In DC These Days, Fast Casual Dining Equals Big Business And Is Here To Stay
In 2015, CNN Money reported that Americans were working roughly 47 hours a week, which when given that the average work week is expected to be 40 hours, means that there’s a lot of overtime happening. The push towards overtime means that there’s less time for many things, cooking at home included in that list. Thus, if you’re wondering why cities like Washington, DC appear to be over-run with fast casual dining options offering everything from salads to rice bowls to noodle soups, burritos and more, that’s why. However, how big of a business DC’s ability to ever-so-briefly stop working and eat an impressive diversity of meals is becoming is what’s truly amazing.
Sweetgreen’s farm-to-table salads are delicious enough for the company to have existed for nearly a decade, raise $95 million in venture capital funding and spawn a seven-year old music festival. As well, not too far behind is five-year old Cava Grill, which, as an offshoot of the Cava Mezze restaurant has just followed Sweetgreen into New York City and has $60 million in VC funding to spend. As well, established fast-casual industry leader Chipotle launched Shophouse, a Southeast-Asian inspired sister concept, in the area three years ago.
Even iconic and veteran DC chef Jose Andres is in on the fun, his all-vegetarian Beefsteak entry now entering it’s second year in the fast-casual sweepstakes and already having national locations. Andres’ acclaim has attracted pop-star power to his brand as his funders include the likes of actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Upstarts like Philadelphia hoagie-inspired Taylor Gourmet, urban-chic “Chipotle for Pizza” & Pizza and sushi-as-burrito operation Buredo are making swift and impressive moves as well.
DC’s downtown park system turning into a lunch-time smorgasbord should be added to this mix as well. There’s now 240-plus food trucks in operation in the Nation’s Capital, offering everything from lobster roll sandwiches to barbecue items, grilled Halal-style meats and much more. Food trucks with brick-and-mortar locations like District Taco are notable, too. When the San Francisco Business Journal reveals that food-truck entrepreneurs are making a half-million dollars a year in earnings, there’s an impressive movement happening.
Fast casual is even interrupting DC’s traditional sit-down and not-so-fast restaurant boom. In Asia, ramen shops are the ultimate in fast dining, as the shops do an impressive level of in-and-out dining by business people needing incredibly swift dining options during weeks of work that oftentimes expand far past the new American 47 hour-per-week expectation. Now, especially in DC of late, traditionally fast ramen is becoming the height of experience-driven fast-casual eating. There’s roughly a dozen ramen-specific restaurants now in the DC Metropolitan area, a number that’s certain to grow.
When well-regarded publications like Zagat’s food guide says that “perhaps more than any [American] market, Washingtonians can’t get enough of fast-casual” and Eater notes that both “home-grown” and “enthusiastic entrants from elsewhere” are highlighting DC’s “nicer than fast-food, but not quite full-service” offerings, and can name over a dozen eateries not noted in this article, fast-casual has not just arrived in Washington, DC, moreover, it’s likely here to stay.
The Gryphon
- Venue Type: Restaurant/Lounge, more specifically: a Meat & Raw Bar Social House
- Amenities: Full menu, full bar, private events, Sunday brunch
- Hours
- Tuesday -Friday : 4:00PM to 1:30am
- Saturday-Sunday: 11:30AM to 1:30am
- Dress Code: Dressy Casual
- Location: Dupont Circle
- Address: 1337 Connecticut Avenue Northwest
- Contact: 202.827.8980
- Website: www.thegryphondc.com
Overview
Created by the founders of Lost Society, a swanky steakhouse on 14th and U, The Gryphon promises a new take on socializing and eating. “Just as Lost Society changed the traditional perception of a steakhouse, the Gryphon is designed to change the perception of dining with friends, family and neighbors. ” (from thegryphondc.com)
A self-proclaimed “Social House”, it offers a menu specializing in finely cooked meats and one of DC’s best raw bars. And, as far as nightlife goes, they also offer a wide variety of specialy cocktails and wines in addition to a full bar.
If you want a night to sit back, relax, and enjoy a few high quality drinks with the company of good friends in a comfortable yet modernly stylish atmosphere, The Gryphon is definitely the place for you.
