Compiled by: Nicole Pearo, Eli Center, Alex Benedetto, Kay Boatner, Jessica Strelitz
Each month On Tap brings you a roundup of the area’s new bars, restaurants and other eateries. While most places enjoy some good buzz when they open, the proof as they say, is in the pudding. After the novelty wears off, do they have staying power? In a casual sample of On Tap writers, photographers and FOOTs – friends of On Tap – we compiled a list of twenty places that opened in 2010 that seem as though they will stand the test of time. Their seats stay full, awards are already being won or new locations are already being planned. The list tends to focus on places that opened earlier in 2010, those that just opened in November or December are still too new, and it is not meant to be a best of list. Rather, if you have been meaning to try something new in the new year, here’s a list worth checking out. Have fun and cheers!
19th
Now you don’t have to wait for 5 o’clock anymore. With 19th’s expanded daily happy hour of 11 am-8 pm, those who work in DC’s Golden Triangle district can start drinking almost as early as their office opens! However, for those of us who are required to adhere to normal business hours, we can still head over for weekly events such as karaoke Wednesdays, trivia Thursdays, and our favorite – the $30 bottomless brunch, which includes drafts, bloody marys and mimosas. For the true sports lover, 19th offers both NFL and college sports packages. 19th: 1900 I St. NW, DC; 202-331-5800; www.enjoyyourround.com.
A.M. Wine Shoppe
A.M. Wine Shoppe
If Adams Morgan has a reputation, it’s not as a wine lover’s destination. Long known for its dive bars, dance clubs and massive late-night pizza slices, this neighborhood matured handsomely in 2010 when it greeted its newest neighbor, A.M. Wine Shoppe. A.M. carries a collection of 40-60 different wines, each carefully selected by their knowledgeable management team, which includes longtime Adams Morgan restaurateurs Justin Abad and John Manolatos of Cashion’s Eat Place and manager Andrew Akre, whose business card reads simply “Wine Drinker.” Their sign may read “Wine Shoppe”, but the name hardly does this place justice. In addition to wine and specialty liquors, they offer antipasti from the kitchen at Cashion’s and a hand-picked selection of gourmet cheeses and cured meats from all around the world. Also popular and surprisingly versatile are the deli sandwiches, which the staff prepares to order and are equally appropriate for a weekend picnic or a light dinner. The staff of A.M. knows their product well, so they’re remarkably qualified to make recommendations – and frequently help curious visitors discover wines they’d never have otherwise considered trying. A.M. Wine Shoppe: 2122 18th St. NW, DC 202-506-2248; www.amwineshoppe.com.
Bar 7
On a scale of chill cocktail lounge to crazy club, Bar 7 falls comfortably in the middle. Its opening last year revealed a Mt. Vernon Square spot experiencing a slight identity crisis, unsure of which crowd to cater to. These days, 7 is all about keeping it classy without taking itself too seriously—purple hues pump up the modern, minimal décor; think Park with a little less attitude, and an extra helping of pizzazz. Well-dressed District denizens populate the place post-work for happy hour deals that last until 7. We liked sipping on the Monument, a mix of Lychee puree, Absolut vanilla vodka, and Malibu coconut rum for just $5. Americana small plates are on hand for those looking for a bite with their beer. The Italian eats are surprisingly tasty for a non-food focused place. Monday is the best night to hit up this Bar—admission is free all night long, and the smallish space isn’t packed wall to wall like it is on weekends; Wednesdays are all about wine, with guests swapping $20 for unlimited vino and snacks all evening long. Bar 7: 1015 1/2 7th St. NW, DC; 202-347-4343; www.bar7dc.com.
Black Fox Lounge
A few types of establishments abound in Dupont Circle: cozy pubs where locals can meet for cocktails and a bite, and high-energy nightclubs where the same crowd can bump and grind the night away. Black Fox Lounge, one of the neighborhood’s newest additions, offers a refreshing new option: a neighborhood haunt where you can have a quiet conversation over drinks or listen to some live jazz. Black Fox Lounge has quickly gained a loyal following among folks who don’t feel at home in the crowded bars of nearby Adams Morgan; for this slightly more discerning crowd, its refined atmosphere is a breath of fresh air. While the upstairs bar has an intimate, if dimly lit ambiance, the downstairs bar is where the action is. Yes, the stage is small – little more than a corner – but the room heats up fast when the band starts playing. The jazz bar has also become a popular destination for private parties, so if you plan on stopping by, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make sure you can get a seat. Black Fox Lounge: 1723 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-483-1723; www.blackfoxlounge.com.
