In a neighborhood full of trendy bars and restaurants that tend to cater to transient 20 and 30 somethings, Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub in Glover Park is filled with a different demographic, long-time neighbors. As Kevin the owner says, “The neighborhood has changed, but we haven’t.” Like a good pizza, Kavanagh’s is a perfect combination of ingredients.
The Base
The basement level pub often goes unnoticed by passing cars, which means patio seats are available even on the nicest of nights. Inside, it’s nothing fancy. The wooden benches and exposed brick walls remind us of the pizza parlors of our youth. You don’t need a reservation here. Always busy, but not crowded, the regulars know that their seat will be available at the bar.
The Sauce
A good old-fashioned combination of the right ownership who knows their product, paired with staff who have been around for years. It’s the secret sauce that holds this place together. After seven years of business, what has changed? Not much. If something is good, don’t mess with it. That’s exactly what they’ve done. The owner is involved in the business on a daily basis, stepping in behind the bar, taking phone orders and doing whatever else is needed.
The Mix
The colorful personalities that fill the bar and restaurant contribute to the ambiance. Most of the people sitting at the bar know each other, and if they don’t, they soon will. Kavanagh’s has become a sort of haven for the people in the neighborhood who don’t want to deal with crowds of partiers out for the night. On the patio, you’ll hear a wide variety of accents and languages, as Kavanagh’s has a good reputation among the embassies down the street.
The Toppings
The final ingredient that makes Kavanagh’s a winner is price. The quality is high, thanks to an open kitchen and fresh ingredients, but the prices are down to earth. Pizzas are available in 10”, 12” or 14”. Specialty pizzas include the La Capra (goat cheese, spinach and chicken) and Franco (sausage, sweet red peppers and onion). Each day of the week features a different special, such as half-priced bottles of wine or half-priced pint night. The best thing about it? These happy hours don’t end at 7 p.m., they go all night.
So while other spots on the block may come and go, just like their young customers, we can count on Kavanagh’s to continue satisfying neighbors for many years to come.
Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub: 2400 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-337-3132; www.kavanaghspizzapub.com
What the people are saying:
“I keep coming back because of the quality of the food and the idea that you know exactly what you are going to get.”
“On their 7th anniversary, I posted on their FB page ‘Happy Birthday to the Cheers of Washington’.”
“The pizza is cooked to perfection and it comes out quick. It’s real reasonable here. I always get their pepperoni pizza, nothing compares to it.”
OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE
