UPDATE: This venue is now CLOSED. It has been replaced by Casa De Luca
Area: Downtown (suggest metro McPherson Square or Metro Center)
Location: 1099 New York Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
Cost: $$
Website: http://www.againndc.com
It was a gray and cloudy afternoon when I met an ex coworker of mine for lunch at Againn. I've been wanting to check this place out for quite some time. Driving by in the evenings the dim amber lights emitting from the glass windows that adorn a majority of the restaurant seem so inviting, particularly to the bar. So I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to check it out. There was the option to sit on the patio area however, I was skeptical with the thick gray clouds hovering above, and as of late haven't really trusted the local weather forecast, so I chose the safe route and decided to sit inside. On the inside the restaurant looks like what I would assume a gastropub in England would look like with dark wood booths and tables. It's very simple and to the point. Farther back in the restaurant there is a vast selection of wines lining the wall and private "scotch lockers". It was cute, simple, and seemed like an upscale cafe.
The Scotch Lockers
Now let's get to the real deal...The FOOD! The cocktail and wine menu was quite extensive. The food menu was scaled down and to the point. Definitely pub food with a bit of pizazz. My previous co-worker decided on the crab cake sandwich with the Brussels sprouts with chunks of ham and I decided on the fish and chips with mushy peas with the pan fried bubble and squeak and organic greens for my sides (I opted out of the chips on this one, I was trying to make it as healthy as possible).
Fish sandwich and organic greens
Brussell sprouts and the Bubble and Squeak
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the pan friend bubble and squeak but it was surprisingly good. It was like a flavorful hash brown patty. The fish was on a sandwich and it was quite interesting, it was a white fish and was a little mushy, but quite honestly simply one of the best fish sandwiches I have had that wasn't fried. The fish was buttery and fresh. The dressing on the organic green tasted homemade. I was only able to eat half of the sandwich (which was even better the next day) and half of the bubble and squeak.
My ex co-worker was thrilled with her crab cake sandwich and even ordered a second helping to take home for dinner. I did take a taste of the brussell sprouts and fries and if I wasn't so full from my own platter I would have demolished her sides as well. I also had the homemade lemonade, delish and refreshing.
I can't wait to come back and try out the rest of the menu and get a chance to check out the cocktails. The food is tasty, and the dishes are pretty awesome without all the fuss. I checked out their happy hour menu online and they have my kinds of deals on food and drinks. Againn, you will see me, well, again. This is a great place to hang with friends, or a great lunch spot for a meeting or just convening with friends and old colleagues. The patio area is now open, so add this to your selection of patio seated dining options. This place deserves all the rave reviews it has received. To top the food, the service was pretty good.
Area: Downtown (suggest metro McPherson Square or Metro Center)
Location: 1099 New York Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
Cost: $$
Website: http://www.againndc.com
It was a gray and cloudy afternoon when I met an ex coworker of mine for lunch at Againn. I've been wanting to check this place out for quite some time. Driving by in the evenings the dim amber lights emitting from the glass windows that adorn a majority of the restaurant seem so inviting, particularly to the bar. So I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to check it out. There was the option to sit on the patio area however, I was skeptical with the thick gray clouds hovering above, and as of late haven't really trusted the local weather forecast, so I chose the safe route and decided to sit inside. On the inside the restaurant looks like what I would assume a gastropub in England would look like with dark wood booths and tables. It's very simple and to the point. Farther back in the restaurant there is a vast selection of wines lining the wall and private "scotch lockers". It was cute, simple, and seemed like an upscale cafe.
The Scotch Lockers
Now let's get to the real deal...The FOOD! The cocktail and wine menu was quite extensive. The food menu was scaled down and to the point. Definitely pub food with a bit of pizazz. My previous co-worker decided on the crab cake sandwich with the Brussels sprouts with chunks of ham and I decided on the fish and chips with mushy peas with the pan fried bubble and squeak and organic greens for my sides (I opted out of the chips on this one, I was trying to make it as healthy as possible).
Fish sandwich and organic greens
Brussell sprouts and the Bubble and Squeak
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the pan friend bubble and squeak but it was surprisingly good. It was like a flavorful hash brown patty. The fish was on a sandwich and it was quite interesting, it was a white fish and was a little mushy, but quite honestly simply one of the best fish sandwiches I have had that wasn't fried. The fish was buttery and fresh. The dressing on the organic green tasted homemade. I was only able to eat half of the sandwich (which was even better the next day) and half of the bubble and squeak.
My ex co-worker was thrilled with her crab cake sandwich and even ordered a second helping to take home for dinner. I did take a taste of the brussell sprouts and fries and if I wasn't so full from my own platter I would have demolished her sides as well. I also had the homemade lemonade, delish and refreshing.
I can't wait to come back and try out the rest of the menu and get a chance to check out the cocktails. The food is tasty, and the dishes are pretty awesome without all the fuss. I checked out their happy hour menu online and they have my kinds of deals on food and drinks. Againn, you will see me, well, again. This is a great place to hang with friends, or a great lunch spot for a meeting or just convening with friends and old colleagues. The patio area is now open, so add this to your selection of patio seated dining options. This place deserves all the rave reviews it has received. To top the food, the service was pretty good.
1 comment:
Good review! Will try to check this place out sometime. :)
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