Well, this is a surprise. After 10 years, venerable Mt. Pleasant bar and restaurant Tonic (along with Last Exit, the cocktail spot inside) has closed. They posted on Facebook on Monday that they were closed, and it seemed to be a total surprise to folks who worked there, at least according to some former staff I know posting on Facebook. Apparently the location had not been doing well, which jives with what I’ve seen — there didn’t seem to be very big crowds for some time. The other location of Tonic, in Foggy Bottom, will remain open. That one always seems packed.
But the space doesn’t look to be dormant for long: the 42 Bus reports that Goodall’s Organic Bistro, a family-friendly restaurant with a rotating menu of locally-sourced food, will replace it. MtP resident Will Warren is the owner, and he’ll be advised on food by Dave Duffy formerly of Great Sage and Danielle Sharkey from Tabard Inn and Girard’s, and Nick Pimentel from Room 11 will advise on interior design.
Here’s what Tonic had to say on Facebook:
To our wonderful patrons:
After ten great years, Tonic of Mt Pleasant (and Last Exit) has closed.
Thank you for all your support over the years.
Please join us at Tonic at Quigley’s located at 2036 g street NW
And here’s what Goodall’s has to say about their plan, in an email to the 42 Bus:
Goodall’s Bistro will feature a seasonally rotating menu of the freshest foods from locally sourced organic farms, and free range ranches in the Mid-Atlantic region. We will serve dinner seven days a week from 5-10pm, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm, with the option of expanding our services down the line.
Our drink menu will highlight organic spirits as frequently as possible, craft microbrew beers from our region, and a phenomenal wine list recommended by the top Wine Director in the city. While emphasizing a healthy approach to food, we would be remiss if we forgot to include scrumptious desserts in our mix. Despite having a slightly more refined menu, Goodall’s promises to still celebrate the gregarious, family-friendly nature of this wonderful neighborhood.
What do you think? I’m sad to see Tonic go, but I must admit I hadn’t been in years probably. Goodall’s sounds interesting.
