Bars

Shadow Room

By Jiyan ⋅ July 1, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

In the past year there has been an rash of clubs in the DC area that have instituted a tougher door policy as part of an underlying shift towards a more exclusive flavor in the club scene.  These clubs create exclusivity by instituting tougher door policies and emphasizing table-only service (i.e. Josephine’s) or membership programs (i.e. L2 Lounge).  Shadow Room falls into the latter category but offers some great incentives (that I will detail more below) for members.

Cost - $$$

Service - B+

I think it is pretty much the same story - if you get in you’re fine but if you are stuck at the door then you will probably have a pretty negative perspective on the service at the venue.  Shadow Room has introduced some pretty strong service incentives for members including priority valet, coat check; and also some fascinating technical services such as mobile ordering and a variety of other kiosk-driven service orders.  I do have to mention that they might want to consider hiring more shrewd doormen.  Without getting into too much detail I will simply mention I was witness to the doorman dropping the ball pretty significantly in some respects.

Food - ?

Decor - A
The space was designed by Adamstein & Demetriou, who have been behind many DC hot-spots including Zola, Zaytinya, Raku and a host of others for which they have been garnered national recognition.  Their work on Shadow Room is certainly on par with any of their other projects and certainly lends itself to the exclusive nature of the venue.

Feel - A
Many longtime DC scenesters are not happy with the direction that the city seems to be taking but I personally am supportive of it.  The club scene is starting to fall in-line with what you see in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami and that can only mean good things for DC, which has traditionally been known for its distinct lack of style and sophistication.  For all those that complain about the increasing exclusivity (see the thread on Josephine’s) there are loads of great venues where you don’t have to deal with door politics in the city.  Just set your expectations appropriately.

Shadow Room is located at 2131 K Street.  They can be reached at (202) 887-1200.  For more information on membership with Shadow Room visit their Web site.