Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe in DC
Recommendations for inexpensive DC cocktail reception venue?
I am looking for inexpensive venues that will hold 20-25 a DC cocktail reception (or brunch?) to throw my boyfriend a graduation celebration. Everywhere I’ve looked has had $3,000+ minimums and I was hoping to keep it under $750. Any favorite spots?
1843 7th Street, NW
Back in February we learned of Derek Brown’s (Passenger, Columbia Room, Hogo) plans to open Mockingbird Hill in the renovated storefront at 1843 7th Street, NW. This is the sherry and ham bar. I was fortunate to be invited to a preview party and sip some sherries and taste some ham. And take some photos of course:
It’s a relatively narrow space dominated by a huge bar that runs nearly the length of the space. Though there was one table in the very back. When you visit, it’ll be important to remember that this is def. a bar and not a restaurant. Having said that, the hams were so freaking good.
Jerry Zawacki carves off a slice from one aged two and a half years.
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)
5828 Georgia Avenue, NW
Good news for Brightwood residents – a casual neighborhood spot is coming your way. The former Kendejah restaurant and lounge is going to become ‘Simple Bar and Grill’ (next door to Chocolate Crust formerly Washington Deli.) I spoke with owner Wilfredo Guzman (Wil) who says he hopes to have the space open (at least to sample the food) in a month or so. After that they plan on getting their liquor license in hopes of offering a tasty mojito and more.
Since the space was formerly a restaurant, most of the changes going on inside are cosmetic (though the kitchen has been completely reworked.) But right away, for folks who know the area, you’ll notice an improvement because the former cinderblock/bricked front of Kendejah has been replaced by two big open windows. Wil tells me that he plans for the space to be very welcoming. Folks who live in the area can often see Wil cleaning up the area in front of his store (which can be a Sisyphean task on busy Georgia Ave.) not to mention beautifying the tree box and other touches.
Inspired by the many restaurants he has worked at, Wil wants to appeal to everyone’s taste and keep it nice and simple – thus the name. The menu will develop over time but he plans on serving grilled meats and other simple dishes at a very reasonable price. Inside folks will find a small bar in the back and lots of booths and table seating for up to 95 (the space is two storefronts combined and deceivingly large.) There will be tvs as well so folks can watch football during football season and watch other big sporting events as well. Though Wil emphasized that the spot will not be a sports bar and restaurant rather it will be a neighborhood bar and restaurant.
I asked Wil how he decided to open a restaurant while currently owning a tattoo shop and he laughed and said he’s always had two jobs. While Graphic Box is only about 2 1/2 years old and will remain open (5816 Georgia Ave NW) – he’s worked at restaurants for over 16 years. He had to work two jobs to pay his way through the Corcoran School of Art while also supporting a daughter.
I have very high hopes for Simple Bar and Grill to become a casual but comfortable spot. Stay tuned for updates as they get closer to opening.
2477 18th Street, NW
Fed has opened up in the former Saki space at 2477 18th St, NW. We took a peek in the window here. PBR fans are in luck:
1426 L Street, NW
Tough times continue for the space at 1426 L St, NW. Roc Bar had only opened up in the space (next to Post Pub) back in Sept. 2012. Prior to that The Reserve was evicted from the building in June 2011. Not sure how long Roc Bar has been closed but I just noticed the for lease sign on the building. Maybe it’s the Formstone looking front…
725 T Street, NW
Finally some good news for the opening of All Souls coming to 8th and T St, NW. Last we heard there was a delay due to structural engineer plans but that has all been taken care of and the inside has been completely gutted. Earlier this week I spoke with owner David Batista who tells me that they are now on track for a September opening!
The space will feature a large curved bar that was salvaged from Jaleo’s renovation. The curved bar inside All Souls will seat 15 and tables will seat another 25 or so. The space def. has some history to it. Check out an old whiskey bottle workers found in the ceiling:
And in a wild coincidence the address on the label lists 702 E Street, NW which is roughly the address of Jaleo. Awesome.
It’s been a long journey but September is right around the corner. Stay tuned.
8th and T St, NW
3125 Mt Pleasant St, NW
Esquire Magazine has issues a “field report” on DC’s best bars. Among those selected were the Raven, Jack Rose, Tabard Inn, Round Robin in the Willard, Off the Record in the Hay-Adams, and the Columbia Room in the Passenger.
From their report on the Raven in Mt. Pleasant:
“I don’t know of a sounder bar in America.”
Awesome. Read their full report here.
113 Rhode Island Ave, NW
Showtime had hoped to open at the end of March at 113 Rhode Island Ave, NW but the date has now finally arrived! Next week you’ll be able to stop into Bloomingdale’s newest bar (and later in the week they’ll have coffee and pastries too.) On tap they plan on pouring DC Brau, Bells Oberon, “Showtime Classic” (the house lager), plus a rotating seasonal beer. Additionally they’ll have a variety of canned beer like Tecate and others. For the wine lovers out there – they’ll be sporting a fine selection of boxed wines. And they have a sweet, sweet juke box. Here’s just a taste of what they’ll be playing:
Click to enlarge
919 U Street, NW
Tacos out, German beer garden in! Back in June 2011 we first learned that a spot called El Ray (not to be confused with the Elroy) would be coming to the vacant lot next to Dodge City on U Street. Originally we heard there would be a taco stand but I spoke with one of the owners (same owners as Marvin, Gibson, Chez Billy, Satellite Room, Hanoi House) who tells me plans are for a German beer garden that will be built out of shipping containers. Tacos are obviously out and they now plan on serving German sausages etc. Food will be served “dim sum style” and they plan on having a take out window on U Street. No word on the name yet but if all goes well they hope to open in Fall 2013. Stay tuned.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Faucetini
You can read about the first Operation Adams Morgan here.
From MPD:
We are pleased to announce that we will be conducting the next phase of “Operation Adams Morgan”. In conjunction with MPD’s Summer Crime initiative, the Third District will begin its annual summer initiative on the weekend of June 1st and it will carry through September 1st.
We are currently finalizing all the particulars and have reunited with a few old partners to be able to bring Adams Morgan once again, one of the most efficient enforcement efforts in the region. Citizens and stakeholders can expect to see an increase in police presence and interaction with the public around the Adams Morgan area every day of the week. While our efforts will be to build on the progress made over the last few years, we want to also be able to sustain the rich and growing atmosphere the area provides all its residents and consumers. We look forward to seeing everyone out there during this safe and wonderful summer.