You know that feeling you get when you think you know someone, then they do something completely inappropriate and unthinkable? They kick a kitten or steal your favorite T-shirt and say it’s theirs? You know? That’s the way I feel about Toyland. I was recently there, hoping beyond hope that some shimmer of the Toyland…
Category: H Street
Toyland Disappoints, Part 1
Seriously, Toyland? My, how the fledgling have fallen. Since wunderkind managers Erin and Garrick were forced out by their silent partner in a behind-the-scenes powergrab back in December, Toyland has gone from a great neighborhood bar to an overpriced embarrassment. The mysterious new owner decided to make some changes, only one of which was positive. He smartly erased the hubris-induced…
God Save the Queen (Vic)
One of the latest offerings in H Street’s boozy cavalcade (Pug, Smith Commons, Fruit Bat, Granville Moore) is the Queen Vic, a gastropub named after the famous haunt from BBC’s long-running soap opera EastEnders. Stroll past the eye-catching red facade at 12th and H, NE, sit down at the polished wood bar, and sip on a…
What Is Swampoodle?
Ever ride the eastern part of the Red Line and wonder about that big arena-looking building right by the NY Ave station? Dear readers, wonder no more. It’s called the Washington Coliseum (formerly the Uline Arena) and has a pretty storied history. The Beatles played their first U.S. concert there in 1964, Bob Dylan played…
Nothing Better: Taylor Gourmet
Is there anything more American than a sandwich? And I mean that in the best possible way, not like American or American. I contend there is not. A panini by any other name would not be as sweet. These mountainous Philly-style sandwiches at Taylor will eat those sad cold cut imitators for lunch. Taylor opened on…
The Argonaut, Like a Phoenix from the Ashes
The Argonaut has sailed some rough waters. Over stormy seas it has come and hopefully it has since arrived safe in harbor. I enjoy the cut of the Argonaut’s jib, from its neighborhood-first vibe to impishly nautical atmosphere. Also, it’s fun to order the bar’s own Pirate’s Booty Ale and the inevitable ensuing clever to…
HR-57, All That Jazz
The venerable DC jazz club HR-57, longtime stalwart of the 14th/U Street Corridor, recently relocated and has set up shop here in the Atlas District at 816 H Street NE. How are the new digs, you ask? Sidle on up, hepcats – I checked out the joint this past weekend. Aside from being a smaller,…
Wrath of Khan’s
On H Street and craving Asian? Good news – no longer do you have to grit your teeth and frequent the likes of Danny’s or, um, Good Danny’s (formerly Mediocre Danny’s). Opening this week at the corner of 12th and H comes Khan’s Bar and Grill, the latest in a line of new openings in…
Church & State: This Time It’s Personal
I hate to tell you wonderful readers about things not available to the general public, but sometimes it’s just too good. You’ve read about Wisdom, Church & State, and Fruit Bat on this blog before. But until, now, it wasn’t personal. Last night saw an event of epic mixology proportions hosted at Church & State…
DC Style Is Real 