THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED U Street Lounge

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED U Street Lounge Restaurant Review:

This happening addition to the Marina is one of the coolest hangouts in town. Accents of red and black complement the softly lit amber walls, and comfy banquettes make it easy to settle in. In the back room, live DJs spin in a cozy lounge replete with sliding roof that opens when the dancing gets too steamy. Chef Michael Schley, formerly of the PlumpJack Café and The French Laundry, takes lounge food to a new level with a smart, inventive menu. For starters, he playfully pays homage to ex-boss Thomas Keller with house-made Kennebec potato chips served with earthy crème fraîche-truffle dip. While tartares are becoming somewhat common, the petit tuna tartare cones here are unique both in presentation and in taste. Grilled Snake River Farms American-raised Kobe beef bivet is beautifully marbled, tender flat steak accompanied by Schley's stellar pommes frites, perfect for soaking up the rich juices. But the fried spring chicken, a clever and tasty take on the small plates craze, is destined to become Schley's signature dish---half a poisson fried Southern-style, it is delightfully small but not small on flavor. For weekend brunch, don't miss the bananas Foster french toast, steak and eggs Benedict or the BLT topped with cheese and a fried egg.