Photos
Images courtesy of thegryphondc.com and yelp.com.
Manor
- Venue Type: Restaurant/Lounge
- Amenities: Full menu, full bar, private events, Sunday brunch, happy hour, DJs, specialty drinks
- Hours
- Restaurant Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 3pm – 12am
Saturday: 5pm – 12am
Sunday: CLOSED
Sunday Brunch Coming SoonHappy Hour, Dinner & Late Bites until 12am
- Lounge Hours:
Monday: 10pm – 2am
Tuesday: 10pm – 2am
Wednesday: 10pm – 2am
Thursday: 10pm – 2am
Friday: 10pm – 3am
Saturday: 10pm – 3am
Sunday: CLOSED
- Restaurant Hours:
- Dress Code: Dressy Casual
- Location: Dupont Circle
- Address: 1327 Connecticut Ave NW
- Contact: 202.506.7776
- Website: http://www.themanordc.com/
Overview
“The Manor DC, located in the heart of Dupont Circle brings glitz, glamour and the most talented DJ’s to cozy up with in your very own loft hideaway.
A Restaurant and Lounge by day that transforms to a modern, sleek nightclub by night. The Manor is the newest D.C. spot to enjoy lunch, delicious happy-hour specials and dinner later accompanied by your favorite beats and cocktails created by one of DC’s top Mixologists.” (from themanordc.com)
Manor has everything you could ask for in a lounge: Delicious menu, great drinks, cool atmosphere, and a great location (not to mention the awesome view of Connecticut Ave out the 2nd story floor-to-ceiling windows).
Photos
All images courtesy of themanordc.com.
Toro Toro
- Main Dining Area
- Venue type: Restaurant/ lounge
- Amenities: Happy hour, Sunday brunch, Full menu, Happy hour menu, Full bar, Private events, Bottle service.
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11pm- 2 am Friday- Saturday: 10 pm- 3 am
- Cover charge: None
- Dress code: Fashionable
- Age requirement: 21+ on the weekend
- Location: McPherson Square
- Address: 1300 I street NW Washington DC 20005
- Contact: 202-682-9500
- Website: www.richardsandoval.com/torotorodc/
Overview:
Richard Sandoval’s newest DC hotspot is an upscale Latin restaurant serving authentic cuisine during the day, with full bars in both the dining and downstairs lounge areas. Everything in Toro Toro is perfectly Latin themed, from the furnishings to the Day of the Dead bottled beers. Boasting burning amber onyx walls, lush black leather couches, a lit-up bar, glowing orange countertops, and state-of-the art lighting system, Toro Toro creates an ambience of pure elegance.
On the main floor, you can enjoy the quiet, classy atmosphere at the bar, or candle-lit table to unwind from a long day. The happy hour includes reasonably priced and tasty appetizers and cocktails, featuring Latin-inspired dishes such as their chipotle hummus and smoked guacamole.
Located on the bottom level, the 5,000 sqft late night lounge provides an intimate and vibrant setting for guests to dance and converse.VIP tables are placed conveniently by the dance floor with comfy and chic couches for guests. Candles are lit next to plush booths to enhance the intimate ambience. Another notable aspect of this floor is the state-of-the art lighting system, with its beautiful array of bright colors and patterns. The flashing lights are perfectly timed to create a high-energy and sensual vibe on the dancefloor. The beautiful upscale interior is complimented with tasty, Latin-inspired drinks, exceptional service, and uplifting house music.
I would recommend Toro Toro for private events and celebrations. Tables provide an intimate setting for guests to enjoy delicious drinks and for you to have a great time with friends. They also come with excellent service. The VIP hostesses were very attentive and made sure to keep our table stocked throughout the night.
For bottle service specials and rates, call 202.682.9500. Toro Toro is also available for private events.
Written by Roma Moradian and Sana Alloo
What do YOU think?
How was your experience? Share your feedback below!
We’re not looking for trolls and we’re not looking for cheerleaders. We’re looking for honest feedback. Thanks!
