Blood Orange Basil Cocktail.
Bringing a bit of hip Latin flavor down from the big apple, Zengo’s new Latin Lounge looks just a little bit bigger, better, and cooler. Although DC boasts no shortage of sleek, dim-lit lounges, Zengo’s is a cut above the rest. The new spacious interior makes it great for groups, but the intimate tables make even smaller parties feel welcome. This hip spot is a great place to start your night—whether heading to a show at the Wooly Mammoth or a casual movie around the corner.
With sister restaurants in New York, Las Vegas, Denver, and Santa Monica in the U.S. and internationally in Mexico, Qatar, and Dubai, Richard Sandoval’s food empire is taking the hippest concepts from 
across the globe and bringing them to DC. My favorite addition to the lounge is the “Owner’s Club” bottle service that allows patrons to purchase and store their own bottle of top-shelf Latin liquors like pisco, cachasa, tequila, and rum for up to 3 months (prices per bottle range from $120-$250). Simply present your patron card and the warm and hospitable staff will pull your personal bottle and serve it with complimentary one-of-a-kind mixers that are as sophisticated as they are delectable, including orange-ginger and hibiscus-
Sushi at Latin Lounge
cranberry. My personal favorite is the Fio pisco with the strawberry-cinnamon mixer; it is out of this world. Gentlemen – if you want to put a little rico in your suave, take this is a great way to impress a lady before taking her out for a night on the town.
Not ready to spring for a bottle? Try one of Zengo’s other tasty cocktails, including the unique Coconut Babita made with fresh coconut milk and rum or the Cucumber-Serrano Martini with a mescal base. Daniel Burger, the resident beverage director, certainly deserves accolades for his innovative and fresh concoctions that could place Zengo amongst the best cocktail offerings in the city.
Salt & Pepper Shrimp Tacos
Please don’t misunderstand; the food at Zengo’s Latin Lounge doesn’t disappoint either. The current Shanghai-Sao Paulo inspired menu includes fusion small plates that are delightful. My favorites from the menu include a modern spin on the traditional xiaolongboa dumplings – the famous Shanghainese soup dumplings that literally translate to “little dragon buns.” Zengo’s version includes a jalapeño-ginger vinegar that gives it an extra kick. Other standout appetizers include shrimp tacos and a tasty vegetarian sushi that even fish-lovers will relish.
Overall, Zengo’s Latin Lounge is a great place to start your night or to spend an evening enjoying good company, unique cocktails and great food. Check out the scene on a Friday or Saturday night – the lounge now features local DJs that will be sure to make Zengo a new destination spot.
The images in this article are courtesy of Kyle Gustafson.
– Guest Writer Yasmine (YSS)
Disclosure: From time to time, we are given free items, meals, or events.
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