Dare I say... my favorite cocktail bar I've tried in DC in the past couple of years, and a spot I'd absolutely be a regular at if I lived in the area?
Providencia has been on my to-try list forever, originally recommended by a bartender friend ages ago, and it wasn't until a recent trip that I finally was able to work it into my schedule to come for pre-dinner drinks and light bites. The spot is tucked away in a back alley off H Street, and honestly I'm not sure I would've found it if my Uber hadn't dropped me at the door. Reservations are required and you have to put down a $10 nonrefundable deposit that goes toward your bill, which makes sense because the space is small. Ideal for 1-3 people, not a group spot.
The Salvadoran/Taiwanese flavor combo infused throughout this menu is its calling card. It's such a unique flavor combination and genuinely something I haven't seen before, and the menu does a beautiful job of letting both cuisines shine without one overpowering the other. The drinks are inventive but actually well-balanced, and the food does the same thing in small, snack-y portions perfect for pairing with tasty cocktails.
My (kind of indulgent, but well-worth it) pre-dinner drinks order:
- Lights of the Night Market (Ford's gin, Mal Bien mezcal, genepy, pandan, coconut). A great intro to how well the Salvadoran/Taiwanese flavors play together. The pandan is so pleasant here without being overpowering.
- Run Bing with Nai Nai (Salvadoran white rum, Nardini rabarbaro, Licor 43, mazapán, oolong tea, lemon, milk, served with a little mazapán candy on the side). Nutty, beautifully balanced, sweeter than I normally go for but so unique and well-made that I didn't mind it at all.
- The Big Chip and Salsa (tomatillo salsa, matcha chip): So fun and so tasty, a great small bite if you don't want real food.
- Roasted eggplant pupusa (eggplant, squash blossom, gruyère, tomatillo). SO delicious. A really lovely mix of salty, tangy, and sweet! I'd come back just for this.
- Plantain & hojicha tiramisu. Looked like a work of art, incredibly tasty but not heavy. The hojicha flavor is lovely and light and works so well with the plantain. It doesn't taste overly banana-y, which is always a worry of mine with plantain desserts.
Overall, Providencia is doing something genuinely different flavor-wise than any other cocktail bar in DC right now and doing it extremely well. The cocktails are creative without feeling gimmicky, the food is thoughtful and delicious, and the whole experience feels intimate, cozy, laid back, and personable. The staff was so kind and helpful. Absolutely worth seeking out, and one of the first places I'd send someone looking for a great cocktail bar in DC right now. read more