The Next Whisky Bar elevates your imbibing experience by bringing you into a swanky setting—one literally lined from floor to ceiling with top-shelf spirits—and adding gourmet bites to the mix. While the menu’s first and foremost aim is to provide guests with access to premium whiskies and other libations, the food is hardly an afterthought.

In fact, the chef at this eatery near our Capitol Hill Apartments has a little fun with the food list, labeling each menu section according to bottle sizes of booze—the “pints” are the appetizers, while “fifths” are heftier small plates and “handles” refers to entrees. Kick-off your meal with a Rusty Nail cocktail featuring Chivas Regal or a Sazerac infused with Bulleit Rye, paired with small bites like the chicken wings with Gojuchang sauce or the truffle fries paired with herbed mayo. Then share a cheese plate featuring pear compote or a flatbread smothered with whipped ricotta and flecked with figs. Spring for another cocktail or a whisky flight to accompany your gourmet main course—perhaps the filet mignon with cognac sauce and potato puree or the grilled salmon featuring a fennel confit and olive tapenade.