New and Notable

 

Black Fox Lounge

Put your phone on silent, ditch your distressed jeans, and enjoy a taste of refinement —whether it be upstairs under the Watergate Hotel-salvaged mural for small plates and quiet conversation or downstairs in the mod art gallery-styled salon for intimate live performances of some of the best acts around. Either way, you’ll be in Dupont’s newest lap of luxury. But for proprietor James A. McGlade, Black Fox isn’t just a lounge, it’s a concept — a cocktail à la concierge. Well-versed in the goings-on in town, his skilled staffers can make a theater suggestion, snag a table reservation nearby or, for those weary travelers, a place to lay your head. They are open 4 p.m. daily and serving until 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday with the late night kitchen concluding service an hour prior to close each night. Performances are planned for both levels. – Melissa Howsam
Black Fox Lounge: 1723 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-483-1723; www.blackfoxlounge.com

Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar

“The Tavern” as some affectionately call it, has become a home away from home for some Takoma Park residents. This new tavern and wine bar boasts a surprisingly modern yet cozy interior with warm colors and plenty of space either at the bar or at one of their many tables. Along with several delicious menu items, this eatery flaunts a tasty array of wine like their Terra Andina Merlot and beer and spirits like Kasteel Rouge and Johnnie Walker Blue. CCT also plays host to Spanish wine tastings in the evenings, and be sure to check out their chocolate and wine tasting on February 6. (Wine and chocolate will always equal an scrumptious time!). If you haven’t stopped by this charming eatery, you should make the time. They’re open daily at 4 p.m. –Ashley Estill
Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar: 341 Cedar St. NW, DC; 202-882-8999

Cork Market & Tasting Room

Husband-and-wife team Khalid Pitts and Diane Gross of Cork Wine Bar fame open their much-anticipated Logan Circle spin-off market and tasting room. Pair picnic fare — charcuterie, jams and baked goods — with their hand-selected Old and New World varietals. Or graze on fresh sammies, salads and wine bar bestsellers from their open kitchen. And if that’s not enough, explore your inner epicurean with soon-to-uncork tastings and classes in the exposed-brick second-floor loft. Off to market we go! Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Melissa Howsam
Cork Market & Tasting Room: 1805 14th St., NW; 202-265-2674; www.corkdc.com

Dangerously Delicious Pies

Proving once and for all that tattooed dudes can outclass pretty much anyone’s grandma in the pastry making department, Dangerous Delicious Pies is the Baltimore-born brainchild of Rodney Henry, the former frontman of Charm City greaser punks, the Glenmont Popes. Ten years after hanging up his Gretsch to open up DDP’s flagship Federal Hill storefront, Rodney and company open their first DC location on the very same Atlas District block that hosts The Rock and Roll Hotel and the H Street Country Club. Local DDP loyalists in need of their fix can rest easy, too, as the northeast DC store will boast the exact same menu as its Baltimorean counterpart. And, with all too rare delicacies like rhubarb and chocolate chess, as well as quiches and a Food Network-featured chicken pot pie, to name but a few, one doesn’t even need a sweet tooth to enjoy their wares. — Hunter Gorrison
Dangerously Delicious Pies: 1339 H St. NE, DC; 202-398-PIES; www.dangerouspiesdc.com

District Grill

K Street in DC is inundated with great bars and restaurants, but there is always room for one more, especially an affordable eatery. Enter District Grill on 12th and K St., NW, which offers delicious food at reasonable prices. For starters, try their Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($6.95) or their Calamari ($8.95). When it’s time to order your entrée, begin with their North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich ($10.95), the French Dip ($12.95) or their Steak Sandwich ($12.95), made with a 6oz. flat iron steak, served on a baguette with carmelized onion and melted provolone cheese. The District Grill is the ideal spot for lunch or a light dinner, offering sandwiches as entrees instead of traditional entrée courses. Be sure to take some of your sandwich home because you’ll want to save room for dessert. Their Crème Brule and double chocolate cake just may be the two biggest reasons for a repeat visit. And Sundays the DG offers a brunch with your traditional favorites, and a delicious fruit plate either in an individual serving or for sharing. —Ashley Estill
District Grill: 1201 K St. NW, DC; 202-408-7771; www.districtgrill.com