Mari Vanna
- Venue Type: Restaurant/Lounge
- Amenities: Full menu, full bar, house-infused vodka, DJ, bottle service, private events, brunch, happy hour
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30am – 1:30am, Saturday: 12:00pm – 2:00am, Sunday: 11:30am – 1:00am
- Dress Code: Casual
- Age Requirement: 21+ after 9:00pm
- Location: Farragut North/Dupont Circle
- Address: 1141 Connecticut Ave NW
- Contact: 202-783-7777
- Website: www.marivanna.ru/washington
Venue Overview:
Located close to the Farragut North metro and just outside of Dupont Circle, Mari Vanna is an essential stop for anyone in the DC area. Serving up delicious authentic Russian homestyle cuisine during the day and supplying D.C. with an impressive selection of over 70 house-infused vodka’s by night, Mari Vanna boasts an ambient atmosphere that gives its patrons an eclectic “tea party-meets-grandma’s-house” vibe. The D.C. location is its biggest one yet, and for good reason – this place has a lot to offer.
If you like dancing, good music, great food, and vodka that you don’t need a chaser for, then I would say Mari Vanna is the place for you. The cocktail lounge upstairs is perfect for a night out with friends. It’s got an intimate atmosphere but you’ll never feel like you’re being overcrowded. The crowd stays pretty steady all night, usually a mix of DC natives, tourists, and people from all around the world. Bottle service is available upon request. I would definitely recommend ordering some of their house-infused vodka if you have a group of people with you. Another perk of Mari Vanna is the keys. You can ask the bartender upstairs for a key, which you’ll need on most Monday nights to get in (or be with someone who has one). Bottom line: whether you decide to start or end your night here, going to Mari Vanna is always a good idea.
View their menu here.
Photo Tour:
*All images courtesy of Travis Vaughn and Mari Vanna.
10 Useful Things to Remember When Moving
You finally have a new job, new apartment, possibly in a new city. The lease is signed and the keys are in your pocket. Now all you have to do is move…
You may wanna keep the following things in mind:
1. Are you bringing your car? If you’re moving somewhere with great public transportation, good cabs and horrible parking (sound familiar?) you may want to sell your ride. Put it on Craigslist a month or two out just in case.
2. Are you moving in/out of places with stairs? Do freight elevators need to be reserved? Are there specific move-in/out hours? You should probably make sure you have dolly/luggage carts at your disposable. Moving dressers SUCKS.
3. PACK EARLY. Don’t f*** yourself and pack the night before you move. Maybe a week before you’re outtie, set a few things aside as if you were going on vacation. That’s what you’ll live off. Pack everything else and make sure it’s completely done. And LABEL YOUR BOXES (kitchen, bedroom, office, etc.) Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
4. If you have roommates, decide what you’re taking, what you’re leaving and any sort of money issues regarding common items, security deposit, etc. This can be a shitty thing sometimes but at the end of the day, you don’t want a bad break up. It’s not worth the stress, hassle and bad vibes. Make concessions if you must, or fuck it, start a fight and never talk to them again. Your call.
(watch ’til the end… they fight, shake hands and that was that)
5. Reserve a U-Hall in advance. If you wait until the week of they may not have the type of truck you need. Go to the place early and get boxes… big, small, wardrobe, etc. They’re cheap and returnable so buy a bunch. If your current building has a listserv then use it. People more than likely have boxes they don’t want.
And don’t believe that whole “Move for $19.99” bs. I spent $377 moving from DC to NY.
6. Bribe your friends. Sure, your friends should help you move. But god damn, take care of them! Moving sucks, dude. And I’m not talking about getting them subs and wings. Take them to dinner, maybe do something beforehand to make the dinner taste better, you know.
7. Don’t look like a bum. There might be hot chicks (or guys) living in your building, on your floor or next to you. Make sure have that ‘hot just moving in’ look so you can lay the foundation for some friends w/ benefits nearby.
8. Pack with boxes that once held expensive items and have lots of branding on the outside. That way your new neighbors will think you’re ballin and want to be friends with you (or want to rob you…)
9. Learn your new neighborhood. The bars, restaurants, subway, parking, etc. Take a couple hours and walk 10 blocks up and down each way and on every side street. Find those hidden neighborhood gems. Do this once during the day and once at night to really get acquainted.
