Hawk ‘n’ Dove: The Go-to Bar
By CouncilMag.com
Located less than a mile from the Capitol, Hawk ‘n’ Dove is the reliable bar for “non-polarized political satire,” as James Abbott, marketing and beverage director of Hill Restaurant Group, described it in an email interview.
“For more than half a century, Hawk has been the common ground, where both sides of the political system have come together and discussed issues that shape our society today,” said Abbott of the pub on Pennsylvania Avenue in Southeast D.C. “At the end, they come together over laughter and drink (and very good food).”
The upstairs bar at Hawk ‘n’ Dove.
Originally opened in 1967, Hawk ‘n’ Dove has gone through its share of owners, challenges and changes, including a bankruptcy filing in 2017, according to the Wall Street Journal. It is currently owned by Hill Restaurant Group, which has six other restaurants in its portfolio.
The crab cake sandwich is served with root vegetable slaw and lemon caper aioli.
The menu includes traditional pub fare, such as wings, steak frites and a crab sandwich. It also has some items you might not expect, such as sautéed shrimp Alfredo, grilled Atlantic salmon and Portobello mushroom salad.
Grilled Atlantic salmon with mushroom risotto, wilted arugula and balsamic glaze.
“The cuisine at Hawk is not that of a dive bar. It’s new Americana, which flairs traditional American favorites with an international twist,” Abbott said. “From our wontons to our salmon platter (where the salmon fillet is laid on a bed of creamy risotto), every dish has a twist.”
The original 1967 Hawk ‘n’ Dove sign hangs inside the Southeast D.C. bar.
While Hawk ‘n’ Dove might be the spot for Hill staffers during the week – with happy hour starting at 4 p.m. – it is open for brunch on the weekend for neighborhood patrons.
The restaurant aims to stay true to its origins.
“We actually kept the original sign. It keeps old timers and their relatives coming back for pictures,” Abbott said.
“Hawk will always be the common ground where the political world comes together in a casual atmosphere over good food, great drinks and great company. It will always remain the quintessential D.C. dive-bar - now improved and glorified.”
Hawk ‘n’ Dove
329 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.