The first three adjectives that come to mind when describing 901 Restaurant and Bar? Elegant, chic and modern. The building looks (and is) brand new with its dark red brick. On the inside you have clean lines, dim lighting, and different “sections” named after neighborhoods in DC for the dining area and private dining rooms.

The first point won here came from the hostess, who was very friendly and welcoming in her greeting. Too often I feel like I have to track someone down for attention…not at all the case 901.

The cocktail list is quite creative, or at least the names are. My two favorites are the Pinapple Mojito, which bills itself as “fruity without being Frou-Frou”
(Parrot Bay Pineapple Rum & Pineapple Juice, lime sugar & mint), and Bang, which comes with Belvedere Vodka, Chambord, Champagne & raspberries.


The food at 901 is solid, but I can’t wait to taste it again after it goes through some tweeks– 901 is after all, a new restaurant. The appetizers are definitely meant for sharing (think super size tapas). I recomend going for the Japanese Tuna Tempura which was fresh and tasty. The Duck Quesadillas were good, but really nothing I couldn’t have made myself…still, creativity for choosing duck.
 
LOVE the sides here. You can’t go wrong with the Mac and Cheese Fritter (well, your waistline might think so) or the Wild Mushroom Ragut. Even the French Fries stick out because of the ketchup. Seriously, I’m not sure what they put in the ketchup, but it has a great zing.

For an entree I would choose a sandwhich…hello, it comes with fries and ketchup. The Pan Seared Scallops I had came with an a nice polenta cake, but wasn’t as flavorful as I would have liked or expected – though it is presented beautifully. I was jealous of my dining companion’s Bison Burger.

Still hungry after all that? The desserts looked fantastic. Too bad by that point I couldn’t move.

Verdict: Great new addition to Chinatown’s restaurant options.

901 Restaurant and Bar is located at 901 9th St. NW. The closest metro station is Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Yellow/Red Lines). For more information, call 202-524-4433.

Tricia Barba

Tricia is a native Washingtonian, born and raised in Columbia Heights. She loves DC so much that she was only able to leave the city for one year after college and immediately came running back. Tricia works in PR during the day, and spends her nights trying out new restaurants in DC with friends or watching The Good Wife, Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Tricia recently decided to eat her way though all of Zagat’s 2011 restaurants until she realized she would be old and broke by the time she finished. Follow her on Twitter and email her at Tricia (at) welovedc.com.