"DC’s only Middle Eastern cocktail bar shakes and serves drinks you might find throughout all of the Middle East, not just one country. We come here for its casualness, its large Raki menu, and inspired drinks like cocktails drawn from the flavors of hookah or the Arab influences in Andalucia. But if you’re more into Johnny Walker than mixology, this is your place too—the bartender tells us the American whiskey is a second currency in the Middle East. Order some small plates, like the fried halloumi or carrots with lemon and salt, to go along with your drink." - madeline weinfield