Awakening Bar & Grill
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Recently making its debut on Barracks Row, Awakening Bar & Grill is a sensational addition to 8th Street, offering a soulful Southern-themed menu by Chef Brittany Davis in a space that perfectly balances sleek design with cozy neighborhood warmth.
✨ Vibe
This convivial gem strikes the perfect balance between a sophisticated cocktail lounge and an inviting neighborhood retreat, featuring local historical decor and an energetic atmosphere often fueled by live jazz.
🍸 Best For
Birthday celebrations, date nights, craft cocktail enthusiasts, live music lovers, and large group gatherings.
🔥 Highlights
- Elevated Southern Comfort: The kitchen delivers standouts like the blackened salmon with creole sauce, crispy fried green tomatoes with Old Bay dipping sauce, and savory Gouda burger sliders.
- Expertly Crafted Cocktails: The bar program shines with intentional and balanced creations such as the signature "Metro Mule" and the expertly mixed "Mayor 4 Life."
- Soulful Entertainment: From the sound of live saxophone performances to the warm, personal welcomes from the owners, the venue offers a high-energy yet intimate experience.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The venue accepts reservations for both intimate dinners and large parties, making it a premier choice for celebratory group outings.
- Keep an eye on their schedule for live music sets that perfectly complement the venue's "sing-worthy" Southern cuisine.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.
🔄 Weekly Events
🥂 Bottomless Mimosa Service
Enjoy 2 hours of unlimited classic or flavored mimosas. Available flavors include Strawberry, Peach, Mango, and Passion Fruit.
🥂 Saturday & Sunday Bottomless Mimosas
Enjoy two hours of bottomless classic or flavored mimosas. Flavors include The Georgetown Sapphire (Blue Curacao), Cherry Blossom, and Gibbs Triple Crown.
🎤 Turn up the Mic: Thursday Karaoke @ Awakening
Ready to clear your throat and kick off the weekend early? Grab the mic, handcrafted cocktails, and food with no judgement.
Bottomless Mimosa Weekends 🥂
Indulge in 2 hours of bottomless classic or flavored mimosas (including flavors like Cherry Blossom, Georgetown Sapphire, and Gibbs Triple Crown) with your brunch.
Live Saxophone Night 🎷
Live saxophone performances providing a soulful and elegant ambiance for diners.
Soulful Weekend Brunch 🎷
Experience a soulful DC brunch tradition with a live local saxophonist. Enjoy classic comfort food with a DC twist, including an omelette station, chicken and waffles, and homemade biscuits.
Happy Hour
Special pricing on appetizers including Crab Rolls, Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs, Crispy Green Beans, Old Bay Shrimp, Wings, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Gouda Burger Sliders.
📰 In the News
“Healthy Comfort Food” Diner Planned on East Capitol
Awakening Bar & Grill, originally introduced as DC Capitol Square Bar & Grill, serves "healthy comfort food" staples such as seafood, wings, pasta, and steak. Located at 1500 East Capitol St. NE, the venue offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated kids' menu, weekend brunch, and outdoor sidewalk seating.
Capitol Cuisine: Temperatures Fall, Food Scene Heats Up
Awakening Bar & Grill is a 50-seat restaurant located at 520 Eighth St. SE in the former Extreme Pizza space on Barracks Row. Operated by Warren Banfield Jr., Warren Banfield III, and Aaron L. Ratliff, the venue features an eclectic menu of D.C. staples such as wings with homemade mumbo sauce, crab cakes, and half smokes.
Capitol Cuisine: Awakening Bar & Grill
Awakening Bar & Grill has opened on Barracks Row in Washington D.C., featuring a Southern-themed menu crafted by Chef Brittany Davis. The 50-seat restaurant offers a convivial atmosphere decorated with local historical photos and serves signature dishes such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and bourbon bread pudding.
Capitol Cuisine: Awakening Bar & Grill
Awakening Bar & Grill is featured in Hill Rag's 'Capitol Cuisine' series, which highlights the establishment's role in the Washington D.C. dining scene. The profile provides a closer look at the venue's atmosphere and offerings as a neighborhood destination on Capitol Hill.
Recent Reviews from Google
This place was absolutely amazing. Stopped in by chance when we heard live sax from the street. Come to find it was grand opening weekend! The drinks were delicious, staff were kind and attentive,...
The newest addition to 8th Street Barracks Row is an absolute gem! The space strikes the perfect balance between sleek design and that cozy neighborhood bar feel. From the moment I walked in, I was...
Enjoyed a delicious meal with a group of friends for a birthday dinner. We started off with some bubbles and appetizers, followed by drinks (i had the metro mule and it was perfection.) Tried the...
If you’re looking for a spot in D.C., Awakening Bar & Grill deserves a place at the top of your list. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming—perfect for date night,...
Absolutely sensational and the food is divine!! You must come and try. I promise you - you won't regret it - it's a fabulous experence all together! Love you ❤️
