When the cocktail bar The People’s Drug opened at 103 N. Alfred St. in 2018, it, and its beverage director Jon Schott, quickly solidified themselves on the Alexandria cocktail scene.
The bar is named after the former Alexandria-based drug store, People’s Drug, which was known for its lunch counter. The chain was bought out by CVS in the 1990s. But a new food menu, inspired by the space's nostalgic feel, is leading People's Drug into a new era, even as it keeps its elevated, retro feel with classic white subway tiles, a tin roof and a neon sign behind the marble bar.
Director of Operations Rob Csonka said he wanted The People’s Drug to be known for more than just great cocktails. The new menu is traditional American with a twist and includes burgers, grilled cheese and a meatball sub made with Impossible Meat. It was important to Csonka that the new menu had something for everybody, whatever their dietary preference might be. Regular favorites like the truffle fries will remain on the menu.
The new food menu was released in conjunction with the spring/summer cocktail menu which features unique cocktails like the People’s Painkiller (rum blend, pistachio orgeat, pineapple and lime) and the Spicy Mezcal Margarita (Del Maguey Mezcal, spicy pepper shrub, orange, lime and tajin). Many of the drinks can be made spirit free for guests who are staying dry. In addition, the new drink menu features expanded beer and wine offerings, keeping true to Csonka and Schott’s desire to make sure there is truly something for everyone at The People’s Drug.
Check out the new menu here. The People’s Drug is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
