Dining on H Street

[Pat]

I'm looking for a place to eat before a show at the Rock and Roll Hotel next week. Suggestions? Despite our reasonable proximity to H Street, we have not yet been there, nor to the Argonaut, or any of the other new nightspots that have opened .

The Argonaut struck me as the best spot to try. The other option I'd thought of is Granville Moore's. (I wasn't sure which thread to put this in. I don't see a general H Street/Atlas District thread.) The Rock and Roll Hotel also has food, but the menu won't be substantial enough for my husband.

Bonus question: This will be election night. Are any of these places likely to be packed on election night?

[DonRocks]

The following posts have been split into separate threads:

The Argonaut Tavern (Tweaked)
Granville Moore's (ferment everything)
Napa 1015 (youngfood)
Sticky Rice (wdcbrucefan)

Tacos Impala (DCDuck)

Far East Taco (DCDuck)

Pho Bar & Grill (DCDuck)

400 H Street NE (DaveO)

Ocopa (JoshNE)

DC Harvest (cheezepowder)

[Banco]

...lack of good sit down eating options aside from Granville's (though I've heard positive things about Smith Commons). What a waste.

Don't forget Liberty Tree and the Atlas Room. Both are quite good and probably serve the best food on H Street right now.

[Mark Dedrick]

In a separate conversation with Don he had asked for my thoughts on different dining on options on H Street, NE, where I live, and this is what I came up with. He then asked that I post them here in this thread. Hope you find this useful, and/or that it sparks some discussion.

In my opinion, the Atlas Room is by far the "best" restaurant on this strip, and it is consistently good to great. I wish they would change up their menu a bit more (they switched out vegetables, for example, on their beef entree but the dish remained essentially the same), but that's really my only complaint. Love the bar and cocktails, and I think wine list, while small, is interesting and gets the job done. Toki Underground is my "favorite" H Street restaurant, which is a slightly different thing. It doesn't aim to be high end food, but it is the place I crave if I haven't been for a while. In fact, in typing this, I'm craving kimchee hakata right now. If I had to rank them myself, I'd rank H Street as such (and my apologies for what is a very lengthy missive):

1. Atlas Room

2. Toki Undergound

3. Ethiopic - I don't go as often as to most of the other places, since it is at the far end of the strip from my house, but I think they're worth another look. They are my favorite Ethiopian spot in the city.

4. The Queen Vic - This is probably the place on H where we eat most often. The food is good to very good, some items are excellent, the specials are interesting, the service is typically very good (particularly when Amanda is behind the bar) and they've always been willing to put my game on the television when I've asked. My wife doesn't love their beer list, and hasn't been able to find a go-to yet on their list, which is really our only quibble.

5. Granville Moore's - I tend to really like Granville's. I like the beer list, I really like that their menu is very focused, and I love mussels. I love the look and feel of the place. Usually when I'm there the service is good, and it tends to be excellent when I sit at the downstairs bar, particularly when Matt or Amanda (same as Amanda from the Vic) is working. They are just inconsistent enough, both with food and service, for me to not have it as my favorite or second favorite spot on the strip. I'm still quite happy it's there, but I don't love it as much as I wish I did.

6. Smith Commons - I've had four meals here and have been to the bar many more times than that. There's a lot here to like. They did a great job with the space. The service is usually good to great (with one exception in my experiences there). The beer list is good. Of the four meals I've had there, three were good, and one was terrible. The food seems to be priced about 10 to 20 percent higher than I think it should. The wine list has a lot of interesting choices (a Malbec from Idaho! An Oregon Pinot Noir, but it's from Southern Oregon! A dessert wine from Ohio?), but I think it is more designed to get reactions than it is designed to produce good drinking wines. I've had some fantastic cocktails here, but I've also had to send a Manhattan back because they failed to use bitters. So I like the place, and I will be back, particularly for drinks, but I can't say that I love it.

7. Liberty Tree - Food here is solid. I've never left really disappointed, but with the exception of my first visit during their first week of being open, I've never said "wow" while eating here either.

I won't rank the other places on your list, because I don't really see the point, but I will offer some thoughts:

Shawafel - I've been once, quite liked it. Worthy addition to the strip, great in the middle of the day when you just want a sandwich.

Pho Bar and Grill - I've only been once, about two weeks ago. They still hadn't found a bread vendor, so weren't offering Banh Mi, which is what I wanted, but the food seemed at least worth anther try. I hope they are awesome, but my expectations are a bit more modest.

Biergarten Haus - I think the food is terrible. The only thing here I'll eat are the pretzel rolls. Now that the weather seems to be cooling off I can't see myself darkening their door until it's warm enough to hit the patio.

Argonaut - You've seen my thoughts.

H Street Country Club - When they first opened I was impressed with some of their food and cocktails. I am no longer impressed, and we've taken it completely out of our rotation.

Souk - Eh. I want to like it, but I have trouble telling right now if they are even open, they seem to be closed on some evenings that don't make any sense.

