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Republic, Black Restaurant Group's Foray into Takoma Park on Laurel Avenue and Carroll Avenue


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Going out guide has the news today, Urbanspoon had it yesterday and featured some nice interior photos. The community is really looking forward to this!

http://www.urbandaddy.com/dc/food/28355/Republic_Jeff_Black_s_Countercultural_New_Bar_DC_DC_Restaurant

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/going-out-guide/wp/2013/12/03/jeff-blacks-republic-to-open-sunday-in-takoma-park/

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Yes, initialize!  These is no doubt this is the best restaurant in TP.

DCS, it looks bad for lunch on the 19th, BTW. Lunch in a few weeks is what I've been told. I'll say that Takoma Park at lunch time is relatively slow, unless you are camping at Capitol Cheese Cake. They will have to build that business seperately.

I went in solo Saturday and had three appetizers for dinner, Addies Mussels excellent as always, a B+ chorizo that was flat after the mussels and maybe needs some help with the presentation, and a variety of oysters.  Previously loving the Old Salts at Union Market, my favorite were the meaty Moonstones from Rhode Island.

Neighbors have had similar, very positive for food ( a chicken entree was raved about), drinks and general karma; including some start-up service quirks that were quickly turned around. One friend with a bunch of food allergies just gave a list to the server, which went back to the kitchen and were readily and cheerfully accomodated. Despite the talk, some early visitors were hoping for more vegetarian entrees . Prices are similar to Roscoes, but not excessively so - and of course its difficult to compare menus. Entrees typically $17, sides $7-8, ala carte.  But there are more economical choices too, 10oz draft beers for $4.50, with that and  wonderful cannelli and kale (of course) soup for about $, and roasted brussel sprouts $7 you can have a nice meal for $20 plus tip.

A wonderful addition, not only to Takoma Park, but the area. Go.

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We dined there recently and I basically agree with the TS review. Grilled oysters was our favorite dish. Service was excellent-friendly and informed with a team approach. More wine by the glass choices would be nice.  No issues with my corkage bottle and the fee was waived. We will return.

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we were there last week.  I really enjoyed the burger and a couple of the sides.  I am not a fan of restaurants without reservations- we had an hour wait.  But I am a fan of the Takoma Park location, and my initial impression is a good one.  One thing to keep in mind- this is a very loud restaurant.  Don't go for a quiet dinner.

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we were there last week.  I really enjoyed the burger and a couple of the sides.  I am not a fan of restaurants without reservations- we had an hour wait.  But I am a fan of the Takoma Park location, and my initial impression is a good one.  One thing to keep in mind- this is a very loud restaurant.  Don't go for a quiet dinner.

This reminds me of Colorado Kitchen. When there was a wait there, there was nowhere to go, nothing to do. What did you do for that hour?

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This reminds me of Colorado Kitchen. When there was a wait there, there was nowhere to go, nothing to do. What did you do for that hour?

Go across the street to Olive Lounge, grab a seat at the bar at Roscoe's,browse the vintage clothing stores.

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When I read all the brouhaha about Rose's Luxury and whether it is or isn't a neighborhood restaurant I can't help but think of Republic. I feel like Republic is the quintessential neighborhood place. The food is great, but not pretentious, the service is friendly and the vibe is rather casual (without falling into the ever present fast/casual category). We've ordered food to-go when we don't feel like cooking, take out of town guests there for brunch and even celebrated our anniversary there recently.

Yesterday at lunch we had:

Addie's Mussels (tomato, garlic, lemon) - we've ordered this dish every time we've eaten at Republic. The mussels are plump and fresh and swim in pool of broth that is bright with acidity and savory garlic. Until yesterday this was our favorite item on the menu (we've ordered double portions as entrees before)

Ancient Grain Salad (pomegranate, pistachios, mint) - another item that has been on the menu since day 1 of Republic's opening. If they removed it I'd be quiet cross. Al dente grains like quinoa, farro and the like are dressed with what I assume to be pomegranate molasses and olive oil and picked up with flecks of fresh mint. A simple grain salad done really well. I'd love it if they paired it with lamb sometime.

Wood Grilled Rhode Island Calamari (arugula, pesto, pickled peppers) - This is the kind of dish I think of from a neighborhood joint. Wonderfully grilled calamari on a bed of arugula laced with peppers, all on top of a swirl of pesto. My wife and I both loved this dish and decided that it had knocked the mussels from their perch at the top as our favorite item off the menu.

Fried Shrimp Po'Boy (lettuce, pickles, tartar sauce, lemon) - It's fried shrimp...how bad can it be? While my wife liked it, she did say it paled it comparison to Puddin's po'boys at Eastern Market.

Smith Meadow Farms Burger (mustard-ale cheese, pickles, lettuce) - I was taken aback when I saw the double patty on the burger...I had to eat one with fork and knife to make the sandwich a bit more manageable. It was a nice burger, the fries were a little lackluster.

To me the restaurants biggest strength is in the seafood preparations, appetizers, and their simpler preparations. Sometimes the full size entrees can get a bit lost.

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Thanks for this review. I live in Silver Spring and have wondered about this place. I'm also pleased to see they offer or have offered a couple of different kinds of Rhode Island (my native state) seafood (oysters and calamari). :-)

Any thoughts on toddler friendliness? Someone above mentioned it's loud -- that's always good when dining with a toddler ...

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I also live in Silver Spring and have been here a few times, it's always been pretty good.  One time they had live music when I was there.  I believe they have bands on a regular basis, so you might want to check their website to see when it starts in the evening if you're concerned about the noise level.  I also like the atmosphere and unpretentious vibe to it.  We could use more neighborhood place like this.

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Been there with the kids for happy hour. Can't beat $1 oysters. It's a little tougher to do happy hour with kids, especially in colder weather as the outside patio is presumably not a viable seating option, and the bar isn't as conducive to sitting as a family. 

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Had lunch there yesterday at the bar. I think it's only the second time I've been there since it opened. The mixed green salad with wood-grilled chicken was excellent: greens nice and fresh and varied, and judiciously dressed with a sherry vinaigrette. The chicken breast was done to perfection with a pleasant wood-fired smokiness. Drinks were expertly made. This definitely seems to be the go-to place in TP.

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Restaurateur Chris Brown of Zinnia, Soko Butcher & Takoma Bev. Co. and executive chef Danny Wells are teaming up to open Motorkat in the former Republic space at 6939 Laurel Ave. in Takoma Park, according to an announcement from Main Street Takoma.

https://www.sourceofthespring.com/takoma-park-news/2804221/motorkat-to-open-in-former-republic-space-in-takoma-park/

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