The Early Word on Anxo in Truxton Circle

Anxo Cidery & Pintxos Bar opened about two weeks ago. The team (Sam Fitz, Rachel Fitz, Tim Prendergast, Cooper Sheehan, and chef Alex Vallcorba) hosted several pop-ups since the project was announced.

The concept focuses on Basque cuisine and cider, and the menu highlights bite-size pintxos (Basque tapas) like salt cod fitters and Spanish tortilla. Also find larger dishes like cider poached octopus and fried pig ears.  There's also a selection of 20 different draft ciders, beers, cocktails, and some lesser-known wines from the Basque Country and surrounding regions.

What do diners think so far. The restaurant already has 25 Yelp reviews with an overall rating of four stars. Read on for the early word on Anxo:

The Layered Decor New: Yelper Susan C. writes, "Anxo has a layered look that combines decor, ambiance and lighting to achieve a very natural, sophisticated space that has an earthy textured feel with a modern edge. We loved it." PoPville commenter North-East-West-South-Shaw says, "Great job on inner decor." [Yelp, PoP]

The Long Wait News: Facebook user Kalimar Maia warns, "The wait inside was over an hour but outdoor seating was first come and we got a spot in 10 minutes" Yelper Romina K. says, "We sat outside and had to wait forever to order. Later, we were told that we cannot have any of the seafood outside for an unknown reason." [FB, Yelp]

The Great Cider List News: Instagrammer @aarontripp7 says Anxo has a great cider list. PoPville commenter Tsar of Truxton wants the Woodchuck lovers of the world to know something about their cider selection. He writes, "…the ciders at ANXO are different than they may be accustomed to and may not be for everyone." [Instagram, PoP]

The Cold-Sipping-Soup Sensation News: Yelper Susan C. calls the gazpacho "flavorful and refreshing." Yelper Gina K. writes, "the sipping gazpacho is refined and the prefect blend of peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber. If you haven't experienced gazpacho before, this is the perfect place to dive in to the cold-sipping-soup sensation."  [Yelp]

The Biggest, Sweetest Mussels News: Brightest Young Things says Anxo has "some of the biggest, sweetest mussels you’ll find in D.C., topped with diced peppers, olive oil, and vinegar;" Yelper Pegah A. also loved them. [BYT, Yelp]

The Juicy Roasted Quail News: Brightest Young Things calls it, "juicy roasted quail with crispy Serrano ham and artichokes, which should honestly just be on the menu as 'You Have to Order This.'" It was also a favorite dish for Yelper Karlos L. [BYT, Yelp]

The Supremely Gracious Staff News: PoPville commenter Sydney writes, "Owners and staff are supremely gracious, and knowledgeable, and fun — and full of energy for this marvelous undertaking." Yelper Jacquie T. calls the service "quick and polished." [PoP, Yelp]

The Prices Versus Portions News: Yelper Thomas K. writes, "Price is fine after one does the math: pintxos/tapas cuisine takes getting used to and the quality is outstanding." But Facebook user Lyndsay Webb says, "Can't complain about the taste of the food, but the price points are absurd for the portion sizes." [Yelp, FB]