Turncoat, a clandestine speakeasy embodying the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, is set to hold its grand opening on Wednesday, January 24th, at 5 pm. Located adjacent to the recently opened Heights Food Hall at 5406 Wisconsin Ave in Chevy Chase, this prohibition-style bar is part of the Common Plate Hospitality Group.
The name “Turncoat” is a nod to the Prohibition era when bootleggers and speakeasies thrived. It evokes the intrigue and mystery surrounding those who turned informants during that time.
Step into Turncoat Speakeasy and uncover a hidden chapter of Washington D.C.’s history, delving into the secret story of the Rock Creek Railway Line. During Prohibition, while Maryland was “wet,” areas like Chevy Chase and Bethesda had limited access to alcohol, prompting D.C.-area gangs, including the notorious Foggy Bottom Gang, to exploit the situation. Rumors suggest that Railway conductors may have used a subtle “coat-turning” signal to discreetly offer prohibited purchases. Today, experience this hidden history and enjoy libations in comfort, knowing the Volstead Act is long gone.
Turncoat boasts an extensive cocktail and culinary program designed to captivate and delight guests. The beverage program, curated by renowned mixologist Dan Marlowe, features show-stopping and innovative Prohibition-inspired cocktails. Examples include The Gibby, combining Lustau Bianco and Madeira Barrel Aged Gin, The Tranquility Cup with Suntory Toki Whisky, The Black Gold with chocolate bitters and pure maple syrup, The Billie Holiday with orange bitters and prickly pear syrup, and The Coppers & Gangsters with orgeat syrup, lemon juice, and Empress 1908 Gin.
The culinary offerings at Turncoat are a symphony of flavors and textures, leaving guests craving for more. Dishes include Bootleg Burger Sliders, Sleep with the Fishes featuring grade A tuna in wonton tacos, Shrooming with wine-braised mushrooms in a crispy wonton taco, Deal with the Devil with crispy deviled eggs and candied pork belly, and Run a Fowl Sliders showcasing crispy chicken thighs.
Dishes range in price between $15 and $27. Turncoat promises an upscale experience that sets it apart from other speakeasies in the area. The venue’s design and exclusivity contribute to this distinction, featuring a dimly lit mural with mug shots of famous bootleggers and a bar designed to resemble a Chevy Chase streetcar. Custom cages filled with a curated selection of liquor bottles surround the seating area, creating an atmosphere that transports guests back in time to an era of secret gatherings and hidden bars.
“We are thrilled to offer a creative presentation of local and national history in decadent imbibement,” says Beverage Director Dan Marlowe. Chad Sparrow, Founder of Common Plate Hospitality, adds, “Turncoat represents a new era of speakeasies, where the past meets the present in an atmosphere of style and attraction. We’re excited to share this one-of-a-kind experience with the community.”
Turncoat invites everyone to step back in time and experience the glamour, intrigue, and exclusivity of the Prohibition era at its grand opening on January 24th at 5:00 PM.
Featured image courtesy LEADINGDC