Sova - For me, the most disappointing stop on the entire strip. I really, really want to like it, and on several occasions I have REALLY liked it. But they hemorrhage staff, losing their best bartenders whenever they attract any level of talent, they are always out of things, and the service can be infuriatingly slow. With other places around now serving decent wine (Smith Common and Atlas Room), and Church and State making better cocktails, we haven't seen a lot of reason to go back.

Star and Shamrock - Eh. Totally average.

The Big Board - Haven't been, but have heard really good things.

Fruit Bat - I don't go very often because I tend to not much like really fruity and sweet cocktails, but it isn't a bad spot. The food, when I've gotten it, has been solid.

Church and State - Not on your list, but they probably have the second best cocktails on the strip (after Atlas Room but ahead of Smith Common and Sova). I also like the space, and I'm very glad they're there.

Philadelphia Water Ice - I have no idea how they are still in business. They are open very strange hours, they seem surprised to see you when you show up and actually order food, and then they take forever to prepare your order. Not a fan.

Horace and Dickies - I like them, and I'm glad they're there. I seldom go there, but I'm glad they're there when I have a hankering for fried fish.

The Pug - I love the Pug. I would never eat there, but I love the place. They have a nice beer selection, there is no pretension at all, and you can take your beer upstairs to Toki if you're waiting for a table.

Tru Orleans - Not on your list. I'd place it near the bottom. Disappointing.

Inspire BBQ - I've been there twice. Solid bbq.

Khan's - I've never been, but should probably be on the list somewhere.

Dangerously Delicious Pies - Not on the list, their pies are good, if a bit expensive. We tend to only go at the end of a night of drinking.

Tacos Impala is now closed, although their full, non-pop-up spot, Impala, will be opening next year. I'm very fired up for this place, which means it will probably be a crushing disappointment, but I love tacos.

Hope that's at all useful.

[Mark Dedrick]

So, despite the fact that earlier today I devoted approximately 30,000 words to the subject, I realized that I left a couple of places out, and I couldn't live with that.

Sticky Rice - Out of every three meals I have here one is good, one is mediocre at best, and one is terrible. Depending on where we are in the cycle I am either boycotting the place or am willing to give it another shot. Since, for right now, it is the only sushi joint remotely near where I live, that cycle will continue. Once the new sushi place opens up further down the strip, I'm hoping that they'll blow me away and knock Sticky Rice out for good. That, or Sticky Rice starts delivering consistently good food and service. The former is more likely.

Taylor Gourmet - I love sandwiches. When they first opened, I loved Taylor. I now only sort of like Taylor. The bread is worse. The toppings aren't as consistent in quality or ratios. But every now and then that Pattison Avenue is awesome. And that's why I'll keep going back. I'm curious about their yet to be opened cheesesteak spot, which I think is opening early next year.

[DaRiv18]

In my opinion, the Atlas Room is by far the "best" restaurant on this strip, and it is consistently good to great. I wish they would change up their menu a bit more (they switched out vegetables, for example, on their beef entree but the dish remained essentially the same), but that's really my only complaint. Love the bar and cocktails, and I think wine list, while small, is interesting and gets the job done. Toki Underground is my "favorite" H Street restaurant, which is a slightly different thing. It doesn't aim to be high end food, but it is the place I crave if I haven't been for a while. In fact, . . . f I had to rank them myself, I'd rank H Street as such [:]:

1. Atlas Room

2. Toki Undergound

. . . I will offer some thoughts [on]:

Sova - For me, the most disappointing stop on the entire strip. I really, really want to like it, and on several occasions I have REALLY liked it. But they hemorrhage staff, losing their best bartenders whenever they attract any level of talent, they are always out of things, and the service can be infuriatingly slow. With other places around now serving decent wine (Smith Common and Atlas Room), and Church and State making better cocktails, we haven't seen a lot of reason to go back.

I am also a H Street resident, and I haven't gotten out as nearly as much as DCDuck. Much of what he writes I agree with wholeheartedly, however I want to expand on some things that he sets out, above.

First, I would rank Toki Underground #1 and Atlas Room #2. If you are only going by a one visit standard, then Atlas Room would probably win that round. However, if the standard is which has the stronger program, at this point I have to say TU by a narrow margin. I am now at the point where I order heavily from their specials, which offer great range, value, and adventure. Sure, it isn't for everyone (tonight I had fried pig ears ($5)). I also enjoyed the fried quail with sauteed grains in a roasted garlic confit, and an Abura Tsuke-Men which was awesome as well. At the Atlas Room, you should have no fears of getting a dish executed without perfection, but there are few surprises nowadays. For these reasons alone, many might rank the Atlas Room first, but my tastes are otherwise.

Rocks--currently on the Dining guide you say Atlas Room is the "best resturant in NE or SE", but also say of Toki Underground that you "haven't braved the waits" yet. You might need to visit TU if you plan to keep that Atlas Room blurb I suggest getting a seat at the kitchen, if possible.

Cocktail-wise, both restuarants are also #1 and #2 on the strip. Both menus have not changed substantially at all since opening. Chris at the Atlas Room is very meticulous, and I really like his Clover Club there. If anyone knows who designed TU's cocktail list, please let me know. His name is also Chris, but no TU employee there tonight knows where he was or where he is now -- apparently he is DC based. It's a $10 list, and there are some really good ones there, too.

