Date Night: Red Light Cocktails and Dessert Bar

They had us at cocktails and dessert.

But that’s not all you can get now at Red Light, one of this year’s newest additions to the Logan Circle neighborhood in DC. Though they have built an impressive reputation for crafty libations and heavenly dessert concoctions, they have now added a delicious savory bar menu to their repertoire.

Scott and I had the chance to indulge on Red Light’s newest fall bar menu (and specialty desserts and cocktails), and were blown away by not only the presentation, atmosphere, and service, but the quality of every bite was something that will not go unnoticed by even the most discerning palette.

We imbibed on a few of their “Burlesque Cocktails”, and voted hands down that the Peep Show (bourbon, pimms, lemon juice, and ginger beer) won the award for best presentation. However, all the cocktails on the menu are innovative and playful, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Our favorite addition? The Rustic Flatbreads. We recommend the wild mushroom, taleggio, and white truffle oil flatbread – even Scott, not the biggest mushroom fan, concurred.

Also offered now on the menu are Serrano Ham Sliders, Duck Confit Báhn Mì, and Cheese Fondue for Two. With a side of Bar Nuts – ALWAYS get the bar nuts.

We were torn on our favorite dessert, but the seasonal dessert special (crispy pumpkin dumplings with maple pecan ice cream) catered to our love of the traditional fall pumpkin flavor, but the Drunken Apple Tart was a puff pastry lover’s dream. And I, my friends, am one such lover.

We had the opportunity to talk with co-owner Aaron Gordan, who sat beaming as we ate and drank to our heart’s content, raving at this perfect corner location on 14th and R. We talked much about how much we love making several different stops on our Date Nights, and the chance to grab a cocktail at one place before heading to dinner at another fits our bill. Not only that, but a decadent dessert after dinner? Head back to Red Light.

The interior is, as I coined, “tasteful risque” – the perfect marriage of the sinfully sweet menu and the homage to DC’s historic Red Light District in that area.  Though the bar and lounge area inside will be perfect this winter, we enjoyed prime real estate as we sat outside on the corner patio.

Often times it takes a new restaurant time to establish good credit in the area, but it seems Red Light has already done so. We urge you to see for yourself and try the newest fall items while there is still time.

-Al

Red Light
1401 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009