Policy Restaurant and Lounge

With the onset of Spring in the Nation’s capital, people flock to the streets and the city comes to life.  Combating a nasty case of hay fever, I set out with Dean to the U Street neighborhood to check out one of the most recent DC hot spots, Policy.  Policy is the brainchild of former AOL engineer Omar Miskinyar.

Cost – $$

Service – A
The service throughout the venue was fantastic.  The hostess was cute and friendly and even stopped by once after she seated us to see how we were getting on.  Our server was incredibly helpful and attentive even though I’m sure he had been on his feet for the last several hours.  Finally, the bartenders in the lounge were all attractive.

Food – B+
Executive Chef Brian Murphy began working at L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, VA and received his training at Johnson & Wales University.  It may have been the fact that I hadn’t eaten in about five hours, three of which were spent playing basketball but I tore into my lamb sliders and fries like a caveman.  I need to go and try some of the other dishes to really get a sense for the quality of food but I thoroughly enjoyed what I had.

Decor – B+
It is a cross between urban chic, French classical, S&M, 1970’s retro and modern contemporary.  In other words, a postmodern mishmosh of styles and eras.  The odd thing is that the synthesis of the style soup is that it worked pretty well for me.  I’d love to hear what others think.

Feel – B
Policy has just opened up and still has a halo of freshness.  People are still eager to devour one of the newest destinations in DC and the crowd has a unique mix of clubbers, hip-hoppers, and even some borderline hipsters sprinkled in.  There is an equilibrium that is working right now but I found myself wondering whether or not it is sustainable.  Unlike the myriad of design aesthetics in the place (which worked for me) there may be too many different types of crowds at Policy right now.  Granted, the process is a dynamic one and Policy’s identity will evolve over time but I think that at some point management is going to have to make certain choices about who they want in the club and then structure the door policy, music, and promoters accordingly.  Until then, it offers a unique experience unlike any other in the DC area.

Policy Restaurant and Lounge is located at 1904 14th Street NW.

What’s the Buzz

March 26, 2009 – Policy Restaurant/Lounge Opens in DC (DC Fab)You know we got your back on the hottest places in town and today, Policy (1904 14th Street NW) opens with an in-your-face graffiti’d interior that makes you want to see just what this place is about. The restaurant/lounge’s theme is “truth, love and liberty”, which you can see scribbled elegantly on their walls but their hip and vibrant decor screams New York City subway meets elegance. (I mean…what else can you think of when you mix graffiti artist Andrew Funk of Indonesia with chandeliers!).  Full article…

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