I agree with DCDuck on the state of SOVA . . . remnants of its former self. There is no program there anymore. Really too bad--in its inception, Derek Brown designed the program and Jamie McBain executed it and added his own specials. Look at where they are now.

Finally, a quote from DCDuck with which I disagree violently:

Church and State - Not on your list, but they probably have the second best cocktails on the strip (after Atlas Room but ahead of Smith Common and Sova). I also like the space, and I'm very glad they're there.

Church and State, as a cocktail lounge, (1) offends my sensibilities as one who visits professional venues that implement actual concepts and programs, and (2) offers no redeeming value to me as a loner consumer.

My most flattering comments for the bar would praise its choice to use freshly squeezed juices. But that is just a forensic conclusion on my part, judging by the fruit flies floating in my bourbon cocktail ("Waiter, there's a fly in my coupe"). Otherwise, the ice program is banal, the glassware is stocked randomly and utilized senselessly, and the recipes scream POSEUR.

Upon my first visit months ago, I scanned the shelves and realized they carried no apertifs or bitters, save one (and it was flavored lavendar). Tonight, I saw a collection of perhaps 6 bitters, but the bartender told me she just used Reagan's #6 for all of her drinks, "they're all pretty much the same." Her Manhattan consisted of rye and the liquid in which the house cherries were brandied (she just free-poured straight from that container). And if recounted the technique I saw behind that stick, I'd just get mad all over again, and I need to go to sleep here pretty soon.

Lest you think my outrage consists of this individual performance, the majority of the cocktails are priced at $13, which is high even by DC standards. This is only a value if you compare it to bottle service at the clubs. My bartender was nice and I am not attacking her personally, but she obviously has not been properly trained or introduced to any of the generally accepted principles of cocktail making. The product they stock is really pretty much a joke. That Church and State advertises itself as a "speakeasy" is a disservice to the Columbia Room or The Gibson or PX, as well as all of the fine restaurant bars in the area.

I have sat at many competent and exciting bars, and have seen countless instances of other customers who don't appreciate the great cocktails that great bartenders serve them. They don't understand what they are imbibing, and they don't give it a chance. Pretty sad. I feel that Church and State actually justifies this customers' behavior, because its approach is more about a money grab and gouging the customer than it is about furthering a craft. The atmosphere is fine, it looks like you can have a fun time there if you concentrate solely on your friends, but the drinks are nothing but empty wasted calories, at best. The worst venue in the city, as far as I can tell.

[Mark Dedrick]

No need to get violent! As a result of this post, my wife and I decided to venture back to Church and State this weekend as we realized we hadn't been in quite some time, and I wanted to re-think my previously stated opinion. Based on my most recent visit I have to say that my opinion now pretty closely aligns with DaRiv18's above.

I had never sat directly at the bar before, having only been before with a group of friends elsewhere in the bar, but this time sat directly in front of the bartender, who was very friendly and engaging. The drinks I sampled, however, were very substandard. The Manhattan is as described above, a free pour of rye and the juice from the cherries and vermouth. It was borderline un-drinkable, and the "homemade" cherries were far worse than those that I put together on my first try last spring. If you poured it for me blind I wouldn't have been able to identify the Martinez. I was distracted by my conversation while that drink was being made so I didn't catch what ingredients they put in it. The Martini was probably the best drink I tasted there. Given the low bar set earlier, however, I don't for one second want anyone to see that as an endorsement. It was merely ok. They used Cook's "Champagne" in my friend's Champagne cocktail.

In conclusion, I'll concede the point to DaRiv18, and withdraw my earlier, more positive comment. The space is nice, and the service we had was solid, so it can still definitely be fun if you're with a group and you actually want to be able to have a conversation. But certainly not worth going to if you're going out of your way to find a great cocktail. Go to the Passenger/Columbia Room, PS7, or the Atlas Room if you want to stay on H Street.

[DaRiv18]

DCDuck, you have nothing to concede and I'm sorry that I framed my rant with your comment. You obviously went in looking to have a good time and had a good time with your friends, which is what normal people do. Church and State is a fine place to go with your friends, even I could enjoy their highball there. I want to buy you a drink, you write a great, exhaustive guide and then I focus on the words "second best cocktails" and go ape-shit.

For me, I know there are alot of bartenders in the city trying to push their art forward, so it pisses me off that Church and State puts out a half-assed menu, doesn't even stock an orange liqueur of any kind (that must be wrong, but I didn't see any), and then charges 30% more than most of our favorite venues in the city.

BTW, one place that you don't mention where I have had a decent time is Little Miss Whiskey's Silver Dollar. They have a decent beer program, even though it is more of a hipster demographic than in what I belong. You can order Bell's or Great Lakes, or you can order a Colt 45 and they put it in a fitted brown paper bag with a "Colt 45" logo on it. Tonight DC Brau is doing their Corruption Ale in cans release, and they used to do a visiting grillmaster on the weekends on the patio.

[Mark Dedrick]

Little Miss Whiskey's is certainly an ommission on my part. I do like it, they have a wonderful beer selection. I enjoy going there earlier in the evening for exactly the reason you mention. Most times if I find myself there later at night on a weekend I realize that I'm simply not cool enough to be hanging out there on a regular basis.

