SHAW: TAKODA Restaurant & Beer Garden Set to Open this Friday 11th on Florida Avenue NW

TAKODA a Native American name meaning “Friend to Everyone.”

TAKODA Restaurant & Beer Garden, located in the original Federal Life Insurance building in Shaw at 715 Florida Ave, NW, has announced its opening for Friday 11th March. The restaurant will serve creative takes on American classics that pair well with TAKODA’s 24+ American craft beers and extensive 50+ whiskey collection.

The 1920’s-era brick structure, originally a Federal Life Insurance building, spans two levels. The main dining room will be situated on the second floor and will accommodate 40 guests seated with 20 additional seats at the bar. The year-round rooftop beer garden will accommodate 40-seated guests with 20 additional seats at the bar. Both rooms will be available for full or partial buyouts, and can accommodate up to 120 seated, or 240 for a standing reception.

The roof deck, accented with hanging and potted plants around an island bar, will overlook Florida Avenue and feature a canopy and operable windows. These removable windows will allow for year-round eating and drinking with an outdoor feel. 

Damian Brown was tapped by Partners Ryan Seelbach and Eric Lund in July, 2015 to serve as executive chef of TAKODA Restaurant & Beer Garden. A native of Capitol Heights, Maryland, he earned a culinary degree from the Lincoln Culinary Institute in Columbia, Maryland in 2010. Chef Damian's resume includes; Zola, Vidalia, Occidental Grill & Seafood and as chef de cuisine of Stanton & Greene

The menu at TAKODA will offer creative takes on American classics with an emphasis on what’s local and in season. Featured small plates include Rosemary Parmesan Tots, Brisket Sliders, and four types of wings - including Chef's specialty PB&J BBQ Wings. Salads not to be missed include Grilled Romaine Caesar and Cranberry Kale.

Photo: Daniel Swartz   Cranberry Kale with radish, apple, parmesan, pecans and cranberry vinaigrette

Entrée standouts include Americana staples such as Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffle, and the Pan-Seared Salmon Cakes. To end the meal on a sweet note, a collection of house made desserts will also be available including Molten Chocolate S'mores and Fried Oreos.

While I was preparing for this article at TAKODA, Chef Damian brought me a plate of his 'Signature' PB&J/BBQ Wings. (Not growing up in the US, PB&J was not a staple as a kid, and truthfully not something that appealed to me since). This was a complete treat, Chef Damian has found the balance between the ingredients that avoids an overly sweet dish. On future visits these will always be on my table. I can see the TAKODA kitchen constantly cooking these, they will be an instant favorite. - Badwolfdc

My Favorite - Chef Damian's PB&J Wings

Pricing is very reasonable;

• Small Plates: $5-$9
• Salads: $5-$8
• Entrées: $12-$19
• Desserts: $4-$8

Currently the hours are (or plan to be)   

• Dinner: Monday through Saturday, from 5 PM to 11 PM; Sunday, from 5 PM to 11 PM
• Bar Hours: Monday through Thursday, from 5 PM to 12 AM; Friday, from 5 PM to 3 AM; Saturday, from 12 PM to 3 AM; Sunday, from 12 PM to 11 PM
• Late Night Menu: Friday and Saturday, from 11 PM to 1 AM
• Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM (Start Date TBD - Look for Early April)

Happy Hour, which will happen soon, will include some special pricing, which I think will also be very popular. Hours will be 5pm to 7pm and as an example; Monday's will be 1/2 price wine bottles & small plates, Tuesday's  1/2 price Cider & Salads etc. so when you visit TAKODA be sure to ask for the Happy Hour Menu.

TAKODA Restaurant & Beer Garden is located at 715 Florida Avenue, NW, Suite 200. The restaurant is located two blocks from the Shaw-Howard Metro Station accessible on the Green and Yellow Lines. 

For reservations or additional information, please visit http://www.takodadc.com.