Br Fritz Hahn, from the Washington Post
Washington is becoming saturated with bars that boast about their deep selections of whiskey and craft beer. But Takoda, which opens tonight at 5 p.m. near the corner of Florida Avenue and Eighth Street NW, separates itself from the pack with something special: a rooftop “beer garden” with sweeping 270-degree views of Shaw, U Street and Le Droit Park.
Takoda comes from Ryan Seelbach and Eric Lund, owners of the downtown lounge the Huxley. Seelbach, a resident of LeDroit Park, says he’s always wanted to run a restaurant and bar with “an American whiskey focus. It’s in my blood.” He’s not exaggerating: His family are the Seelbachs who gave their name to Louisville’s famous Seelbach Hotel, which inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and was the birthplace of the classic Seelbach cocktail, which includes bourbon and champagne.
That explains the 35 bourbons, 18 ryes and around a dozen other American whiskeys on Takoda’s menu, which can be paired with 24 American draft beers. Three lines are dedicated to the District’s Atlas, 3 Stars and DC Brau breweries, while there’s also a strong focus on rotating Mid-Atlantic craft beers. Most drafts are around $7; the cheap options are domestic “Basic Beers,” such as PBR and Natty Boh, for $5 a pint.
