Teddy & the Bully Bar Opens with Touches of Taxidermy

Teddy & the Bully Bar, the newest presidential-themed spot from the owners of Lincoln, is scheduled to open later today for happy hour and dinner service. Cocktails will be served at 3 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.

Helming the Bully Bar's kitchen is executive chef Michael Hartzer, formerly of Citronelle and IndeBlue. His menu is comprised of small plates with local and seasonal ingredients. He will also whip up dishes featuring game items such as bison and ostrich. The drink menu, designed by Lincoln's beverage director John Hogan, offers hand-crafted classic and modern cocktails that include the Americano, a carbonated drink on tap, and the Rough Rider daiquiri, a drink charred in American oak for 26 days. Master sommelier Kathy Morgan also curated the wine list.

Throughout the restaurant, diners can experience a modern homage to Teddy Roosevelt through the work of award-winning designer Maggie O'Neill and her team of local artists. The most prominent feature is the main dining room's group of faux taxidermy, highlighting the 26th president's penchant for the great outdoors. Then there are the cheeky depictions of Roosevelt's mission to clean up prostitution in New York while he was the city's police commissioner. You'll find them in the restrooms. Status: Opening late afternoon. 1200 19th St. NW; website.

[Photo: Teddy & the Bully Bar]