Biergarten Haus
Biergarten Haus
Biergarten Haus’ schnitzel, wurst, kraut, and spuds are still being doled out at an impressive rate—winter temps have done little to keep crowds away from the Heidelberg-esque hangout with its now heated patio. But Bavarian bites aside, it’s the brews that steal the show. Staple German styles ranging in size and price—with one liter being the largest, most expensive choice—come served in huge, handled mugs that would work as the perfect complement to any beer maiden costume. Customers can fill their glasses with 13 different bottled sips or choose from among 12 on tap options. We recommend the light, carbonated Gaffel Kolsch, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the super-dark Aventinus. Techno is usually king as far as tunes are concerned; those looking for a more authentic German-eating experience should stop by when Haus’ two-piece polka band and accordion players are on hand. While there’s little change in the Munich-style menu, the bustling beer hall environment has seen a boost from its increase in employees; slow service complaints are becoming a thing of the past. Cheers—er, Prost!—to that! Biergarten Haus: 1355 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-4053; www.biergartenhaus.com.
Bond 45
This New York style Italian steak and seafood restaurant has carved a niche for itself in the metro DC market, while setting itself apart in National Harbor as an upscale dining destination. Diners seeking the food quality, service and ambiance familiar of DC will find it in this marble, tile and dark wood setting with picturesque views of the Harbor, and without the city bound drive and parking hassle. The 28 day dry-aged steak and fresh seafood remain Bond 45 hallmarks, but new features to their menu since opening in early 2010 make the dining experience there more unique. Get your cured meat fix from the prosciutto bar while your 2, 3, or 4 lb. Maine Lobster Stuffed with Jumbo Lump Crab & Shrimp served with cognac butter is prepared or sample from their house made cheese bar while you wait for your 42oz. Prime Porterhouse for 2. For those yearning the experience without forfeiting a paycheck, enjoy free Cicchetti (plate of cheese, olives, cured meats, and crostini) during Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 5-7pm, or visit them during National Harbor’s Restaurant Week starting February 15, 2011 for a $35.11 3 course fixed menu. Bond 45: 149 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD; 301-839-1445; www.bond45.com.
Chesapeake Room
Chesapeake Room
This Barracks Row resto has retained its regional, seasonal—albeit, abbreviated—menu. But good things come in small packages: the last time we dined here—early last summer— the edible offerings were obviously lighter, making our winter dining experience a much heartier one. Chesapeake’s signature Senate bean soup remains, and we’re not complaining—it’s still a solid, traditional take on a classic starter, with smoky applewood bacon, and zingy herb pesto. Entrée options have meat-eaters in mind, with appearances from the bison, chicken and boar. Ocean fare enthusiasts that have already sampled the rockfish and the seared scallops are better off coming by for brunch when oyster stew, fried green tomato crab stacks and an Atlantic shrimp salad round out a more seafood-centered menu. The space is as classy as ever, with its Italian leather booths and old-school maple bar; oil paintings of fisherman and deep blue walls accent the spot’s coolest catch—a 350-gallon fish tank. Don’t forget to try the wine: Great grapes from local vineyards are another nod to area eats—and sips. A Merlot/Cabernet blend from Albermarle County is just $30 a bottle. Chesapeake Room: 501 8th St. SE, DC; 202-543-1445; www.thechesapeakeroom.com.
Fire Works
In the fall, Fire Works’ front patio, complete with fire pit, was the perfect place to dine on a cool evening. Now that winter’s bitter chill has set in, the crowds have moved inside to the much warmer dining room area, complete with a flat screen TV to watch games and a perfect view of the keg room. Fire Works is known not only for its gourmet specialty pizzas such as the “Smokey Blue,” with gorgonzola, rosemary, wood-roasted onions, local smoked bacon & balsamic glaze, but also for its large selection of draft beers. Stop by during happy hour from 4-6:30 Monday through Friday for beer, wine, sangria and pizza specials, or head over for Trivia Nights on Tuesdays at 9, where teams can win up to $50 in gift certificates. For beer lovers, order one of their pre-selected flights, or create your own to sample a few brews of your choice. If you’re more of a cocktail fan, try their Sweet Pear Spiced Tea or Cucumber Lavender Mojito. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a drink (and pizza) for you at Fire Works! Fire Works: 2350 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA; 703-527-8700; www.fireworkspizza.com/Arlington/.
