Tabaq Bistro: Exclusive Sneak Peek

Last night I had the chance to preview Tabaq Bistro, which I previously wrote about here, and I'm predicting this place is going to be big ... very big. The new spot, which partially opens Monday at 1336 U St., offers five stories of restaurant and lounge space and a menu of Mediterranean tapas. The biggest attraction, however, will no doubt be the roof, with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city (top photo), a full bar and plenty of seating. But here's the best part: With the touch of a button, the glass roof rolls back to reveal the open sky. So whether it's sleeting and cold (hard to imagine right now) or warm and breezy, the candle-lit roof will be open year-round.

The modern and sleek main floor (bottom photo) boasts a spacious bar and snazzy red banquettes and chairs. Low tables and cube ottomans line the walls in the small basement lounge, and the second and third floors will eventually house two VIP club rooms, with limited access and views overlooking U Street.

The owners are busy putting the finishing touches on the place (ignore the cardboard and tarp in the roof photo), and they plan to open the basement and main floor Monday. The roof will follow later in the week, and the two club rooms will open in a month or so. Check Metrocurean this weekend for more details on the food.
(Photos by Metrocurean.)

Comments

Anonymous said…
this sounds incredible. I have been noticing the construction going on, and can even see the skylight roof from the street... The place sounds like it will be ridonkulous!
8/03/2005 1:43 PM
Anonymous said…
i'm liking the retractable glass rooftop — very snazzy. it sounds like it's going to be quite a hot spot!!
8/03/2005 4:32 PM
Anonymous said…
Went past Tabaq on Friday and they were painting the outdoor steps. Looked like they were going to have a soft opening this weekend (or early this week). (I was out of town this weekend so I don't know if they were open or not).

Amanda, you seem to have good sources on the new places along U St. Any dish about Cue Bar?
8/08/2005 6:14 PM
Amanda said…
Hey, df. Tabaq indeed had an opening party Friday for invited guests. I'm preparing a post about it... But I haven't heard anything about Cue Bar. Where is it?
8/09/2005 6:57 PM
Anonymous said…
Cuebar is on U St. between 12th & 11th. I think it is going in the old Between Friends space. Sign outside says it will open at the "end of summer" (I'm paraphrasing here; might be a word or two off). I have also heard a rumor that the owners (or maybe managers) either own or operate or work at Wonderland (or used to do those things there). Just a rumor - as if you couldn't tell.
8/10/2005 12:19 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Amanda -- Tabaq has such potential, but a group of friends and I had a disappointing experience there last night. Maybe you could review the place and use your influence to help them see how their rigid policies will backfire? Tabaq is making the same mistake many DC establishments do---thinking they can manufacture hipness thru dress codes. Theirs forbids jeans and trainers ("athletic gear"). Do they want a crowd full of khakis and buttoned-down shirts? Our crowd was all from the n'hood and ready to be faithful customers if friends wearing jeans and cool new trainers hadn't been turned away. Help steer Tabaq toward the righteous path of dress-code flexibility!
8/11/2005 2:25 PM
Anonymous said…
You're quite eliquent in you discriptions the venue is a great Ust hot spot and I've enjoyed it from day one. Looking forward to more great reviews from you


thanks
9/14/2005 3:00 PM
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9/08/2006 8:04 AM
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