When opening a new place, one of the biggest decisions a restaurateur will make is what to call it. And while some names seem pretty random—Sally’s Middle Name, we’re looking at you—they’re part of larger trends. Here’s what the last few years have brought us.
The Could-Be-Brothels
Photograph by Scott Suchman.
The Could-Be-Tech-Start-Ups
Places Where You Might Think to Look for Magic Mike
Faux-Prole Hangouts
Roofer’s Union in Adam’s Morgan. Photograph by Scott Suchman.
Reasons You Might Need a Doctor
Photograph by Andrew Propp.
Reasons You Might Need a Vet
Vague Threats
The first-floor dining room of Vendetta is cabin-esque, with plenty of wood paneling, and is lit by pendant lanterns from an old church. Photograph by Andrew Propp.
Colorful Menagerie
The Red Hen. Photograph by Scott Suchman.
The Only-in-Washington Set
Le Diplomate. Photograph by Scott Suchman.
- Lincoln
- The Partisan
- The Hamilton
- Boss Shepherd’s
- Teddy & the Bully Bar
- Southern Efficiency
- Le Diplomate
- The Dignitary
- Boundary Stone
Dandies
The Garrison. Photograph by Andrew Propp.
The Name of Your Next Indie Band
Things You Find Inside a Restaurant
Lots of nice lookin’ tables at Table. Photograph by Andrew Propp.
Vowel-Less Wonders
Photograph by Jeff Elkins.
When in Doubt, Just Throw in an Ampersand
- Crane & Turtle
- Barrel & Crow
- Barrel & Bushel
- Fig & Olive
- Crumbs & Whiskers
- Villain & Saint
- Stanton & Greene
- &Pizza
- Ivy & Coney
- Meats & Foods
*Soon to open
This article appears in our August 2015 issue of Washingtonian.