Iron Horse
The two-level China town hotspot has figured out the formula for staying power since opening in January 2010: space and lots to do. Unlike other neighborhood bars in the area, Iron Horse’s high ceilings and open areas, allow it to cater to much larger groups, making it especially popular with the post Verizon Center crowd. The first level, with extra wide bar and comfy couch areas, has become a big hangout for the after work crowd. Weekly happy hour features any of the 20 draft beers discounted for $3 to $5 per pint. Venture downstairs to the large open adult play area to play at one of two Skee-Ball machines, four shuffleboard tables, Big Buck Hunter and Fireball (think air hockey and foosball got married). Since opening, a weekly Skee-Ball league has started up (go to www.unitedskeeball.com for more information), but those looking to play at the bar can for 50 cents per game, while shuffleboard rates range from $12 to $20 per hour. And for sport enthusiasts, you can’t miss the loads of TVs on both levels, including an extra huge TV on the bottom floor, where you can catch the big game. With activities for everyone and an already popular following, Iron Horse does not look to be losing steam anytime soon. Iron Horse: 507 7th St. NW, DC; 202-347-7665; www.ironhorsedc.com.
Lyon Hall
Lyon Hall
Step into Clarendon bistro Lyon Hall any night of the week and you’ll find it filled with foodies and casual diners alike, both thoroughly enjoying selections from their extensive list of beers, cheeses, and locally-sourced culinary creations. Now nearing its one-year anniversary, the restaurant keeps diners guessing with their seasonally-changing menu. One of their most popular items is the Mussels Frites, in which mussels are steamed with white wine, garlic and parsley, and topped with sea salt fries. C’est bon! To prove that wine isn’t the only beverage that pairs well with foods, Lyon Hall will be hosting a beer and cheese tasting event on January 26th. Stop in for this, ahem, educational event, or just drop by for their delicious brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Lyon Hall: 3100 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA; 703-741-7636; www.lyonhallarlington.com.
Mad Fox
The short story at Falls Church’s brewpub Mad Fox is: the beer is working. Brewer/owner Bill Madden offers a dozen house-crafted beers on tap and several in casks at any given time, featuring a range of tastes from nimble Kölsch and Fennec Ale to the wildly popular Orange Whip IPA, which boasts 7.5% alcohol and bold citrus and pineapple notes. Madden expected the gastropub would attract a neighborhood following and that prediction has come to fruition with many “stroller and growler” guests — families coming in for dinner and leaving with a handle of their favorite ale. Plans for the coming months include more festivals — including a barleywine event featuring up to 20 purveyors – expanding Mad Fox’s selection of lighter, extreme session beers and releasing barrel-aged options, aged in wood from Loudoun County’s Catoctin Creek Distilling CompanyCatoctin Creek Distilling Company. Madden jokes that he may turn the operation into Mad Fox Pickles because he can barely keep up with the demand for the kitchen’s fried pickles, served with a spicy Chipotle dipping sauce. Mad Fox has three, 55-pound drums of the cukes brining at all times, but it takes three weeks to make them and the restaurant goes through a whole barrel each week. Mad Fox: 444 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA; 703-942-6840; www.madfoxbrewing.wordpress.com/.
Maoz Vegetarian
Falafel. For some, it’s a paragon of health-conscious vegan cuisine, for others it’s an increasingly popular late-night alternative to pizza, burgers and burritos. Maoz Vegetarian has been feeding the faithful and the curious alike since its first restaurant in Amsterdam opened in 1991, and recently expanded its operations to a few shops in the US. Their expressly vegetarian offerings include falafel sandwiches on fresh-baked pita and salads, and are accompanied by a massive dressings bar stocked with tasty vegetarian delights: roasted beets and carrots, freshly-made tabbouleh, eggplant, hummus, and babaganoush. Those in search of pure comfort food can also get their fix with Belgian-style frites or sweet potato fries, which you can top with the traditional garlic cream and mayonnaise, or anything from the dressings bar. Maoz Vegetarian: 1817 M St. NW, DC; 202-290-3117; www.maozusa.com.