Henry’s Soul Café

Clearly Kate Moss’ recent Mary Kate-ish maxim that “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” excluded Henry’s sinfully sweet potato pie. There’s a reason they’ve been slingin’ slices to street-lined jonesers since the summer of ’68. And now, Henry’s dishes the Southern soul of its famed U Street deli downtown, so you can savor a slice or a turkey leg on K. Then maybe we’ll just throw Moss the bone. Open Monday to Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. — Melissa Howsam
Henry’s Soul Café: 317 K St., NW; 202-477-SOUL (7685); www.henryssoulcafe.com

Iron Horse

A brand new tavern has emerged in Penn Quarter and will likely become a hot spot very quickly, despite the already bustling neighborhood. Iron Horse is two floors of entertainment, both unique and enjoyable, on Seventh St., NW. The first floor, with a capacity of 177, is the game room, complete with shuffleboard, skeeball, video games, a jukebox and Big Buck Hunter. With a 1970s pop culture feel, according to general manager Daniel Williams, downstairs also boasts the only fireball game in the U.S. (think foosball meets air hockey). Upstairs has a capacity of 122 and is more of a relaxed lounge with a classic wood bar and vintage bicycles. Happy hour is served everyday featuring specials like $2 off any of their 20 draft selections — Yuengling, Newcastle, Golden Monkey and Delirium to name a few — plus $1 off rail drinks and daily specials. This tavern doesn’t serve food, but feel free to bring your own (no beverages though) — there are plenty of options to grab food to go in Penn Quarter. Coming soon will are a VIP room and a third bar. And while you’re there, check out the 22 bourbons that Iron Horse stocks, all high end and small batch. — Ashley Estill
Iron Horse: 507 7th St., NW, DC; 202-347-7665; www.ironhorsedc.com

Murphy’s Law

If anything that can go wrong will, this Murphy’s Law hopes to counteract it with the luck of the Irish — or at least a cozy neighborhood watering hole to wash away the blues. Belly up to Tenleytown’s newest Irish pub and chase traditional Irish fare — delish shepherd’s pie and fish ‘n’ chips — with a Guinness. Or keep it all-American with some Buds, burgers and football. In a bid for sainthood, their menu items top out at $15! Open daily at 11 a.m. until last call — Sunday to Thursday at 1:30 a.m. and Friday and Saturday at 2:30 a.m. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. — Melissa Howsam
Murphy’s Law: 4624 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-525-2058; www.murphyslawdc.com

One Lounge

Dupont Circle dishes swank new drinks in One Lounge’s sexy digs.  Spicing up the neighborhood’s ever-growing nosh and nightlife scene, executive chef Wade Hoo Fatt offers up local land and sea ingredients as made-from-scratch Pan-Euro fare to share.  Not hungry? You could always have “Sex with the Bartender” — one of many tipples from the long laundry list of “dirty” martinis and specialty drinks that are sure to take the edge off. Open daily at 5 p.m. until last call — 2 a.m. Monday to Thursday, 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday.  Happy Hour Sunday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Melissa Howsam
One Lounge: 1606 20th St., NW; 202-299-0909; www.oneloungedc.com

The Passenger

With a name swiped from Iggy Pop’s moody ode to urban decay, the décor at this recent addition to DC’s Mount Vernon Triangle is suitably sparse — chipped plaster walls and bare floors dominate the front room. Then again it’s also the brainchild of the two brothers behind 14th St.’s Cork and The Gibson respectively, so it’s not short on slick flourishes. So although the smallish bar menu features barebones beef jerky and a half-smoke, rest assured that your hot dog will come garnished with kimchi (and be delicious, at least according to the sign posted next to the bar). Behold, a place that specializes in serving martinis and cans of Mickey’s with equal verve. Table service makes this more of a cocktail lounge than a bar per se, especially when it comes to taking a “ride through the city at night” in their dining car-esque backroom. — Hunter Gorrinson
The Passenger: 1021 7 St. NW; 202-393-0220; www.passengerdc.com

Recess Lounge

The product of longtime friends Fisayo Esconsay and Brandon Howard, Recess Lounge recently opened their doors at 727 15th St., NW. Complete with a super sleek look that is unique from other DC hot spots, Recess caters to the District’s party goers Wednesday through Sunday evenings beginning at 5 p.m., except Sunday’s when they open at 6 p.m. Both chic yet intimate, Recess brings in a wide variety of high-profile DJs and guests. One block from the White House, this is one lounge that deserves a visit. — Ashley Estill
Recess Lounge: 727 15th St. NW, DC; 202-637-7667; www.recessdc.com

