Just beyond the bustle of downtown DC’s main corridors, Dirty Habit sits at the epicenter of the Penn Quarter/Chinatown nightlife and culinary core. This urban hot spot contrasts the classic architecture of the original 1841 General Post Office in which it’s set, with an intriguing bar scene that includes an expansive atrium and a private patio encompassing an entire city block.
Three distinct moods can be found to suit the day’s desires — all film noir inspired and accented by enigmatic touches. The alluring dining room conjures an air of mystery, drawing guests to experience globally inspired, seasonal shareable plates. The Atrium Bar serves up inventive craft cocktails while offering an atmospheric counterpart to the dining room’s dark decadence — a light-filled climax of soaring ceilings plus sweeping views of the patio.
Once the fervor reaches its peak, an outdoor courtyard presents a respite of fresh air and intimate fire pits — an urban campfire at which to gather, indulge in communal large-format cocktails, and get acquainted with one of the best bars in DC.
Today, I was visiting for breakfast! Let's skip the architectural details while you enjoy the photo gallery and let me focus on the important part; the food! The menu offers a selection of brunch items ranging from donuts to pancakes to eggs and burgers. They even have breakfast burritos and lobster Poutine.
The donut is really out of this world. Prepared in-house a few hours earlier, what looks like a simple glazed circle is in fact the moistest and most soft you could ever image eating. A thin sugar glazing embraces a fluffy dough infused in lemon. It's a kind of upmarket donut. Two rings with three munchkin balls enjoyable to the very last bite while coffee is served.
The staff are very well trained, welcoming, smiley, gentle and helpful. A professional host welcomed me, showed me to the best table and helped me take more photos of the place. A waitress approached for the order explaining and helping with every choice.
While waiting for the orders I couldn't help but notice the fine architectural details. Black and white, metal and indirect lighting. A ceiling made of glass and metal sheets creates beautiful shadows. Chandeliers, intimate spaces, glass lamps, long bars and high tables. This place feels good!
Oh my goodness the food is so finger licking good! Outrageously good! The lobster Poutine is to die for, lobster with shrimp on a bed of baked potato cubes and a load of melted cheese. It's really out of this world! The steak and eggs are out this world, unique quality meat, soft chunks of potato, poached egg and ketchup on the side. Very tender meat with a charcoal flavor, a poached egg few know how to achieve, potatoes with crunch on the side... wait!: try the lobster Poutine, potatoes and cheese with the steak. My sensations were exploding with joy! The pancakes are adequate, very soft and fluffy but a tiny bit undercooked. They're good but I wouldn't come here for them over the awesome meat and fish plates sold here.
Put "Dirty Habits" on your Top 10 list when visiting Washington DC. Great food and professional service are found here.
