Can you go home again? “Capitol Lounge to return in Union Pub space” for One Day on April Fool’s (but not an April Fool’s)

201 Massachusetts Ave, NE via Union Pub

From the press release:

“Long-time Capitol Hill bar owners and friends, Matthew Weiss & James Silk, are teaming up to bring back a favorite Capitol Hill haunt that didn’t survive the pandemic. Capitol Lounge (co-owned by Silk), the beloved House-side watering hole that permanently closed its doors in fall 2020 after a 26-year run, will return for one day to take over the space of its decades-long Senate-side friendly rival, Union Pub (owned by Weiss). The event will take place all day (11am-2:30am) on Saturday, April 1 and will feature trinkets, posters, and popular food and drink specials from the bar known for its “No Politics, No Miller Lite” motto. As such, Miller Lite will not be on the menu.

While the takeover will bring back nostalgic décor and menu items from “The Lounge”, as it was called by those who frequented the establishment, what will really make it special is the people. Former staff and regulars, some of whom are traveling from as far as California for the one-day event, have already made their plans to attend known after receiving this invitation sent out by Union Pub’s Director of Operations, and former General Manager of Capitol Lounge, Dara Dike.

What initially began as an idea for an April Fool’s Day joke soon took shape into what is now going to be a day-long celebration. “What better day to pretend to be a different bar,” says Union Pub General Manager, Chris Haley, who he himself worked as a manager at Capitol Lounge from 2012 until 2020. “Maybe we can host a takeover of a different bar or concept every year on April 1.” Including Dike and Haley, five of Union Pub’s current staff previously worked at Capitol Lounge. More details for “Capitol Lounge: The Return”, as well as specials for March Madness and Final Four games which will coincide with the event, will be provided as the date nears.”