, Copycat’s focus is on making classic cocktails really well.  Cocktails like the Old-Fashioned, Sours, Fizzes, Collins, DC Rickeys, and Mules are all staples on their permanent menu.

“That’s where the name ‘Copycat’ comes from.  I’m not trying to make my own, more like we’re curating a drink list,” Gong says.  Copycat also has a temporary cocktail menu, which Devin aims to rotate each week but each board stays up about 2-3 weeks.

What happens if you want the same cocktail you had a few weeks ago? Don’t fret!  If you remember the name (or check out their online menu archives) they’ll make that for you too.

Right now their drink menu is focused on bitters.  I tried Copycat’s Old Fashioned, Apple Toddy, and Trinidad Sour.  All very different but equally delicious.

Since they change the cocktail menu every week, there’s always something new to try at this burgeoning bar.  Their upcoming menu includes Tiki cocktails (bring on Spring!).

How much are Copycat’s cocktails?  Each cocktail is only $11, which is a steal in DC where drinks can go anywhere from $10 to $17.

Not in the mood for a cocktail?  They have a simple wine and beer menu, offering one red and one white wine with a few more beer options.  “I try to keep it as simple as possible,” says Gong.

Food

While this is a cocktail bar, they do offer dumplings, baos and skewers. But there is no correlation between the food and drink menus.  “Cocktails are really meant for before and after dinner.  It’s never really meant for paring with dinner.  Wine paring for food is hard to beat,” says Gong.

You’re able to buy the ENTIRE food menu for $24. You read that right! Everything is a la carte.  I sampled the Triple delight dumplings (chicken, pork and beef) and spicy beef skewers.  They were the perfect bite size foods to enjoy with my cocktails.

Keep in mind that this is a cocktail bar, so if you’re looking for large plates, eat before you get there.

Ambiance

I loved the ambiance at Copycat.   With a new age speakeasy feel, cocktails take the center stage and everyone knows it.  Dark lighting, dark wood but with a brightly colored menu give this bar a modern twist.

Copycat is open 7 days a week and has late hours, closing at 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on weekends.  So if you’re hanging out and don’t want the night to end or you want a late night snack, this is the perfect place.

Be sure to stop by and tell them Will Drink For Travel sent you!

Cheers!

Ashlee
Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck