CoCo Sala

CHOCOLAAATTTTEEEEEE! Though I'm not a huge chocolate fan, and never order chocolate ice cream or chocolate cake, I really enjoyed Co Co Sala. A step up from my usual bar choices, the atmosphere was dimly lit, had upscale clientele, and was intimate. I went for the launching of my co-worker's new company, where they had privately rented the bar area. The restaurant is in the vicinity of the Metro Center (yes, I still refer to DC locations by the closest metro station), it is easy to get to. I enjoyed the sculpture that was on display and the color palette of the entire restaurant, but the televisions constantly scrolling chocolate and Co Co Sala's logo got a bit tiresome, especially as we were there for the launch of a company, and they failed to give the company the screen for their logo as promised. Thumbs down there, they should take better care of their peeps.

A few of my favorite snacks from the night:
Sirloin & Gorgonzola, wrapped with Bacon — yes, it is as amazing as it sounds, meaty-delicious.
Crispy kalamata olives & manchego cheese fritters — good god I love olives, and combining them in a fried cheese concoction was genius. There is a reason I don't own a deep fryer, and it is because I would eat these all the time and become a total lard.
Crispy fillo wrapped adobe spiced chicken & andouille sausage — sounds like a very heavy hors d'oeuvre but it was actually light and crispy. With the roasted pepper and cilantro dip, quite tasty and well rounded too!

As a side not, I didn't love the crab cakes. I say that as an aside, because I generally don't like crab cakes. I only get them in season, in Maryland, or a seafood restaurant on the water. Perhaps I'm overly picky, but that's how I roll with my crab cakes. Beyond that, I enjoyed the rest of the food. I only tasted the hor d'oeuvre so cannot speak to the rest of the menu.

Some of the specialty drinks:
Cilantro: Patron Silver + Fresh Cilantro + Lime Juice + Cilantro Salt. I sampled my friend's drink, and though it sounds like it would be a nice, tart spin on a margarita, but it was actually very sweet.
Co CoJito: Chocolate infused vodka + Fresh Mint & Limes + Dark Chocolate Flakes. This was refreshing and tasted vaguely of a thin-mint, but not in the overpowering way you would probably imagine. It was a light combination and the mojito-ness of the drink shone through.
Blue Bliss: Stoli Blueberry + Basil Infused Syrup + Fresh Lemonade + Fresh Basil. I liked this one a lot, but it seemed much to summery given that it was very cold and rainy outside.

For those of you who like the bourbon and whiskey side of life, they had some great options for you too. What I really enjoyed about the drinks at Co Co Sala was that if you don't like Chocolate, you didn't have to have it. When/If it was infused in the drinks, it was done in a light touch — a dash of white chocolate in the champagne, shredded dark chocolate over my Co CoJito, or a hidden hint you couldn't visually see.

I accosted the bar tender and got the DL on the happy hour deal. Seems like it could be a great location for a special night out with friends, or for a private function. Overall, two thumbs up. Minus points for not displaying the company's logo despite them following the file format's requested.. but the drinks were great, food was served hot and often, and the ambiance was perfect.

the deal:
selected/special cocktails: $8 (normally $13)
Heineken & Amstel: $4
house wines (2): $6

www.cocosala.com

Churchkey

Introducing our first ever guestblog! In order to get you more reviews (and to save my liver), I've asked some very talented writing friends to lend their talent and experiences at local bars. I always respect their drink choices & recommendations, and I think you will too. Thank you, Katie, for being my first guinea pig!

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Before Churchkey even opened I was dying to go there based on the design of the brand and it's display on the Web site alone. The bold fonts and simple silhouetted graphics showcasing the variety of beer glasses were enough to make every white hipster beer lover in DC rush out so they could experience it before their friends had the opportunity.

The first time I popped into Churchkey was on a whim, within a month of it's opening in October of 2009. My parents were in town for a visit and staying down the street at the Donovan House, so we dropped in just as it opened on our way back from a little shopping at Miss Pixie's on 14th Street. My father and I sampled a couple beers from the Crisp section of their menu and my mother, a strict non-beer drinker, enjoyed the vintage decor, high ceilings with sunlight pouring through the picture windows and a standard selection of liquor.

