A quite Happy Hour at DC’s The Smith

Earlier this week, I arrived early for an event, a very special film being screened at the Navy Memorial in DC. I needed to kill some time, as well as pull as Scarlett O’Hara and not attack (though admittedly fabulous) the buffet.

I got some expert input as to a nearby Happy Hour and The Smith really hit the bill. The Penn Quarter neighborhood restaurant/bar has a bit of an Edwardian throwback vibe, with lots of locals enjoying the Martini Hour, weekdays from 3-6. I was lucky to snag the last seat right at the bar.

They are well set up to not leave you hanging for help. Two bottles of water are brought to you, sparkling and still, with a glass. Then, you peruse the menu. I didn’t realize they leave your check in a little old-fashioned glass near you, but they do.

Martinis during this time are $12, but served in small coupe/cordial glasses. They have a few house creations, including the Dirty Blue. I forgot to order mine with vodka. The house menu just mentions gin and well, nobody asked. The gin made for a much sharper drink than I’m used to, but it was in a small glass. dirty blue olive: vodka or gin / dry vermouth / house brine / blue cheese olives

Now, if you check out the menu for a wee bit more, you’ll notice a martini and oyster special: The Salt and Vinegar martini with 3 oysters for $20. And no, there’s no substitutions. I tried. salt + vinegar vodka / mignonette / amontillado sherry / dry vermouth / pickled onion

The bartender fixed my iphone charging cable with a pen knife, so you can’t beat that.

A little crusty bread was served with olive oil and vinegar bottles.

I wanted something different, but not too much and not gloopy: I was all dolled up and about to meet up with some very special people in just a sec’. I love carbs, but they don’t love me. But a gin martini later, who cares?

The black truffle arancini: mushroom risotto, mozzarella, truffle oil was delightful, garnished with a bit of greens. $10. When I first spied 4 little wee wee balls, I was a little disheartened, but they’re very rich and the portion turned out to be perfect.

Their restrooms are spacious with good mirrors.