Chinese Disco Soft Launch A Foxy Affair; Refreshed Georgetown Hotspot Debuts New Look, Drink Program

GEORGETOWN -- It will probably take some time before the double takes subside over its name (it's a nod to one of D.C.'s iconic parties of the late '70s and early '80s), but Chinese Disco firmly cemented its place as a new nightlife hotspot for young Georgetown on Thursday evening, when it opened its doors for the first time during a packed soft launch celebration.

Essentially a complete reboot of George, which occupied the exact same spot just a few weeks back, the reconceived space offers a little something for newcomers and regulars alike.

The layout of 'ChiDi' is essentially the same as that of George. The bar is where the bar was. The back bar is where the back bar was. Bathrooms and ATM? Yep, same places too. What has changed dramatically is the 'feel' of the space. Gone is the 'back alley cave vibe' for which George was known.

In its place, is a much airier and somewhat brighter environment that feels more like a patio party than a dive bar (some would even call it 'Town Hall-esque'). Much of the credit for such a transformation belongs to creative artist Maggie O'Neill and her team from Swatchroom who worked day and night to tear down and rebuild the space in only a few short weeks.

Equally new is Chinese Disco's drink program, which is being headed-up by co-owner Hunter Campbell. Of course, you can get all of the basics at the bar. But in an effort to reduce the time it takes waiting for a drink (and the ensuing awkward eye contact with strangers), customers can now order a flight of drinks all at once.

Photo: Chinese Disco
Beer buckets of six are priced as if there were only five. Special 1-liter bottles of cocktails are also available for purchase (again, priced at six drinks for the price of five per bottle). Such 'growlers' come in many different combinations, but the basics (vodka/soda, bourbon/coke, etc.) are all there. And they come in a bucket of ice, with a sleeve of cups too, so all bases are covered.

While playing with others was never in short supply at George, Chinese Disco takes scoring to a whole new level with a shiny new shuffleboard table, as well as ring toss games and even a communal table for impromptu games of flip cup.

For those lucky enough to have landed one of George's black cards earlier in the year, most of the VIP privileges will still apply. You'll be able to skip the line (yes, ChiDi is still a 'list preferred' venue) and get all your friends in sans donation. Still no word on the 'big cups' for VIPs, though.

Chinese Disco is still very much a work in progress. Yesterday evening was only a soft launch for the new venue, with a more formal opening scheduled next week during a special SEC Tailgate party (a former George tradition). Additional improvements will arrive in the coming weeks, including a finalized operating schedule (check the website for the most up to date information).

But for now, it's safe to say that disco is far from dead.