10. Hire movers!!! If you don’t feel like doing all the BS you can simply hire a moving company. It can be costly, so practice due diligence and shop around. Ask your friends, family and their friends and family if they know anyone. Or get your new job to pay for it. And book them more than a week in advance. And try not to hire anyone shady who’s going to hold your stuff for ransom and lie about shipping weights…
And there you have it.
The Ultimate Birthday Experience in DC
Ridiculous Weekend Birthday Special!
If you are celebrating your birthday, DC’s hottest nightlife spot has a birthday offer you can’t refuse!
For only $350, you get one bottle of each!
- Absolut
- Jack Daniel’s
- House Champagne
Head to Ultrabar on your birthday for some serious PARTY TIME! We don’t just set you up bottle-wise, we set you up with an entire VIP experience!
- Cut the line!
- Free entry!
- Great view of the dance floor!
It’s your birthday, so treat yourself to one of the best experiences money can buy!
To book your birthday reservation, call: 202-271-1171 or email tables@dcclubbing.com
Please note: this deal is only valid for ages 21+
Opening Winter 2013 – Gryphon Pub and Sports Bar
The Gryphon. Coming Winter 2013
The newest addition to DuPont Circle / Midtown restaurants and bars is The Gryphon. Open for lunch, dinner and drinks; the pub will be located just south of DuPont Circle at 1337 Connecticut Avenue. For those who need a landmark, that would be in between The Big Hunt and Madhatter.
Executive Chef Joeseph Evans’ menu will feature ‘New’ American cuisine, brunch and burgers. Catering will also be available. Outdoor seating will make The Gryphon a great place for a quick bite or drinks after a spring or summer day shopping and enjoying DC’s most famous traffic circle.
With ownership also involved in Policy, Lost Society and Josephine; we’re expecting The Gryphon to exude the qualities of a proper DC pub: A space brought to life by thick wood finish, tall glasses of dark ale and the buzz of Washingtonians.
Barcode DC: Restaurant, Bar, Lounge and Chameleon?
It’s no secret that Barcode has been a smash-hit since its opening, but what remains a mystery is how this versatile chameleon can seamlessly change between a Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge and still flourish and thrive without mushing together.
Being right in the middle of DC’s Golden Triangle, it is surrounded by offices and foot traffic in a vibrant, pedestrian heavy neighborhood. But location alone isn’t enough to attract a crowd in the corporate paradise. It takes a little bit more finesse and substance, which Barcode has in spades, and as one Yelper put it “The decor is sleek and modern, but without a pretentious air”.
Lunch
During the afternoon, it’s a prime lunch spot. It’s bright, warm, clean, and professional. It’s a place people feel comfortable bringing their coworkers, friends, and even their bosses without giving it a second thought. The service is quick and responsive, the menu has something for everyone, and it all comes out of the kitchen in a hurry.
Sandwiches, Small Plates, Burgers, Pizzas, Pastas, and Full-Fledged Entrees. You can actually get a complete real lunch for under $15. There’s even freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, tea, and Red Bull to give your day a boost.
Happy Hour
After the lunch crowd has retreated back into their offices, the Happy Hour crowd starts trickling in for the half-price drinks weekdays from 3pm – 7pm. The atmosphere is lively and casual as people put their workday behind them and raise a pint to toast the end of another successful day.
The large communal booths and ample seating means people don’t have to stand on their feet all evening, and the music barely chimes above the din of chatter, so you can actually sit, relax, and enjoy a conversation with friends.
When the weather is nice, most of the facade of Barcode opens up like a pavilion to the spacious outdoor patio out front, providing a great space to hang out and enjoy the evening.
Dinner
As Happy Hour winds down, the dinner crowd picks up as people from all a cross town migrate over to have dinner. The vibe is relaxed, the air is casual, the mood is perfect for an exquisite dinner without the pretentiousness of a formal restaurant. It works well for a date, a group outing, or even a big birthday event. With the large communal booths and huge tables, they can accept reservations for parties as large as 24 people for dinner.
