Bar Hop: Knee High

Capitol Hill's hidden Knee High is worth seeking out

Harking back to the days of the unpopular 18th Amendment, Capitol Hill’s new hot spot, open since March, flies way under the radar.

The Vibe Most of us weren’t around to hit the real speakeasies during Prohibition, so this is as close to the experience as we’ll get. Knee High hides behind an unmarked door on the ground floor of a triangular apartment building, with dark curtains over every window. From its unassuming façade to its cozy interior, dimly lit with chandeliers and tea lights, this tiny gin joint feels convincingly like the Hill’s best-kept secret.

The Food The assortment of small plates ranges from snacks to heartier bar fare: Chicago-style hot dogs loaded with toppings ($5); an open-faced cream cheese and smoked salmon tea sandwich on rye ($6); or a Morning Star Bakery soft pretzel and rarebit ($5), tasty and big enough to share.

The Drinks The cocktail-focused drink menu mixes up new concoctions with creative twists on old favorites. Try a spicy Knee High Gin and Ginger ($5), with Seagram’s Gin, bitters and candied ginger packing a flavorful punch, or a not-too-sweet Prohibition ($7), with Seagram’s, Lillet Blanc, Calvados and orange juice. An eclectic beer selection is available by the bottle, as well as four wines by the glass, $6 each.

The Bathroom Secretive down to the last detail, even the singular bathroom, clean and adorned with decorative vintage mirrors, is unmarked.

Knee High, Capitol Hill, 1356 E Olive Way, 206.979.7049