I'd also like to agree with you in your comment on Toki's cocktail list, which I didn't address earlier. I like it a lot. Limited, but inventive, delicious, and reasonably priced. Strongly agree with your assessment. In particular I like the Toki Monster.

[DonRocks]

Does anyone have any information on either Tacos Impala or Chow?

They've both been dangling for quite awhile.

[RWBooneJr]

H Street is a problem, but I work with it.

You can get to H Street, NE in 20 minutes. I-66E to Rt. 110S to I-395N, through the 3rd Street tunnel. Take the Mass Ave. exit out of the tunnel and go right on H.

[DonRocks]

You can get to H Street, NE in 20 minutes. I-66E to Rt. 110S to I-395N, through the 3rd Street tunnel. Take the Mass Ave. exit out of the tunnel and go right on H.

Yep, and I *always* forget that and go down Constitution (which, as a west-east corridor, is a nightmare second only to L Street) - funny, since I take (the first part of) that route to Barracks Row.

[porcupine]

You can get to H Street, NE in 20 minutes. I-66E to Rt. 110S to I-395N, through the 3rd Street tunnel. Take the Mass Ave. exit out of the tunnel and go right on H.

Like so many routes in DC, 395 is fantastic except when it isn't. Boy have I gotten screwed on that road.

Yep, and I *always* forget that and go down Constitution (which, as a west-east corridor, is a nightmare second only to L Street) - funny, since I take (the first part of) that route to Barracks Row.

Constitution Ave is the worst slog in the city, and east-west is no better. Where else in DC will it take you 25 minutes to go a mile and a half at 10:15 on a weekday night? If you're going to try an alternate to 395, try Independence Ave.

[DanielK]

Like so many routes in DC, 395 is fantastic except when it isn't. Boy have I gotten screwed on that road.

Constitution Ave is the worst slog in the city, and east-west is no better. Where else in DC will it take you 25 minutes to go a mile and a half at 10:15 on a weekday night? If you're going to try an alternate to 395, try Independence Ave.

Except that blasted yield to get on to Independence coming from 66 means you can spend 15 minutes just trying to get off the bridge.

Ballston to RFK last night during rush hour took an hour. My GPS (and Google Maps as a backup) diverted me OFF the idea of 395 or Independence because Constitution, as bad as it was, was still going to be quicker.

[DonRocks]

I've been trying to focus more than I have on H Street, and even formed a little subgroup known as the H Street Crew. One person feels I have Liberty Tree ranked too high, Granville Moore's too low, and The Queen Vic too high - I've been to all three, but not in awhile now. I've also moved Big Board (where I haven't yet visited) up in the Dining Guide based on his enthusiastic recommendation.

Does anyone have any thoughts on all this, or other input about the rankings there? This is one strip that's very tough for me to cover without help.

A recent meal at Le Grenier with four experienced diners left us all shellshocked at how poor it was, while a recent dinner at Boundary Road confirmed its Italic rating in my mind. I also think a case could be made for Toki Underground being the best of all, but I don't think I can justify a ramen house being ranked above The Atlas Room.

[porcupine]

 I also think a case could be made for Toki Underground being the best of all, but I don't think I can justify a ramen house being ranked above The Atlas Room.

Why not?

From Atlas Room's website: "a dining room that strives to provide a menu of local seasonal offerings in a unique and relaxed atmosphere.  It's modern American cooking style draws inspiration from around the globe..."

Is Atlas Room the best example of locavore modern American in the city?  If so, rank it above Toki; if not, don't.  Toki is considered the best example of ramen, isn't it?  The "best of its type" should be listed above "one of the better examples of its type", regardless what the types are.  Unless you have a cultural bias toward Occidental wine-friendly cuisines.

[note I'm just playing devil's advocate here; I've never been to Atlas Room]

[DonRocks]

Why not?

From Atlas Room's website: "a dining room that strives to provide a menu of local seasonal offerings in a unique and relaxed atmosphere.  It's modern American cooking style draws inspiration from around the globe..."

Is Atlas Room the best example of locavore modern American in the city?  If so, rank it above Toki; if not, don't.  Toki is considered the best example of ramen, isn't it?  The "best of its type" should be listed above "one of the better examples of its type", regardless what the types are.  Unless you have a cultural bias toward Occidental wine-friendly cuisines.

[note I'm just playing devil's advocate here; I've never been to Atlas Room]

I appreciate your last comment which is why I'm responding, but I'm not going to answer this question in the way that it was framed. A simple "Why not?" would have gotten an explanation. (Sorry!) 

[DaRiv18]

One person feels I have Liberty Tree ranked too high, Granville Moore's too low, and The Queen Vic too high - I've been to all three, but not in awhile now. I've also moved Big Board (where I haven't yet visited) up in the Dining Guide based on his enthusiastic recommendation.

I agree with this one person.  I would put GM in italics and remove them from LT.

