Visiting Washington D.C. for a STEM conference, I found a local place called ‘Gin Joint’. Open for Happy Hour from 4:30 pm to 7 pm (open for normal business until 10 on weekdays, and 11 on weekends), their extensive list of gin is impressive. They have 100 gins to choose from; dry, citrus, floral, etc, with 8 types of house made tonics, plus 5 bottled tonics (3 of which are my favorite, Fever Tree).

The bartender, Saleem, asked what I wanted, and I asked for a gin and tonic. I was already perusing the list of gins and had decided on which one I wanted when suddenly Saleem sat a glass in front of me. Surprised, I asked what it was, and he responded, “the Happy Hour special”. So I asked what he made it with. Gin Lane 1751 and their house made blood orange saffron tonic, it looked like a fruity drink you’d sip on the beach. I was a bit wary, but decided an adventure was beginning. I wasn’t disappointed; it was delicious!

And the conversation was even better. Normally I don’t talk politics or religion, but it was such a good group of open minded people, it made it easy to chat and laugh, bouncing between serious and silly.

Since I was meeting coworkers for dinner, I didn’t have much time. Over a half hour, I sipped and chatted, making note of the time. I finished my drink and headed out. But before I left, I asked Saleem what time they closed. When you find a good spot, you make sure you can visit again, so I left with a, “I may be back after dinner”.

Coming back from dinner, I headed back to my hotel with the thought that I was just too tired to hang out anymore that evening. But my path led me straight past the bar, and suddenly I found myself inside, wanting not just a drink, but a chat with locals. My extrovert side wasn’t ready to give in to the introvert just yet.

As I walked in, I realized the gentlemen I had been chatting with earlier were still there, so I sat at the bar with them, greeting Saleem warmly.
We picked up the conversation as if there hadn’t been a break, and the rest of the evening we chatted about various topics with Saleem, including race. It was refreshing to not feel like I had to guard my thoughts and words. With the help of Saleem, we talked about differences and commonalities, challenges and accomplishments.

What I thought would be a drink and a half hour chat, turned into a couple hours of conversation, networking, and an overall good evening.
Now… when can I get back to D.C. to try the other gins?