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A popular neighborhood space has taken new shape as a shadowy and adumbral hangout for creatures of the night and the people who love them on Capitol Hill.

The Jilted Siren calls Bellevue Ave “the heart of the locals’ favorite part” of the neighborhood. It is a dark heart — with a big smile.

The new bar inspired by love and loss from industry veteran and first-time owner Amy Graham has opened in the former home of Kedai Makan. CHS reported in February on Graham’s plans for a “dark and broody” makeover of the restaurant into a neighborhood lounge with “Spice Trade Route” flavors. As for The Jilted Siren name, the veteran bartender knows her way through the human heart — and the classics.

“The Iliad… the Odyssey… this time Odysseus does not get away,” Graham told CHS earlier this year. “We’ve all been heartbroken at some point. Understanding this is the human condition.”

The first-time owner also thanked the couple behind Kedai Makan, Kevin Burzell and Alysson Wilson, who she says helped secure a lease for the Siren. CHS reported here in January on the reopening of Kedai Makan under new ownership at 15th and Pine, allowing Burzell and Wilson to take a much needed break after a decade growing the businesses.

Now, Graham and The Jilted Siren debut on Bellevue Ave with an extensive craft cocktail list highlighting strong flavors, spices, and tinctures. The signature Jilted Siren is built on mezcal, shiso, peche de vigne, lemon, maple, and absinthe. The food menu created by chef Jonas Van Dyke includes “snacks and plates” like Moroccan frites, Bumbu short ribs, and house dumplings and soba plus sweets including an ice cream sandwich made with Fernet and black walnut ice cream between housemade ginger snaps.

Graham told CHS she hopes Capitol Hill nighttime activity is getting back closer to pre-pandemic levels. The Jilted Siren is starting with daily 5 PM to midnight hours. The kitchen is open until 10 PM but there is a late night menu available.

There are signs that the Hill’s nocturnal habits are returning. As they do, The Jilted Siren will be ready to welcome the returning creatures of the night into its darkness.

The Jilted Siren is located at 1802 Bellevue. Learn more at thejiltedsiren.com.

HELP KEEP CHS PAYWALL-FREE
Subscribe to CHS to help us hire writers and photographers to cover the neighborhood. CHS is a pay what you can community news site with no required sign-in or paywall. To stay that way, we need you.

Become a subscriber to help us cover the neighborhood for as little as $5 a month.