We didn't even need to confer before ordering the Mac & Cheese Sticks for the table, but just as easily concluded that they were an abomination. I will say this now, knowing that you will likely ignore my warnings and order them anyway...why wouldn't you? It's fried macaroni and cheese in stick form...they should be incredible! But when you bite into them and the inevitable disappointment creeps onto your face, think of me. Mozzarella stick appearance on the outside, but tastes like sweaty macaroni in a breaded rectangle. Sad.

Every other time I've ventured to Churchkey since, I have had to fight off some serious crowds, putting a real damper on my overall bar going experience. A couple tips to keep in mind during your next happy hour and to help you through during the hype:

Don't whine if there's a line.

It's typically for your own good. They try to keep it at a reasonable capacity upstairs so as to minimize the amount of elbowing and booty bumping you have to do once you get in. And they're also known to hand out tater tots to people waiting in line.

Don't crowd the plate.

Once you do get upstairs, you'll need to be quick if you want to get a booth or stool. Loiter within reason but don't make people feel uncomfortable like a slow-moving car full of Grandmothers in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. If you see people starting to wrap up, I recommend letting them know that you are interested in commandeering their area, but to take their sweet time. You'll be surprised at how loyal people can be with a small act of patience.

Don't be choosy about your glassware.

Each beer comes with it's own unique shape that is made for the particular beer, to enhance the flavor and ultimate enjoyment of the brew. According to their blog post, "Glass differentiation depends upon the beer's need for enhancing aromatic volatiles, showcasing appearance, and maintaining beer head." And, of course, they're above branding with logos.

Do expand your beer drinking horizons.

Maybe you're traditionally a wheat beer kinda girl or a stout drinking kinda guy, but you would be insane not to belly up for an early evening and chat with the incredibly knowledgeable barkeeps about some of their favorites from behind the bar. Though I am often guilty of sticking with Victory Brewing Company's Prima Pils for the night, my husband Tyler is a fan of their authentic cask ales, particularly when they featured Dogfish Head's Palo Santo Marron this winter. Though they're not the kind of thing you can drink all night, the amount of care that goes into their cask ales is definitely worth exploring.

So that's it. Churchkey is a gorgeous bar and a great place to soak up the knowledge about super rare beers so you can impress the pants off your friends at your next get together, but I'd prefer it if you didn't go. I want the hype to die down so I can just enjoy my super snooty beer conversations in private.

The Deal:
There is no deal. The beer is fantastic, the barkeeps are super smart and they serve you tots as you wait in line to get in. Check their blog for any information on a special guest star in the form of a new keg.

M-F they open at 4pm

S-S they open at Noon

Churchkey

Thank you, Katie, for this Guestblog!
To check out more of her writing, please visit her blog:
http://katieobriendc.posterous.com/

Mackey's

My friend Jess, her husband, and I decided to take advantage of the first nice night in the spring. We started off at The Meeting Place (which you must see to believe and will get its own post), and quickly decided to take it to a more chill pace and headed down the street.

At Mackey's we found some open tables outside where we could people watch. We really enjoyed Mackey's - after all, the extreme temperature drop once the sun went down can't be blamed on them!

The waitress was fast and efficient. I've read a few reviews about the terrible service, but that was not my experience at all. It could have been because we were on the porch and the waitress was constantly checking on the brave souls with no common sense sitting outside in the cold, thus avoiding the tired scene of trying to make eye contact with the bartender at a crowded bar. I do remember coming with a large group to my old roommate's birthday a few years ago and having fine service then, so my track record is 2-0: good service.

I plan on returning to get a sense of the inside, but if memory serves correctly: a very populated place directly after work with most people dressed in business clothing, with the TVs tuned to the news in typical DC fashion.

Great place for a beer post-work if you live in the area. The deals are fine, the food is standard pub fare. The outside seating was great, the beer was cold, and I'd visit Mackey's again. They had beers I like on draft, and Yuengling for those who froth at the mouth when its mentioned. Side note: I don't like Yuengling and think it tastes like metal. I think the day-to-day deals are fun and a great way of mixing it up, so check those out if you plan on stopping by.


the deal:
M-F, 4-8pm
1/2 price Apps
$2.50: Miller Lite, Bud Light
$.35: Sam Adams (Various), Yueng, Magic Hat #9

Every day of the week, there is an additional deal.
Example: Monday, 4-close
Corona, Corona Light, 5 bottles for $15
4-10pm 1/2 price burgers

Mackey's

hiatus

Dudes.
I've been on hiatus and I am planning on blogging my little heart out come May. I hope you're excited to read some spring happy hour deals and are eager sit out on the patios of DC sipping on a cold beverage. I know I am.

