I know we’re not talking fine dining but sometimes these places are the best. For Martha’s Cafe located at 4608 14th St, NW I’m particularly interested to know if anyone has tried the fried chicken? Is this a hidden gem or “hidden” with good reason?
Ed. Note: A few weeks ago we had a conversation and I mentioned 14th Street Heights and a commenter said that it didn’t exist. These signs start up around 14th St, NW at Allison or Buchanan:
“Dear PoP,
My friends and I hail from the hinterlands of our dear country where Lenten fish fries are predominant feature of our spring. We, however, have not found a great place to partake in this tradition here in DC. What are the best locations for great fish fries (extra points to the booziest ones)?”
I saw the sign above on 14th St, NW on the west side of V St, NW. There were also some recommendations given back in April ’09 and some others in Feb. ’10. I bet Horace & Dickies probably has a good one at 809 12th St. NE (just off H Street, NE). Perhaps Florida Avenue Grill at 11th and Florida Ave, NW. Bill’s Seafood Kitchen at 3601 Georgia Ave. NW. Anyone know of other good fish fries around town?
Lavandou is located at 3321 Connecticut Ave NW in Cleveland Park. They just completed a nice facade renovation which is subtle but looks good.
I’m intrigued by their all you can eat mussels available on Tuesday. You can see their menus here. Any fans?
Back in Feb. ’11 we learned that the old Pasha Bistro space at 1523 17th St, NW would be becoming Pizza No. 17. Thanks to all who emailed/tweeted about the new awning ( follow PoPville on twitter here). When I went to check it out last weekend – they were having a tasting. But because, from time to time, God hates me I had just eaten and was unable to try any. It does look good though (see below). Anyone else have a chance to try a slice? The owner I spoke to said they’d open Mon. or Tues. but I haven’t gotten an email so I’ll just stick with – they’re opening soon, really soon.
Well this is definitely going to be one to keep our eyes on. A recent liquor license application says simply:
“High-end fine dining restaurant in a small intimate space. Occupancy load of 52.”
Though Metrocurean reported this summer:
Chef RJ Cooper has found a new home for the ambitious 24-course menu he created while at Vidalia. The 52-seat restaurant will only serve Cooper’s 24-course tasting menu during one dinner seating Tuesday-Thursday and two dinner seatings Friday and Saturday evenings. The tasting menu experience will ring up at $130 and $170 for alcoholic beverage pairings.
The liquor license application lists the location as 922-924 N Street, NW (Rear) which is actually in Blagden Alley.
Ed. Note: 922 N St, NW facing N St was a recent GDoN post in Jan. ’11.
Not in a million years would I think this sight could lead to a fancy restaurant:
Though I do like this adjacent door:
Here’s the only indication that a “high-end fine dining restaurant” is coming:
Red Rocks located at the corner of 11th and Park Rd, NW is now sporting a new outdoor seating set up. So what do you think – do you like the new tables and chairs or did you prefer the old picnic table set up?
A little bit of neighborhood trivia – Red Rocks originally switched from tables and chairs to picnic tables back in July ’08.
Photos courtesy of James OBrien
Thanks to all who sent in word about Hill Country opening up this weekend at 410 7th St, NW in Penn Quarter. I stopped in briefly last Friday and the space is huge! And more importantly smelled great. There is actually two levels with another bar and seating area downstairs.
You can take a look at their delicious looking menu here.
And there is an extensive music schedule:
Downstairs Bar:
This is like the opposite of Standard Bar and BBQ but I’m just as eager to have a taste. We’ll revisit for a proper “judging restaurants” in a few weeks.
Mr. Henry’s is located at 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Their Web site says:
Opened in 1966, by Henry’s Yaffee, Mr. Henry’s Victorian Pub is a Capitol Hill tradition. Henry’s is a a place to relax and meet with friends, soak up the local atmosphere.
During the summer our patio is humming. It is the place to see and be seen.
The menu is full of great burgers, sandwiches, and salads. We offer dinner specials and tasty soups. Try our London Broil Dinner or Marta’s Meatloaf.
Roberta Flack began singing at Mr. Henry’s in 1968 to sold out crowds.
You can see their menu here.
Any fans?
When we judged nearby Etete Dukem, located at 1118 U St, NW, was also mentioned. And I noticed (I think) they just got a new sign – so I think it’s time for a proper of judging of Dukem not in comparison to others – but just Dukem. According to their Web site:
Dukem (pronounced DUK-em) named after a small city found south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The name “Dukem” brings nostalgic memories of the best ‘Tire Siga’ ( fresh red meat ) -a delicacy; it also brings up memories of leisure weekend travel as most families, friends that travel to the resort areas of Nazareth, Sodere, Langano and Awasa stop by Dukem on the way back to Addis Ababa.
It is with this tradition of Dukem city that Dukem Restaurant is founded in Washington DC. For most Ethiopians when they are at Dukem Restaurant they feel like they are back in Ethiopia as they meet and see old friends, catch up on family and friends separated by the Career focused busy American way of life. It’s this reason why most out of towners stop by Dukem first as they arrive to DC and why they make Dukem their last stop on their departure from the city.
You can see their menus here. Any fans? Any must order items?
From a press release:
Set for a Spring opening, owners announce the 14&U building will house a new restaurant, Lost Society.
Owned by a group of local investors, this boutique steakhouse, located on the second and third floors of this corner building, will feature a steak centric menu that blends market fresh produce, grass fed local meats, and regional seafood with innovative techniques to create both familiar classics and bold original dishes.
The space features full dining, bar and lounge space, as well as a rooftop deck.
Rumor has it that the space is designed to look like a Victorian Underground with peek-a-boo booths and spy mirrors. Now I’m gonna be honest with you – I’m not 100% sure what that means but I’m def. eager to check it out.
It’s always good to hear about more rooftop deck options. So what do you think – will a steakhouse will be a good fit here?
As one reader writes,
“There you have it. Something for everyone – Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and Lost Society.”
