RSS FeedBrian’s Song
Our post last week noting the bucket of fried chicken at Central reminded us of another Central post we always meant to write and never got around to. Just as Holmes had Watson, Kirk had Spock, and Gibbs has DiNozzo, we at one time had a bartender named Brian (minds out of the gutter please, this isn’t slash fiction). Years ago when we first started frequenting the bar at Central (1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, corner of 11th & Penn) we seemed to always end up there when Brian was working. It wasn’t long before Brian was yelling over to us when we entered, and on nights when the Central bar was packed (and we planned to leave) Brian would hold up the Bluesser he’d already poured for us (and the shaker filled with Mrs Columbo’s Negroni). Drinks in hand Brian would maneuver us into position to claim the seats of a soon to depart couple.
Not only did Brian know our usual drink and have them ready for us before we sat down, he also had our usual food order memorized. Did we want oysters on the half shell? Follow that up with pate & mashed potatoes? Banana split and champagne for dessert? (we were dieting at the time). On the rare occasions when we were trying something new we could count on Brian to walk us through what we had to try, and what items we should probably avoid.
On nights when we’d walk into Central and see Brian wasn’t working we would turn around go someplace else. And then suddenly it seemed like we were doing that all the time. When we finally asked we found out he had moved away from the area. Central must have a knack for hiring great bartenders as subsequently we’ve had all of our drinking & dining needs well looked after by Nikki; but we always wished we had given Brian his due when he was still in Penn Quarter.
Don’t make the same mistake we did, if you’ve got a favorite bartender in Penn Quarter let us know in the comments section.
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Comments
I pass on the business account/tourist haunts and go straight for RFD, where all of the bartenders are always helpful and friendly and my Makers and Ginger won’t cost $10 or more.
Scott at the Iron Horse. He’s a great bartender who’s been in the area for years (Lost Dog, Palena). It’s always a better experience when he’s behind the bar, which is every Friday through Monday. Oh, and he makes one hell of a Manhattan.
mark at the cap grill hands down ..he will push a senator over to squeeze a chair in for me if its crowded!
xoxo
We went to the newly opened 901 Restaurant/Bar this afternoon and it was perfection! Our bartender, Dwayne, was fantastic. The beer selection was awesome, potent, delicious and very fairly priced at $6-$7 it can’t be beat. They pour a selection of handpicked locally brewed ales and lagers that are available only at 901.
Here’s a photo of Dana Ellyn enjoying the Victory Golden Monkey and Matt Sesow indulging in the Indian Pale Ale.
http://danaellyn.com/home/901A.jpg
We strongly encourage our PQ neighbors to check out this new addition to our neighborhood. Cheers!
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Amy at the bar at the newly opened Fiola (678 Indiana Ave) does a nice job of tending to patrons. very nice space too.