The Wells

The Wells Cocktail Bar Opens With a Gorgeous Design and a Menu of Gin Drinks | Eater DC

"Stepping into a new, reservations-only gin bar tucked between two sister restaurants near Eastern Market, I was struck by soft lighting, gleaming surfaces, and snug seating designed to block out everyday distractions — drawn blinds, plush forest-green sofas, and leather cushions lining brown banquettes, lounge seats, and barstools encourage people to look away from their phones and strike up conversations. Owner Hollis Silverman wanted guests to 'step out of D.C.' and modeled the space on gin bars she visited in Barcelona, Madrid, and London; architecture firm HapstakDemetriou+ added a Bocci light fixture of glass spheres strung with copper wire to lend an elegant but not stuffy feel. The menu omits gin brands to prompt patrons to ask the staff — bar managers Philip Keath and Ashley Havens (both alums of Rose’s Luxury) are encouraged to talk guests through why specific gins work in certain cocktails — and the back bar’s bright white cubes spotlight small producers, with a stated priority on women-owned and BIPOC-owned labels. Cocktails ($14–$18) reflect the season, from the lemon-verbena Like Riding A Bike to the tiki-leaning Vacation (tepache, Banane du Bresil liqueur, lemon) and the Night Cap (a negroni riff with decaf coffee–infused Campari, sweet vermouth, and crème de cacao). The menu lists 'Collaboration' to signal off-menu orders; food is currently limited to potato chips ($5) or caviar and chips ($115) while Executive Chef Kat Petonito plans to develop bar snacks as the kitchen grows. In August the bar is open Wednesday and Thursday nights (5:30–10 p.m.) with most reservations already filled through Tock and September bookings opening August 27 at noon; a $98/month Gin Society membership includes cocktail kits, bar tools, priority reservations, and the option to buy monthly bottle picks like McClintock Forager Gin." - Travis Mitchell