Hidden away, PX a hip find

As you stroll down King St. toward the waterfront, look for the flickering blue flame on the 700 block and let it guide you to a watering hole the likes of which you’ve never experienced before.

PX Lounge in Alexandria is accessed only by reservations, or you can try ringing the doorbell below the black pirate flag adorning the upstairs window, next to the blue light (if it’s on, PX is open). Hint: Wednesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. the blue light is usually shining.

{mosads}A waitress will lead you up a candlelit stairway to a dark mahogany bar where a flame burns brightly and two bartenders jiggle shakers back and forth. Sounds that can only be described as mood music set the tone for a vintage 1920s speakeasy. Once you settle in either at the bar or in the additional candlelit, chandelier-driven lounge room, take a look around at the cocktail equipment. PX houses a mini museum of sorts, straight down to the absinthe holder displayed on a windowsill.

All ingredients are completely fresh and chosen from area farmers markets. Choose from about 16 cocktails with clever names, such as the “Ron Burgundy” and the delicious “Cure All,” a concoction with tequila and gin served with a slice of fresh lemon. 

Why not try the I Have Way Too Much Thyme on My Hands, which includes 42 Below Vodka, cyanar, apple thyme syrup and apple bitters. For the traditionalists among us, the gin and tonic is concocted with house-made tonic. 

If you aren’t particularly fond of how some alcohol tastes, try the “maiden voyage,” a delicious blend of pineapple juice, ginger syrup, Canton ginger and vanilla rhum. That’s another important aspect of PX to remember – most liquors are spelled the way they were 80 years ago.

Mixologist Todd Thrasher is the mastermind behind the cocktail creations PX offers. A native Virginian, Thrasher names D.C.’s own Jose Andres as his mentor. Thrasher spent a few years at Café Atlantico working with Andres.

PX also offers packages for one who wishes to be the most glamorous cocktail party host in town. Check out www.

restauranteve.com/eamonns/PX for more information on party details. 

To keep with the 1920s old-style glamour, PX also has a fairly strict dress code. For the gentleman in your group, remind them that PX doesn’t allow flip-flops, shorts, tanks, tees, caps and hats. 

Jeans are allowed, but just make sure they have no holes or rips in them. Flapper dresses and 1920s pearls aren’t required, ladies, but I doubt anyone would blink an eye if you strode in wearing them.

So next time you’re strolling around Alexandria, look for the little blue light at 718 King St. Your friends, date, parents or whoever you are with will be quite impressed with your knowledge of one of the most hip unknown places in town.