Guest Post Written By: Shelby Shaw

Nestled in the heart of historic Eastern Market, the newest addition to the 7th Street strip has officially opened its doors. An eclectic, mid-century wine bar, the Eastern, is creating quite the neighborhood buzz. And I’m not just talking about the wine. 

Last week, the Eastern hosted a group of close family and friends for an exclusive sneak peek at the array of food and drink options, and suffice to say, it did not disappoint. 

Here’s what we discovered:

For the grape enthusiast, peruse the wine list of over three dozen whites, reds, and everything in between. Categorized by flavor, this stout menu includes all the tannins and mouthfeels your heart desires.  

For the beginner, explore classic cocktails or cool down with a “Sunset in The Eastern” spritzer, a light and airy summer specialty. 

For the daring foodie, the “Beastern” charcuterie and cheese board (pictured) will challenge your taste buds with samplings of duck prosciutto, rhubarb marmalade, and gouda, just to name a few. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, as any combo is sure to please. 

If the concept of wine tasting gives you the nerves, rest easy knowing the wait staff at the Eastern makes you feel right at home among even the haughtiest of wineauxs. Knowledgeable and friendly, the staff will charm any skeptic by accommodating palette preference sans judgment.

Veteran restaurateurs Matt Weiss and Mike Schuster want the Eastern to reflect not only the neighborhood but the people in it. Weiss says they are excited for the potential of wine tasting in Eastern Market and hope residents feel right at home in their new neighborhood tasting room. 

“I believe in the market,” said Weiss, “and at the end of the day, we want to develop a community feel right here on Capitol Hill.”