argonaut 2.0: friends ~ family ~ flagship ~ phoenix
The grandfather among the hip eateries of the up-and-coming Atlas District, The Argonaut is H Street’s true neighborhood gathering spot. Devastated by a fire in the spring of 2010, they reopened better than ever in January 2011.
Boasting two neighborhood honors (a 2010 Hilly Award from the neighborhood for “Best Bar/Tavern” and a 2010 “Bricky Award” from Ward 6 CouncilMember Tommy Wells for making the community more “livable and walkable”), The Argonaut is all about community. Home to an eclectic mix of neighborhood folk both as patrons and staff, the Argo has created an atmosphere that is an “easy fit for…friends, families, and foodies alike” (Hill Rag, 12/08).
If the friendly vibe doesn’t win you over, the kitchen’s coastally-inspired fare is sure to. Their famous Fish Tacos are always a hit, or you could try their daily “Steamer Specials” (featuring fresh steamed shellfish, red potatoes, corn and melted butter). Seafood not your thing? The Argo Burger is extremely popular, as well as their vegetarian Mushroom & Spinach Wrap. And don’t forget about the Sweet Potato Fries or the Onion Rings drizzled with honey.
The antique draught towers on both bars tempt patrons with 12 handcrafted beers from all over the country. The extensive bottled beer list is a good choice, too, as well as a long list of wines, rums, and specialty house drinks.
With a nod to the old English-style tavern and a hat tip to all things nautical, this rustic charm appeals to any adventurer. Contrast that with the open-style kitchen and new entertainment technology and the Argo truly has something for everyone. (But don’t worry, despite all the televisions, you probably won’t be watching them…you’ll be discussing anything and everything with your new neighbors or old friends.)
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The Argonaut has come a long way since we opened in 2005 as a dive bar. We were the first of the “new wave” of places to open on H Street and we pride ourselves on our committment to serving our neighborhood.
As many of you know, we’ve come to embrace the idea that “insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.” When we started floundering as a dive bar, we became a restaurant. When certain food doesn’t sell, we change it. When our staff members are no longer a good fit, we part ways. Change is inevitable, and we’ve chosen to embrace it. We’re very lucky to be able to have enough room, flexibility, and freedom to make changes in the first place.
While we won’t call the fire a “blessing in disguise” (because it was really painful and has taken a big toll on us) we will say that it caused many-a silver-lining. We’ve made changes we never could have afforded to make before, and we’ve been shown how much we’re a part of our community. We couldn’t have done it without you.
As we wrote in the Hill Rag:
we would like to thank you
(this amazing and wonderful community)
from the bottoms of our hearts.
although it feels more like from the tops of our heads
to the bottoms of our feet.
we are indebted to you, and we will never forget it.
scott, shaaren, ara
and the entire argonaut crew
past, present, future
