Graig Glufling, formerly chef at the downtown DC restaurant Matchbox, has taken his miniburgers and moved to the Ugly Mug on Capitol Hill. Those beautifully grilled miniburgers on toasted brioche buns with cheese and dill pickles are still the center of his menu. A platter of six costs $10. The menu also includes thin-crust pizza and American comfort foods such as grilled meatloaf and country-fried steak. The full-service bar at the Ugly Mug has 24 beers on draft, all available in mugs, pints, and pitchers.

Glufling describes the Ugly Mug as an upscale sports bar. Seating is in semi-circular booths, each with a view of one of ten television sets. There are plans for an outdoor patio when the weather is warmer.

Asked how his clientele on Capitol Hill differs from that downtown, Glufling says, "This is a neighborhood place. Most of our customers live around here and are happy to have a bar in the neighborhood that also serves good food."

In addition to manning the kitchen at the Ugly Mug, Glufling is chef at Porter's Dining Saloon (1207 19th St., NW), and with owner Scott Porter is starting a catering business to operate out of the Ugly Mug.

10/06 update: Greg Glufling has left the Ugly Mug. 

The Ugly Mug: 723 Eighth St., SE; 202-547-8459; uglymugdc.com. 

Open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 to 1:30 AM, Friday 11:30 to 2:30 AM, Saturday 11 to 2:30 AM, and Sunday 11 to 1:30 AM.