Dine out

Likewise, The Gibson opened in November 2008 with the desire to fill a niche in the district for a bar whose “sole dedication was to cocktails,” and particularly those of the pre-Prohibition era, says the bar’s manager, Tiffany Short. “We wanted to hearken back to the classics, to showcase drinks that had been long forgotten.”

Offering such vintage libations as the Sazerac, made of rye whiskey and Peychaud’s bitters in an absinthe-washed glass, and the Martinez, the “grandfather of the martini,” featuring Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur, The Gibson’s only house rule is that guests enter with an open mind.

Its front door is unmarked, giving way to a low-lit lounge with inviting booths and flickering candlelight. “Really, we just wanted to create an atmosphere where you could come in and get lost in time a little bit,” says Short. Because The Gibson’s allows only as many guests as there are seats (48 in total), “the atmosphere helps you to relax,” she adds. “There’s no shoulder to shoulder.”

And in Richmond, after Julep’s in Shockoe Bottom has “closed” Friday and Saturday nights, a side door with sliding grate welcomes in-the-know guests to The Mint—the newest speak on the block (it’s been open since June), with shuttered windows, “restricted access” and innovative drinks with names like the Jack Skellington (featuring homemade port-infused pumpkin syrup) and the Brown Family Bear (with pomegranate-rhubarb marmalade).

Like PX, The Gibson and their Prohibition-era predecessors, The Mint won’t spend a dollar on advertising—it gains its fame by word of mouth alone, albeit with a little help from Craigslist. “For fun every now and then, I’ll post a password for the night under the ‘Missed Connections’ listings and offer a free cocktail to guests who use it—just to keep things exciting,” says Bobby Kruger, The Mint’s manager and beverage director. Hint: Past passwords have included ‘kumquat’ and ‘rosemary.’

But for all the charades, the intent is not to be exclusive for exclusivity’s sake, says Kruger. “The exclusivity serves a purpose for us, because it allows us to cater to a smaller audience and serve some really quality cocktails without long wait times or a loud setting. It’s all about not compromising the experience for those who are having a good time.”

So celebrate your 21st Amendment rights with a toast to history at one of Virginia’s speaks. But please, embrace the time-honored tradition of a true cocktail. As a sign at PX puts it: “To stay in our good graces, don’t just order a vodka tonic.”

PX

728 King St., Alexandria, 703-299-8384

The Gibson

2009 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-232-2156

The Mint

1719 E. Franklin St., Richmond, 804-377-3968