Little Blackbird Wine Bar Secures Its Nest in Cleveland Park

The new wine bar offers guests a refined wine selection paired with an approachable neighborhood vibe.

Little Blackbird wine bar opened this September but already feels like a neighborhood staple. This could be due to the ownership being Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (known for Rasika, Annabelle and Modena), which runs the restaurant next door to Little Blackbird (Sababa) as well as the former space before Little Blackbird, the Indian restaurant Bindaas.

The executive chef at Sababa, Ryan Moore, also oversees the Little Blackbird menu, which is reflected through the menu’s Mediterranean offerings, including a variety of mezze, crispy chickpea-based flatbreads popular in France, and lamb and Bronzino entrees. 

While on the richer and sweeter side, the seasonal squash gnocchi with brown butter sage is a particular treat, especially when paired with the recommended tempranillo wine. The menu is carefully curated with each dish accompanied with a wine recommendation that frequently rotates. 

Squash Gnocchi. Photo courtesy of restaurant.

With mid-century style chairs in shades of pink and teal, and a fern wallpaper accent, the space mirrors any trendy new dining spot. What sets it apart though is its willingness to not take itself too seriously. 

Along with the carefully selected Mediterranean dishes, there is also a section on the menu called “playfull pairings” which is a rotating menu of nostalgic brand-name snacks and candies. Think Reese’s peanut butter cups paired with amontillado sherry, Junior Mints paired with Banylus, and Cheetos paired with sauvignon blanc. Don’t be fooled though; the lighthearted section is just as thoughtfully paired as the other sections on the menu. 

Little Blackbird design. Photo courtesy of restaurant.

Take the Cheetos and Sauvignon Blanc pairing. The sauvignon was chosen due to its clean and sharp notes which contrast the fatty cheese dust coating the palette. The result is a satisfying pairing that surprisingly elevates the humble Cheeto. 

Whether you are going for light apps, a full meal, or just for a favorite childhood treat paired with your favorite adult beverage, Little Blackbird should be on your rotation of wine bars to explore and frequent in D.C. 

Little Blackbird: 3309 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; littleblackbirddc.com // @littleblackbirddc

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District Fray staff