The Dupont Circle gastropub offers the best of both the upscale dining and spirited pub worlds.
By Laura Wainman
Dark wood furnishings, distressed leather chairs and antlers hanging from the walls and ceilings reinforce a different kind of “gaming” atmosphere. (Photo by Travis Vaughn)
If you’re looking for a snazzy place to watch all of the madness that makes March the best time of the year, look no further than the new gastropub, The Gryphon. The upscale watering hole officially opened its doors to the public on March 13 and hosted a VIP preview night on Tuesday, which Washington Life attended.
Guests ranged from senators, like Paul Strauss, to media notables such as Doug Kammerer and Danielle Leigh and behind-the-scenes politicos like Tonya Williams. Attendees were treated to an open bar as they mingled and sampled selections from the menu, such as gator bites, mini grilled cheese and tomato soup, crawfish mac-n-cheese, barbacoa tator tots con queso, house-popped popcorn and the chef’s signature raspberry-topped chocolate torte.
Located in the ever-lively Dupont Circle, The Gryphon describes itself as “the marriage of a gastropub and an upscale sports bar.” We see it as the perfect place for a sports-crazed dude, or lady, to bring their less enthusiastic partner for a night on the town; the fan can still catch all the action, while their date enjoys the social atmosphere, refined bar menu and luxe surroundings.
With 31 televisions, masculine, but sexy, furnishings and a creative menu, there is a little something for everyone.
Though the “upscale gastropub” concept may be new to the scene, the men behind the scenes are anything but new to Washington nightlife. Owners David Karim, Rich Vasey and Tony Hudgins are the gurus behind such hotspots as Josephine, Lost Society, Policy, Capitale, Public Bar, Play and Sushi Rock, and Executive Chef Joseph Evans joins the team from brother restaurant Lost Society.
Guests mingled at the open bar and nibbled on non-traditional bar fare. (Photo by Salaam Mufti)
Guests included DC Senator Paul Strauss, NBC 4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer and Joe Biden’s Director of Legislative Affairs, Tonya Williams. (Photo by Salaam Mufti)
Owners Rich Vasey, Tony Hudgins and David Karim grab a seat at the Gryphon. (Photo by Salaam Mufti)
Expect “comfort food with a twist” at The Gryphon, such as barbacoa tator tots con queso. (Photo by Salaam Mufti)
You won’t miss a second of the action with 31 televisions throughout the restaurant. (Photo by Travis Vaughn)
