Open for Business: Roofers Union

[ 3 ] February 13, 2014 |

8V7A2302The three-story building in the heart of Adams Morgan that once housed Reef’s infamous aquariums, crescent bar and perhaps one too many underage drinkers now opens its doors once again but this time a rustic yet fresh tavern by the name of Roofers Union.

8V7A2381Their inventive menu, created by executive chef Marjorie Meek Bradley, is sure to leave you stuffed, stacked or even simply satisfied by the array of options. Monday’s tasting exposed clients to their impressive meat assortments—from a flavorful in-house chicken sausage topped with taleggio and wild mushrooms, to a fiery Italian sausage served with peppers, onions and provolone (both served on artfully baked pretzel rolls) to their delicious smoky andouille corn-dog bites topped with a rich cabot cheese whiz. If that was not enough for your taste buds, the crispy sriacha honey-glazed chicken thigh sandwich marries sweet and spice effortlessly. Though Roofers Union’s menu is quite meat-laden, there are options for the vegetarian and vegan alike. Roasted cauliflower with pine nuts and just a hint of mint prove to be quite the combination and provolone-powered artichoke dip are just a couple options.

8V7A2289The tavern’s drinks, like their dining options, are equally as creative. One sip of their China Girl cocktail would have you hard-pressed to believe that it’s a gin-based beverage.  A mandarin shrub infused with pine liqueur, lemon juice and champagne make for a delightfully refreshing cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Cocktail connoisseur Josh Fatemi named each cocktail after his favorite song—the previous a la David Bowie. Twenty-two beer taps means nearly half the beers available are local drafts form breweries like DC Brau, 3 Stars and Port City. The Port City whip sampled boasted a light oak flavor where as the Avery IPA brought a heavier, hoppier fruity flavor much different than the DC Brau cream ale also sampled. And of course the night was not complete without bevies for the winos—three wines will be featured by the glass daily and last night’s included a red Corvina that resonates in the back of your throat and a light, airy white San Pietro Pinot Grigio.

            Roofers Union opening is just the beginning—plans for brunch, happy hour and of course populating the rooftop once the weather breaks are all in the works.

Roofers Union on Urbanspoon

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Category: restaurant reviews, Reviews, Washington D.C.

About the Author ()

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.

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  1. Johnna Knows Good Food Review | Roofers Union | March 19, 2014
  1. Great review Johnna Rowe? Right to the point and full of tasty details. Thx for the Recommendation

  2. It’s really a cool and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you simply
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