Roofers Union

"Roofers Union in Adams Morgan offers three levels of fun for a wedding. Start on the ground floor for a drinks reception for up to 50. The second floor dining room, big enough for 85 seated guests or 150 standing, can play host to the main event. Up high on the roof, up to 100 standing patrons (or 50 seated) can enjoy sweeping views of 18th Street NW. The towering American tavern recently traded hands to the team behind next-door Code Red." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tim Ebner, Eater Staff

"A three-story American beer hall and restaurant reopened under new ownership, featuring a first-floor cocktail lab specializing in variations of classic cocktails." - Tierney Plumb

"Roofers Union, the towering American beer hall and restaurant that opened in 2014 under now-celebrity chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, ended its long lifespan along the 18th Street NW nightlife strip last month. Partners from Code Red, the Prohibition-styled speakeasy that opened earlier this year, will reboot and operate the iconic Roofers Union (2446 18th Street NW). Code Red’s managing partner Natalia Alexander expressed eagerness to revive the institution while honoring its legacy and introducing modern updates. The venue, previously known for its craft beers, live music, DJs, trivia nights, and American comfort food, will see a reopening in early 2024. The 300-person space with its grand windows and rooftop will continue to serve as a major venue for events." - Tierney Plumb

"Roofers Union, the towering American beer hall and restaurant that opened in 2014 under now-celebrity chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, will soon end its long lifespan along the 18th Street NW nightlife strip. General manager Dave Delaplaine, who’s been with the brand since the start, tells Eater “with great sadness” its last day of business will be on Sunday, November 19. Mezcal haven Agave Room, its street-level sibling that replaced 8-year-old wine bar Jug & Table this spring, is also done on that same date (2446 18th Street NW). Long before Meek-Bradley became the now-corporate chef for superstar restaurateur Stephen Starr’s massive empire and relocated to NYC, she rose to Top Chef finalist fame as the hands-on chef at both Roofers Union and its new American sibling Ripple. (That critically acclaimed Cleveland Park restaurant closed in 2017, and many employees moved over to Roofers Union.) Delaplaine relayed the closure news to both staff and Meek-Bradley this week, who was in town for HRC’s big Chefs for Equality event. Roofers Union’s American comfort foods menu, now led by executive chef Mario Escamilla, includes favorites like mac and cheese, Sriracha-glazed wings, burrata and squash, brisket-and-sirloin burgers, grilled flat-iron steak, and pan-seared branzino. “Looking back at our run, I’m very proud of what we did — we set out to really be one of the faces of Adams Morgan,” says Delaplaine. Roofers Union was a prominent participant of the annual Adams Morgan Day festival, and the 45th edition this September showcased Atlas Brew Works’ special release on tap and limited-edition cans. Roofers Union’s year-round happenings included live music and DJs on weekends, frequent trivia nights, and happy hour featuring $3-off drafts and $5 French onion dip. Previously home to the legendary, aquarium-filled bar the Reef, the 300-person space with grand windows and a prime people-watching rooftop was one of the biggest bars on the bustling corridor and lent itself well to private events like weddings and office holiday parties. One of Roofers Union’s most popular industry events was its Ugly Sweater party to benefit Mary’s Center, which got D.C.’s craft brewery scene together while it was still in its infancy. “We’ll definitely miss being a part of not only the AdMo community but also the beer community. We made strong relationships in that world,” he says. At its peak, its list of bottled beers ballooned to 100. Look for closing specials over the next few weeks on its vast stockpile of “big, giant beers” that have aged well in its cellar. “We’ve been saving [them] for a special occasion – and this is it,” he says. That includes Avery Brewing’s nutty stouts and barreled gose from Union Craft." - Tierney Plumb

"This Adams Morgan restaurant full of craft beer, sausages, and sandwiches is very flexible about accepting large groups in its three-story complex. Parties of up to 10 people can book online, while groups of up to 20 can call the restaurant to reserve." - Mekita Rivas, Eater Staff