Tip-off is coming, the curtain goes up soon, or the museum doors just closed behind you. Now you need a drink, a bite and a little Spanish energy. If you are hunting for a cocktail bar Penn Quarter regulars trust before a big night out, Boqueria at 777 9th Street NW belongs on your list. Our bar pours Spanish-accented cocktails, a long run of vermut, sherry and Spanish gins, and it sits in the cultural heart of D.C., close to Capital One Arena and the National Portrait Gallery.
Here is the plan we love most. Grab a seat at the bar, order a cocktail, and let a small board of cheese and Ibérico charcuterie do the work of a snack. You stay sharp for the show, you eat something worth remembering, and you walk out with time to spare.
This guide covers the cocktails on our current list, how to build a quick bar snack spread, why vermut is the perfect pre-show sip, and a few game-night and theater-night routines to borrow.
Key Takeaways
- Boqueria Penn Quarter at 777 9th St NW is a Spanish tapas restaurant with a full cocktail bar, close to Capital One Arena, local theaters and the National Portrait Gallery.
- The current cocktail list includes the Summer Gin Tonic, Negroni Blanco, Midnight in Madrid and the Ibérico Washed Old Fashioned. Cocktail menus rotate.
- Cheese and charcuterie, from Aged Manchego to Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, make an easy bar snack before an event.
- Six vermuts, from Atxa White to Casa Mariol Vermut Negre, bring Spain’s aperitif hour to 9th Street.
- Reservations are recommended, and bar seating is kept for walk-ins.
1. Why Boqueria Is the Cocktail Bar Penn Quarter Plans Start With
Penn Quarter runs on timing. People come here for a game, a concert, a play or an afternoon in the galleries, and they need somewhere to land before or after. Our location page describes the crowd well: power lunchers, theatergoers and night owls. A good pre-event spot has to suit all three.
That is where a Spanish bar earns its keep. In Barcelona, nobody waits for a full dinner to start enjoying the evening. A drink arrives, a plate follows, and the night builds from there. Boqueria was founded on that habit. The first restaurant opened in 2006 on 19th Street in Flatiron, and our motto still sums it up: “Inspired by Barcelona. Forged in NYC.” Penn Quarter brings that spirit to downtown D.C.
What this means for you:
- You can keep it short. One cocktail and one or two tapas is a perfectly normal order.
- You can keep it flexible. Start at the bar, then move to a table if friends show up early.
- You can eat well without eating heavy. Small plates let you snack before a show and save room for later.
Since bar seating is kept for walk-ins, a spontaneous stop works too. For a bigger group heading to the same event, a reservation is the smart move.
2. The Cocktail List: What to Order Before the Show
Our signature drinks borrow Spanish ingredients, from fino sherry to Licor 43, the golden vanilla-and-citrus liqueur from Spain. Cocktail menus rotate, so think of these as a snapshot of the current list.
| Cocktail (current menu) | In plain English | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Gin Tonic | Gin Mare, piquillo pepper, lemon, Atxa dry vermut and tonic, finished with an olive | A bright, savory start before a museum evening |
| Negroni Blanco | Ford’s gin, Atxa white vermut, Faccia Bruto Centerbe and Luxardo Bitter Bianco, with a paella rice wash | A stirred, bitter aperitif before the theater |
| Midnight in Madrid | Banhez mezcal, coffee liqueur, Licor 43 and mole bitters | A smoky drink before a night game |
| Fino What You Did Last Summer | Blanco tequila, strawberry, basil, fino sherry, lime and clarified milk | Easy sipping with friends |
| Ibérico Washed Old Fashioned | Bourbon fat-washed with Jamón Ibérico, demerara and Angostura | Pairing with the charcuterie board |
| Shishito Margarita | Shishito pepper-infused tequila and fresh lime | A crowd-pleaser for the whole group |
The Spanish gin and tonic. In Spain, the gin-tonic is a proper ritual, usually served in a big balloon glass packed with ice and garnishes. Our Summer Gin Tonic plays with the idea by adding piquillo pepper and a splash of dry vermut to Gin Mare, a gin from Barcelona. It is refreshing, a little savory and easy to finish before you head out.
