Rural Society

Rural Society is a contemporary Argentine steakhouse from nationally renowned master of Latin cuisine Chef Jose Garces. Inspired by his travels to South America, Rural Society is at once rustic and luxurious, bringing the energy and sophistication of Buenos Aires to Washington. The menu and primarily South American wine list, combined with the warm hospitality and welcoming décor, transport you far from the bustle of DC to the sweeping cattle ranches and grill-fired kitchens of Argentina.  Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

Ghibellina

Ghibellina is simply described as a Tuscan gastro-pub in the Logan Cirlce area from the team behind one of my all time favorite restaurants in DC, Acqua al 2.  The name is derived from the street, Via Ghibellina, where partners Chef Ari and Ralph Lee shared an apartment. Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

The Pig

The Pig, located in Logan Circle, is a nose-to-tail restaurant featuring a menu that blends a culinary experience in American Southern with influences from Italian and Asian cooking. Whole pigs are crucial to the menu’s philosophy and are sourced from Eco Friendly Farms in Virginia. The menu is mainly designed around sharing plates with prices ranging from $4 to $14.  Closest Metro is Dupont Circle or McPherson Square.

Etto

Etto is a modest restaurant in the Logan Circle neighborhood of DC specializing in small plates, house-cured meats, and brick oven pizzas.  Amy Morgan and Peter Pastan teamed up with David Rosner and Tad Curtz of the Garden District to open what already feels like a long-time staple of the neighborhood.  Closest Metro is U Street.

Le Diplomate

Le Diplomate pays homage to French café culture by providing a comfortable place for everything from a cappuccino and croissant on a lazy weekend afternoon at brunch to a celebratory dinner out with friends or just a drink and dessert at the close of an evening. The stylish dining room exudes a welcoming vibe and in warmer weather, enjoy dining "en plein air" in the stunning outdoor cafe where you can take in the bustling energy of DC while sipping the perfect kir royale. Closest Metro is U Street or McPherson Square.

Birch & Barley

Located on 14th Street near Logan Circle, Birch & Barley delivers a completely unique food and beer experience celebrating a full spectrum of styles, traditions, regions and flavors.  Led by Chef Kyle Bailey, Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIsaac and Beer Director Greg Engert, Birch & Barley is made possible by a passionate team of professionals relentlessly committed to their craft.  Closest Metro is Dupont Circle or McPherson Square.

Estadio

Estadio, which means "stadium" in Spanish, is a contemporary Spanish restaurant located in the fashionable Logan Circle neighborhood.  "The menu offers a creative take on traditional Spanish cuisine, complimented by an approachable wine list and inventive beverage program." 

ChurchKey

Last date I was here: 11/20/2010

Restaurant: ChurchKey (http://www.churchkeydc.com/)

Location: Logan Circle

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Located upstairs from sister restaurant Birch and Bailey, ChurchKey is a beer bar that offers 50 drafts -- D.C.'s largest selection -- plus 500 bottles and five cask ales. A draft menu is broken into such categories as "Malt," "Tart and Funky" and "Hops" to help you browse the many beers on the list. It also includes details about serving size, the point of origin and even the appropriate glassware and temperature. Three-ring binders describe the bottles. Every beer on the list is available in a four-ounce glass for half to a third of the price you'd pay for a full 10-to-16-ounce serving. Closest Metro is Dupont Circle or McPherson Square.

No wonder every one of the 150 seats in the high-ceilinged upstairs bar and lounge gets quickly taken, and there are deep crowds fighting for the attention of the five bartenders behind the 60-foot-plus bar. ChurchKey manages to blend the feel of a European beer hall with that of a comfortable lounge with the softly padded stools that line the bar, the love-seat-style booths and the enormous banquettes with sparkling chandeliers above. ChurchKey has a relatively small selection of appetizers, charcuterie, sandwiches, flatbreads and salads, and there's a deli service area at the far end of the bar with sliced meats and cheeses. A few large screen televisions situated above the bar allow for a view of the game while chatting with your friends over beer. We went around 2:30pm on a lazy, beautiful fall day and were able to grab a booth table. We ordered 6 of the tasting sizes first to be able to try out some of the different beers. Once we decided on a favorite, we each ordered a full glass with some bar bites to share. Our server was very friendly and had no problem with us taking our time and chilling out. The bar started to get more and more crowded with groups filling in every seating area possible. About 3 hours later, we were ready to leave and noticed the dreaded line had started to form with doormen checking IDs. Seems like we came at the perfect time. ChurchKey was a nice new spot and great for groups - we would most likely come back again.

What I ate:

Mac & Cheese Sticks

served with tomato relish

Chicken MikeNuggets

confit chicken thigh served with honey mustard and barbeque sauce

Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread

with fried shallots and garlic breadcrumbs