:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50437291/dirty2.0.0.JPG)
Say hello to The Dirty Goose, a new LGBT-friendly bar and restaurant that opens today at 913 U St. NW.
The 3,300-square-foot space is shooting for an "approachable upscale atmosphere," says co-owner Justin Parker. Weekends will take on more of a nightlife vibe, and there's a rooftop bar.
With a name that honors Grey Goose vodka, customers can expect a solid lineup of martinis "made really well," says Parker. Food options include a burger, fries, and, salads, as well as a full brunch menu on weekends. Parker's favorite bite is the petite stuffed potatoes appetizer with bacon, pimento cheese, and olive tapenade. The recipe for olive bread comes straight from co-owner Daniel Honeycutt's mother in Birmingham, Ala.
This marks the duo's debut in the restaurant industry, though the early vision for The Dirty Goose stems back to Honeycutt's master's degree days when he first hatched a business plan for an LGBT restaurant. The opening signifies one of two big 2016 milestones for the partners, who will marry in October.
The Dirty Goose aims to help fill a void of gay bars in D.C., the partners say; despite an extensive gay population here, other cities like Chicago and San Francisco have more bar options for the community. "We don't know why that is," says Honeycutt. Friends pushed them to pursue the idea, and a group of silent investors in the local LGBT community funded it in a short six months.
Picking out a bowtie as the central theme woven throughout made sense, as it sums up the brand. "Bowties can be upscale but can be extremely fun and laid back and creative," says Parker.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6958931/dirty.0.JPG)
The Dirty Goose interior [Photo: Daniel Honeycutt]
Sweet-and-spicy homemade pickles also play a big role in the restaurant; expect chicken marinated in pickle juice, fried pickles, chicken and waffles, and pickleback shots. "We have a lot of pickle juice to work with," says Honeycutt. Expect brunch service right out of the gate, starting this Saturday.
The Dirty Goose, 913 U St. NW, website
