Eatbar has closed once again, this time after 3 years on Barracks Row. The Neighborhood Restaurant Row bar/restaurant, which was resurrected with much Washington Post fanfare on March 31, 2016 (was supposed to open in fall 2015) after being open in Lyon Park in Arlington from 2007-2014, announced earlier this evening on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook that its last day would be next Friday March 15th.
Barred in DC likely swiped its credit card more times at this bar than any bar in DC during that time, mostly owing to its tremendous happy hour (one of the best in the District-$4 craft beer, wine, cocktails and bites M-F 4-7p) which was conveniently on way home from work. Red Apron Burger essentially merged to the location in September 2017.
This closure shouldn’t be stunning, for a number of reasons. Capitol Hill, aside from a few spots, isn’t a strong market for bars yet, considering its lack of density and plethora of young families-young folks aren’t flocking there. The block of Capitol Hill in which it was located, is known for being a “problem block” for the neighborhood with lots of loitering and panhandling. Inside, the space has very narrow with not that much room for groups (including, key for the neighborhood, kids with their parents) and the designer did no service by creating wayy too bulky bar seats to guarantee that there could not be that great of a bar scene. Aside from happy hour, the place was often empty and relied on UberEats/delivery services to send out its burgers. Recently it cut back on Monday service.
And perhaps the main reason-NRG is focused on opening its multi-concept spot just over a half mile/one metro spot away, The Roost, which will feature bars featuring beer and cocktails as well as Red Apron Burger (perhaps sushi, pizza, and tacos as well). Eatbar pretty much acknowledges this fact in its announcement.
Barred in DC 
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