Image: Lower case, top shelf.

Last Updated: June 2024

Overview:

Barrel is part of a group of respected bars, including the solid wine bar The Eastern a block away and McClellan’s Retreat, the low-slung cocktail bar on the north side of Dupont.  Barrel stakes its reputation on three things: a large whiskey selection, especially bourbon; a good kitchen; and brunch.  It is primarily a bar, with a long winding one stretching from front to back and multiple TVs playing sports, plus more downstairs.  Along the other side of the room are tables. It is the food, however, that we focus on and why we are writing about it.  

Barrel started with a commitment to food and hired a brash young chef.  Soon the chef left and after an interval the sous chef, Walfer Hernandez, took over the reins.  In the intervening years, he has put his stamp on the menu, borrowing from various sources and traditions to build a tasty, well-executed set of dishes that remains consistent with the bar theme.  Some dishes may come and go with the seasons, but at the core a few things seem to have become anchors, including a burger, fried chicken sandwich, and a rotating pasta dish as mains.  But we suggest you come with a group, and pile the table with the sharable plates.  Things we liked or others have flagged: the brussels sprouts with fish sauce and crema, the thick wedge fries with chipotle mayo, the encrusted mac & cheese, the corn dog with in-house andouille.  Oddly, the pork sliders were disappointing on a recent visit, the meat was sparse and dry, but, in contrast, the big chunks of pulled pork on the nachos made the dish work.  We have not had the brunch menu, but it also gets thumbs up.

The drink list is long and strong, as you would expect, with cocktails and beer.  Wine less so. Reservations are recommended for busy nights and brunch.  There is another bar downstairs too.

Other Guidance:  It is located at street level, with a slight step/ramp at entrance.  Restrooms on main floor.  GF and vegetarians have limited options with a meat and sandwich heavy menu, but there is a salad.

Summary:

Cuisine: New or Old American
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC
Website: http://www.barreldc.com/
Reservations: Resy

Other Critics/Voices:

Washington Post: Tim’s piece putting a plug in for Chef Hernandez’s food and some of the backstory.

Washingtonian: Best brunch list.