The Brixton Heats Up U St. NW

rooftop at The Brixton

By Olga Boikess

It’s early evening on Day 3 at the Brixton, a British themed pub from the Chez Billy, Marvin and American Ice Co. talents, and the place is buzzing, already. It opened on July 1, and it didn’t take long for a hip, young, cosmopolitan clientele to arrive.

The Look: The action takes place on three levels. The ground floor is done up like an English pub with wainscoting, curtained windows, dim gas lamp-like lighting, an old fashioned wood bar, and vintage trimmings (milk glass street signs). The second floor bar lounge looks like the drawing room of a hunting lodge with antler chandeliers, ornate fireplaces, plush couches and carpets on bare wood floors. The top floor is a roof deck bar (actually two bars) with ornate cast iron railings and DC Monument views.  The building’s original exposed brick walls backdrop the milieus.

The Food: Pub grub and Brit classics have been given updates.  Roasted marrow bones, a mini Beef Wellington, mussels and curry tiffin are some of the main courses served only in the ground floor pub.  The bar menu featuring fish and chips, a burger with shallot marrow jam, bangers and samosas, is served everywhere.  Brunch brings the likes of pastrami salmon eggs benedict to the table. And of course there is a ploughman’s lunch (cheese, charcuterie, pickled vegetables and fruit).

The Drink: Plainly a major draw, are the beers on tap – British and British style brews that come in 20 oz. pours. Classic summer coolers like the Pimm’s Cup and Shandy are served, of course. But, there are also some creative cocktail combos, and wine.

901 U. St. NW; 202-560-5045