Wine Bistro ‘Irregardless’ opening Tomorrow (Tues.) on H Street, NE. Peek inside the beautiful space!

502 H Street, NE (former home to Le Grenier)

From a press release:

“D.C. hospitality professionals Ian and Mika Carlin are proud to announce the September 13 opening of their wine bistro, Irregardless. Located at 502 H Street NE, the two-story 1600 square foot restaurant offers omnivore and vegetarian seasonal tasting menus with accompanying beverage pairings that spotlight great wines from Virginia and beyond. The restaurant’s Modern American tasting menus, thoughtfully composed by Executive Chef Ben Browning, highlight the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic throughout the seasons and feature nods to the flavors of Browning’s Parisian childhood.

photo courtesy Jennifer Chase

Focusing on flavor over fuss, the menus at Irregardless will change frequently to spotlight peak produce and local producers. Opening dishes

such as Gnocchi Panzanella with cucumber, tomato, and basil and Heirloom Tomato Galette made with ricotta, showcase the finest end of summer produce. A talented pasta maker, Browning offers guests his vegetarian interpretation of the classic Roman dish Cacio e Peas with house-made pappardelle, pecorino and snap peas, while omnivores will delight in his ricotta-filled Raviolo topped with foie butter and chives. Heartier courses include Shrimp and Grits with piperade and a Kabocha Squash with couscous and a date syrup. Priced at $85, each six-course tasting menu features an amuse bouche and the guest’s choice of three desserts. Select dishes from the tasting menu are available a la carte at the 12-seat bar, with plans to debut nightly specials and an expanded menu in the coming weeks.

photo courtesy Jennifer Chase

The wine program at Irregardless reflects the tailored tastes of co-owners Mika and Ian Carlin, who also serve as the wine bistro’s co-sommeliers. The list is well-curated and personal, spotlighting many local wines and producers the couple grew to love while attending law school at the University of Virginia, alongside special selections, some directly imported from producers abroad. They will offer two optional pairings, one of which exclusively focuses on Virginia wine and spirits, priced at $60 per person. By-the-glass and bottle offerings will rotate alongside menu changes to reflect the seasons, but the restaurant will consistently offer a thoughtful collection of excellent, affordable wines made by young and independent producers, many of whom utilize sustainable and natural practices in their production.

“As residents of the H Street neighborhood, we’re proud and excited to open our first restaurant in a community we have grown to love,” said co-owner Mika Carlin. “With Irregardless, we want to build a comfortable and welcoming space for all to enjoy great food and drink, with excellent service and hospitality,” she continued. Co-owner Ian Carlin added, “Our industry has been hit hard over the past two and a half years, but we remain committed to and inspired by our colleagues in the independent restaurant community. We are thrilled to be opening Irregardless and contributing to the dynamic dining scene here in D.C.”

The restaurant’s wine program is complemented by a concise cocktail menu created by Bar Manager Christine Cabatuan. Inspired by the classics, Irregardless’ bar menu offers imbibers new ways to enjoy their favorite spirits. A rival to the espresso martini, the Matcha Do About Nothing provides caffeine drinkers with their desired fix and is made with vodka, elderflower, matcha and a touch of vanilla. Other options include the Capri Fitz with tomato gin, basil, cream, salt, and egg white, Once Upon a Time in Hawaii, a twist on the traditional negroni made with pineapple-infused mezcal, Campari, and vermouth, and The Local made with Catoctin Creek gin, Don Ciccio & Figli Cinque Aperitivo, apple and cinnamon.

Designed by HapstakDemetriou+ the airy, light-filled restaurant features modern pendant lighting and greenery suspended above the 51 seat space. Locally sourced art and botanical touches can be found hanging on the exposed brick, juxtaposed against the floor-to-ceiling vintage Coca-Cola ® mural and red leather banquettes found in the dining room. Outdoor seating will be offered on the upper-level terrace on a seasonal basis, while a ground floor garden will be utilized for rotating pop-ups during the warmer months.

Irregardless is open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10PM. Reservations are now available via Tock and a limited number of tables are available for walk-ins.”