ACKC, short for Artfully Chocolate and Kingsbury Confections - is the product of a collaboration of the two Alexandria stores. A welcomed addition to the local scene in Logan Circle, the shop is a combination of cafe, chocolate shop and art gallery for the most part but they also offer a number of novelty items such as greeting cards and dog treats. In addition, the rear of the space is outfitted with a showcase kitchen so visitors can watch the confections being made. If warm mugs of hot chocolate and delicious desserts is your thing, ACKC is definitely worth a try.

Cost - $

Service - A-
The gentleman working behind the chocolate counter was extremely helpful in giving me background and guidance on the various pieces to choose from. The staff at the cocoa bar were also very nice but making designer chocolate drinks is a bit of a process so I had a little bit of wait but it was worth it.

Food - A-
I haven’t frequented a number of chocolate bars so I don’t have a very good handle on how ACKC stacks up against other places but the drinks in my opinion were surprisingly more delicious and complex than I had expected. I also had a number of the chocolate pieces and they were quite good as well. In addition, it was impressive to see the community theme of offering goods from other local confectioners and artisans.

Decor - A-
Before my first visit, the simple name on the red awning coupled with the bright colors on the inside made the shop look a little intimidating and exclusive from the outside. I know that sounds like a contradiction but that was my impression. I think my feelings were a compliment and a testimony to the little details that make spending time there a treat. From the exposed kitchen to the art on the wall, ACKC is well-executed which gives the place a warm, rich feel. I think it all boils down to me thinking that the prices would be more on the expensive side which tuns out, not the case at all.

Feel - A
Cozy, friendly and hip. Like I said above, a welcomed addition to the neighborhood that reflects some of the best of Logan Circle.

ACKC is located at 1529 14th Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 387-2626.

What’s the Buzz:

April 22, 2008 - ACKC Bringing Sidewalk Cafe to 14th Street? (14th and You) - Everyone’s favorite purveyors of awesome hot chocolate beverages (and some darn good chocolate bars–has anyone tried the chocolate bacon bar? Yummmmm…). Full Article…

February 19, 2008 - ACKC Cocoa Bar Offers Real-Deal Hot Chocolate (The Washingtonian) - If you worship at the altar of chocolate, you might want to make a pilgrimage to the ACKC Cocoa Bar. This arty cafe/gallery conjures up a Euro-style espresso bar, but with the cocoa bean front and center. Full Article…

Black Cat is a music venue, bar, and cafe all rolled into one. The upstairs main stage plays host to some of the most popular independent and alternative bands while the first floor back room has smaller acts playing in a more intimate setting. The main bar or Red Room has one of the best jukeboxes around and a pool table and pinball machine to keep things interesting. The Food for Thought Cafe features an extensive vegetarian menu but also caters to non-vegetarians as well. Black Cat’s crowd changes depending on the bands but for the most part, it’s a destination for area hipsters and the like.

Cost - $

Service - A-
From the doorman to the bartenders, the service has always been good. No complaints here.

Food - B
The Food for Thought Cafe isn’t a gourmet eatery but it isn’t trying to be. If you are looking for a better than decent bite to eat at a very reasonable price, this place does the job - especially for vegetarians. The bar has a pretty good selection of micro-brews and imports and seems to stock a number of bourbons and whiskeys.

Decor - C+
Like most music venues, it’s mostly about the music so there isn’t really too much going on. The Red Room and cafe both have a vintage feel which is part of the non-pretentiousness of this place.

Feel - B+
I like the Black Cat as a bar and music venue a lot. The regular crowd is always pretty laid back and fun which makes for a really cool place to hang out. My only minor criticism is the line process to watch bands sometimes makes for an overly crowded Red Room.

Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 667-6960.

What’s the Buzz:

January 2, 2007 - Playboy Honors Black Cat (DC Metblogs) - Congratulations to the Black Cat, named as one of the 10 Best Rock Clubs in America (warning, link is to Playboy. Seriously, if you’re at work, and your IT department is cuckoo for cocoa puffs, you may want to wait til you’re at home, seriously. Full article…

August, 2006 - Black Cat (Washington Post) -Foo Fighter Dave Grohl is part owner of this second home for D.C.’s indie rockers. Check out the bands or go to the Red Room to shoot pool. Full Article…