Who else remembers People’s Drug stores from your childhood? The pharmacy was headquartered in Alexandria, VA with locations up and down the east coast. I still remember going to People’s with my parents as a kid to stock up on pharmacy needs, cosmetics, and more. People’s was eventually bought by CVS in the 90s, but thanks to the new cocktail bar, The People’s Drug, based in Old Town Alexandria, we can now pay homage to the iconic brand any day of the week!
Back in April we moved from Arlington to Old Town Alexandria. I was excited by our move, as the Arlington scene had grown stale to me, and I wanted to be surrounded by a new, hip scene. The second weekend after we’d moved to Old Town, we decided to head out for dinner and checkout the nightlife in our new neighborhood.
We were walking down King Street towards the water, when I spotted a neon “DRUGS” sign shining out of a bar on N. Alfred St. Intrigued, as it didn’t look like the typical Old Town spot, we walked in to be greeted by a great crowd and Lil Wayne blaring on the speakers. I already knew I would love this place and that we’d found the hip new scene we’d been craving.
We sat at the bar, greeted by Jon, the lead bartender and manager. He and the staff provided amazing service to my husband and I, and we left that night knowing we had found our new go-to bar. We have literally been back every weekend since (bringing friends and even celebrating my birthday there), except for the last 2 weekends as we were out of town. Trust me when I say The People’s Drug is a new-age gem in Old Town.
The People’s Drug specializes in craft cocktails and fine food and is open for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch. As a blogger, I always like to share places I love with you so you can also have great experiences, so today I want to share some of the specialties from The People’s Drug, in hopes that you will stop by to check it out for yourself!
My favorite summer drink is an Aperol Spritz. Not only are they light and super refreshing on a hot day, but they instantly transport me to Italy in my thoughts. Recently, The People’s Drug has added the Aperol Spritz, containing Aperol Aperitif, MAS Sparkling Cava, club soda, and Mandarin Foam, to their brunch menu and it is one of the best in all of DC! This is my go-to drink when I come to The People’s Drug!
For July, the specialty cocktail at People’s is the Rickey’s Summer Remedy. It contains Bluecoat Gin infused with Kiwi and Cardamom, Fresh Lime Juice, Sage, and MAS Sparkling Cava. It is super refreshing and is so good in fact, that its being entered in a DC cocktail contest this month! If you like Gin, you’ll also enjoy their Sparkling Elderflower Aviation, with Bluecoat Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Creme De Violette, Fresh lemon juice, lavender bitters, MAS Sparkling Cava, and lemon foam.
If tequila is your choice of liquor, you must try The Paloma. This drink is completely insta-worthy and contains Espolon Reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, and Schofferhoffer Grapefruit Radler. Added bonus that it is absolutely delicious!
Now for the food. The People’s Drug has a great menu serving chef-inspired gourmet sandwiches and locally sourced bowls, coupled with classics like The People’s Burger with banyuls caramelized onions, pickled cucumber, sharp cheddar, oyster mushroom, and the People’s special sauce on an olive oil bun; and sides such as parmesan fries (a fave!) and Beef Skewers with charred spring onion and cilantro-lime yogurt sauce. Their menu also includes select vegan and vegetarian items, like the Charred Zucchini sandwich with seared cucumber, mushroom, grilled eggplant, asparagus, and charred eggplant puree on brioche, as well! I recommend trying everything- especially the burger and parmesan fries!!!
My outfit details: I decided to wear this amazingly fun Marlene Pink Summer Cocktail Print Swing Dress c/o Lindy Bop, which is quickly becoming a new fave brand! This UK brand carries fun vintage and retro novelty print apparel in inclusive sizing and I basically want everything on their website. I was going to save this dress for my trip to Vegas, but it made even better sense to pair it with this post about The People’s Drug, since they specialize in craft cocktails! I paired this fun dress with Loeffler and Randall mules, and my Prosecco truck cat purse from Vendula London to stay on theme with cocktails! I accessorized with Lemon Earrings and Pink Sunnies.
If you are looking for a new hip spot for fresh food and killer cocktails, make your way into The People’s Drug ASAP, I can promise you will not be disappointed! You can read more about The People’s Drug story here, and see their full menu and hours here. AND! If you’re wanting to check them out, head to my latest Instagram post and enter to win a $50 gift card!
Thank you to The People’s Drug for always welcoming us with the best cocktails and hospitality in Old Town!
Photography by Arielle Lewis Studios.
XOXO
Blonde in the District