Sur La Place

If the popularity of the Manneken-Pis (otherwise known as Pissing Boy) is any indication, Sur La Place — with their token mock-up of the famed Brussels’ statue — will be fending off an endless stream of come-hungries. The Palisades posh new portal to fine Belgian fare tops the quintessential staples with delish double-decker mussel pots by the kilo. Wash ‘em down with one or two of the soon-to-be 50 monk-brewed ales — but keep it classy, the role of the Manneken-Pis is taken. Open daily at 5 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Look for the addition of Saturday and Sunday Brunch by February’s end. — Melissa Howsam
Sur La Place: 5105 MacArthur Blvd.; 202-237-1445.

Zest Bistro

Hip to what the Hill needs, creator (and Hill resident) Amanda Briggs infuses this stretch known for its ethnic eats with a beacon of creative “classic” American fare, fit for Hill workers, residents and families alike. So, whether you’re making a bill or a baby, Zest is the perfect go-to — although the bamboo hardwoods, albeit sexy and sustainable, might prove uncomfortable for the latter. Get your eat on daily at 11 a.m., serving until 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. — Mellisa Howsam
Zest Bistro: 735 8th St., SE; 202-544-7171; www.zestbistro.com

NOTABLE

Beacon Bar & Grill

Add Beacon Bar & Grill to your list of delicious places to brunch on Saturday. Starting February 6, they’re rolling out a three-course brunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for $16.95. Now you won’t have to wait until Sunday for mimosas and all your favorite brunch items!
Beacon Bar & Grill: 1615 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; 202-872-1126; www.bbgwdc.com

Bond 45

Serving up genuine Italian cuisine, Bond 45 opened at National Harbor on January 25. Already a landmark in New York’s theater district, Bond 45 promises a genuine Italian experience. With meals like Tordelli Bolognese; Spaghetti & Clams; Filet Mignon; Italian Steaks; and seafood dishes like Scottish King Salmon Steak and Risotto di Mare, how can you go wrong?
Bond 45: 149 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; 301-839-1445; www.thefiremangroup.com/nationalharbor.htm

DC9

DC9 is celebrating six years of live music and dancing on Friday, February 5 with an all out Anniversary Party hosted by Liberation Dance Party and featuring post-punk electro music queen Ebony Bones. Open Bar from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are only $8 and you can purchase them online.
DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; 202-483-0666; www.dcnine.com

Haiti Relief at Ashok Bajaj’s Restaurants

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, it seems that nearly everyone in DC is helping to do their part in providing some sort of relief to the Haitians. Ashok Bajaj, owner of six prominent restaurants in DC, is also donating to the cause. Through February 19, if you purchase the featured appetizer and/or main course at any of his restaurants, a dollar from the sale will be donated to the cause. Bajaj’s restaurants include 701, Ardeo/Bardeo, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, The Bombay Club, Oval Room and Rasika.
701: 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; 202-393-0701; www.701restaurant.com
Ardeo/Bardeo: 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-244-6750; www.ardeorestaurant.com
Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca: 1100 New York Ave. NW, DC; 202-216-9550; www.bibianadc.com
The Bombay Club: 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-659-3727; www.bombayclubdc.com
The Oval Room: 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-463-8700; www.ovalroom.com
Rasika: 633 D St. NW, DC; 202-637-1222; www.rasikarestaurant.com

Mixt Greens

Mixt Greens, a chef-driven concept featuring tossed-to-order gourmet salads and handcrafted sandwiches will be opening four DC locations. Also featuring organic, homemade iced teas and lemonades, each menu is carefully prepared to ensure they are the freshest and made with locally sourced ingredients. Each location will be open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with prices ranging from $7.95 for salads to $8.95 for sandwiches, also served with a side salad of greens. The first location is open at 1200 19th St., NW, DC and three others will follow at 1311 F St., NW; 1700 K St., NW; and 927 15th St., NW, DC. www.mixtgreens.com/dc.

Zengo

Celebrate the Chinese New Year from February 14 through February 28 at Zengo. It’s the year of the Tiger and they are celebrating with holiday menu specials that symbolize luck, longevity, wealth and abundance. The dishes will be available both during lunch and dinner, in addition to their other signature Latin-Asian menu offerings.
Zengo: 781 7th St. NW, DC; 202-684-8700; www.modernmexican.com