With spring comes renewal and growth…and a now expanded coterie of Happy Hour Sleuths went on the prowl to welcome the season. We found ourselves, just off F Street, at MXDC, 600 14th Street NW, where the siren call of a couple of margaritas, other various imbibements and refreshing HH bites made for a late afternoon well spent. 
In a neighborhood dominated by the ever solid Clyde restaurant group (The Hamilton, Old Ebbitt), MXDC is a hip and value-friendly alternative, sharing the former site of the now departed Washington retail fixture, Garfinkel’s department store. Modern décor, jazzy, up-beat music selections and large bar area of high tops, booths and bar counter set the stage for some serious HH enjoyment at this restaurant, part of celebrity chef Todd English’s group of eateries.
We started with Margaritas, priced at $6. As a matter of expediency, most bars pre-mix the citrus and agave base of their version of this Mexican icon. MXDC is no exception but one of us requested a “less sweet” Margarita and was cheerfully accommodated by our bar tender, Ricky. We also found the strawberry spin on the drink to be superior with the requested pull-back on the agave. The special treat on all the Margaritas is the garnish of a dried lime slice; it will get your pucker going! We didn’t try the HH Sangria (red and white) but would suggest that the menu gaffe be changed to reflect the true offering of a white (pinot grigrio) and red (merlot) based concoction. The offerings of rail liquors (Milagro tequila, Stoli vodka, Tanquery gin, Evan Williams bourbon, and Captain Morgan rum) at $6 a pour were very welcomed, pushing usual rail offerings at HH up a shelf or two. Nice reds (malbec, tempranillo), rosé, whites (pinot grigio & sauvignon blanc) and sparkling (brut cava & rosé) wine selections were offered (and enjoyed) at $6 a glass. Beers ($5) were the usual Mexican favorites (all bottles), Corona, Tecate (and Light), Dos XX and the not so usual, Mahou Cinco.
Two categories of food are offered at HH, antojitos (small bites) and tacos, both at $7. We tried four tacos: 1) Mahi-mahi, 2) mushroom, 3) steak, and 4) chicken; we rank them in that same order of tastiness. In general, it was a relief to have so many non-fried choices in HH fare!
The nachos with pulled pork were a super offering, very good and nicely spicy. We also tried the cheese dip and found it to be just “ok” – it could have been warmer, a little spicier, and less leaden. But, in general, it was a relief to have so many non-fried choices in HH fare!
All and all, MXDC was a HH success, good value/price ratio and a very good time had by all. At the western end of the F Street NW district, it is an easy walk from attractions around the White House. It fills up quickly, so plan accordingly.
The nitty gritty:
Hours: Monday – Friday, 3 – 7 p.m.; Saturday, drinks only, 3 – 5 p.m., 10 p.m. – close.
Bathrooms: Clean and serviceable at beginning of shift.
Transportation: Public transportation via Metro Center, a couple of blocks’ walk, with easy access to Metro lines (red, blue, silver) and close to various bus lines.
Accessibility: Easily accessible for wheeled vehicles into bar area. As the bathrooms are down a couple of steps from bar area, staff will help those needing assistance to a circuitous but elevator accessible option. There is enough low-table seating in bar area to make your HH comfortable! ANYONE using the high-tops may find the seating confoundingly low in relation to table height.
DC Happy Hour Sleuths 