First Taste: Beuchert's Saloon

Initial Thoughts:  

• Design and Decor:  Partner and designer August Paro recreated period-correct fixtures and finishes, including the handcrafted bar, turn-of-the-century tiled bathrooms and two 1920s hand-blown chandeliers from Europe. 
  
• Food: Produce and meats sourced primarily from owner's family-owned East Oaks Organics Farm in Poolesville, MD as well as other local small farms and co-ops.   Playful American fare with a creative twist. 

• Drink:  Classically crafted cocktails.
• Would I go back?  Yes.  I really want to try their brunch.

I'm still dreaming about Buchert's Roasted Bone Marrow with pickled pistachios, parsley salad and roast radish.  It was the largest portion I've ever eaten.  I'll surely be back for seconds.  The restaurant is small (only 47 seats) so might be best to put your name in and go for a cocktail at Hank's while you wait.  

Chef Andrew Markert does an amazing job with the menu and vegetarians will be pleased with the wide variety of options.  The menu is broken down into six sections: Boards, Snacks, Markert's Market, Whole Meals, Company and Treats.  

Go with a group and order one of the Boards. You'll love the vast selection of house-cured charcuterie such as Grilled Country Pate with baby greens, pomarey jus and sun gold jam, and local cheeses.  

Veggie lovers:  dive into the Crispy Brussels Sprouts with marjoram, almond gremolata and vermouth, Cherry Bell Radishes with sea salt, butter roasted pecans and fennel pollen, and Hubbard Squash with nutmeg and crispy sage.  

Save room for the desserts.  They trigger memories of childhood with homemade fudgesicles, pie and candy bars.  Everything was delicious!

Beuchert's Saloon is also offering a Chef's Table experience on Thursday through Saturday evenings with advance reservations. Chef Markert will create a unique culinary adventure for guests at the six-seat bar.  Prices start at $75/person with the option of doing wine pairings with each dish. Hope to try it sometime on a special occasion.  

ABOUT BEUCHERT'S SALOON

Beuchert's Saloon is located at 623 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC and is a history-rich neighborhood restaurant and saloon, serving up a real 'farm American' dining experience in the Eastern Market neighborhood of Washington, DC. Sourcing the majority of ingredients from its owner's family farm in Maryland, Beuchert's serves playful American fare with a creative twist led by Executive Chef Andrew Markert. Beuchert's also boasts a cuisine compatibility-focused beer and wine program, and a cutting-edge craft cocktail program. A warm and inviting gathering place, Beuchert's Saloon pays homage to the location's original saloon of the same name, owned by John Ignatius Beuchert from 1880 to 1934.