New and Improved in DC
I think I've been living under a rock these days. I'm so far under that rock, that I've barely noticed all the awesome new bars and restaurants that have snuck into the city. Here's a run-down of what's new -- and what's been improved -- in DC. And if I mention something that is so last week, my apologies. Clearly, I need to get out more, and you can tell me where through comments or the tip line.
ACKC
1529 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
Artfully Chocolate, Kingsbury Confections is a mouthful to say -- and to eat. Last weekend, I was drawn in by a sweet smell emanating from this new 14th Street café and … shop, and suddenly I was on my second hot chocolate. It's the kind of place that can do that a defenseless chocoholic. [link]
Cork
1720 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
DC has been coping with a recent onslaught of wine bar openings (and by coping, I mean drinking heavily). But the latest edition stands out. In part, it's because they … offer a fairly extensive menu while other bars in the city stick with cheese and charcuterie. Cork's wine selection is also far easier to navigate. The limited but tasty menu focuses on brands from Italy, Spain, and France. No Sonoma here! [link]
Tattoo
1413 K St NW
Washington, DC 20005
You'd think that the scotch-swilling lobbyists on K Street would find a biker-bar themed hangout highly offensive, but not so. DC has taken to Tattoo like Jack Nicholson … did to his bike in Easy Rider, though some patrons complain of tight quarters and endless 80s music. [link]
The Looking Glass Lounge
3634 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20010
Keeping with their "Alice in Wonderland" theme, Wonderland Ballroom owners have snatched up Temperance Hall and reopened it as the Looking Glass Lounge. The jury's … still out on whether the renaissance will go over well with TH diehards in Petworth, but given the Ballroom's success it's hard to believe the new venture will fail. [link]
Josephine
1008 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20005
That conniving Josephine. She's edged out former DC nightclub Daedalus with her glitz and glamour. Club-goers say the new hotspot is luxe and expensive, and hires hateful … bouncers to boot. But everyone knows that that winning combination will create a loyal following in no time. [link]
Marvin
2007 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Mr. Gaye would be proud. He's got a whole restaurant/bar dedicated to his life and music, with a menu full of soul food and Belgian cuisine that brings a whole new … meaning to "let's get it on." At brunch, the chicken and waffles are a stand out, and so is their tomato-puree Bloody Mary. Upstairs is a late-night lounge and roof deck that will be teeming with hipsters once the weather warms up. [link]
