They have fun with the drinks at the alleyway bar as well, with mixers like sesame horchata, marzipan, and worm salt espuma. The Nube Morado (purple cloud) combines taro, Singani 63, oat milk ...

This year’s picks include a lively Brazilian hangout in Adams Morgan; an acclaimed Spanish chef who shines downtown; an ambitious alleyway bar off H Street; a Lebanese stunner in Georgetown ...

Tickets are available at alleyway.com. The lobby and bar open one hour prior to curtain, with happy hour at the bar following each performance.

But you won't need shots, because the Alley's beer selection is kickin'. There are two brews from Unibroue, those incomparable Canadian brewers. There are Caribbean ales. Key West ales.