Sidecar At P.J. Clarke's Goes Private; Members-Only Policy Touts Personal Attention, Privacy

NORTHWEST -- It just became a whole lot more difficult to see-and-be-seen in Washington, as Sidecar at P.J. Clarke's introduced a new, members-only policy on Wednesday evening for the legendary private dining room.

Live jazz was also on the menu last night.
And to help said members inaugurate the occasion, the saloon hosted its own "return to prohibition" party on the anniversary of The Volstead Act, which enforced the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in making liquor illegal.

The self-described "irreverents" in attendance at yesterday's crowded affair were treated to a bevy of cocktails (martinis being the highlighted drink of choice) made from FEW Spirits, as well as a buffet spread fit for a President (many of whom have paid Sidecar a visit over the years).

In addition to non-members (guests of members are, of course, encouraged to stop by), cameras too will no longer be able to make their way through Sidecar's wrought-iron solarium entrance down into the 100-seat dining room below. The ban on photography inside Sidecar is just another measure that the iconic venue is taking to safeguard the privacy of its most loyal guests.

"We wanted to uphold the familial atmosphere created in the dining room at Sidecar and create a private gathering spot for our...members in Washington as well as our other locations," said Emily Hines, Director of Private Affairs at D.C.'s Sidecar.

The "other locations" nod is noteworthy because members benefit from reciprocal arrangements at sister Sidecar locations in New York, Las Vegas, and Sao Paolo. Other membership benefits include the ability to call by 10:00 p.m. for Sidecar to keep its dining room and full bar open and staffed for any members' party, regardless of size, as well as invitations to select private events (such as the prohibition party).

But that's the last you'll ever see of that.