I was at Napa last night, and had a most delish smoked trout salad, and pork chop with blue cheese mashed potatoes. One of the best meals that I've ever had. I found the prices are very reasonable. I do suggest asking about the specials.
Anon 11:52, c'mon now. Best you've ever had. What is it with all these Napa posters claiming something there is the best they've had. So what, now we can rank Napa right up there with French Laundry, Charlie Trotters and Inn at Little Washington as far as culinary creations ? It's good food, but geeezz, give the readers a break. Sorry for reacting this way, but these over the top critics make one think there's insiders (family, staff, friends) leaving these messages. If it was that good, they'd at least be doing more business than they are.
I agree with M&G.... they need to post more info on a brunch.
Just saying 'we have a brunch' and not listing prices or what's including isn't much help.
And they also need to list an actual menu on the website.
I have zero sympathy for any H Street restaurant owner who goes out of business if they won't take the basic step of posting a complete website with a menu, prominently displayed hours of operation, etc.
C'mon, NAPA. It's only basic courtesy to your patrons.
I have been to NAPA once and found it mediocre and incredibly overpriced ($20+ for a "mushroom" pasta dish with bland tomatoes, a few slivers of mushrooms and heavy on scallions. Much better values exist in all price ranges in the neighborhood. Probably won't go there again.
Anon 4:31, I had the same experience back when I first went. I felt my pasta dish was overpriced and underwhelming. But since then we've returned for the "lighter fare" menu and enjoyed it, the happy hour tapas + drink, which I think is a really good deal and a fun time, and recently for the wine tasting. The folks there are very friendly and welcoming as well. My wife even says that when she tried one of the pasta dishes for a second time recently it had improved. My feeling is that Napa is responsive to the feedback they get. They're definitely worth a second chance for anyone who wrote them off early on.
"If it was that good, they'd at least be doing more business than they are."
"I have zero sympathy for any H Street restaurant owner who goes out of business if they won't take the basic step of posting a complete website with a menu, prominently displayed hours of operation, etc."
"Probably won't go there again."
damn, you people are ruthless!!! only a few comments and look at all the negativity about a place that, all in all, is pretty damn good and is really nice. even when another poster has something positive to say, you people go on the attack. and it's the same thing over and over on this blog. anytime inked posts something about a h street restaurant, here come the grinch brigades. you'd think the place was a total dump with shite food. amazing!!
even the most successful restaurants on h street (gm, argonaut, etc.) get slammed regularly on this "friendly" neighborhood blog. what's up with that?
if i never checked these places out for myself, i would have NEVER gone based on all the negative comments i see. good thing i'm more adventuresome than most or i'd be missing out on some really cool h street spots. i hope others out there take the time to try these places out for themselves (and not just one time since anyone can have an off night, even french laundry) instead of relying on the word of all the negative ft blog posters.
and, no, i am not an h street restaurant owner, nor am i a friend, family member or paid lobbyist of any h street restaurant owner.
I think it may be because sometimes they hire a substitute chef who happens to the big lady from I street. She is not as good a cook as their original chef.
I'm with That's What She Said. Please note the negative comments are from anonymous cowards. If you have something nasty to say, at least have the guts to post a name.
I found Napa a pleasant place and plan to continue visiting. They're responsive to neighborhood requests.
So listen to mr. or ms. anonymous and refuse to patronize H Street establishments and see the whole effort go down the friggin' drain. Anonymous never has anything constructive to say.
It amazes me that people continue to complain about the quality and price at Napa. In case those folks are sleeping, most of your other choices in the neighborhood involve styrofoam and take-out.
For the good of the neighborhood, give this place a chance. If you don't like something, be constructive. The management seems to be incredibly responsive.
If you're not willing to pay $20 for a meal, I suspect there is a Denny's nearby where you can hit the buffet.
The negative comments seem split between Napa 1015 not being "high end" enough (anon 1pm) and it not being enough "value" - i.e. cheap enough (anon 4pm).
This tells me that they've nailed the market just right. This neighborhood isn't the Penn Quarter or Georgetown - so you're not going to get the $30-60 entree crowd. They simply aren't going to come out to Northeast yet.
The fact that a plethora of other "value" eateries exist means they're filling a market niche that no one else filled. This is good business strategy and I'm happy to have Napa 1015 here.
/Not affiliated with Napa. /Live in the neighborhood. /Haven't been but planning on going.
And I'm not knocking the quality of the food. I'm just wondering why no website.
To me, a restaurant that won't post an online menu and hours is either lazy or 'too cool'. Either way, it's not a place I'll seek out, and I certainly can't recommend it to my friends, as they aren't going to go someplace with a mystery menu and mystery hours.