Meridian Pint
Featuring a booming weekend brunch, a popular trivia night, pool tables, shuffleboard and a slew of widescreen TVs showing football every weekend, Columbia Heights residents could be forgiven for making this place their local “Cheers.” But make no mistake: at Meridian Pint, their passion is beer — specifically, American craft beer. Choosing from an ever-changing array of over two dozen beers including Troeg’s Hopback Amber Ale and Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, aficionados will have no trouble finding a glass worth raising. The menu is also tailored to complement the beers, and is updated so often that in lieu of a soup du jour and dessert specials, they offer a soup (and pie) of the moment. While their focus is on high-quality American beer, sports fans, hipsters, and light-beer devotees need not worry: Meridian also offers Pabst’s humble Blue Ribbon lager and Miller Lite. Downstairs at Meridian, patrons can take their turn behind the bar (so to speak) by pouring their own pints from the two self-serve taps located on each table. These taps, the first of their kind to be installed in Washington, deliver two of Meridian’s more crowd-friendly brews. Anyone longing to relive college party days, however, should know that keg stands are not on the menu. Meridian Pint: 3400 11th St. NW, DC; 202-588-1075; www.meridianpint.com.
Ping Pong Dim Sum
Ping Pong Dim Sum
This upscale dim sum eatery in Chinatown refreshed its menu in the fall of 2010 to include new stars such as garlicky, steamed black prawn dumplings, colored with squid ink, and cilantro, red pepper and lime-studded calamari salad. Ping Pong has also managed to coax a new twist out of fried bananas with its crispy banana roll dessert, served with a Sichuan pepper chocolate dipping sauce, and captures warm winter spice notes in its ginger cake, sticky with butterscotch sauce. The dumpling house’s inventive bar staff has also remained busy, introducing the Elderflower Saketini, a mix of sake, St. Germain, Bombay Sapphire gin and orange bitters. Other specialty cocktails, such as the Asian Manhattan, made with Jim Beam’s Red Stag, plum wine and vermouth, go for $5 during daily Happy Hour, which also features $3 dumplings. Save your appetite for Sunday’s $45 all-you-can eat brunch, with unlimited buns, rolls and other small plates as well as bottomless lychee martinis. And the London-import isn’t going far to open its second U.S. location. A new Dupont Circle outpost, expected to be ready in early summer, will feature more than 300 seats, including outdoor space for more than 100 diners. Ping Pong Dim Sum: 900 7th St. NW, DC; 202-506-3740; http://www.pingpongdimsum.us/.
Pizzeria Orso
The best pizza in DC is not actually in DC; pie perfection is just outside of the District, in nearby Falls Church. Passersby are unlikely to recognize that they are in the vicinity of cheesy deliciousness that they’ve never known—from the outside, the pizza parlor looks like all the others sprinkled through the Northern Virginia ‘burbs. But venture inside long enough to inhale, and you’ll fall under Orso’s spell. Neapolitan is the name of chef/owner Edan MacQuaid’s game—and his Forno Napoletano oven, custom-made in Italy, elevates him to all-star status. Crunchy, crispy sourdough crust complements the tomato, buffalo mozzarella and olive oil-topped pies; margherita, crudo and romano are just several of the pizzeria’s impressive picks. Fortunately, the quality of the food—pizza, or otherwise – has remained top-notch since Orso’s opening last summer. While pasta still hasn’t made its way onto the menu, other Italian options abound—the new panini’s in particular are worth sampling. The cavernous space is as busy as it was during our first visit in July, so we suggest coming late afternoon, early evening to avoid the kiddie lunch crowd or the evening onslaught of dinner dates. But crowds aside, our memory served us correctly—Orso is as awesome as it ever was. Pizzeria Orso: 400 South Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA; 703-226-3460; www.pizzeriaorso.com.
Ripple
The Cleveland Park eatery and wine-centric bar has been open for just over six months and already has set its sights on expanding. This month, Ripple is set to open an additional dining room, adding 48 seats and providing private space for educational events and wine and beer dinners such as the one they hosted with Great Lakes Brewing in December. A small market, projected to open in an adjacent space later this winter, will sell some of the restaurant’s more popular dishes, baked goods and housemade jams, jellies and pickles to go. Owner Roger Marmet said demand for Ripple’s seasonal, locally-sourced offerings, has been strong and winter menus, which adjust daily, will feature plenty of root vegetables and game birds. “There really is a big market for people who want to know where their food comes from,” Marmet said. Guests will also enjoy a variety of winter brews, including California’s Anderson Valley Winter Solstice and infusions that marry celery shrub, jalapeno and pumpkin with different spirits. But the best deal in the house remains the nightly feature of six unique wines for $6 by the glass. Ripple: 3417 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-244-7995; www.rippledc.com.
