What DC Neighborhood Would Best Support a Chicago Style Saloon?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Laura_Grageda

“Dear PoP,

One of the great things about Chicago is the quaint neighborhood restaurant/saloon. I was wondering what growing neighborhood in DC you and your readers thought could most use a simple but fun watering hole that also serves decent, reasonably-priced food. Bloomingdale? Hill East? Brookland? Navy Yard/Baseball Stadium?”

Ed. Note: This is one of the most fun things I love about running this blog – getting contacted by business owners who seek our genuine feedback. This business owner is legitimately looking into opening a spot up like this in DC. Obviously many people are simply going to state the neighborhood that they live in (myself included) but let’s try to give a reason why rather than simply saying because neighborhood x, y or z is awesome.

Personally I would love to see one on Upshur St, NW near Domku and Corehaus by Georgia Ave. It is not too far from the metro but is a bit off the beaten path and has a very chill neighborhood vibe. Since Domku is more of a restaurant and there are no other chill bars nearby (Hitching Post would be the closest 7 blocks away) it would fill a significant void. That’s my personal choice but like I said, I’m biased as I don’t live too far away.

Now if I were to answer that question as simply a neighborhood blogger and not a resident – I’d think Hill East would also be very popular. Hill East already has Trusty’s which is kinda like what you describe but I think they could support another chill place on Pennsylvania Ave, SE a bit closer to the Eastern Market metro. Similarly, I think Bloomingdale would eat one up and has a strong neighborhood feel but keep in mind there are few new places already slated to open up there (ie Boundary Stone.) For that reason you might have better luck in the neighboring Truxton Circle neighborhood which is a Saloon desert. I also think one in the Mt. Vernon Square neighborhood would be wildly successful given the lack of chill options besides The Passenger.

I imagine a Chicago style Saloon on a corner a bit separated from other bars.

What neighborhood (and specific street if you can think of one) do you think would best support a Chicago style Saloon and most importantly – why would it?