They may be the second coming of Christ. But as long as they don't bother to put any info out there, many people will never know.
In the interest of full disclosure, let me start by saying that I have not yet been to Napa1015 or tasted their food.
And in the interest of further disclosure, there is a singular reason for that: the price.
'Hatin the haters' and 'just right' make good arguments, but they do themselves a disservice by misrepresenting the price point of the food at Napa.
'Haters' says that you should try Denny's or a buffet if you're not willing to spend $20 for a meal. Unfortunately, even if you are willing to spend $20, you have only one entree (the roast chicken) choice. Even the fixed price pre-theater menu is $30 per person (though at three courses, that's perfectly fair).
'Just right' says that the neighborhood isn't attractive to the '$30-$60 entree crowd.' Although most of the entrees come in under that mark (they're almost all in the $22-$29 range), Napa 1015 charges $8 for a house salad and $6.50 for French onion soup. With appetizers this pricey, any attempt to make a meal of more than just an entree outside the pre-theater options is going to run $35-$40 before beverages, tax and tip.
All told, a basic dinner for two - assuming a shared appetizer, two entrees, a shared dessert, and a glass of wine each - is going to cost roughly $120 when all is said and done.
I'm not going to say this is inappropriate. And I'm not going to say the food isn't worth it (again, I haven't tasted it yet so I don't know).
What I will say, however, is that there are quite a few options in Washington for a couple willing to spend $120 on dinner.
And for comparison's sake, check out the prices on these similar dishes at Central, Michel Richard's new restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue:
Central: Steak au Poivre - $25 Goat cheese caesar salad - $10 Mixed green salad - $6 Onion soup - $8 Hamburger - $16 ($17 with cheese) Chicken from the rotisserie - $20 Mussels - $18 as an entree Grilled hanger steak - $26 Sauteed scallops with tagliatelle pasta - $23
Napa: Filet of beef w/ shiitake & port - $32.95 Caesar salad - $9.95 House salad - $7.95 Onion soup - $6.50 Beef tenderloin jalapeno burger w/ cheddar - $14.99 Rosemary chicken with pommery sauce - $16.95 Mussels - $12 as an appetizer Grilled ribeye - $23.95 Gulf shrimp linguine - $24.95
Are they identical? No. Are they similar enough to suggest that Napa is offering their food at prices comparable to those at a restaurant that would certainly qualify as a higher-end establishment run by a celebrity chef? Yes.
In a nutshell, that's why I haven't tried Napa yet. It's not that the prices are unreasonable or more than I'm willing to pay for a meal. But if I can get dinner at Central (or a similarly established venue) for the same price, I'm almost always going to put off trying Napa.
I'm eagerly awaiting the brunch menu - that may be the incentive I need to give Napa a chance.
I went to NAPA the second night it was open, and had a similar reaction to most. I liked the meal, and was happy for the addition to the neighborhood, but at those prices and given the food was good but not great, didn't know when i would be back.
I went on Friday to try the tapas happy hour, and I have to urge people that tried it in the beginning and wrote it off to try it again. The food was incredible, much improved from last time we went. We ended up not being able to resist and also ordering a full dinner and dessert after the tapas, and all of it was fantastic. It really ranks up there with any other meal I've had in DC, and our whole party would agree.
Add on top of that a really nice atmosphere, friendly wait staff and owner, a great new bartender, free wine tastings on wednesdays, and the place has a lot to offer.
I'm not affiliated with the place in any way, but my whole party had a great experience and if you went early and were underwhelmed, try it again, they've really improved, at least in our book. Both by taking community comments and implementing them, and the food was so much better this time around (and a HUGE steak cooked very well).
Napa 1015 I'd like to let everyone know that our website is being designed and will be up and running soon! In response to anonymous, I will never compare ourselves to The French laundry, The inn at little Washington or Charlie Trotters. We have been open for a little over two months and we are making changes to appeal to everyone in the neighborhoo. Anyone in the restaurant industry knows how difficult it is the first few months and we are confident that we will soon get there. I hope that you give any new restaurant or business coming to H street a chance to evolve. We certainly don't have a celebrity chef,but be assured that we will strive to do our best and hope that one day be one of the many wonderful things that will make H street a special place.
This is a partial Sunday Brunch Menu.
