Although the name “RedLight” acknowledges U Street’s seedy origins, Aaron Gordon, Robert Underwood, and brothers Ari and Micah Wilde’s new restaurant provides a sleek, sophisticated, and perfect after dinner scene. As you walk into RedLight, you will notice the grand 44 seat patio with beautiful mini-gardens ( just in time to enjoy the lovely spring weather), inside, a sleek concrete bar where you can clearly see all your drinks and desserts being made. The atmosphere was very much relaxed and intimate, with tables ranging from being able to seat 10 to small 2 seat tables. Opening the menu, there is a plethora of cocktails all with playful names such as “The Madame” and “Double Down”. Some of our favorites included:
- Peep Show is sweet concoction of cucumber, black tea, ginger, and charred rosemary. Emphasis on charred, as you will witness one of the bartenders set the rosemary on fire right in front of you with an industrial size blow torch.
- The Dude is an adult milk-and-cookies for two. With a whole swatch of alcohol like vodka, rum, cognac, egg cream, and mole cacao bitters, this milkshake will knock you right off your feet, just be sure to chow down on the blueberry and white chocolate cookies before your date does!
- Street Corner Girl, one of the many “Racy Bubbles” cocktails that are offered is a mix of rum, Kalani coconut liquor, lemon, champagne, and lavender bitters that is light, fruity, and so easy to drink that the bottom of the glass appears before you realize. Gipsy Eyes, another Racy Bubble cocktail was knock you out of your chair delicious. Light with a mild hint of cherry, one should picture a sophisticated bohemian flair.
- RedLight boasts beautifully fabulous desserts, and their Milk Chocolate Crunch Cake delivers. With its brûléed bananas, butterscotch sauce, and passion fruit gelato, it is hard to decide which part of this tasty dessert to try first.
- The Goat Cheese Custard with Lake Anna honey, crispy quinoa has some to die for pineapple gelato. Not your average custard, we found it denser and milder in flavor, but adored the pairing of all of the plate components.
Beginning April 28, RedLight will be offering early and late night Happy Hour options. Monday through Sunday come in between 4-7 for early Happy Hour. Or, Sunday through Wednesday take that special someone out to dinner, then swing by for late night hours from 11pm to close. Happy Hour includes half price on most featured libations, some half price savory dishes including Fondue for Two, Cheese Straws, and a Select Cheese Board, a daily featured dessert, $1.75-$6 beers, wine and Champagnes by the glass from $3.50 to $6.50, and the Wilder brother’s “Three Horseman” cocktails at half price.
Red Light
1401 R St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-0400

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I will have to keep this in mind when we get back to DC. I don’t think we will be back for another year, though.
Yum! This sounds great. I’d love to try the Street Corner Girl… And now I have Led Zeppelin stuck in my head lol
Ohh… I love drinks and dishes that have interesting names. The better the name, the more I’m likely to order it, especially if it is a drink. – Katy
I can’t wait until I pop this baby out so I can enjoy a good cocktail again!
Those cocktails and desserts sound amazing! I’ve never heard of this place, but I’ll have to check it out (I’m local). The ‘Peep Show’ is what I’d order! 😉
It’s been a while since we last visited Dc. I’m definitely bookmarking this for when we do go back.
That Goat Cheese Custard sounds delicious. I need to check this place out when we are in DC next.
I would love to pay a visit! Thanks when we are in DC will check it out.
They All Sound Delicious But I Think I Want To Try The Dude!! Thank You
I love fun cocktail names, these are quite funny. When I visit DC, I will be sure to stop by Redlight.
Oh my, all of those images are making me even more hungry! If I ever head to the East Coast, I’ll be sure to check out this place.
Oh my goodness, I totally want to go. This sounds like so much fun and I would love to try one of each of the fun cocktails. HA
This looks like a great place to check out!
Oh the cheese straws look good!
“The Dude” – “With a whole swatch of alcohol” <-LOVE THAT!!!!
I have to admit I have never visited DC, but I'll check this place out when I get out there! 🙂
Oh wow, all of these sound amazing! This is really making me crave a girls’ night out 😉
The Milk Chocolate Crunch Cake is making me drool, everything sounds amazing!!
Everything looks so amazing. hard to choose one, I want it all!
I am a Street Corner Girl for sure!! Sounds like a super hot place to chill!
That crunch cake has me. These all sound awesome.
I like the wonderful names on these drinks. They seem fun and spark great conversation.
The Milk Chocolate Crunch Cake is divine, I’m sure.
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