For those who work hard during the day and want to play at night, Washington, D.C., recently welcomed several new offerings to its already busy nightlife scene. Stop by Chaplin's, The Sheppard or Sauf Haus for a new and different after-dark experience.
Chaplin's Restaurant and Bar
Chaplin's Restaurant and Bar, located at 1501 9th St. NW, aims to "take diners on a journey to Japan and Shanghai in the 1920s, when muted films were appreciated globally for embracing and unifying separation through emotion, expression, comedy, originality, risk, sorrow and entertainment."
Inspired by the silent film star, Chaplin's recently opened its doors in northwest D.C. — Photo courtesy of Chaplin's
Named for the silent comedy film star Charlie Chaplin, the venue serves Asian-inspired cuisine and savory cocktails. Guests may dine on "first impressions," such as yakisoba, chicken katsu or chashu. Take on master dumplings like pork, beef and shrimp gyoza, and then wash them down with adult dumpling shooters like Whisky-a-go-go, Blood and Sand or Cold War.
Cold offerings include wakame salad hiyashi chuuga and goboo salad.
The Sheppard
Top Chef fan favorite Spike Mendelsohn's latest venture is The Sheppard, a speakeasy rich with drinks and cocktails set to a Prohibition-era backdrop. Named in honor of Sen. Morris Sheppard – who authored the 1917 act to keep the district dry –the establishment's drink menu includes a Manhattan, Blood and Sand and San Francisco Sour.
Patrons will find no sign on Connecticut Avenue to guide them, just a green light to mark the entrance. An elevator ride will get you to your drinking destination. There is only one rule for The Sheppard (and it does not involve a Fight Club-like gag order): No photos are permitted, which may be hard for the selfie-obsessed world we live in today.
Seating is limited to 35 people, and they do not take reservations. But you may call ahead if you have a party of five or more.
Sauf Haus Bier Hall
For those of you who prefer a cold beer in your hand instead of a fancy cocktail, head on over to Sauf Haus Bier Hall at 1216 18th St. NW. This new two-story beer garden offers 16 kinds of German beer to sample while you nosh on pretzels that can weigh up to two pounds.
Sip on a liter or half liter of Paulaner, Warsteiner Dunkel or others at the indoor bar or the open rooftop space. Long tables throughout and the decor will remind patrons of Oktoberfest celebrations. While most venues promote 60- to 120-minute happy hours, Sauf Haus offers its discounts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
So if your weekend calendar is looking rather slim, give these new venues a try in the nation's capital.