The Ibérico Washed Old Fashioned. This one ties the bar to the kitchen. The bourbon is fat-washed with Jamón Ibérico: the spirit rests with the ham fat, then gets chilled and strained, leaving a rounder, savory texture. Order it next to a few slices of ham and you will see why it belongs here.
Classics for the friend who wants something familiar. The Clásicos list also includes an Espresso Martini, a Lychee Cosmo, a Gimlet and an Aperol Spritz. The Espresso Martini is a smart call before a late show.
Sangría for a crowd. Heading to the arena with a group? Our house sangría comes in Tinta (red), Blanca (white), Rosada (rosé) and Sandía (watermelon). A pitcher at the bar is a cheerful way to gather everyone before you walk over together.
3. The Bar Snack Plan: Cheese, Charcuterie and a Few Tapas
A cocktail needs a partner. Before a show, you want something satisfying that will not slow you down, and a cheese and charcuterie board fits perfectly. Everything arrives ready to share, so nobody waits on a long cook time.
| Board item | What it is | Drink match |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Mahón | Tangy, citrusy cow’s milk cheese from Menorca | Summer Gin Tonic |
| Caña de Cabra | Creamy, bright goat’s milk cheese | Fino What You Did Last Summer |
| Aged Manchego | Nutty sheep’s milk cheese with caramel notes | Atxa Red Vermut |
| Valdeón | Sharp, creamy Spanish blue | A glass of Oloroso sherry |
| Jamón Serrano | Cured ham, aged 16 months, savory and slightly sweet | Negroni Blanco |
| Chorizo Ibérico de Bellota | Mildly spicy cured sausage seasoned with smoked pimentón | Midnight in Madrid |
| Jamón Ibérico de Bellota | Our most prized cured ham, aged 48 months, deeply marbled | Ibérico Washed Old Fashioned |
Why Ibérico is special. Our Ibérico de Bellota charcuterie comes from Spain’s pure-bred black Iberian pigs. They roam oak groves in Andalusia and forage for fallen acorns (bellota means acorn). That diet gives the meat a rich, nutty flavor and fine marbling. If you only try one thing at the bar, make it a few slices of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.
Add a hot tapa or two. If the board is not quite enough, a couple of quick plates round things out:
- Pan con Tomate: toasted bread rubbed with tomato, garlic and olive oil, the classic Catalan partner for ham.
- Croquetas de Jamón: creamy Serrano ham croquettes with quince purée.
- Patatas Bravas: crispy potatoes with spicy salsa brava and garlic allioli (a garlicky mayonnaise).
- Pimientos de Padrón: blistered shishito peppers with sea salt.
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates: stuffed with almonds and Valdeón blue cheese.
Several gluten-free options are marked on the menu. Tell your server about any allergies before you order.
4. Vermut: Spain’s Favorite Pre-Show Ritual
If any drink was made for the hour before an event, it is vermut. In Spain, la hora del vermut (the vermouth hour) is a cherished pre-meal tradition. Friends meet at a bar, order a small glass of vermouth over ice, often with an orange slice or an olive, and snack on something salty before moving on. It is relaxed, social and light, which is exactly what you want before a concert or a play.
Boqueria Penn Quarter carries a generous lineup:
- Destilerías Atxa White Vermut: lighter and floral, lovely with soda.
- Destilerías Atxa Red Vermut: the classic sweet, herbal style.
- Lustau Vermut Rosé and Lustau Vermut: from a famous sherry house in Jerez.
- Lacuesta Vermut: another classic Spanish bottle worth a taste.
- Casa Mariol Vermut Negre: a dark Catalan vermouth with rich, spiced notes.
Our tip: order a red vermut on the rocks with a plate of Aged Manchego. It takes five minutes to enjoy and feels like a quick trip to a Barcelona bar counter.
A word on sherry. Our list also includes sherries such as Barbiana Manzanilla Pasada, Valdespino ‘Tio Diego’ Amontillado and El Maestro Sierra Oloroso. Dry styles like Manzanilla are lovely with salty ham, while a glass of Alvear ‘Solera’ 1927 PX is pure dessert after the show.
Not drinking tonight? The zero-proof list includes the Forget-Me-Not (butterfly pea flower, thyme, honey, lime and ginger beer), A Better NA Negroni, No Fizz Given and SPF Zero, plus non-alcoholic beer and sparkling wine. Designated drivers get a real cocktail experience too.
