Adding to its worldwide empire, Russian hospitality group Ginza Project last week opened the second U.S. location of its restaurant-bar Mari Vanna on Connecticut Ave. south of Dupont Circle. Complete with tchotchkes, doily-covered tables and an open kitchen serving “homestyle” Russian cuisine, the three-story space — the largest one yet — is half grandma’s house (befitting the Slavic fairytale grandmother after which it is named) and half cocktail club.

Unique to the chain is the chandelier-outfitted private third floor, which functions as a cocktail lounge where patrons can sip some 70 different house-infused vodkas (the honey oat is especially unusual) and cocktails such as the Klubnichka ("Red Bubbles”) — house-infused strawberry vodka with Triple Sec and Sovetskoye (a Russian sparkling wine) — or the Sunny, a seaberry martini. A DJ booth and armchair seating lock in the lounge vibe.

Throughout the establishment, guests can order traditional fare such as caviar, blinis and pirozhok, all served by a mostly Russian staff. During the week, afternoon tea is served from 3:30–5 PM, and happy hour runs from 4–6 PM.

1141 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-783-7777