14th Street-Logan Circle: Logan Tavern

Could Pierre L’Enfant have imagined what his 1791 plan for the federal district would look like in the 21st century?  Could he ever envision his circles connecting the geometric grid of avenues, streets, and boulevards would one day define and name neighborhoods throughout the city?  Logan Circle (former Iowa Circle, renamed for a Civil War hero in 1930) is part of L’Enfant’s design legacy and the inspiration for the DC Hour Sleuths latest trek, Logan Tavern, 1423 P St. NW.   Sitting mid-block on bustling P Street, between 15th and 14th Streets, NW, Logan Tavern has played its part in the recent history of this storied neighborhood.  Following the the daring opening of a Whole Foods on that block in 2000,  this bar and eatery (opened 2003) has played its part in the revitalization of a neighborhood that had seen days as a solid middle class refuge for multiple communities, home to numerous automobile showrooms in the 1930’s, victim to the cruel realities of the 1968 riots and beneficiary of an apartment-bloc building boom in the 2000’s .  The DC Happy Hour Sleuths repaired there after a bracing walk on a brisk and sunny February afternoon and tucked into the main room, home to the bar and the open kitchen.   Decorated in a tasteful industrial aesthetic, with large format black and white photos of various local architectural gems pleasantly consuming the walls, the space was comfortable, congenial and gave off a pleasant neighborhood vibe.

It is well known that we Sleuths love getting to Happy Hours as soon as they begin (because we can), so imagine our surprise when arriving to Logan Tavern shortly after the 3 p.m. opening and finding the very handsome bar space packed!  (Our server, Nick, relayed that the Logan Tavern bar is a popular spot for area restaurant workers to gather, eat and drink, pre-evening shift.  Sure enough, the bar had cleared out by 4:15.)  We were easily and happily accommodated to a large, communal table, just next to the bar for our adventure.  There were also a couple of high tops, but our group of 4 was happy to take the table, which could accommodate up to 8,  and would be very friendly for anyone needing accommodation for a wheel chair.

The HH menu featured a very nice selection of both food and beverages.  Draft beers (16 oz.) included some very good craft offerings, one dollar off other bottle beers, and Bud Light and Rolling Rock at the most price-friendly.   We were intrigued by several specialty cocktails ranging from the $7 Old Fashion (w/ Evan Williams Reserve, and which we tried and liked) to the $8.50 Pomegranate Mojito.  We tried both the Classic Margarita and its spicy hot sibling, Hellfire ($7.50@), and like both.  We were quite disappointed in the American Mule ($7.50 using Tito’s vodka) as the ginger beer didn’t have much of a “ginger” flavor and was flat.  Our requested send back was met with accommodation and no judgment (we think!).  Other good rail liquor options (e.g., Absolut, Four Roses) were also available.    A nice red and white wine HH selection was offered (sparkling wine falls into the interesting category of “bottles to share”), but choices were solid and enjoyed by our wine drinkers.

Food options, priced in the $5 – $10 range, were tasty and the perfect accompaniment to any level of beverage enjoyment.  The Truffle Fries and Thai Mussels were great hits, as well as the Cheese Dip (heart attack in a bowl, but who’s complaining?) and Fried Cauliflower.   Add the grown-up Chicken Tenders and a burger, and you have yourself a more or less balanced Happy Hour meal!  (Consensus was the empanadas were “so-so”, and fish tacos were just too salty and cold.)

Overall, a very pleasant and enjoyable experience and a real keeper for this neighborhood:  A good spot pre-Studio Theater or after window shopping along 14th Street.

The nitty gritty:

Hours:  Monday – Friday, 3 – 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 4 – 7 p.m.

Bathrooms:  Easily accessible, gender neutral and neat and tidy at beginning of shift.

Transportation:  Public transportation not direct, but this vibrant neighborhood is well-served by taxis and car services (see Tavern website for parking options).   Closest Metro stops:  Dupont Circle (Red) or McPherson (Blue/Orange), 10 – 15 minute walks.  The G2 crosstown bus and 52, 53,54, going up and down 14th Street, or the Circulator (Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson) are other public transportation options.

Accessibility:  Easily accessible for wheeled vehicles; you will be accommodated at the communal table, next to bar, for Happy Hour.