The Early Word on 801 Restaurant

A month into 801 Restaurant & Bar's opening, the Shaw hot spot is getting a good amount of buzz (as its customers get buzzed off its oversized mules). The new restaurant injects needed outdoor bar space in the neighborhood, arriving smack in the middle of summer.

DC Restaurant Group (The Starboard, Madhatter) knows what they're doing when it comes to pleasing a booze-loving crowd. Orange crushes and oversized Moscow mules designed for sharing make the menu, as do bites like pork belly sliders, steak frites and roast chicken. Their Sunday brunch recently made Eater's Brunch Heatmap; expect Saturday brunch to be tacked on next month.

Read on to see what customers and critics are saying:

The Audible News: Facebooker Carla Merritt says, "Nice atmosphere which is casual, just how I like it. The food is good with, nice music at a volume in which you can still have a convo." [Facebook]

The Good Vibes News: A "Good Vibes Only" white neon sign inside seems sum up the beachy tone. According to Zagat, "There's a cool white-and-wood California feel to this Shaw American that ranges over two floors and a handsome rooftop deck." Yelper Laura M. says, "The restaurant itself is beautiful, simple, well designed with a coastal/cottage feel." Adds Facebooker Melodie Foley: "Beautiful new bar, friendly staff, and amazing drinks! Awesome new bar!" Yelper Maria M. observes "801 offers nothing but fun, fresh and good vibes - from the people, to the ambiance, and the food+drinks." [Zagat, Yelp, Facebook]

The Good Morning News: Facebooker Sharon Brown Bowers says, "The French toast at brunch is the best I've had."

The Getting Sloshed In The Sun News: Washingtonian writes, "If you're in the market for shareable Moscow mules served in ginormous copper mugs, this is the new place. Shaw's outdoor drinking scene continues to grow, this time with a rooftop bar...taking advantage of orange crushes in the sunshine." [Washingtonian]

The Short and Sweet News: Average Socialite attended the opening and says, "801 focuses on offering a simple menu done really well. For $24.95 a guest can order their choice of salad and an entree. They are also featuring a small bites menu if guests are just looking for a snack...You'll love 801's clean, simple, beachy decor spanning from the first floor dining room to their rooftop bar." [Average Socialite]

The Selfie Drink News: Instagrammers are going nuts posing with the oversized Moscow Mule, with captions like, "Nothing says success like excess," writes @curiousg4; "It's a hot one out there, gotta stay hydrated!" from @mattwinds; and "Medaled gold for the mega mule," says @brookleyvalencia. [Instagram]