Building upon the success of their first bar/restaurant project, Copycat Co. in the H Street Corridor, Devin Gong and his team returned to CORE to bring their passion and artistry of craft cocktails to Dupont Circle. Astoria resides in a fully renovated historic storefront at 1521 17th Street, NW. Upon entering the bar, guests are transported into the glamorous world of Victorian-era train travel and infamous millionaire J.J. Astor’s old-world New York. CORE embraced the building’s narrow architecture to focus linear views and sightlines that play up train-like similarities. For example, the curvature of Victorian-era train car ceilings served as inspiration for custom curved metal lattice layered over the exposed brick wall, forming a dramatic pathway. Velvet booths for cocktail service, reminiscent of luxurious train compartments, line the walls leading to the bar. Seating in the back provides a more intimate setting, and includes an elevated, semi-private booth with train-inspired flip-down seats. The bar is the shimmering heart of Astoria with its ornate tile and brass accents. Its façade features Astoria’s name in custom blue, white, and gold mosaics, inspired by New York subway tilework. Brass railing found in the bygone Waldorf Astoria Brass Rail Bar served as inspiration for the overhead bottle display. Composed of a simple palette of French blue, white, mahogany, and brass, CORE and Devin Gong co-created a visually stunning and harmonious design from its diverse sources of inspiration. Astoria offers guests an extensive selection of craft cocktails and a food menu that focuses on dumplings and pasta dishes influenced by Chinese and Korean plates.