Hospitality expert and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer cut the ribbon yesterday on his newest Taffer’s Tavern location in the District’s Chinatown neighborhood, adjacent to Capital One Arena. It’s the third location for his budding franchise but his first in major downtown metropolitan location. His first tavern is in a suburb of Atlanta and his second is in a suburb of Boston.
Now in the heart of a city that is known for its highly charged opinions, Taffer, who is also know sharing his mind, believes DC is a great culinary destination and that his concept will be especially appreciated here.
“I have worked four years on every food item, every drink recipe — I get it. This is a tough market. This is a city that knows great food, knows great beverage, knows great environment. I better have it right when I come here, and I do,” said Taffer.
Described as “a regular gathering place for locals and visitors alike,” Taffer’s Tavern is designed with traditional Old-World taverns in mind, with an ambiance that is inviting, warm and comfortable, distinguished by dark woods, soft leathers, copper accents and elevated tavern food and beverage offerings. The innovative restaurant concept, developed by Taffer, boast that it features the industry’s highest safety standards for both guests and staff.
The menu includes favorites such as Braised Short Rib (tender short rib braised with red wine and beer, then tossed in a rich demi-glace sauce an paired with red skin mashed potatoes), Jon’s Roast Beef Au Jus (mouthwatering, tender roast beef topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese served on toasted ciabatta paired with our rich au jus dipping sauce) and Tot Roast Fries (tater tots topped with slow-cooked shredded beef, rich mushroom bechamel sauce, and creamy cheese curds). New to the menu and D.C. area must-have, is the addition of mumbo sauce to the flavorful options available for the taverns Taffer’s Wings.
Taffer’s Tavern also boasts a beverage program that Taffer crafted and features a diverse selection of spirits, wines, and beers, many of local and regional provenance. Its signature cocktails employ some of the most advanced mixology techniques while staying on-trend and introducing photo-worthy cocktails that taste even better than they look. Guest favorites include The Campfire (Taffer’s trademarked Browned Butter Whiskey, bitters and simple syrup) and Berry-Impressive (fruit-infused vodka layered with lemon, served bursting with fresh mixed berries in a French Press) among a number of other crafted cocktails and “As Seen on Bar Rescue” recipes.
“The District of Columbia is a world-class city, and to have Jon [Taffer} open such a beautiful place that employs DC workers and will help bring some of the millions of visitors who come to the nation’s capital each year right here to this community is extraordinarily important to our local economy,” said DC Council member Kenyan McDuffie, who serves as the Chairperson of the Committee on Business and Economic Development.
Taffer’s Tavern is located at 700 6th Street NW and open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
