Chic McPherson Square lounge The Reserve has surprisingly delicious food.
By Katie Test
Who would have thought that everyone’s favorite nighttime hot-spot on L Street also served up delicious small plates? I had no idea until I visited The Reserve on a Thursday night for wine and dinner.
The Reserve, run by restaurateur Moe Hamdan, has a well-executed small plates selection ranging from seafood to sliders. Eat outside on the street-side patio, or head inside for a candlelit interior and intimate bar scene. The kitchen dishes out everything from a lovely scallop and sweet potato entree to three not-to-be missed lamb chops with tzatziki sauce, and I was pleasantly delighted.
I’d always thought of The Reserve as a bar, but the weekday persona is that of a lovely lounge with relaxing music and lively chatter perfect for the after-work crowd.
Start your meal with grilled haloumi cheese with tomato confit and lemon juice.
The salty appetizer pairs perfectly with the varied wine list that gives the restaurant it’s name. Follow it up with a few kobe beef sliders topped with mushrooms and paired with Belgian frites, scallops or lamb.
Each hits it’s mark perfectly.
Dinner is served every day until 10 p.m., and is a great middle-range price point for an after-work happy hour turned mealtime.
The Reserve is located at 1426 L Street NW.
