Butter Me Up

"That’s a wrap for Butter Me Up, the pandemic-born breakfast offshoot of Shaw’s all-day sausage staple HalfSmoke. The 2-year-old space that resembled a chic hotel lobby showcased breakfast tacos, acai bowls, fried Oreo pancakes, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, and creative cocktails at night. Online ordering remains active, and a new location will be announced soon." - Tierney Plumb

"Butter Me Up is a charming cafe in Logan Circle that's a solid, calm spot to work from on weekday mornings. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by shades of coral and peach, a luxe pink velvet couch, yellow tabletop, and bar seats. Their breakfast menu has an array of sandwiches, including the Feels Like Home, an egg and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich that tastes as good as it sounds. The biscuit is flaky, the chicken is crispy, and together you get the kind of sandwich that motivates you to do something with your life. While you can do take out, we don't recommend it since orders can take a while. Instead, bring your laptop and settle in with a coffee or smoothie, a choice you won’t regret." - Omnia Saed

"This upscale U Street bar with a cozy interior melds sweet and umami in its “Butter Me Up” ($12) cocktail. Guests choose between brandy or dark rum, which is paired with browned miso butter, Amaretto, and brown sugar. A lit cinnamon stick rounds out the drink." - Emily Wishingrad

"Butter Me Up, formerly a ghost kitchen offshoot of HalfSmoke, is transitioning to a dedicated restaurant space at 1409 T Street NW. The new location will feature an expanded menu with breakfast tacos, acai bowls, and fried Oreo pancakes, alongside a drink menu with fresh juices, kombucha, coffee, and tea from local Black-owned businesses. The restaurant will incorporate local ingredients and offer playful, meme-inspired menu names. The move addresses the overwhelming demand that outgrew its initial kitchen setup and aims to capitalize on delivery and pickup services." - Adele Chapin