5. Game Nights, Curtain Calls and Gallery Evenings in Penn Quarter
Penn Quarter is one of D.C.’s busiest entertainment districts, and 9th Street sits right in the middle of it. Here are three ways locals and visitors build an evening around a stop at our bar.
Before the game or concert. Capital One Arena is close by, and arena nights get busy. Meet your group at the bar, share a pitcher of sangría or a round of Shishito Margaritas, and order Angus Beef Sliders and Patatas Bravas so nobody heads in hungry. Book ahead if your group is large, since bar seats are first come, first served.
Before the theater. Penn Quarter has a strong theater scene, and a pre-show drink is part of the fun. Go for something stirred and elegant, such as the Negroni Blanco, with a small board of Jamón Serrano and Caña de Cabra. If the show runs long, come back afterward for churros and a glass of PX. Our location page notes that we are a favorite for night owls, too.
After the museums. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery share a historic building near our door. Spend an afternoon with the art, then walk over for a Summer Gin Tonic and Pan con Tomate while you talk about your favorite pieces.
Happy Hour fans, take note. Our location page highlights Penn Quarter’s Happy Hour, with tapas like Patatinas, Croquetas, Charred Corn Ribs and Serrano Ham Grilled Cheese alongside mini martinis, sangría and the Shishito Margarita. Check the location page for the current Happy Hour menu before you come.
6. Visit Us in Penn Quarter
Boqueria Penn Quarter is at 777 9th Street NW, in the cultural heart of D.C. The bar is a natural meeting point when your group is arriving from different directions, and our team is happy to help you choose a drink if the Spanish names are new to you.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 777 9th St NW, Washington, DC |
| Nearby | Capital One Arena, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum |
| Drinks | Signature and classic cocktails, vermut, sherry, Spanish gins, cava, sangría, zero-proof cocktails |
| Bar snacks | Cheese, charcuterie, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, tapas |
| Reservations | Recommended; bar seating kept for walk-ins |
| Events | Private and semi-private options on our DC events page |
Planning a group outing? If your office or friends want to gather before a big game or show, our events team can help with private and semi-private spaces and family-style menus.
Love sangría? Our earlier guide to sangría at Boqueria Penn Quarter walks through every pitcher on the list.
Conclusion
The best nights in Penn Quarter often begin with a good drink nearby. At Boqueria, that might mean a Summer Gin Tonic with a savory twist, a glass of red vermut over ice, or an Ibérico Washed Old Fashioned beside a plate of hand-sliced ham. Add a quick board of Spanish cheese and charcuterie and you are set for the arena, the theater or a slow walk through the galleries.
Check the current drinks and Happy Hour menus on the Boqueria Penn Quarter location page, then book your table or come by for a seat at the bar. Salud!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boqueria Penn Quarter a good spot for drinks before a Capital One Arena event?
Yes. We are close to the arena, and the bar is set up for a quick drink and a few tapas. For large groups on busy event nights, reservations are recommended, since bar seating is kept for walk-ins and can fill up.
What is a good pre-theater order at the bar?
Try a Negroni Blanco or a red vermut on the rocks with a small board of cheese and charcuterie, such as Aged Manchego and Jamón Serrano. It is satisfying without being heavy, and it arrives ready to share.
What is Jamón Ibérico de Bellota?
It is Spain’s most prized cured ham, made from black Iberian pigs that forage for acorns in Andalusian oak groves. Ours is aged 48 months, which gives it deep marbling and a rich, nutty flavor.
What is vermut, and how do Spaniards drink it?
Vermut is the Spanish word for vermouth, an aromatized wine flavored with herbs and botanicals. In Spain it is usually served over ice, often with an orange slice or olive, during the pre-meal vermouth hour. Our list includes Atxa, Lustau, Lacuesta and Casa Mariol.
Do you have non-alcoholic cocktails?
Yes. The current zero-proof list includes the Forget-Me-Not, A Better NA Negroni, No Fizz Given and SPF Zero, plus a non-alcoholic hazy IPA and a non-alcoholic sparkling Albariño.
Does the cocktail menu change?
Cocktail menus rotate, so the drinks in this guide are examples from the current list. Check the Penn Quarter location page for the latest menu, or ask the bartender what is new.