*Mexican frittata. Tortillas, egg & cheese topped with fresh salsa and sour cream.$12.00 *Eggs benedict, sereved with hashbrowns *French toast with sauteed apples and caramel sauce $12.95 *Quiche Dujour, served with salad $14.50 *Crab cake sandwich, served with potato wedges $14.00 *House cured salmon, served with capers, egg, creme fraiche and bread $13.00 *Grilled portabella and provolone sandwich with a tomato chutney, served with potato wedges $12.99 *Build your omelete, served with potatoes and toast. $13.00.
Please keep in mind that this is only a small portion of what we will be offering for brunch. Cheers! Jorge
Thanks for the menu--we're looking forward to the brunch offerings! My husband and I went to Napa for Valentine's Day and really enjoyed it. We'll see you again soon!
And no, I am not affiliated with Napa in any way. I'm just a resident who's excited that we have a variety of options for dining these days.
Thanks for taking the time to post that list, Jorge! Definitely gives a good idea of what we're looking at.
I do wonder if H Street is ready for a $13 omelet, though. These prices are still on the high side of what's out there, and that's been my issue since the beginning.
Is that because of overhead or some other extraordinary expenses associated with this particular location? It just seems a bit out of line with what's being offered around it (even down on Barracks Row, Belga Cafe has a decent number of menu items for less than $10 at brunch).
I'm not looking for budget menus, by any stretch of the imagination - just want to make sure Poo Poo and the others who dismiss those of us who complain as 'haters' - but I'm still trying to get to the point where I feel like this is a place to spend $50 on brunch for two.
It isn't about paying $13 for an omlette, it's about supporting the community and the development of H St.
Do I need to buy coffee at Sidamo? No, but I choose to pay $3 more per pound to ensure they stay in business.
Do I need a weekly arrangement from Nouveau Flour? No, but buying one will keep them around and avoid yet another vacant storefront.
Do I really want moules and frittes from GM or a burger at the Argo once a week? Probably not, but they are changing the street by being there.
It's about supporting small business in a community where some folks are brave enough to stick out their necks. Many of us have made investments for our families by buying homes near H St, I can't see why paying a few dollars more to change the business landscape is such a stretch.
So continue to go to Central if you don't like the prices, but you'll always be taking a cab to get a decent meal. Support Napa and I'm willing to bet other quality restaurants will follow into the corridor and one day you'll enjoy a safe walk down the street at night.
So those that complain about a $13 omlette can have their $7.99 Grand Slam breakfast. I'll be spending $5 more to support these new businesses.
Hatin - I really do appreciate your point, and I'm happy to shop at establishments on H Street...I want the neighborhood to thrive as much as the next person.
But you seem to suggest that it's my responsibility to pay whatever neighborhood businesses see fit to charge, as though the mere fact that they chose to locate on H Street makes them immune to the laws of supply and demand.
I go to Granville Moore's because I consider their prices to be in line with what they're offering - the cost of a Belgian beer is easy to compare from one establishment to the next.
I get coffee at Sidamo and SOVA because the combination of atmosphere and location makes them a great value. When I can walk to them on a weekend morning and enjoy a cup of coffee that is similarly priced to those at other coffeehouses around the city, that just makes sense.
I have a membership at WillPower because it is competitively priced and located just a few blocks from my home. There may be some amenities that it lacks relative to Results and Virginia Sport and Health, but for the price it's a great deal.
But I would probably find plenty of reasons to stop going to each if they were to suddenly start charging prices that are out of line with what they offer relative to their competitors throughout the city.
If someone were to explain to me why Napa's food costs as much as Central's, I'd be more inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt, instead of assuming that they charge Central prices because they feel that's what they deserve.
I'm not going to spend $13 on an omelet OR $7.99 on a Grand Slam at Denny's when I can get an omelet with vegetables, fresh herbs and cheese at Belga Cafe for $9.95. Does that make me a traitor to the neighborhood?
For the record, you don't need to take a taxi to Penn Quarter - the X2 will drop you four blocks from Central, and the Red Line can get you even closer. And I'm already comfortable walking from my home near Murry's to the Argonaut on any given night.
I applaud every business that opens along the route, and I am happy to support them - but don't ask me to subsidize them just because they're the first ones on the block. That's not helping anyone other than the landlords who see the prices and start jacking up the rents on their own already overvalued properties.
$14.50 for quiche and salad is absurd! NAPA really needs to take a good hard look at thier prices. I am all for supporting a local business - but they're not the girlscouts for heaven's sake.
I ate at NAPA 1015 a few weeks ago for dinner. Not only did I feel like I was getting ripped off - but the meal was awful.
This place has truly been a disappointment. As a neighbor who had such high hopes, I truly felt dispair.