The menu is a great mix of culinary masterpieces and simple hits. On the fancy side there are things like: Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Filet Mignon, Grilled Calamari and Mussels.
On the traditional side there are things like: the Burger, Margherita Pizza, Blackened Organic Chicken, French Fries, and Mushroom Soup.
Cocktails
By the time dinner is done, this part of DC is a total ghost town. The offices are abandoned, the streets are vacant, the stores are dark, and the tumbleweeds blow down Connecticut Avenue across K street and eventually come to rest at the top of the eternally broken escalator at the Dupont Circle Metro. But it’s at this hour that, revelers from the area start making their way out for a night on the town, and Barcode is the ideal spot for Cocktails, Wine, and Cheese as the night picks up.
The lights go down and the music comes up a little as people enjoy refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres over candlelight in a laid-back setting. It’s not in-your-face or pretentious, but rather quite chill. And if there’s a big game going on, you better believe it’ll be on all 10 HDTV screens and the big video projector! One can even get a bottle of wine and enjoy the ambiance on their heated outdoor patio.
Late Night
Late Night fun starts as the Cocktails crowd makes its way to the next stop on the tour or heads home for the night (depending on their age). Now it’s time to party like a professional. Barcode is the serious lounge for people who are in-the-know about DC nightlife. VIP tables, Bottle Service, DJs, Sports on TV, Mixed Drinks, and even a little Dancing dominate the late night feel of Barcode.
DJs Saam, Kidlucky and Kam keep the party going strong into the night alongside special guests. And yes, the kitchen is open till at least 12am! So if you’ve got a late-night craving for some damn good food, but don’t want to leave the party, Barcode’s got you covered.
Overall
It’s really an impressive place that progressively steps up its game as the day wears into night. Like a chameleon, it changes moods and styles to match the changing world around it. Surprisingly, it’s daily cycle of change was dictated not by management, but rather by the people who came to hang out.
For you see, the owners never set out any rules or guidelines for when Barcode should be what. They just opened the doors and let the place take on a life of its own.
The Brixton
- Venue Type: British Pub, Restaurant and rooftop beer garden
- Estimated Size: 300
- Amenities: Rooftop bar
- Cover Charge: $0
- Hours: M – Th: 5PM – 2AM F: 5PM – 3AM Sat: 11AM – 3AM Sun: 12PM – Midnight
- Dress Code: None
- Age Requirement: 21+
- Location: U Street
- Address: 901 U St NW. 202-560-5045
- Website: brixtondc.com
- Atmosphere: Located at the east corner of the U-Street Corridor 1 block from the 9:30 Club, Brixton is a comfortable spot where 20 and 30 somethings go to blow off steam. It’s got three floors and solid tunes but the focus is on hanging out with your friends. It’s got a good mix of hipsters, college kids and professionals without any overkill. It’s one of the best ‘normal’ bars we’ve been to in DC.
Venue Overview
Opened in 2012, Brixton is U-Street’s less ‘alternative’ bar venue. Not there’s anything wrong with being alternative, we’re just saying. The line moves quickly enough and the staff are polite, most likely because the crowd is polite as well and not overtly reckless. The first level of Brixton features a bar running down the left and dining tables, booths and bar stool areas on the right. It’s relatively open and features some eclectic antler lighting fixtures above. The wood floor and brick walls add to the pub ambiance.
A semi-hidden stairwell directly to the left of the entrance leads up to the second-level lodge and third level roof deck. Walking into the lodge makes one feel like they’re in Ron Burgundy’s winter escape in Tahoe. From the fireplace and old-world leather furniture to the Afghan (or Oriental, not sure) rugs and antlers adorning the walls, it’s a comfortable place to relax or sit at the bar and drink. And finally, as the folks at Brixton call it, the ‘rooftop beer garden.’ Brixton’s roof is the sh*t. You can see the Washington Monument, all the way down U street, etc. It’s quite large, has two bars and can get pretty crowded on Friday and Saturday night. It’s a dope spot to hang with your friends and do whatever. There are lots of tables, chairs, places to chill, etc. Two thumbs up for sure.
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Watcha Think?
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