"Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL), a beloved Dupont Circle club that closed during the pandemic, is making a comeback in Shaw's Blagden Alley. The new ESL is a two-level, 5,000-square-foot venue with an airy rooftop deck, full-service bars on each level, and the ability to host multiple live acts simultaneously. Unlike the original, the new ESL includes a food program and expanded hours for happy hour and community events. It can accommodate 250 people and offers a diverse menu ranging from $7 parmesan popcorn to $118 caviar-topped blinis. The venue retains the essence of the original with elegant furniture, baroque couches, and antique chandeliers while introducing new elements like live edge bar tops and fireplaces. It also hosts daytime wellness sessions and various events. ESL Shaw is run by a team that includes women artists and designers, and it partners with local charities." - Tierney Plumb