The Duke’s Grocery Team Is Bringing D.C. Its First Korean Barbecue Restaurant

Daniel Kramer, co-founder of burger haven Duke’s Grocery, is expanding his portfolio by opening what will be D.C.’s first traditional Korean barbecue restaurant inside the Shay apartment building at 1924 Eighth Street NW.

The interactive restaurant, with food cooked on an open-air grill embedded in each dining table, is shooting for an early 2019 opening. Its name and chef remain in the works, but the design and planning are now under way.

“This city has unbelievable diversity and quality of food and beverage options from all over the world but KBBQ was missing. Washingtonians should not have to drive 45 minutes out to Virginia to get it,” says Kramer, managing partner, in a statement to Eater.

Kramer’s got serious street cred when it comes to the cuisine: He grew up near the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, which is blanketed with tabletop grilling spots.

Daniel Kramer [official photo]

The in-the-works menu will focus on grilled meats and seafood, with lots of banchan, or assorted Korean appetizers served alongside the meal. The bar will be stocked with Asian beers and spirits, especially those made in Korea.

“I love bulgogi, but there is so much more to Korean fare,” says Kramer.

He’s got a lot on his plate, with plans to open a new Duke’s Grocery later this year in Foggy Bottom. Duke’s Grocery in Dupont Circle opened in 2013, and Duke’s Counter in Woodley Park followed in 2016.

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• Burger Haven Duke’s Grocery Expands to Foggy Bottom [EDC]