RIS
To the casual diner, or, for that matter anyone who will admit to having watched Hell’s Kitchen, choosing a restaurant bearing the chef’s name can be an intimidating experience. Fortunately, Chef Ris Lacoste’s eponymous West End restaurant is quite the opposite. With a modern, yet entirely comfortable ambience that’s equally suited to a weekend brunch with the girls or to a mid-week power lunch, the atmosphere at Ris is, in a word, inviting. Formerly the executive chef at Georgetown’s 1789, Chef Lacoste is hardly a stranger to Washington’s restaurant scene. This is evident in the space she selected for Ris, which is situated nicely between Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom, just around the corner from DC’s famed K Street corridor. But the best evidence of the chef’s savvy is in the menu, which features seasonal twists on classic American fare like chicken pot pie and meatloaf alongside bold, fresh international dishes including a fantastic grilled octopus salad with a tsatsiki-inspired dressing and a monkfish ossobuco on champagne lobster risotto. RIS: 2275 L St. NW, DC; 202-730-2500; www.risdc.com.
Sushi Rock
Arlington favorite Sushi Rock continues to pump up the volume! This Courthouse slice of rock n’ roll heaven has something for every music lover – live acoustical concerts on Thursdays, DJs on Fridays & Saturdays, and a soon-to-be-installed karaoke machine. Not to be outdone by Sushi Rock’s musical offerings, their menu has also expanded, adding more “hot” dinner items on top of their already awesome sushi list. Try the November Rain roll with spicy tuna tempura, cream cheese, jalapenos and spicy sauce. Unlike Axl Rose’s career and our recent 20-degree weather, you’ll want this to last forever! Sushi Rock: 1900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA; 571-312-8027; www.sushirockdc.com.
Twisted Vines
Executive chef Caroline Guelle has expanded her already impressive culinary reach to include house-made brioche, focaccia and whole grain breads to complement the vine-focused restaurant’s selection of charcuterie and cheese plates. The winter menu features the return of duck confit flat bread, which was an early favorite when the wine bar and restaurant first opened in early 2010, and a parmesan salad of Frisee, fried parmesan and tangy basil vinaigrette. Guelle has also added to her elegant dessert roster with a weekly rotation of chocolates, such as sesame-spiked truffles, milk chocolate and mango candy and dark chocolate truffles with orange cardamom ganache. New acoustical panels has made it easier to have a conversation at your table while still enjoying Tuesday’s live music events, featuring solo artists such as acclaimed jazz guitarist Tom Lagana, rock duets and cover acts. Monthly wine dinners focus on specific regions or varietals, and art work also rotates in and out of the cozy spot on a regular basis. Twisted Vines hosts receptions every other month to honor each opening and connect the Columbia Pike community to the artist. Co-owner Josh Robinson says he is particularly jazzed about the restaurant’s series of blind tastings hosted by wine book reviewer and educator Paul Jameson, which Robinson describes as a “fun, approachable way to learn about wine.” Twisted Vines: 2803 Columbia Pike; Arlington, VA; 571-482-8581; www.twisted-vines.com.
We, The Pizza
We, the Pizza
Why do we love We’s pizza? Because it’s not Neapolitan. Don’t get us wrong—Neapolitan is delicious when it’s done right (see Pizzeria Orso), but with the recent onslaught of Neo-nature parlors to the District, it’s nice to have other pie picks. And We’s selection certainly stands up to its competitors; our favorite is the roasted potato and pancetta pie. Spike Mendelsohn’s spot is as busy as it was when it debuted, thanks to his continued celebrity—he just finished another run on Top Chef, this time in its All Star edition, competing against other DC toques like Mike Isabella and Carla Hall. Props to the staff for keeping things moving at We, however—despite long lines during each of our visits, 15 minutes was the longest we ever waited. Pizza isn’t the only thing Mendelsohn makes: Hand-flavored Italian sodas are sold, adding a unique touch to the Capital South spot—sleepy heads should give the Good Morning Vietnam Coffee Soda a shake, while citrus lovers can sample the Love You Long Time Lemon Lime. Subs and gelato options have been expanded since last summer, pleasing anti-pizza people…if such a group even exists. We, the Pizza: 305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; 202-544-4008; www.wethepizza.com.
