New Gay Bar Orchid Is Here | Eater DC

"On Barracks Row (520 Eighth Street SE) I visited a new gay bar that opened Friday, May 18 called Orchid, which replaces the now-defunct Senart’s Oyster and Grille Room. I was struck by its roaring 1920s vibe and Prohibition-era glam, with a 40-foot-long marble bar, mahogany-lined interiors, and vintage pink and purple glass lamps. The project comes from Hill Restaurant Group with partners Timur Tugberk and fashion blogger Diego Gonzalez-Zuniga. Seasonal fare ($8–$19) includes shrimp cocktail, grilled lamb chops, avocado gazpacho, cheese plates, crab cakes, and seared sea scallops. Cocktails ($10) include a Blue Orchid featuring Jameson whiskey and blueberry syrup; beers ($5–$6) include Pacifico and DC Brau, and there’s a handful of wines for $5 each. I experienced the weekend “post brunch” (1 p.m.–7 p.m.) concept — a disco-style dance party with lots of oysters, a 1.5-liter magnum of rosé for $35, and six “baby bottle” buckets of bubbles for $50. Orchid is certified open and is projected to stay open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends." - Tierney Plumb