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Awakening

4.7 (52 reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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Business Info

AWAKENING ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Moderate noise
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Awakening

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Reviews With Photos

Crab Rolls
Christina M.

We ran into Aaron, the owner, while we were out searching for food after our flight got in late. He told us about their Saturday brunch with live jazz, and we were immediately sold. Unfortunately, a water main break forced them to close that day, so we never got the chance to check it out. Fast forward to our last night in DC and we decided we couldn't leave without giving the place a try, so we stopped in for dinner. So glad we did! The staff was friendly, the music was great, and the food did not disappoint. If we ever find ourselves back in DC, we're definitely coming back. Hopefully next time we'll finally get that brunch and jazz!

Rib eye Sirloin Hash
Vonta J.

Today was Sunday funday and I started with brunch here! The food was flavorful, and the absolute highlight for me was the chimichurri sauce. On top of that, the brunch menu is very fairly priced for the excellent quality and portions you receive. What truly made my experience memorable was the service. The server Taylor went above and beyond to ensure my entire group was satisfied. She was attentive, welcoming, and kept the drinks flowing smoothly despite the busy brunch rush.

Ashleigh T.

I returned for happy hour on a Wednesday a little after 5. They have specials on wings, fries cocktails, and wine. We went with a full order of wings and a glass of wine and a cocktail! The wings were fresh (but needed some seasoning), they call them limbo wings but you only get two small containers of sauce on the side. The fires we great and I my wine ... well it was just wine. They play great music (it's a little loud). I would return again for happy hour in the early end.

Black & Blue Bites
Alaura E.

Food is amazing and its the perfect local spot to watch games and meet other people in the city. It one of my go-tos on the weekend. The Steak and Blue sliders, soup, wings, whatever you order- you will like it. The chefs are definitely throwing down in there. The bartenders are so nice and friendly. Its always a good time with good people.

Dona P.

I was skeptical when we walked in as it very much feels like a locals bar and not necessarily somewhere with a serious kitchen but I was wrong !! Taylor at the bar made us feel like a regular and welcome right off the bat- their Bloody Mary mix that's premade is surprisingly good and she kept us supplied with olives. The ribeye steak and eggs was Excellent and cooked perfectly!! I hope they do well- give them a shot Capitol Hill.

John K.

This is a really comfortable and entertaining establishment. The food and presentation is very nice, while keeping a relaxed and casual vibe. Sitting at the bar, the staff is engaging without being intrusive. The food is fancy comfort food, southern classics dressed up with some creative experimentation. I had the fried green tomatoes and wings off the small bites menu. Both were crispy, fried without residual grease, and complimented well with pickled vegetables for a tart offset. Nice place for a quick stop or a longer stay, this is a fitting addition to the neighborhood.

Loaded BLT wow
A'Yanna E.

Service was good. The BLT was the most loaded I've ever seen but the bread wasn't as listed on the menu so I was annoyed by that. A sloppy plain burger bun for a BLT is not a win. The use of candied bacon is what caught my attention as I love sweet & savory. Smart idea! I think my meal was too pricey though. And I would've preferred a substitute instead of potatoes as a side. They were out of the dessert I came excited to try as well. Such a bummer on 2 accounts. Go, but they've got work to do.

Shrimp Linguine
Kent D.

The Awakening needed to "wake up." First and foremost, the food here is really good. The crab cake sandwich, the crab egg rolls, and the shrimp linguine was really well executed. Also, the drinks were excellent and love the nod to DC culture with the drink names. Unfortunately, that is where my praise ends :( The service was really slow and bad. Now this was the day before Valentine's Day, so I'll give them a slight past, but the restaurant was ill-prepared for the volume of people. There was no host, and not enough servers working. I'm not going to kill this place, but I want to come back on a regular day and see if they improved on the basics.

Strawberry field salad
Melissa G.

I had the opportunity to check out this new black owned spot twice this week in Barracks Row. The first time was Tuesday after the storm and it was slow as expected. I ordered off their restaurant week menu and everything was fresh and amazing! I got the spicy shrimp dip, strawberry field salad and a seafood dish and some drinks. They have happy hour with food and bar bites from 3-7. Last night I ordered food and drink from their regular menu. I opted for the crab soup and beef sliders. The place was packed so I'm glad I had reserved a table in advance. Due to the volume of customers, the food and drinks were delayed quite a while but the staff and customer service is amazing! They greet everyone at the door and the staff and owner made up for the delayed service. The music selection is on point and the sound system in the bathroom feels like a club lol! I have to come back for brunch and to hear the live saxophonist. This is a promising new black owned businesses that I'm excited about. So be patient as they work through the kinks.

Kim J.

This spot is a vibe. Like a neighborhood bar where they recognize you and treat everyone like family vibe. Have I been here 3 times in the past week? Possibly. But it's so worth it. The food is good and the service is friendly. I first came here on a Saturday. They were packed. There was a saxophone player and everyone was chill. I had a reservation but it took a minute to get a table. While they were busy, we still received very personable service. Sean provides great service and is hilarious. The food is amazing here. I haven't had a bad dish. And the driiiinks. OMG! Herb is an amazing bartender. I'm addicted to the Botanical Garden drink. He mixes his own syrups and this drink is amazing. On my last visit I got to meet Chef P. She's a beast in the kitchen. I tried a cream of celery buffalo chicken soup that was amazing. I don't know how she thought to put all that together but it works. And I love that everything is made from scratch.

Bar menu
Genesis C.

I have to give this place 5 stars! & top it off this place is black owned so that makes it even better for me in my opinion. My family and I went here for brunch and it was Amazing! The prices were great as well in my opinion, the highlight of our Sunday was the bottomless mimosas! It wasn't refilling a pitcher, we had champagne bottles and I haven't seen that in a while. The staff was Amazing and it was only 2 people working the floor but they worked together very well. The kitchen did great too and everything was simply tasty, my favorite dish was the crab egg rolls and also the chicken was extra crispy without even asking! I will be back as soon as I can for brunch again and we conveniently found parking so it was meant to be. I like the open ceiling as well, it gave a nice touch to the place. 10/10 would recommend. I also had the shrimp and grits and I do not like grits but that was the best shrimp and grits I've had!

Lemon drop & Botanical Garden
Kriss D.

LOVE. The vibes. The food. The service. All top tier, almost don't want to post to leave it all for me! The food is great. Atmosphere is nice and it's always busy but worth it! Be nice to the servers/barstaff!!!!

Shaun-Erin C.

Loving this place! Great vibes & friendly service. The crowd was great and made a stranger in town feel welcome. Guinness on draft, the best lemon drop shot I ever had, and wings to die for. I'll definitely be back in for dinner next time. New owners really cleaned up the old oyster house and turned it into a gem. ---UPDATE--- I came back for dinner to watch the game. Playoffs tonight! I was starving when I got here and man this place delivered. The burger was great & the evening crowd was just as cool as the happy hour crowd. This is my new spot now when I'm in town.

Chicken and waffles, blackened salmon, rasta pasta, and lamb chops.

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5 months ago

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10 months ago

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11 months ago

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7 months ago

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11 months ago

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7 months ago

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10 months ago

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9 months ago

Very nice atmosphere, and excellent food! Service was very polite and welcoming. Would come again when in Capitol Hill area.

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9 months ago

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11 months ago

Food is excellent. Upscale southern food. Staff and owner incredibly friendly. Great ambiance. Can't go wrong here.

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11 months ago

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10 months ago

What a delicious taste to the neighborhood. Everything was great music and more check them out.

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Ask the Community - Awakening

Is there parking or valet available?

No valet, but tons of street parking. Both paid and unpaid!

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