The Majestic Bar & Grille, where dishes include black truffle poutine, ramen, and a seared ahi tuna salad. Photographs by Scott Suchman.
Who’s bringing all-day dining, late-night menus, and a human statue to Bethesda? That would be the Majestic Bar & Grille, which opened in the old Gaffney’s space just last week.
The name may be familiar, but it actually predates Cathal Armstrong’s Alexandria eatery. Owner Stefan Lalos’s grandfather opened the Majestic Restaurant in Greenville, Pennsylvania, in 1925—you’ll find family photos and Grandpa’s old apron framed on the wall, and a “Majestic classic” chili dog on the menu, which is one of the few dishes the Pennsylvania watering hole served.
Chef Damon Hersh (formerly of Louisiana and Moveable Feast in Baltimore) is the brains behind the eclectic menu, which ranges from American classics such as burgers and shrimp and grits to Greek and Asian fare (slow-braised lamb, oxtail wontons). Ramen makes an appearance, too: Guests pick from six packaged flavors of ramen brought from a Korean market—think tea service, but with noodle soup—and Hersh tops the bowls with vegetables and fresh grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef.
The ramen is one of the many dishes on the late-night menu, one of the few in Bethesda that will be offered until 1 AM on weekdays and 2 AM Friday and Saturday. As for the live statue, look for her outside the restaurant on sunny weekend days. She’ll be dressed as a golfer—Lalos is an avid player and plans to show tournaments at the bar—and handing out coupons.
The Majestic Bar & Grille. 7141 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-312-6043. Open 11 to 1 AM Sunday through Thursday, 11 to 2 AM Friday and Saturday.
