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dLeña ROJA a Drinks Den for Mezcal and More in Mount Vernon

Image credit: Zeph Colombatto

At the opening of dLeña (476 K Street) — that sexy, smokey wood fire Mexican cocina and mezcaleria in Mount Vernon Triangle that KSM told you about — we also got a sneak peek of the drinks den down below. Well, now Richard Sandoval’s latest — a lounge — is officially open, and if we thought dLeña was lit… dLeña ROJA is so sensual it’s smouldering.

Image credit: Zeph Colombatto

Larger than imagined, dLeña ROJA can accommodate up to 90 standing guests and is available for private functions, but we prefer to imagine it less as a reception room and more as a clandestine clubhouse for those in the know.

Archways and shadowy nooks invite intimate mezcal-fueled meetups. Intricate wall hangings created by Querétaro artisans are illuminated by soft candlelight and surround leather banquettes that you’ll sink into with your pour and any of Sandoval’s delicious downstairs menu of Mexican small plates.

The veritable library of libations boasts over 250 tequilas and 50+ mezcals on its list. Love one? Buy the bottle! Then reserve one of 44 private tequila lockers (6 month leases) to return to sip and savor.

Image credit: Zeph Colombatto