Newly renovated ChurchKey scheduled to re-open on Wednesday, April 20

photos courtesy ChurchKey

From a press release:

“Renowned forerunners in the food and beverage industry, Michael Babin and Greg Engert of Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG), are pleased to announce the reopening of the acclaimed ChurchKey, the popular beer and cocktail bar in the heart of D.C.’s Logan Circle. A favorite gathering place for craft beer enthusiasts since 2009, this stylish and award-winning bar is notorious for its keen focus in craft beer and its carefully curated but encyclopedic selection of unique and rare-to find labels from across the globe. The concept is scheduled to re-open on Wednesday, April 20.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests back after this two year pause,” said Michael Babin, Founder of Neighborhood Restaurant Group. “We can’t wait to share more meals, drinks and laughs with all of you. We are mostly grateful to be back and very hopeful about the future.”

Seating 40 visitors at the 75-foot bar and 80 at tabletops, guests will once again delight in an ingenious and exceptional beverage program conceived by Beverage Director and Partner Greg Engert. One can anticipate a selection of 50 drafts and close to 500 cans and bottles of unique and sought-after artisanal beer that are organized according to flavor profile – including “crisp,” “hop,” “malt,” and “fruit and spice” – a system of categories masterminded by NRG and now used across the industry. In addition, beer aficionados will rejoice in having a small selection of cask ales, and lagers served through traditional Czech-style side pull faucets. As before, precise temperature controls, correct glassware, and all aspects of care for the products served will ensure that all beers taste as the original brewers intended.

“ChurchKey offers more than a fantastic beer menu – it offers a thoughtful and curated experience for beer and non-beer lovers alike,” said Engert. “Our beverage program allows guests to access the distinctive stories and legends behind every single beer, spirit and wine we choose to feature on our menu. We stop at nothing to source the best, most special, and often most hard-to-find products in the world, and we can’t wait to start sharing them again.”

After an earlier, celebrated stint running the kitchen at ChurchKey and Birch & Barley, Chef Bill Williamson is back to oversee the relaunch. With experience in kitchens such as Osteria Morini, The Riggsby, and BLT Prime, Williamson spent much of the last two years creating and operating the Butcher’s Market, a craft butchery in Mount Pleasant. His menu at ChurchKey will return old favorites to the lineup while bringing equal part whimsy and serious culinary chops to an array of elevated but casual bar food. Featured bites and dishes include seasonal Chilled Oysters; Charcuterie and Cheese Boards; pressed sandwiches like the Cowasaki (made with carpaccio, wild arugula, red onions, and horseradish crema) and Grilled Octopus (prepared with braised Gigante beans, Romesco sauce, red onion and herbs). In addition, the menu includes Williamson’s version of tavern-style pizza – a round, wood-fired pizza with seasonal ingredients and inventive house-made toppings. Chef Williamson has been working on the dough with Slice Joint Chef and Partner Rachel Marie, an alumnus of Roberta’s and Fortina in New York City. The dough is crisp and flavorful with a balance of char, crust and chew.

During this challenging two-year hiatus, Babin and his team, who operate 20 independent restaurants in three states and D.C., continued to support and employ staff and the people who have supported the group throughout its lifetime, while also providing tens of thousands of meals to those in need. Moreover, the team launched Neighborhood Provisions, an online delivery service offering a great selection of comfort and ready-to-cook meals, pantry items as well as wine, beer and liquor.

Award-winning ChurchKey, situated at 1337 14th St NW, offers a modern urban atmosphere, with a full bar with keen focus on artisanal beers. The bar opened in 2009 and has been nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence and dedication to the industry. The bar is open Monday – Thursday, 4pm – 1am; Friday 4pm – 2am; Saturday 12pm – 2am; Sunday 12pm – 1am. For reservations and more information please visit www.churchkeydc.com”

1337 14th St, NW photo by PoPville