Did you miss the original March Madness post? If so, go here and catch up!
It is tough to extoll the virtues of two wonderful bars without dipping a toe into mushy, maudlin sentiment, or without pandering to your lunchtime hunger, but heck, someone has to do it, right?
First up, The Queen Vic: although it is a relative newcomer to H Street, it has gained a rightful place in our hearts, bellies, and liver. It has been open for two years after what felt like eons of time spent peeking through the plywood and trying to imagine what the cozy establishment would look like. And, what a cozy place it is: a bar that feels effortlessly cool; a mecca for soccer (erm…. football) and also rugby fans, as well as “regular” sports too. But, if I am being honest, I’m in love with items off the menu: their eggy, gooey, cheesy, crunchy, delicious Croque Madame, served with fresh greens and thick cut french fries. And, don’t forget a Pimm’s Cup with Crabbie’s Ginger Beer. That concoction was suggested to me by one of the nicest bartenders to walk the earth, Kat, who is a riot and a half. How can you go wrong with so much, so right?
And now, the Argonaut: not only is The Argonaut a veritable patriarch of H Street, and a phoenix, but it has the feel of home — a boozy, loud, fun home-away-from-home. Neighborhood bonding moment: can you remember what you were doing when you heard the Argonaut had burned down, back on Father’s Day, 2010? I can’t even type that without tearing up a little. The kids like it; the cool kids like it; and the parents like it, too. Trivia nights, Bluegrass, all kinds of sports: there is no themed night The Argo can’t handle. They are also home to one of the best burgers in town, which makes my mouth water when I think about it: sitting there, innocently cooked to perfection, next to some sweet potato fries –the right amount of sweet, savory and crunchy– and garnished with blue cheese and bacon. Pair it with a dark-and-stormy, mixed just right and brought to you with a big smile by Chad, one of the nicest people to walk the earth, and you have magic.
I’m hungry. I think it’s time for you to make this tough decision, which bar is your favorite?