“BLT Steak D.C. Reopens with A Fresh New Design for Spring Dining in The Nation’s Capital”

courtesy BLT Steak

From a press release:

“BLT Restaurant Group CEO Jimmy Haber is pleased to announce the reopening of the popular powerhouse restaurant, BLT Steak D.C., at 1625 I Street, NW, 20006, located steps from the White House, in the heart of the nation’s capital. A favorite gathering place for spotting celebrities and date night fun, BLT is a contemporary interpretation of the modern American steakhouse. The restaurant also has an award-winning Wine Spectator recognized wine list comprised of New and Old-World vintages, along with a shortlist of bistro-style selections. One can linger at the handsomely appointed new bar and sip a fine vintage, seasonal craft cocktails or opt for draft and bottled beers. Executive Chef Michael Bonk’s menu offers a range of specially selected steaks and seafood options, along with daily specials and locally sourced sides. As spring unfolds with cherry blossoms bringing Washington back into bloom, the timing is ideal for BLT Steak D.C. to reopen with a modern design scheme, created by the renowned D.C. and L.A.-based firm, Studio Saint.

1625 I Street, NW courtesy BLT Steak

Studio Saint’s design scheme for BLT respects simplicity, balance, and a commitment to the raw essence of the medium and materials incorporated into the new interior. Earth tones of light to darker brown, tan, and slate gray were selected for fabrics and materials used throughout the restaurant. The interior is a celebration of food and its cultivation, from the marketplace to the modern bistro steakhouse. The new dining environment elevates the experience of geometry meets nature, honoring the landscape through abstraction, incorporating organic curvature with linear geometries. The overall result creates a playfulness between masculine and feminine. The bold sophistication of a classic steakhouse with the light, cozy comfort of a contemporary Parisian bistro. One will find custom millwork at the bar and wall paneling throughout the restaurant, as well as dramatic sconce lighting. New saddle leather pigments carry over to the substantial booths, which add gracious curves and warmth to the space. The 16-seat bar is treated with more custom cabinetry, and a zinc pewter-colored countertop. Tables in the dining room are a mix of classic, white-veined marble and wooden tables with vinyl accents. Lounge sofas offer a midcentury modern profile with traditional velvet in subdued blues and teals while the dining chairs boast a rose-colored velvet upholstery, a Parisian nod and a moment of floral delicacy. Ribbed glass wall sconces add to the organic detail of the space as do the superbly finished wood floors throughout BLT.

BLT Steak D.C.’s best kept secret is the newly renovated private 13,000-square foot rooftop terrace that directly overlooks the White House, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. This elevated oasis has the capacity to host up to 250 guests. It is a memorable location to hold a cocktail reception, a rehearsal dinner or one can enjoy the view when attending one of BLT Steak D.C.’s organized tasting experiences highlighting exceptional wines, known as “Wines Over Washington.” BLT Steak D.C.’s dining room and bar area spans 3,500-square-feet and offers 30 lounge seats, 16 bar seats and 90 dining room seats, while the private dining room can accommodate up to 30 guests. An outdoor patio is available during the spring and summer months (weather permitting) and can accommodate 40 guests seated.

courtesy BLT Steak

“Our team at BLT is very optimistic that the city will return to the vibrant downtown culture for which Washington is renowned as the pandemic is hopefully winding down,” states CEO Jimmy Haber. “We recently tapped an exceptional, highly respected general manager, Chris George, to help us reopen the restaurant for dinner. Our hours of service are likely to expand as Washington becomes more robust for lunch and special holiday dining occasions. The good bones of the original steakhouse will remain intact while updating the furnishings and décor to bring a fresh look and new color scheme. Guests can anticipate rich materials drawn from the earth – iron, oak, slate, and steel – reimagined in a contemporary elegance and detail. Modern furniture and lighting blend seamlessly and provide a contemporary interior. All the furniture is new and boasts a combination of warm faux leather chairs on wood frames. The ceiling alcove will also feature a modern mural design.”

Executive Chef Michael Bonk courtesy BLT Steak

The reopening menu from Executive Chef Michael Bonk features the highest quality steaks (100% naturally raised Black Angus, USDA Prime steaks, American and Japanese Wagyu Beef), top-notch fish entrées such as Dover Sole, raw bar items, along with rotating weekly specials. BLT Steak will serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The stunning new interior makes BLT Steak D.C. the ultimate spot for business dinners, cocktail parties and other special occasions. Each meal begins with BLT’s signature Duck Pâté and Popovers, loaded with gruyere cheese, and served with whipped butter which is presented as guests take their seats at the dinner table. Then one can select their next round of dishes from BLT Steak’s finely honed menu that includes standouts like Tuna Tartare with avocado and soy-lime dressing; Lobster Cobb Salad with avocado, aged cheddar, a soft egg and pancetta; Chopped Vegetable Salad with feta and oregano-mustard vinaigrette; Sautéed Dove Sole with soy-caper brown butter; Braised Beef Short Ribs with port-wine jus; American Wagyu known for its intense flavor and supreme tenderness, as well as the Kansas City, which is an 18oz. 1855 aged angus bone-in strip. New to the March opening menu are dishes such as Burrata with Grapes, Verjus, brown butter vinaigrette & charred toast; Grilled Tuna with piperade and cabbage chips; Australian Wagyu Strip Steak; Japanese A-5 Miyazaki Ribeye; Roasted Chicken with dates & preserved lemon, and Braised Short Ribs with port wine jus. Appetizers and salads range from $15 to $29, while entrées and steaks range from $36 to $120.

Award-winning BLT Steak D.C., located at 1625 I Street, NW, 20006, offers a modern steakhouse atmosphere, with a full bar, private dining room, outdoor patio, and rooftop event space overlooking the White House. The restaurant opened November 19, 2006 and has been recognized for its excellence by local and national critics. BLT underwent a complete design renovation in the winter of 2022 to reopen in March 2022. Dinner is served Tuesday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and accepted through www.bltrestaurants.com and www.opentable.com. Walk-ins are also always welcome. Phone: (202) 689-8999.”