On a less controversial note, I question whether A. Litteri actually belongs in the H Street NE neighborhood, instead of in the more general NoMa neighborhood.  As smaller restaurants/incubators emerge, including all the Union Kitchen and Union Market vendors, I doubt you'd put them under the H St. NE heading.

[dcandohio]

So, differerent people, different tastes, different experiences. My last visit to Granville Moore's was unimpresssive. Liberty Tavern continues to be a favorite of ours, and Boundary Road is way above both. Last visit to Atlas Room was too long ago and I can't remember any details. My two cents worth...

[porcupine]

I appreciate your last comment which is why I'm responding, but I'm not going to answer this question in the way that it was framed. A simple "Why not?" would have gotten an explanation. (Sorry!) 

  A simple question followed by an explanation so that you wouldn't think I was baiting you elicits this?  I don't get it.

[DonRocks]

  A simple question followed by an explanation so that you wouldn't think I was baiting you elicits this?  I don't get it.

Because of this:

The "best of its type" should be listed above "one of the better examples of its type", regardless what the types are.  Unless you have a cultural bias toward Occidental wine-friendly cuisines. 

A proper reply now requires a one-hour discourse, which includes defending myself against "cultural bias," and that's an hour I don't have right now.

I understand you weren't trying to be accusatory - hence my acknowledgment of your "devil's advocate" addendum - but that last sentence is a pretty strong statement, and I don't think I need to defend my track record on Oriental cuisine.  Oops.

[Mark Dedrick]

I go to Granville Moore's more than any other H Street restaurant, probably at least three times a month. The food is consistently good, at the times that I go I can always get a seat at the bar (that's always weeknights, and typically on the later side, around 9 pm or so), and they have a great selection of beers with very knowledgeable bartenders.  It isn't as good, in my opinion, as Atlas Room, Boundary Road or Toki, but I'd put it up against nearly any other restaurant on that strip.  Also, related only in my own mind, I feel like the Queen Vic has really slipped within the past six months to a year. It used to fill the same role for us as Granville's, but the food has been not good the past few times we've gone. I now pretty much only go there to watch soccer.

Also, it looks like Atlas Room has redone their menu, ditching the "small plate", "appetizer", "entree" gimmick that they've had since opening for a more traditional looking menu.

[DonRocks]

A proper reply now requires a one-hour discourse, which includes defending myself against "cultural bias," and that's an hour I don't have right now.

Okay, I had a brief discussion with the person who originally wrote me about the H Street restaurants. Here's the explanation of the rankings, his note to me followed by my response to him:

Yeah, I was a little caught off guard by that post. And I disagree with the fundamental point. The *best* taqueria would never, in my opinion, be ranked ahead of a place like the Atlas Room.  And for the reason you mentioned, Atlas is a more complete restaurant. They're playing for higher stakes.  Doesn't take away from what Toki is doing, which is fantastic. And it doesn't change the fact that Toki is my *favorite* of the two.

This is exactly my line of thinking, and Toki is also *my* favorite of the two; I put aside my personal preference and tried to be objective.

If I drove to H Street to eat, I'd go to Toki before Atlas Room because it's better "for what it is," less common in terms of style, and less expensive; but I think on absolute terms, Atlas Room gets ranked higher because, as you so succinctly wrote: "they're playing for higher stakes."

If I were being taken out to dinner, and not paying for it, I'd quite possibly go to Atlas Room. The dining guide doesn't factor in price or formality - the criterion is: "If someone were taking me out, and paying for it, where would I go? (Assuming, of course, I didn't care whether I got dressed up or not.)" If Toki was the same price as Atlas Room, nobody would go there! This is why some things are ranked higher than italicized places, but not in italic themselves.

If I had only one meal left to eat on H Street for the rest of my life, it would be at Toki.

[lackadaisi]

If someone were taking me out to dinner on H street and I wasn't paying, I would still choose Toki. In a heartbeat.

[DonRocks]

If someone were taking me out to dinner on H street and I wasn't paying, I would still choose Toki. In a heartbeat.

Then you value this ramen so highly that you'd be willing to give up a great meal, that would normally cost about twice as much, to have it. And this is exactly why I said "a case could be made for Toki Underground being the best of all."

[Josh]

I'll preface this by saying I haven't been to Atlas Room in almost a year.  Before that we ate there 3 or 4 times.  What ultimately stopped us going was the lack of any real seasonality to the menu.  That wouldn't normally be a problem, except they claimed to be changing with the seasons, but we just didn't see it.  Same basic dishes with a few tweaks here and there, but not really all that different from month to month.  Maybe that's changed along with the change in format.  The cocktails were always amazing, and I've been neglectful in not going there just to have a drink.

With that out of the way, I would agree with your critic and say that Liberty Tree, while nice enough, does not belong high on the H St. list. Neither, for that matter, does Big Board...a place that does merely OK burgers, and pretty tasty sweet potato fries.  Good neighborhood joint, but certainly nothing more.

Granvilles suffers from some inconsistency, but overall is an H St. gem.  Great atmosphere, amazing beer list, and solid food.

Le Grenier is a good neighborhood bistro, except when it isn't.  I've had 1 great meal there, and 1 terrible one.  The great one was the most recent, so at some point we'll be back...hopefully not to repeat Don's experience.

