Come Hungry to This Buzzy Union Market Cocktail Bar | Eater DC

"This alleyway Levantine bar-bistro, filled with dark, lush booths, fringe-lined lamps, and dramatically large dripping candles, has been incredibly hard to book since opening in late 2024, earning a spot on the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list and an early nod in the Michelin Guide. Though it sells itself as a moody, late-night wine and cocktail bar with jewel-toned ambiance, chef Michael Rafidi’s food is what makes it worth the hype. I return for untraditional hummus and labne topped with barbecued mushrooms or crab and a simple Lebanese rice dish loaded with lamb. The smoky escargots and arak butter on hummus is a must order: the earthy, sesame-laden hummus and briny snails are brightened by lightly herbal butter, all best soaked up with grilled bread from the wood-fired oven in Yellow downstairs. Don’t be afraid to double up on hummus; the chickpea spread is especially good and each topping is distinct. The transformed falafel jibne, borrowing from traditional Palestinian preparations, explodes with fresh herbs, its fluffy texture upgraded by tiny pieces of mild cheese and a salty trout roe topping. If the soujek dumplings are running, ask for them—the tiny manti-style pouches with rich beef and lamb shoulder, urfa chili crunch, and cooling garlic yogurt are truly addictive, and the mushroom version also hits the spot. For drinks, try the arak service at least once (a rarity in D.C.); servers can guide you through the story behind your bottle, and the strong licorice flavor opens up with rich herbal undertones as you add water. Natural-leaning wines chosen by Michelin-awarded sommelier William Simons pair beautifully with the spice- and herb-filled savory dishes. Reservations drop on Resy exactly 21 days out at midnight, but you can often snag off-hours (like 9 p.m. on a Sunday) or walk in—climb the dark staircase to check in early evening or after 8 p.m.—and wander Union Market while you move up the waitlist." - Emily Venezky