As I have been used to - a good eatery starts with lower prices to attract clientel and then makes it more expensive as time goes on. I think the approach NAPA is taking is not working since I see the place is pretty empty each night as I come home.
It looks like Napa is responsive to the comments posted here--the website now has a partial menu posted and the brunch prices are about a dollar or two cheaper than what was posted here earlier. I do appreciate their willingness to meet the desires of the community as evidenced by menu updates as well as the addition of happy hour and then the extension of the happy hour hours.
I agree with Moxie. They have been very responsive--from extending happy hour, to lowering prices, to having a pretheater menu. I hope people notice it and give them a shot.
My wife and I went again recently and were thrilled by the wine tasting, tapas and quality of the entrees. We were also very happy to hear about some of their future plans.
Apparently, they're planning to add a lounge/wine bar on the second floor and a roof deck. Both are nearly ready and should be open soon.
Also, they're revamping the menu for spring, including a close review of their prices in response to concerns from the neighborhood.
well well there is a lot of people that demands a restaurant that gives the people 5 star attention but they are not willing to pay more than 5 dollars per meal there is a name to all those people CHEAP, there is a razon why napa has those prices is not for the guy that takes his girlfriend or wife to eat burgers and drink beer every time they go out you said that the price is not the problem but you are not paying more than 50 or 60 dollars for a dinner for 2 napa or any other restaurant in h st does not need to be in georgetown to have the prices that they have so if you are taking to your friends or family to a place diferent than the burger place napa is a good choice stop complainig and support napa im not a family or friend and this guy i think hi is family or friend from one of the other places because u just complain about napa grow up stop seating in frot of your computer look for a second job so you cant aford a relly good meal once in a while GOOD THINGS ARE NOT CHEAP MY FRIEND and to this mike guy why napa is or has the prices similar to central u tell me why not after all u live in this neighborhood u decided to live in h st ne instead georgetown or close to central right please u dont need to be family or a friend to post any coments even you can post anything go napa don t listen to any of these fools i know my girfriend loved an it is nice to take your significant other to these kind of places once in a while michael sorry my writing im so amazed about these girl guys coments
26 comments:
Any idea what their menu will be like for brunch? I couldn't find it on their site.
I was at Napa last night, and had a most delish smoked trout salad, and pork chop with blue cheese mashed potatoes. One of the best meals that I've ever had. I found the prices are very reasonable. I do suggest asking about the specials.
" One of the best meals that I've ever had "
Anon 11:52, c'mon now. Best you've ever had. What is it with all these Napa posters claiming something there is the best they've had. So what, now we can rank Napa right up there with French Laundry, Charlie Trotters and Inn at Little Washington as far as culinary creations ? It's good food, but geeezz, give the readers a break. Sorry for reacting this way, but these over the top critics make one think there's insiders (family, staff, friends) leaving these messages. If it was that good, they'd at least be doing more business than they are.
Geez Anon 13:01, why don't you tell us all Santa doesn't exist, too.
I agree with M&G.... they need to post more info on a brunch.
Just saying 'we have a brunch' and not listing prices or what's including isn't much help.
And they also need to list an actual menu on the website.
I have zero sympathy for any H Street restaurant owner who goes out of business if they won't take the basic step of posting a complete website with a menu, prominently displayed hours of operation, etc.
C'mon, NAPA. It's only basic courtesy to your patrons.
I have been to NAPA once and found it mediocre and incredibly overpriced ($20+ for a "mushroom" pasta dish with bland tomatoes, a few slivers of mushrooms and heavy on scallions. Much better values exist in all price ranges in the neighborhood. Probably won't go there again.
I think Napa is quite good myself, and look forward to trying their brunch menu.
Anon 4:31, I had the same experience back when I first went. I felt my pasta dish was overpriced and underwhelming.
But since then we've returned for the "lighter fare" menu and enjoyed it, the happy hour tapas + drink, which I think is a really good deal and a fun time, and recently for the wine tasting. The folks there are very friendly and welcoming as well.
My wife even says that when she tried one of the pasta dishes for a second time recently it had improved.
My feeling is that Napa is responsive to the feedback they get. They're definitely worth a second chance for anyone who wrote them off early on.
"If it was that good, they'd at least be doing more business than they are."
"I have zero sympathy for any H Street restaurant owner who goes out of business if they won't take the basic step of posting a complete website with a menu, prominently displayed hours of operation, etc."