Sadly, Queen Vic has been taken down a few notches after the chef shuffles.

Smith Commons isn't even in the running food-wise, but the beer selection is excellent.

I still have a lot of love for Ethiopic (even with my newfound infatuation with Zenebech), and would still rank its Ethiopian cuisine highly.

Boundary and Toki are my favorites, hands down.  I love the whole atmosphere at Boundary, and have never had a bad meal there.  I've had a couple of "great" meals, and a lot of "pretty damn good" ones, with only one "meh" one.  The ramen at Toki is better than any of the 6 ramen shops in my old NYC neighborhood, although Erik is going for a different style, so I probably shouldn't compare them.

With my current perspective, if I were Don for a day, here's what my list would shape up like:

Boundary Road

Toki Underground

Ethiopic

Atlas Room

Granville Moore's (+/- italics on this one...)

Le Grenier

Liberty Tree (could be ahead of Le Grenier depending on the day)

Queen Vic (used to be tied with Granville's)

Shawafel

Taylor Charles Steak & Ice

Taylor Gourmet

Chupacabra

Big Board

Argonaut (in a fight with Big Board for best sweet potato fries)

Chicken and Rice

Smith Commons

Vendetta

Hikari (total disappointment)

Inspire BBQ (not bad when they actually have the item you want)

Cushbah

The rest

[Mark Dedrick]

The Queen Vic is probably the biggest disappointment for me.  It used to be even with, or in my opinion even ahead of Granville Moore's (mainly because there was a greater variety of options, which made it a more versatile spot). Now I'd rank it down with Argonaut down near the bottom of my list. A real shame.

The food at Smith Common is fine, but the cost of a meal there is towards the higher end of anything on H Street. It just doesn't warrant the price.  What I like about it is the bar, mainly because it is one of the only places to meet somebody on H where you could have a cocktail, a beer or a glass of wine. That's useful if you're meeting a group.

[DonRocks]

The following item was on the agenda for last night's ANC 6A public meeting:
 
"Move that the ANC protest the following licenses for failure to maintain peace, order and quiet, and that the Chair be authorized to send letters conveying that protest to the ABC Board: Atlas Room. Biergarten Haus, The Elroy, Little Miss Whiskey's, Star and Shamrock, Vendetta, HR 57, Avery's, The Pug, and Toki Underground (Holmes)"

I'm a little curious how they singled out these particular institutions and not others, objectively (block, closing time) or subjectively (observation, whim).

Cheers,

Nimby.

---

Edit: The two H Street Twitter Masters, HStGreatSt and Margret Holwill have told me here that this action is routine, and nothing to raise an eyebrow over.

[chefgunshow]

Hi Everybody! The holidays have viciously begun their annual assault, as you probably have heard. Out here on H Street NE, we got seven spots to feature Foie Gras on their menus from this Monday, 12-16, through 12-30. It's called Foie La La and here's the info page (which, come Monday, will be the voting page).

Here's the press release for your edification. I hope to see you Rockwellers, but if not, have an excellent holiday.

Brad

During the holidays, I like to celebrate. It's time to take advantage of all that we have available to us, damn the consequences. The end of December is our last harvest festival, that time of year that marks the waning of our seasonal bounty.  A feast is in order. So eat that extra cookie, have that extra brandy, and warm yourself before the long, cold winter. 

 

There is nothing quite like foie gras when it comes to indulgence. It's rich, unctuous, luxurious, and the most delicious substance on earth. 

 

We serve foie gras year round at Boundary Road, but during this time of year we want to revel in our favorite ingredient. Working on this year's dish, a holiday epiphany shone upon me. What if a bunch of our neighboring restaurants celebrated with us? Our neighbors could wander up and down H Street, come in to our restaurants all bundled up, stomp their feet, and rub their hands to warm up. Then, celebrate with us in the warm lights on a cold night. I wouldn't want them to go into the winter unprepared.  

 

At Boundary Road, we pride ourselves on our sourcing, particularly our proteins. To paraphrase my French chef instructor in cooking school, "Some people, I guess they have nothing better to do, have some kind of problem with foie gras." Foie gras is a controversial foodstuff for ridiculous reasons. The complaints lodged against foie gras pale in comparison to the horrors of commodity pork, beef, and chicken. The ducks and geese used in foie gras production are force-fed, simulating a natural process the animals use to store energy for migration. As one of the most fragile organs, a high quality liver demands that the birds raised for foie gras are healthy and well-cared for. We can enjoy this product with far less guilt than readily available, more mainstream proteins. That's it for political stuff.

 

Happy Holidays. Happy Foie La La. Come and eat. Be warm. And be welcomed by us and our neighbors.

[DaRiv18]

Boundary Road:  $18 Seared Foie with gingerbread blini, braised collards, crispy pork belly, and maple cherry gastrique.  What a showstopper!  I enjoyed it at the bar last night, probably should have brought a +1 with whom to share as it is as decadent as it sounds.  Texture contrast is nice, and the spices in the gingerbread really helps balance all of the other rich elements.  

 

Headed to the Big Board later to try the foie burger, I've heard great things. 

