The folks that brought us Restaurant Eve have managed to pull off a study in extreme contrasts with their recent opening the immensely popular Eamonn's Chipper and the newly opened "PX." The Chipper has its own thread and needs no introduction. The PX, which opened this evening, is the Chipper's polar opposite. It is located on the upper level of Eamonn's but you enter around the corner when the blue light is illuminated. You ring the door bell and wait for someone to recognize you before you are allowed to enter. An upscale, coat and tie/cocktail dress, cocktail lounge in the speakeasy mode, awaits you after you review the "house rules' upon entry. What awaits you is an establishment new to the DC area; a polished wood,. upscale, speakeasy. What also is polished is the skill of the bartenders and the waitstaff who will be able to make you just about any drink you can name.and then some. It is only open Wednesday through Saturday and not for the faint of heart. The lowest end cocktail is $11, no beer that I could discern.

If you are refused entry, keep in mind that the place only holds a little more than 30 people.

And that is post #2,000

If the Blue Light is On, and the Pirate Flag is Flying, all are welcome.

Is this serious? "House rules?"

Why is everyone so serious? I think the quotes are a hint to a bit of tounge-in-cheek.

The limiting factor will most likely be space as the space is only so big.

It sounds cute. Is it expected to make money, or just be an outlet for the bartender's skills?

Fo'real?

Let me put it this way, it's not a tee-shirt/shorts/flip-flops kind of place like Eamonn's is. Nor is it a jeans and sweatshirt kind of place like Murphy's across the street. I can't think of another place quite like it in the DC area.

When you reach the top of the stairs, you feel like you are transported to one of those old black and white movies with Bogart and Edward G. Robinson. They have done a great job of capturing the speakeasy effect. For me, I would not think of going there without a suit on, but that's just me. I take my cues from the owners: Meshelle had on a black, spaghetti strap dress. YMMV.

Consider the source!

Maybe I can get in with my tux t-shirt.

Is Todd going to brew some bathtub gin?

I might have an old prom dress or five lying around. I know what I'm doing later.

This from a man who dresses up to sit on the beach!

It definitely has a pretty sophisticated vibe - from the blue velvet couches to the (faux) crystal chandeliers to the elaborate original woodwork. Maybe you don't need a suit, but you'd feel more out of place wearing jeans and a polo that you would in a sport coat.

Sometimes it's fun to pretend that we're grown-ups.

This place reminds me so much of New Orleans--not the spring-break cacophony of the Quarter, but the Uptown not-quite-proper drawing rooms that are the core of NOLA upscale culture.

Perhaps we do something there for Mardi Gras?

PS: Do not go to PX hungry as they serve no food, only a few dishes of nuts and other salty tidbits.

The rules are fairly succint. Men behave as Gentlemen. Remove your hat. Wear a jacket. No smoking. Treat ladies as ladies. No means no. Don't let anyone in the door. And there is, in fact, a pirate flag.

It's pretty sweet.

Really? A little disappointing to have read something like that. It's like being forced to leave your bag at the store entrance because they think you're a shoplifter.

What? You are offended by those rules?

"That dame ain't no lady!"
"Dat guy's a bum!"
"Whaddya mean?"
"Fuggedaboudit"

I can't wait to try this place. Nice to know that bag-carrying riff-raff will be turned away at the door.

No. I am moderately offended that someone would feel compelled to remind be to be a gentleman and that "no means no" as though I were too low-rent to know these things already.

"Jacket required" is fine.

I thought the rules were just tongue in cheek to go with the "speakeasy" old time theme.


Does anyone know the difference between the Blue Room and the back rooms and anything more about the reservation policy?

Alas there are far too many mouthbreathers behaving badly in places one would consider classy, that the rules neither offend me, nor surprise me. I wish it weren't so.

PX sounds great.

Thanks,

Kevin

Those rules are in line with a number of speakeasies I have been to in New York. Many of them have dress codes that I find very welcoming. Most limit the size of parties to no more than four, require guests to be seated and forbid loud noise making such as shouting and hooting. There is even one that does not allow gentleman to approach woman who are not part of their party (I am blanking on the name, it is a side room of a Chinese restaurant). Some might find these sort of rules as being onerous, but I find them rather refreshing, and seek out the sort of place where I can sit around people who dress and act like grown-ups, I just find it too bad that rules are required to make this happen.

I look forward to giving PX a try.

Of course they are. But since an appreciation for irony is just as rare as common sense, PX will probably face a lawsuit over its rules sometime soon.

I think you might be taking this a bit too personally. If I were to walk up the stairs, I'd go down the list and then be happy I don't have to make any core character changes.

I was unaware of the reservation policy. The blue room is in the front overlooking King Street and is separated from the rest of the PX by an open doorway. Off hand, I would say that it holds 8-10 people comfortably on the 4 blue sofas.

IIRC the Blue Room will take reservations for 2-hour slots of time for 2 people per couch.

