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Look Inside Downtown’s New Two-Story Steakhouse

Midwest chain Rare Steak and Seafood debuts November 6

Stairs leading up to Rare’s main dining room.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Meat lovers are getting two new places to dine Monday, November 6 with the official debut of Wisconsin-born Rare Steak and Seafood.

The Midwest chain, which is putting down roots right around the corner from the White House (1595 Eye Street NW), features two different dining scenarios: the casually themed “tavern” on the lower level, and an upscale steakhouse situated up above. BLT Steak alum Marc Hennessy is in charge of both operations, serving dry-aged beef and gourmet fare (spiced duck, Maine lobster) in the more formal dining room while whipping up Scotch eggs, fried bologna sandwiches, and bratwurst down below.

Hennessy is joined here by Justin Abad, a Cashion’s alum who serves as director of operations at Rare’s D.C. location, Alyssa Bonk, a Wicked Bloom alum who is managing the tavern side of the new restaurant, and Adam Alfano, a Clyde’s Restaurant Group alum who collaborated with bar staff on the opening cocktail menu.

The tavern bar — which has an all-day menu — is scheduled to operate from 11:30 to midnight daily, with happy hour offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The steakhouse is scheduled to operate from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday and Monday, and from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Take a look around the space below.

A sea of tables at Rare’s upstairs dining room.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
Leather-clad booths at Rare’s upstairs dining room.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
Staff prepares a flaming dish tableside at Rare.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
An intimate bar at Rare.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
The spacious bar at Rare’s lower-level tavern.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
Choose from banquettes, four-tops, and booths at Rare’s tavern.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
A variety of seafood packed in ice at Rare.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
A chilled cocktail at Rare.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
The main entrance to Rare.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Status: Certified open. 1595 Eye Street NW; website.

Rare Steak and Seafood

1595 I Street Northwest, , DC 20005 (202) 800-9994 Visit Website

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