No uniform required

Photos:

When a Whole Foods market opened in Logan Circle back in 2000, nobody could have predicted how a tiny spark of development could ignite one of the most dramatic and rapid neighborhood transitions the District had ever seen. What was once an undesirable and often desolate strip of the 14th Street corridor is now abuzz with people basking in the bliss of residential and commercial growth that, for better or worse, has no apparent end in sight.

For those who think Logan Circle has lost a bit of it's soul in the wake of overdevelopment, save your cynicism for the upcoming election and consider Commissary, the new neighborhood joint on P Street that invites you to come as you are. Comfort is the bottom line at this no rules, no pressure hangout that is truly a cafe, coffeehouse and bar all rolled into one. The sharp minds at EatWellDC decided that as great as the ever expanding area was, it was missing a true neighborhood spot where folks can grab a reasonably priced bite in a casual atmosphere that wasn't of the to-go or formal sit down variety -- the kind of place where the staff will treat you just as warmly whether you're sipping a latte while working on your laptop or catching up with friends over a late night dinner.

Jonesing to sit down and grab a smoothie before hitting the gym? Check. Want to go over notes with your study group while chowing down on a hearty breakfast? Done. Looking for a laid back place for happy hour? Yup. (I think you get the drift...)

At this self-described "supergreen" venue, recyclable to-go containers and straws made of cornstarch are just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to utilizing sustainable and organic ingredients on the menu, Commissary is certified by Food and Water Watch and participates in a wind credit program through their electricity provider. The rustic Americana-themed venue makes great use of its space, with several oversized chairs in the coffee lounge, numerous tables for casual dining and plenty of seating at the full-service bar, which sports two modest flat screen TV's. Though it seems like an unlikely spot for a traditional happy hour spot, the bar is certainly large enough to accomodate the after work crowd for its drink and food specials from 4 to 7 p.m.

So forgo boot camp and basic training and head straight to Commissary; no uniform required.


Food: Classic American fare like sandwiches, salads, pizzas and burgers can all be had for lunch for between $6 and $10. As for dinner, think hearty dishes of spagthetti and meatballs, chicken stew, veggie stirfry, fish 'n chips and kabobs, with entrees between $9 and $14. Simple egg dishes (and baked goods) dominate the breakfast menu, and it's avaialble weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. A solid brunch menu served from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends includes pancakes, huevos rancheros, eggs benedict and bagels and lox (not to mention homemade rosemary lime bloody marys that can be purchased by the pitcher; beware of possible addiction) are all $9 or under.

Drinks: Between a coffee bar, full service bar, wine and smoothies, you can quench your thirst here. House cocktails are around $7, with draft and bottled beer ($3 to $6) and glasses of wine (about $6 to $9) all in standard price ranges. A smoothie will run you $5, but why not be a little bad for an extra $3 and spike it with some booze for a real post-workout treat?

Decor: Predomoinately blue and neutral hues; think denim covered barstools and sky colored walls complementing wood tables and beautiful wood mirrors in a somewhat industrial but warm setting.

Crowd: All walks of D.C. life can be spotted at Commissary: friends chatting over lunch, students sharing class notes while sipping coffee and a couple grabbing a pizza before heading over to the Studio Theatre for a show.

Service: Friendly and laid back; the staff is attentive without rushing customers to order, let alone go home.

Sounds: The place is always buzzing without being loud or overbearing. Think moderate chatter, the tapping of keys on a laptop and mellow rock music softly playing throughout the venue.

Dress Code: They wouldn't dare subject you to one. The only rule here is to be yourself.

The Damage: Prices are very reasonable for a casual, sit down venue, with no cutting corners in terms of the quality and quantity of whatever's on your plate.

Bottom Line: Logan Circle finally has a place with good eats, drinks and service to accommodate every type of urban dweller.

Add a comment