Kenneth D.
Yelp
Yay! a local, neighborhood bar that has a non-pretentious (no way!) bar-feel in D.C (and I can say that b/c I was born in D.C.) I am not saying that this is the ONLY 1980s show "Cheers: hey, come in my friend" attitude, but I will say that they are dwarfed by ones that lack that almost southern- hospitality and lack of "sheen"
Not only is this place dog-friendly in the garden area and has a great story behind the pup who inspired the name, but the place has a chill, "hey let's hang out" style that is refreshing away from the movers n' shakers, power-mad city , transient customer, political vibe that over the last 20 years, has detracted from the D.C. pride that once stood. If you don't believe me, watch a Pro Washington Football game and you will see as many "away" fans as the home team fans.
So- this bar shakes that pretext and delivers a limited food menu: burgers! That's all but there are 3 choices and 2 have meat (psssst, one is a shroom...)
A modest beer list is offered (tap and bottle) but it's the dark amber liquor that has the mightiest share of the menu: bourbon, scotch, whiskey... followed by a close 2nd of vodka, rum, tequila and mezcale.
Marry all that with the holiday lighting exterior, coupled with a cool inside/outside design and friendly bar staff and you have the spices to make you want to come back for more and become a regular.
I came and met some friends in the bar area located just as you enter, then moved out to the patio to enjoy the breeze (and a classic burger) and then ended back inside. They have comfortable seating and heaters so you can enjoy the outdoors all year long ;)
It can get raucous as the night progresses so unless you came in when it was early and quiet and then slowly became part of that group that says "my voice will now compete with the growing sound around me" then you may find the bar about noisy if your aim was to chat at a normal speaking volume. It IS a bar with ONE food choice offered so be forewarned, most folks there are there to drink and let the chips fall where they may...
If all that sounds like you'd warm to that environment, then what are you waiting for-- GO!