New Restaurant, Roofers Union, from Owners of Ripple Opening in former Reef space this January

2446 18th Street, NW

Back in October I shared some scuttlebutt that the owners of Ripple in Cleveland Park would be taking over the former Reef space in Adams Morgan. Scuttlebutt confirmed:

“The team behind Ripple in Cleveland Park is thrilled to announce the launch of Roofers Union, a new concept opening in Adams Morgan in January 2014. Just as with Ripple, the menu at Roofers Union will be in step with the vision of talented young chef, Marjorie Meek-Bradley, who plans to showcase her unique take on casual, everyday cuisine in this neighborhood restaurant and bar.

More details after the jump.

Fans of Ripple’s locally sourced meats and sustainable ingredients will be delighted to learn Marjorie plans to apply the same care and dedication to the menu at Roofers Union. The menu will feature house-made sausages stuffed with inspired ingredients like the andouille corndog and the merguez with harissa and lentils. Meek-Bradley will offer vegetarian snacks such as cippolini onion rings with BBQ and cauliflower in a mint pesto sauce. There will be a carnivorous variety of snacks as well including crispy pig ear salad and Denver lamb ribs with curry. An assortment of sandwiches along with classic entrees will also be available on the menu. Menu items range from $12-$24, even allowing diners to choose two items for less than $25. Meek-Bradley plans to launch a brunch menu in the spring.

The bar program will focus on craft beers and cocktails. Ripple’s precedent of delicious, hard to find wines will be evident at Roofers Union, where guests will find 10 to 12 labels by the glass on a moderately priced wine list from around the world.

The dramatic, three-story restaurant in the space formerly occupied by the Reef, allows guests to choose from a few environments, including one of the best rooftops in the city. The interior is being designed by Betsy Marmet, who also designed all of the interiors at Ripple. Featuring a blend of industrial and classic style, Roofers Union will showcase rich colors and rare, decorative finds from days gone by to create the feeling of an old favorite and longstanding local haunt.

A cozy and relaxed first level will include a cocktail centric bar and 24 seats, while the main level will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the restaurant with natural light and of Adams Morgan’s bustling 18th Street. The vibrant dining room will offer full service with a range of seating options including a revamped 20- seat bar, tables for large groups, and banquets. On the heated, covered rooftop guests can enjoy a full bar with options from the main level dining room to nibble along with incredible vistas of Adams Morgan and clear across town.

“We love this neighborhood, we love this part of town – It’s a pulsating, vibrant crossroads in the city,” said owner Roger Marmet. “We’re excited to bring something new to the neighborhood and be a part of its growth.”

Daniel Lobsenz, formerly at BLT Steak in downtown DC and before that, Post in Penn Quarter, will manage Roofers Union.

Roofers Union is located at 2446 18th St NW and will be open at 5pm daily, with weekend brunch to be announced.”