Beer trip: Washington
We went to Washington for the Nationals' home opener (got to boo Dick Cheney as he threw out the first pitch, quite ineptly). Of course we went to our favorite Washington restaurant, Dukem. It's Ethiopian cuisine, one of our favorite types of food, and it's the best in the area (though there are many who would disagree, Washington having dozens of fine Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants). As far as beer goes, if you haven't tried Ethiopian beer, you'll want to do so. My favorite is Hakim Stout, a really good export stout, though the Harar lager is worth tasting too-- it has a nice hint of honey.
But before dinner we had to go to my favorite D.C. bar, The Saloon. It's on the rapidly gentrifying U St., near Ben's Chili Bowl. The Saloon does not have the most impressive beer list in DC (that would probably be the Brickskeller or its cousin R.F.D.), though it's very good and contains beers not to be found anywhere else in town (like Urbock).
What the Saloon has is atmosphere. Not to mention the best bartender I've ever known, Robert. There are lots of regulars and they are very friendly. There are no TVs at the Saloon and the music is not loud. It's all about chatting, with Robert, with Commy the owner, with fellow patrons. This is a place with a character all its own. Witness the following aphorisms, all of which can be found on the main page of the Saloon's menu:
"We do not sell any martini's" (large, in bold face!)
"If for some reason you do not like beer... try our Hot Spiced Wine or Wine Breeze."
"Good Company for a beer: German Apple Schnapps" (and indeed, it is.)
"Please, No Beer for an Empty Stomach: Pistachios $3.00"
"Have a few sips before you order your food-- you might make a better decision." (Commy is quite serious about this, and will generally not allow you to order before you've had half a beer or so)
"Speak softly: Others might not be interested in what you are saying."
"No standing at the bar please."
There are also similar signs around the bar and the rest of the place. It's a unique place.
The beer is generally German (on draft; there is an extensive selection of Belgian beer in bottles) and often stuff you don't normally see elsewhere. The food is standard pub fare, though if you're lucky, the owner might bring you some ethnic specialties.
I miss the Saloon....
Next up: next weekend we're going to Chicago, with a stop first at Three Floyd's Brewery!
But before dinner we had to go to my favorite D.C. bar, The Saloon. It's on the rapidly gentrifying U St., near Ben's Chili Bowl. The Saloon does not have the most impressive beer list in DC (that would probably be the Brickskeller or its cousin R.F.D.), though it's very good and contains beers not to be found anywhere else in town (like Urbock).
What the Saloon has is atmosphere. Not to mention the best bartender I've ever known, Robert. There are lots of regulars and they are very friendly. There are no TVs at the Saloon and the music is not loud. It's all about chatting, with Robert, with Commy the owner, with fellow patrons. This is a place with a character all its own. Witness the following aphorisms, all of which can be found on the main page of the Saloon's menu:
"We do not sell any martini's" (large, in bold face!)
"If for some reason you do not like beer... try our Hot Spiced Wine or Wine Breeze."
"Good Company for a beer: German Apple Schnapps" (and indeed, it is.)
"Please, No Beer for an Empty Stomach: Pistachios $3.00"
"Have a few sips before you order your food-- you might make a better decision." (Commy is quite serious about this, and will generally not allow you to order before you've had half a beer or so)
"Speak softly: Others might not be interested in what you are saying."
"No standing at the bar please."
There are also similar signs around the bar and the rest of the place. It's a unique place.
The beer is generally German (on draft; there is an extensive selection of Belgian beer in bottles) and often stuff you don't normally see elsewhere. The food is standard pub fare, though if you're lucky, the owner might bring you some ethnic specialties.
I miss the Saloon....
Next up: next weekend we're going to Chicago, with a stop first at Three Floyd's Brewery!
posted by Eric | 6:01 PM
1 Comments:
Sounds like D.C. is a delightful town! When I am home, I will have to make a trip to the Saloon. I can't wait for you to explore the many places to drink fine beer in St. Paul and Minneapolis. One place you might definitely like: Bryant Lake Bowl. It's a restaurant, it's a bar, it's a bowling alley, it's a theater, it's all four!
http://www.thriftyhipster.com/minneapolis/uptown/bryant_lake_bowl/
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