[bettyjoan]

Twitter was buzzing today about the 400 H Street NE (formerly TruOrleans) space being acquired:

Mark Eckenwiler (@20002ist):

Coming to 400 H NE, former TruOrleans site. MT @EricTollar American fare with Mediterranean influence, craft cocktails and local craft beer

There were some other folks tweeting about the news, but that was how I saw it.

I cannot even tell you how happy I will be if we have another legitimate dining/drinking option on the West side of H Street.  Boundary Road and The Big Board are awesome, but 4th/5th could definitely use some more love. 

[Mark Dedrick]

I'm glad somebody will be using that space. It also almost can't be worse than Tru Orleans. 

[Josh]

I'm glad somebody will be using that space. It also almost can't be worse than Tru Orleans. 

You may be surprised...

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2014/04/22/what-the-hell-is-going-on-with-truorleans/

[bettyjoan]

Gah...what the hell indeed.  I'm wondering if the space is just doomed.  Someone needs to go in and perform an exorcism or something.

[Mark Dedrick]

I've been following this situation for a while as I walk by this corner all the time, but we now have dueling, unaffiliated Tony's Breakfast spots across 14th Street from one another. I have tried neither, so I can't advise on which Tony's you should frequent.

"Dear PoPVille: What's Up With The Two Tony's On H Street" on PoPVille.com

featuring Tony's Breakfast at 1387 H Street vs. Tony's Place at 1401 H Street

[Mark Dedrick]

A few H Street thoughts that probably make more sense here than in their own post. First, two new places have opened up towards the western end. Micho's Lebanese Grill opened at 500 H Street, and Po' Boy Jim's opened at 709 H Street. I haven't tried either. As stated on another thread, there's a sign up at the former Pho Bar and Grill space in the 1300 block saying that "Thai Cuisine" is coming soon. There's currently no Thai available on H, so if that's decent it would be a nice addition. And there are now signs up in the building on the SW corner of H Street saying that Ba Korean Fusion is coming into that space. I feel like something has been about to open soon in that spot since I moved to this neighborhood in 2008, so we'll see.

Finally, a place called Kitty's Saloon appears to be ready to open quite soon in the 1200 block, in the old Souk space. They've got their sign up, and I'd expect them to open soon.

[Josh]

Fewer empty storefronts is always a good thing.  Now if we could somehow get some good places to open, that would really be something.

[DaRiv18]

Mark's posts always get me excited about the continuing development of H Street, I always want to chip in a bit!

Indigo is on 3rd and K St NE, a bit off the strip, but it has very good Punjabi homecooking, we do a fair bit of carry-out there.  Prefer it to Ethiopic, that's just me.  Best of class for "cheap eats" in the neighborhood, but I always seem to spend money at Toki Underground (thank you, sake!).

Also on the 400 block of H St NE, we await a Sticky Fingers bakery opening up.  It's basically right next to the other vegan spot, Khepra's Raw Food/Juice Bar which is underrated.  Back to Sticky Fingers, it will join Lyon's Bakery at Union Market, and Frenchie's in Maketto later that all service the area.  I suppose I should also acknowledge the Batter Bowl Bakery right next to Ethiopic, too.

I hear someone aspires to open a raw bar on this block as well??  Fingers crossed.

For the 500 block, DC Harvest should open soon, something that can be destination worthy.  I'm hoping it is of similar quality, yet of a markedly different style, as Boundary Road so we continue to elevate the neighborhood and attract more diners from other neighborhoods.  I have been to Micho's (also on the 500 block), it is non-offensive food for $10, better than a Roti (but no Moby Dick) and cheerfully family-run.    

Ben's Chili Bowl looks like it is coming along as well.

Maketto will be a game-changer when that opens, can't wait for that.

[Josh]

My earlier post was harsh, and was reacting mainly to this "Kitty's Saloon" nonsense...their website describes their "concept" as "contemporary redneck cuisine."  Ugh.

Maketto will indeed be huge...James is putting out amazing food in the Union Market pop-up.

Although I'm far from being vegan, Sticky Fingers will be a great addition to the West side of H.  I like that they will have kind of a diner thing going in addition to the bakery.

I have to say I am really bummed Micho's turned out to be basically Shawafel II.  A sit-down Lebanese joint would've been awesome.  I haven't stopped in yet, but my wife texted me "stick with Shawafel" based on her mixed kabob platter.  I'll have to check it out myself soon.

Of course we have a handful of great places on H already (Ethiopic, Boundary, Atlas, Toki), I just hope the newer places that are opening will aim high...at least higher than "contemporary redneck cuisine."

[Mark Dedrick]

Yeah, I'm going to hold off on judging Kitty's too harshly before they open, although that's proving to be a tough proposition. I'm hopeful for the Peruvian place, for Maketto, and that these places doing more casual food will do it well.

I also should do a separate post on Pursuit Wine Bar, which I enjoyed, at least enough to return. It's good to have stuff open on that block.

[DonRocks]

Introducing The H Street Overlords:
 
DaRiv18
JoshNE
Mark Dedrick
 
This motley crew can help you with H Street restaurants - please feel free to contact them directly if you need immediate help, or just seek them out in threads. They know their home turf as well as Kibbee Nayee, our Mayor of Springfield, knows his.

