Last date I was here: 09/04/2009
Restaurant: The Argonaut Tavern (http://www.argonautdc.com/)
Location: H Street
Total Rating: 3.9
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4
Summary: Voted one of the best DC bars by Washingtonian Magazine and known as the grandfather among the hip eateries of the up-and-coming Atlas District, The Argonaut is a true old English-style tavern with an extensive list of handcrafted microbrews and a wine list that belies its salty décor. Home to an eclectic mix of neighborhood folk, the Argo has created an atmosphere that is the Hill Rag magazine calls an “easy fit for…friends, families, and foodies alike.” Serving a mix of coastal cuisine and typical bar fare, the food was better than average. Closest Metro is union Station.
Even though street cars are being built along the H Street corridor and there are shuttles and taxis that can take you from Union Station, spots like the Argonaut are still not totally easy to access as others in DC. The bar atmosphere is quite dark and small with the dining area that opens up on the left. Old wooden chairs and nautical decorations adorn the room and there is a patio out back with outdoor seating. Our server was very friendly and attentive however we were kind of surprised by how many families came in with their young toddlers. Not sure if it was because we were there so early (it was about 5:30pm), but tables started to fill up and I counted 6 toddlers before we decided to head out. Kind of odd for the bar scene. With the location being kind of far out, we most likely would not come back regularly. But if I was needing some better-than-bar-fare-food, I might stop in if I was in the neighborhood.
What I ate:
Grilled Mushroom Muffaleta
grilled portobello with provolone and smoked mozzarella, olives,
grainy mustard sauce on a rosemary and garlic focaccia bread. Served with French fries.
Plus Keith ate:
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Carolina-style shredded pulled pork; on a potato Kaiser roll.
Served with cole slaw and French Fries
