One of DC’s most dynamic neighborhoods will soon be getting a bar to match its energy. Bar Betsie, from the minds behind the popular cocktail hotspot Jane Jane, will be debuting in Union Market before the year’s end, reports local media outlet Washingtonian.
The concept, opening at 1328 4th Street, NE this winter, is the second project from a trio of friends with a wealth of hospitality experience. Jean Paul Sabatier, Drew Porterfield, and Ralph Brabham have already established themselves as a formidable presence in the DC bar scene, with the award winning Jane Jane. Bar Betsie will further cement the team as one to watch.
Brabham explains to What Now DC that Union Market has long held allure for the entrepreneurs. “The Union Market District is such a vibrant neighborhood, we knew from the start of our real estate search that we wanted our second concept to be there. And while we are joining an amazing roster of food and beverage concepts, we think what we’re planning is going to be something unique for the area residents, workers and visitors alike.” he states
The neighborhood also holds a personal connection for the friends. Brabham states: “The Union Market District also has a lot of sentimental value to the three of us. It’s where we met — JP was the general manager of Rappahannock Oyster Bar from its opening in 2012 through 2019, and Drew and Ralph were frequent customers. Also JP forged many relationships during his market days, so this is somewhat of a homecoming for him.”
Jane Jane’s continued success has helped the trio feel confident in tackling a fresh project. “With Jane Jane on the eve of starting its fourth year of operation and running as smoothly as a small business can run, we think we have the bandwidth to take on a new challenge.”
Bar Betsie will be a welcoming hug for visitors craving the classic bar experience-a place where everybody knows your name. Brabham describes it as: “At our core, we’re a cocktail bar and will be able to make all the classics, with tasty bar snacks to accompany. We’ll also have a solid array of beers and wines.
We want to create a soulful, unpretentious, laughter-filled gathering place where everyone comes to play. We visited Chicago for an inspiration trip last year, and think many Chicago bars do this well — creating spaces that are neither fancy nor gritty, but somehow both fancy and gritty.”
DC residents can look forward to wetting their whistles at Bar Betsie before the end of 2024. The concept is on track to open this winter.
Certain to become a neighborhood favorite, “The new spot will be a destination cocktail bar wearing neighborhood bar clothing — a spot worth crossing town (or the country) for, a place that attracts regulars, and a place where strangers become friends.”
