Bar Angie opens in West End with tableside martinis and live jazz
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"Angie's Dirty Duo," like two martinis in one, at Bar Angie. Photo: Courtesy Rey Lopez
Tableside martinis. Live jazz. Crab rangoons. There's a new spot for old-school indulgences with tonight's opening of Bar Angie.
Why it matters: The West End haunt is the latest scene-setter from the group behind hotspot Balos Estiatorio, but more svelte — think Polo Bar inspo vs. Greek beach club.
The big picture: Nostalgia is big in D.C. dining right now, and given the vibes, some diners welcome a quick time warp. Cue splashy throwbacks like Minetta Tavern and the Occidental.
- Bar Angie slides onto the scene with some similarities: the promise of free-flowing icy martinis, comforts like fancy French dips or lobster-frites, and nary a QR code in sight.
- "We want to transport you to simpler times," co-owner Joe Ragonese tells Axios. The difference between simpler times at Angie's versus others? "This is going to be, we feel, the all-day, all-night hang."
Dig in: The restaurant opens for dinner tonight, with weekend brunch starting soon, and then lunch. Live music runs Thursday through Saturday evenings, where you might hear French hip hop/jazz or Spanish-style tunes.
- Classic bistro hits abound — French onion soup, seafood plateaus — but as Ragonese says, "Bistros can be a little boring." The team of native New Yorkers jazzed things up with dishes they crave: snackable lobster-caviar rolls, pizzelles, and a crispy NJ pork chop with cherry peppers and parm.
Meanwhile, drinks are part of the entertainment. The group, which operates For Five Coffee Roasters, created custom espresso martinis for tableside pouring.
- The big order: "Angie's Dirty Duo," a dirty martini served with blue cheese olives, plus a sidecar of extra martini and garnishes "to keep the party going" (granted, for $40).
The intrigue: Balos is a VIP hotspot — just ask Ovi, who recently celebrated his all-time goal record there. The owners say they've hosted everyone from actor Seth Rogen to DJ Tiësto. Bar Angie is ready to join the party, complete with a secretive back entrance and private room.
- Still, co-owner Stefanos Vouvoudakis tells Axios, "We treat people the same — especially in D.C. ... Political billionaires and tycoons are all sitting next to you, and you have no idea. I'd rather take the chance and be good to everybody."
If you go: Bar Angie. 2300 N Street NW.