King's Ransom

A Hand Roll Sushi Counter With an Attached Highball Bar Lands in the Heart of Old Town | Eater DC

"Upstairs at 728 King Street, I found a gold-adorned cocktail bar that replaces PX and leans darker in mood, with 23-karat gold logos of a king and moon and black velvet chairs with golden legs to evoke a toned-down James Bond sophistication. Beverage director Jon Schott (the People’s Drug) and Alex Taylor (Hank’s Oyster Bar) will pour Japanese whiskeys and employ a rare toki highball machine to mix chilled, carbonated cocktails; that same machine produces sodas and the carbonated water used in the shrimp tempura batter. Drinks include a wasabi martini—made with wasabi-infused Haku Vodka, a ginger green tea dry vermouth blend, and a dash of sea salt that creates an aromatic green tea fog and is served with salted edamame and pickled ginger—plus a gin-based tiki drink called the Thanks for the Fish (Tyku Coconut Sake, pineapple, lime, and hibiscus air bubbles) and a spirit-free Lovely Day made with Seedlip Garden 108. The bar aims to be approachable (everyday orders like a vodka and soda are welcome) and will offer five curated highballs, ten rotating cocktails, four spirit-free options, plus beer and wine ($10–$16). Food upstairs includes bento boxes, poke bowls, and creative tuna tostadas served on an avocado shell. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight (1 a.m. on weekends)." - Tierney Plumb