The Sheppard Reopens For a Limited Time

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The Sheppard—the "speakeasy" from chef Spike Mendelsohn and Vinoda Basnayake—reopens for a three month stint beginning today. And this time around, there is no ban on photos. (Although truth be told, any photos you take will probably suck because it's so dark.)

A new landlord took over the bar's building, just south of Dupont Circle, last fall. But due to delays for construction planned there, The Sheppard’s lease was extended, allowing them to temporarily reopen.

Bartender David Strauss, formerly of Minibar and Barmini, will oversee the cocktail menu, which will include classics like martinis and Manhattans plus a rotating selection of custom drinks. Strauss will also be involved in another cocktail spot from Mendelsohn and Basnayake called Morris, which will open in Shaw later this spring.

Both bars' names come from Senator Morris Sheppard, who authored The Sheppard Bone-Dry Act of 1917 that banned booze in D.C.

The Sheppard will be open Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Sheppard, 1337 Connecticut Avenue; (202) 559-8984 

Photo courtesy The Sheppard