AHHH...I love the smell of napalm in the morning. I think I can't wait to get down there and enjoy what is guranteed to be a unique experience and great drinks.

I didn't see the irony the Colorado Kitchen rulebook either. Must have spent too much time watching this at an impressionable age.

House Rules from the "Milk and Honey" Bar in New York's Lower East Side:

1. No name-dropping, no star f*cking.

2. No hooting, hollering, shouting or other loud behaviour.

3. No fighting, play fighting, no talking about fighting.

4. Gentlemen will remove their hats. Hooks are provided.

5. Gentlemen will not introduce themselves to ladies.
Ladies, feel free to start a conversation or ask the bartender to introduce you. If a man you don't know speaks to you, please lift your chin slightly and ignore him.

6. Do not linger outside the front door.

7. Do not bring anyone unless you would leave that person alone in your home. You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests.

8. Exit the bar briskly and silently. People are trying to sleep across the street. Please make all your travel plans and say all farewells before leaving the bar.

Whether real or "imagined" - the "house rules" at this particular establishment really set the tone for the drinking experience of the evening. A truly elegant and interesting experience. (And amazing drinks!)

I can't wait to try the PX!!!
I'll act like a gentleman or hop like a monkey - anything to secure a truly sublime martini!

I'll buy a drink at Palena for the first person to get kicked out of this joint!

Edited to add: TWO drinks if it's for hitting on someone! And THREE if you get their phone number before being tossed out the door.

No yelling OR whoring? Yawn. I have no other reason to put on a prom dress.

Don't tempt me.

Anyone seen a drink menu?

You poor boy!

Like the bartenders at PX, "STILL shakin it here, Boss."

Eric

There is a lengthy list of specialty cocktails - many classics with a modern (read Thrasher) twist, all featuring -at least- one special home-made ingredient or garnish. (Bittersweet Gin Fizz...MMMM!) There are also a couple of "flips" and sparkling cocktails, along with 3 choices each in the "Red, White, and Sparkling" categories.

As for the Rules of the House - I think they can be summed up in one word. To quote the esteemed Ali G - "RESPECT!"

The music (Edith Piaf, Cab Calloway, Paris Combo) just adds to the ambience. (And the opportunity to revisit all of my 80s favorites is just downstairs - Eammon's music is great too!)

It's a beautiful, classy, grown-up space - a very welcome addition to the Old Town scene! Well done my friends (as usual ).

We had a great time at our all-too-short visit to PX. The drinks were lovely -- I had the ginger beer in the copper cup -- PERFECT for a summer's night. The cup stayed cold, colder, coldest all the way through the drink.

Both the drink and the space are definitely winners, as are the staff and the music. Now's where I start re-regretting living anywhere but Old Town (anyone know if that house next to Eve is still for rent? ).

The "For Lease" sign was in front of it this evening.

I believe the Rockwell Foundation is looking for a new location for its world headquarters. It must have space for a sizable wine cellar, a walk-in humidor, and a room to stash all the leftover picnic supplies, poker tables, Ron Jeremy dvds, and the Foundation's collection of pilfered ashtrays. The ability to construct an underground tunnel leading to a trap door in Eve's kitchen would be a plus.

Going to PX felt like going to a friend of a friend’s place for a low key, upscale get together -- I rang the bell and didn’t know my hosts, but they warmly welcomed us. Sitting in the Blue Room felt like sitting in this friend of a friend’s chic living room with one of the hosts frequently checking in to see if anyone needed a drink (I loved the sweet basil cocktail). A very nice way to spend an evening.

Pick your poison, as noted in the Express.

And the location remains a secret.

Didn't realize there was a floor show. Move over Siegfried and Roy!

Oops.
http://dc.metblogs.com/archives/2006/09/px_blue_light.phtml

Ungrateful dragon.

Bet that'll be the question in the next chat..."That's great and all, but where IS it..."

(hehe, they won't even know I misposted in this thread...)

Went to the PX last night for the first time and must say it is such a great addition to Old Town. The vibe is luxurious and relaxed all at the same time. The music was on point and the service was great. Tried the Mule which was an amazing little concoction w. homemade ginger ale in a unique copper mug that kept the drink chilled to perfection. I will definitely be back and must thank everyone for making us feel so welcome in such a precious little hideaway.

Will "nice" jeans and blazer get me by the sentry, or would full-blown jacket and tie be more appropriate?

Consider it "tux optional" and you'll be fine. Seriously, they might not turn you away in jeans, but it is really not a casual place.

The Texas tuxedo works; I've tried it myself. Most gentlemen were in suits and ties. I'll probably consider a suit next time.

PX is the best of Milk & Honey and the Pegu Club, only better because it's a 45-minute drive away. We're very lucky to have such an amazing bar in close proximity. The Pisco Sour is the best cocktail I've had all year. Everything else is damn close. Thrasher's sweet vermouth is delicious by itself, but the Bitter Gin Fizz deserves honorable mention.

The craft and care put in to every element of PX is obvious. Go now. Go often.