Tucked away on the corner of 11th and Lamont Street is Room 11. Room 11 is a quaint corner restaurant and bar. Typically Room 11’s style has been more casual. However, since the beginning of COVID, they have successfully diversified their offerings while maintaining strict safety protocols for customer and staff.
Room 11 has an incredible selection to choose from for meals and happy hours. Curated by their current visiting chef, Chef Maggie Margolis, every drink and menu option synchronizes together to create the perfect summer dining experience.
Chef Maggie’s vision for the current menu is the perfect night out with friends and loved ones. To her, August is the best season, with corn, peaches, tomatoes all in season.
Originally from New Jersey, Chef Maggie initially planned to become a teacher before realizing her talents were far better suited to the kitchen than the classroom. Before coming to DC, she trained under Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. While she is thankful for her time in the intense restaurant scene, she quickly realized that New York would not be her forever home.
About three years ago, Chef Maggie headed to DC with dreams of someday opening her own restaurant. She envisions lots of small bites, delicious cheeses, handcrafted beverages, and something you can create a big meal out of. COVID has put a hold on her dreams, but she is excited to be back in the kitchen at Room 11.
If you’re wondering what the future might hold for Room 11’s menu as we begin to transition into the fall season, we can give you a hint: delicious root vegetables and creamy cheeses. Chef Maggie likes her menus to focus on what is in season.
As Chef Maggie mentioned herself, Room 11 is an inviting neighborhood bar with lots to offer. Their menu and drinks are absolutely worth the trip.
I recently visited Room 11 with a friend. We had a fantastic night filled with creative cocktails, and refreshing and delectable food. The charcuterie board featured three select kinds of cheese, three meats, pickled cherries, and pickles. It was scrumptious.
Chef Maggie then introduced us to the Devil in Mexico, a tequila drink, and her mouth-watering summery take on neck clams.
Lastly, we finished our meals with her two different takes on ricotta cheese. I had the Ricotta Gnocchi while my friend had the House Made Ricotta. After stealing a few bites from my friend’s plate, I can safely say Chef Maggie was a genius with both.
Since opening up the patio a few months back, the staff and management at Room 11 have worked hard to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and is well protected. The waitstaff wear their masks at all times and ask that all customers wear theirs when not eating or drinking. Hand sanitizer and bug spray are placed on every table to ensure comfort and clean hands. Tables are set with great distances between guests as well.
If you are not in the mood for a sit-down meal, make sure to check out their pop-up, Cafe Aardvark. Cafe Aardvark offers a variety of food and drink, including a classic Grilled Cheese, coffee from Alchemist Coffee and Southeastern Roasters, and ice cream from Ruby Scoops.