Bugsy's

I felt like a local the minute I stepped through the doors. I enjoyed the chummy teasing from the bartender, it was welcome, friendly and made me feel like I had been coming to Bugsy's a long time... instead of a single visit in 2008. The bartenders switched over while we were there, and our party grew from 2 to 9. The new bartender handled us with ease and a smile, despite being the only person servicing everyone in the bar area. She split up our large bill easily, even though she was using an ancient machine. Her positive attitude was worth her weight in gold: The CAPS game was not being played at the bar, or any bar in walking (or affordable taxi) distance... instead of calling it a night we stayed on because we were welcome and relaxed and the pizza was fantastic.

Despite the Direct TV vs. Versus ordeal (7 CAPS game this NHL season are played on Versus which is not carried at most bars in the metro area), we had a great time. I wasn't a huge fan of most of the apps, but you don't go to Bugsy's for the appetizers. Bugsy's is known for its tastey pizza — all who ordered it were pleased.

In summary: loved the atmosphere, loved the pizza, stay away from the other apps — and double check to make sure they are playing the hockey game.

the deal:
M–F
4–7
$4 Apps (full size, no skimping)
$4 selected domestic drafts

Bugsy's

Whitlow's (Whitlows on Wilson)

This review is specific to Whitlow's Thursday Mug Night.

This is really the only time I prefer to go to Whitlows - just a personal preference. I used to live in courthouse and generally associate it with wasted nights of debauchery. In my post-courthouse life, I revisit the bar only for Mug Nights - chiefly because it involves me and my friends remembering to bring our mugs to work so we can head directly over for some cheap thrills. This camaraderie makes it an event to look forward to, and the anticipation is half of the fun.

Get yourself one $5 mug, and you get introduced into the $1.50 draft club. You've got limited options with Bud Light, Miller Light, Yuengling, and Blue Moon, but with my mug in hand those options seem just fine.

Whitlows has some rockin' live music. The crowd fills out steadily. Your areas to drink are extensive - 2 bars, a pool area, and restaurant seating! If you are single it is an easy place to meet new people, the scene trends towards 20-somethings fresh out of college or new to the area.

It should be noted they have a 1/2 price burger Monday and a Sunday Brunch Buffet which Tim still raves about 1.5 years later.

the deal:
$5 mugs
with mug, $1.50 drafts
drafts: Bud Light, Miller Light, Blue Moon, Yuengling

Whitlows

Tenpehn

When I walked into Tenpehn I had to ask where the bar was, and found it tucked behind a large, curving wall, completely separated from the restaurant. The lounge area had tons of seating with low couches and chairs, the bar had plenty of stools and some high-boys, and I was digging the pan-Asian colors that created a relaxing environment. Plopping myself down on the couch I had to wait until the waiter came around (5-10 minutes) to get my first drink, strike one.

The food was great deal! We sampled the menu and really enjoyed the dipping sauces and the tuna-sushi. I ordered edamame and it was served cold with a light sprinkling of cheese... I found that strange as I love sushi and usually order edamame as a starter, and it is never served cold. I didn't love it, but when dipped in the sauce of another appetizer, it was good.

I misunderstood the drink deals and thought the beers were half-price... they are not. Instead they are $5 each, strike 2. Really, they call $5 beers a deal? I say no. My friends did not stop me from ordering a $5 Bud (some friends)! If you order one of the 8 different specialty cocktails, you would be much more satisfied than I was.

Final Strike was the slow and stiff wait staff who seem perturbed when we ate our food slowly, despite ordering many appetizers and drinks. The bar and lounge were not crowded by any means, and we weren't skimping, so I'm not sure why we were treated in such a manner. Getting the check was a semi-nightmare (another 10 minute wait in the almost-empty lounge) and we got more glares as we split the check.

I might return to Tenpehn for a meal during restaurant week, but that is a big might.

the deal:
M–F, 3–7pm, 930–Close
Sunday 5:30–Close
$5 cocktails, selected draft beer & house wine
1/2 price apps ($2 edamame!)


Tenpehn