Interested in getting intel on the newest businesses to open in Northeast Washington? From a co-working and child-care spot to fine dining, read on for the newest hot spots to make their debuts in this part of the district.
Gravitas
1401 Okie St. NE
First up is Gravitas, a New American and Mediterranean restaurant. Led by executive chef Matt Baker, one of Zagat's 2015 "Top 30 Under 30," Gravitas offers tasting menus from four to seven courses, or a 15-course marathon for two people.
Openers include poached lobster, yellowfin sashimi and a summer vegetable salad. Next up, diners choose from dishes like gruyere agnolotti, sweetbreads and grilled white shrimp. The heaviest dishes include roasted tile fish, hay-smoked duck breast and slow-braised beet with cauliflower puree.
Located in Ivy City on the former Pappas Tomato Factory grounds, valet parking is available, as are two hours of free parking at the garage above Mom's Market.
Yelpers are excited about Gravitas, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 25 reviews on the site.
C K., who reviewed the restaurant on Aug. 8, wrote, "Excellent on almost all counts. Great food, great service, nice atmosphere."
Austin G. noted, "The food was presented well, came out perfectly timed, and delivered on their promise of fine dining. Compared to other fine dining in DC like Pineapple and Pearl and minibar, the price tag isn't bad."
Gravitas is open from 5:30–11 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
Politics and Prose at Union Market
1270 Fifth St. NE
Next up, venerable D.C. institution Politics and Prose has opened a new bookstore around the corner from Union Market.
You'll find the expected stacks of history, local travel and politics titles, alongside arts books and literature. The proprietors also promise regular author talks and other special events. There is a small area in the back to sit, relax and explore the offerings.
Politics and Prose at Union Market has been getting positive feedback with a current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of four reviews.
Yelper Jamoya J., who reviewed the store on July 7, wrote, "This location is small but very accommodating to book requests. They didn't have a book that was available in other locations, however, they special-ordered it, and I picked it up two days later at no extra cost."
Austin G. noted, "It's one of their smallest locations, but they still found a way to pack in every section that should be in a bookstore from history to travel to wellness. They also sell D.C.-made items and baby items like books."
Politics and Prose at Union Market is open from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekends. (It's closed on Monday.)
The Eleanor DC
100 Florida Ave. NE
The Eleanor DC is a bar, bowling alley and casual American restaurant. There are two lanes for bowling; it's of the narrower, 10-pin version, with small, hand-held balls. It also has vintage arcade games, Skee-Ball and other activities for those looking to relax and play.
To eat, there's a raw bar with oysters, clams and striped bass crudo. Other offerings include shellfish stew, mussels, snacks and meal-sized salads.
Signature cocktails run from the martini served with a lemon-wrapped green olive to a vodka-and-lavender lemonade slushee.
The Eleanor DC is off to a strong start with four stars out of 23 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Nia W., who reviewed it on Aug. 8, wrote, "We were warmly greeted when we first walked in, then sat immediately after. Our waitress made sure we had everything we needed without being overbearing, and the atmosphere was great."
The Eleanor DC is open from 11 a.m.–midnight on Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
O-ku DC
1274 Fifth St. NE
Next door to the new Politics and Prose is O-Ku DC, a sushi bar and Japanese spot. With sister restaurants in Charleston, Atlanta and Charlotte, it offers "modern Japanese cuisine defined by the freshest ingredients from around the world," according to its website.
The striking design in the main room includes blond woods, a low bar and an open kitchen; there's also a second bar upstairs.
Items from the robata grill, including chicken thigh, wagyu skirt steak and cumin lamb chop, are cooked over charcoal made from petrified white oak from Japan. Chef's specials include bulgogi made from duck breast "sashimi," a curry ramen and long-cooked pork belly. There are also many sushi, nigiri and sashimi options.
Drinks run from beer, wine and sake to Japanese whisky and signature cocktails.
O-Ku DC currently holds four stars out of 32 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Kristin A., who reviewed it on Aug. 8, wrote, "The food is yummy and so are the drinks. Other reviewers are right — based on the amount of food you get, some items are a little pricey. I've enjoyed each of my visits, as the service has also been great so I definitely look forward to my next trip."
Rocklily S. noted, "The ambiance was nice and what you would expect for the price. The chef is great with grilling meat and the rest of the menu looked really interesting."
O-Ku DC is open from 5–10:30 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 5–11 p.m. on Thursday, and 5 p.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Workafrolic
1707 N. Capitol St. NE
Finally, Workafrolic is a hybrid child care, adult fitness and co-working spot.
The co-working space includes couches, computers and desks available hourly or with a monthly membership. Care for children aged four weeks to 4 years old is available for up to three hours at a time, with at least a 30-minute break between sessions. There are yoga and music classes for parents with their children, plus high-intensity workouts just for adults.
Workafrolic has just two reviews so far on Yelp.
Yelper Fiona O. wrote, "Workafrolic has made a huge difference for our family, and I feel really lucky to have found it. All the staff members are warm and kind, and our baby, who can have a tough time with separation, gets genuinely excited when she sees the Workafrolic caregivers in the morning."
Mike M. noted, "I have been coming here for a few weeks. It's an amazing place. Warm and helpful staff, great with kids. An amazing concept overall. Never been more productive!"
Workafrolic is open from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends.
