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"Inside Dupont Circle’s Eighteenth Street Lounge, I discovered a dim 20-seat drinking den that debuted a year ago and rolled out a new booze menu on February 22 aimed at appeasing everyday drinkers while keeping unique, adventurous options. After founders Lukas Smith and J.D. Quioco left last fall, the spot pivoted from a hyper-specific bitters-and-amaros concept; Sadira Biv, a seven-year ESL bartender who now helms Addendum’s cocktail program, has expanded the lineup to include craft cocktails for those who haven’t acquired a taste for amaro while keeping amaro as a starring spirit. She’s also added beer and stocked unique spirits ESL doesn’t carry elsewhere, like Ilegal Joven mezcal, Filibuster Rye, and Jos. A. Magnus & Co.’s Royal Seal Vodka. For its one-year anniversary the bar is running a $5 Peychaud’s apertivo spritzer and a $19 Amaro flight “to get acquainted” (running through next week). First dubbed Studio Bar as an ode to Thievery Corporation, Addendum opens at 8 p.m. daily and offers an intimate, relaxed vibe where you can sit, have a conversation, and enjoy a one-on-one experience away from ESL’s bustle." - Tierney Plumb