Log In Register
Lost your password?
A password will be e-mailed to you.

all photos: Stephanie Breijo

A few weeks back we wrote about the opening of DOI MOI, the new South East Asian concept by Mark Kuller and his team from Estadio and Proof. Our recommendation still very much stands: the place is DELICIOUS. Now, their sister bar (though completely independent in concept and spirit, it should be noted) 2 BIRDS 1 STONE is open and the corner of 14th and S just became all that much more inviting.

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things1

There is no big announcement that you’re there. You enter from S street (though the official address is still 1800 14th street, same as Doi Moi), and a discreet sign and a little street lamp with a bird on it tells you you’re there. Enter, and instant relaxation hits. The sixty seat lounge is dimly lit, with plenty of benches and a cocktail menu, created (and hand drawn too, by Adam Bernbach) that is both classic and timely. And yes, they’ve put a bird (or 2 birds) on most things.

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things2

When asked how did the bar come about, the answer is simple: They’ve always wanted to do one, they just needed the right space, and once it was there, the rest was easy. The name comes from a quote in a B Horror movie which featured one of Estadio’s staff. The hand drawn menus are a result of a birthday present Bernbach gave Kuller, where he drew comic books of how-tos for his favorite cocktails. The drinks-simple, perfectly mixed and seasonal. Bernbach says: “We really didn’t want the menu to be intimidating to anyone. The idea is to be simple, quality driven. We care much more about how good the cocktails are than being clever with them”.

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things8

In terms of what the bar should be all about (there are already swirls of “secret bar” talk surrounding it), Bernbach emphasizes the flexibility of the space. You can come before dinner, or after, with a group of friends and stake out one of the benched areas or sit alone at the bar. In the short amount of time they’ve been open, he says no two nights have been the same, and they like that about their new venture: people can make of it what they want. Reservations are not mandatory, btw, and standing at the bar is a-ok, but the relatively small capacity will be respected at all times.

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things5

The drink selection will change weekly (the punches DAILY, which, in our humble opinion would make for a great personal quest: trying a different one every day of the year) and when we stopped by we spied a classic gimlet, a play on a pina colada and the punch was both refreshing and VERY boozy. Savor each sip.

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things122 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things11

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things92 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things102 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things72 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things42 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things32 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things162 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things152 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things142 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things13

2 Birds 1 Stone DC Doi Moi Basement Bar 14th Street Photos Brightest Young Things6

X
X