[Ericandblueboy]

If I were to start at Maketto and walk westward, where would I stop.  Looking for food (small plates) and drinks.  Please note if any location would require substantial waiting time on a Friday evening.

[Josh]

Start by looking across the street to Ocopa.  I've only been once since the chef changeover, and everything was fine, but something to be aware of.

I was initially pretty enamored with Sally's Middle Name, but after some poorly executed meals there, I worry about recommending it.  That said, it's perfectly set up for a small plates kind of thing, so it would be worth popping your head in and checking out if anything on that day's menu grabbed you.

Granville Moore's continues to put out excellent mussels, and I recently devoured their burger and found not a thing wrong with it.  Wouldn't be a bad idea to stop in for a shared bowl of mussels and frites along with a Belgian beer.

Toki Underground is beloved on H for a reason, but you're already coming from Maketto, so maybe not ideal? You could grab a shot of Jameson and a handful of cheese puffs at The Pug downstairs to fortify you on your trek Westward.

Copycat Co. puts out reasonably good dumplings and grilled skewers, which you can either eat downstairs with a canned beer, or head upstairs to the darkened but loud cocktail lounge for excellently prepared drinks.

I wouldn't miss out on Boundary Road on the West end of H. Always an interesting cocktail and beer list, with great people behind the bar.  IMHO, the appetizers there were always the best things on the menu, and sharing them amongst a few people would work perfectly.

As for waits, most every place on H is going to be pretty busy with a wait on a Friday night, but the places where you can order at the bar (Granville's, Copycat, Boundary Road) should be good options.

[Marty L.]

The was a day, not very long ago, when this entire list would have consisted of three words:  Horace and Dickie's.  Do they continue to belong on the list?

Also, Shawafel was excellent when it first opened, but I haven't been in a while.  Still worthwhile?

Start by looking across the street to Ocopa.  I've only been once since the chef changeover, and everything was fine, but something to be aware of.

I was initially pretty enamored with Sally's Middle Name, but after some poorly executed meals there, I worry about recommending it.  That said, it's perfectly set up for a small plates kind of thing, so it would be worth popping your head in and checking out if anything on that day's menu grabbed you.

Granville Moore's continues to put out excellent mussels, and I recently devoured their burger and found not a thing wrong with it.  Wouldn't be a bad idea to stop in for a shared bowl of mussels and frites along with a Belgian beer.

Toki Underground is beloved on H for a reason, but you're already coming from Maketto, so maybe not ideal? You could grab a shot of Jameson and a handful of cheese puffs at The Pug downstairs to fortify you on your trek Westward.

Copycat Co. puts out reasonably good dumplings and grilled skewers, which you can either eat downstairs with a canned beer, or head upstairs to the darkened but loud cocktail lounge for excellently prepared drinks.

I wouldn't miss out on Boundary Road on the West end of H. Always an interesting cocktail and beer list, with great people behind the bar.  IMHO, the appetizers there were always the best things on the menu, and sharing them amongst a few people would work perfectly.

As for waits, most every place on H is going to be pretty busy with a wait on a Friday night, but the places where you can order at the bar (Granville's, Copycat, Boundary Road) should be good options.

[Josh]

The was a day, not very long ago, when this entire list would have consisted of three words:  Horace and Dickie's.  Do they continue to belong on the list?

Also, Shawafel was excellent when it first opened, but I haven't been in a while.  Still worthwhile?

H&D only for nostalgia's sake.  I wouldn't categorize it as "good," and certainly not a place to stop by for "small plates and drinks."

Shawafel is good, and despite my post from last year, so is Micho's.  In fact, we hit Micho's more frequently these days, though that's more due to proximity than anything else.  Again, not places I would turn to for small plates/drinks (though Micho's does have a patio and cheap beer).

[DaRiv18]

Maketto isn't a small plates place either, in fact quite the opposite. How many are in your party, btw?

[Josh]

I dunno. Maketto typically has several smaller items in addition to the 2 types of bao that could lend themselves to a progressive dinner of "small plates" down H.

[DaRiv18]

Mixologists Jamie Macbain and JoJo Valenzuela are doing the Cumberland (I think also on Friday), a cocktail bar upstairs at Vendetta for a limited time. Cocktails and small plates. I agree with JoshNE on his picks, too. I am a fan of SMN still.

A small plates tour is best done with two, possibly 4.

[Josh]

On 4/11/2016 at 5:30 PM, DaRiv18 said:

Mixologists Jamie Macbain and JoJo Valenzuela are doing the Cumberland (I think also on Friday), a cocktail bar upstairs at Vendetta for a limited time. Cocktails and small plates. I agree with JoshNE on his picks, too. I am a fan of SMN still.

A small plates tour is best done with two, possibly 4.

Interesting...do you know where I could find more info on Cumberland? 

[DaRiv18]

On 4/11/2016 at 5:47 PM, JoshNE said:

Interesting...do you know where I could find more info on Cumberland? 

The Cumberland at Vendetta has a Facebook page