"Probably won't go there again."
damn, you people are ruthless!!! only a few comments and look at all the negativity about a place that, all in all, is pretty damn good and is really nice. even when another poster has something positive to say, you people go on the attack. and it's the same thing over and over on this blog. anytime inked posts something about a h street restaurant, here come the grinch brigades. you'd think the place was a total dump with shite food. amazing!!
even the most successful restaurants on h street (gm, argonaut, etc.) get slammed regularly on this "friendly" neighborhood blog. what's up with that?
if i never checked these places out for myself, i would have NEVER gone based on all the negative comments i see. good thing i'm more adventuresome than most or i'd be missing out on some really cool h street spots. i hope others out there take the time to try these places out for themselves (and not just one time since anyone can have an off night, even french laundry) instead of relying on the word of all the negative ft blog posters.
and, no, i am not an h street restaurant owner, nor am i a friend, family member or paid lobbyist of any h street restaurant owner.
I think it may be because sometimes they hire a substitute chef who happens to the big lady from I street. She is not as good a cook as their original chef.
I'm with That's What She Said. Please note the negative comments are from anonymous cowards. If you have something nasty to say, at least have the guts to post a name.
I found Napa a pleasant place and plan to continue visiting. They're responsive to neighborhood requests.
So listen to mr. or ms. anonymous and refuse to patronize H Street establishments and see the whole effort go down the friggin' drain.
Anonymous never has anything constructive to say.
It amazes me that people continue to complain about the quality and price at Napa. In case those folks are sleeping, most of your other choices in the neighborhood involve styrofoam and take-out.
For the good of the neighborhood, give this place a chance. If you don't like something, be constructive. The management seems to be incredibly responsive.
If you're not willing to pay $20 for a meal, I suspect there is a Denny's nearby where you can hit the buffet.
The negative comments seem split between Napa 1015 not being "high end" enough (anon 1pm) and it not being enough "value" - i.e. cheap enough (anon 4pm).
This tells me that they've nailed the market just right. This neighborhood isn't the Penn Quarter or Georgetown - so you're not going to get the $30-60 entree crowd. They simply aren't going to come out to Northeast yet.
The fact that a plethora of other "value" eateries exist means they're filling a market niche that no one else filled. This is good business strategy and I'm happy to have Napa 1015 here.
/Not affiliated with Napa.
/Live in the neighborhood.
/Haven't been but planning on going.
That's what she said:
Um, I signed my 'negative post'.
And I'm not knocking the quality of the food. I'm just wondering why no website.
To me, a restaurant that won't post an online menu and hours is either lazy or 'too cool'. Either way, it's not a place I'll seek out, and I certainly can't recommend it to my friends, as they aren't going to go someplace with a mystery menu and mystery hours.
They may be the second coming of Christ. But as long as they don't bother to put any info out there, many people will never know.
In the interest of full disclosure, let me start by saying that I have not yet been to Napa1015 or tasted their food.
And in the interest of further disclosure, there is a singular reason for that: the price.
'Hatin the haters' and 'just right' make good arguments, but they do themselves a disservice by misrepresenting the price point of the food at Napa.
'Haters' says that you should try Denny's or a buffet if you're not willing to spend $20 for a meal. Unfortunately, even if you are willing to spend $20, you have only one entree (the roast chicken) choice. Even the fixed price pre-theater menu is $30 per person (though at three courses, that's perfectly fair).
'Just right' says that the neighborhood isn't attractive to the '$30-$60 entree crowd.' Although most of the entrees come in under that mark (they're almost all in the $22-$29 range), Napa 1015 charges $8 for a house salad and $6.50 for French onion soup. With appetizers this pricey, any attempt to make a meal of more than just an entree outside the pre-theater options is going to run $35-$40 before beverages, tax and tip.
All told, a basic dinner for two - assuming a shared appetizer, two entrees, a shared dessert, and a glass of wine each - is going to cost roughly $120 when all is said and done.
I'm not going to say this is inappropriate. And I'm not going to say the food isn't worth it (again, I haven't tasted it yet so I don't know).
What I will say, however, is that there are quite a few options in Washington for a couple willing to spend $120 on dinner.
And for comparison's sake, check out the prices on these similar dishes at Central, Michel Richard's new restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue:
Central:
Steak au Poivre - $25
Goat cheese caesar salad - $10
Mixed green salad - $6
Onion soup - $8
Hamburger - $16 ($17 with cheese)
Chicken from the rotisserie - $20
Mussels - $18 as an entree
Grilled hanger steak - $26
Sauteed scallops with tagliatelle pasta - $23
Napa:
Filet of beef w/ shiitake & port - $32.95
Caesar salad - $9.95
House salad - $7.95
Onion soup - $6.50
Beef tenderloin jalapeno burger w/ cheddar - $14.99
Rosemary chicken with pommery sauce - $16.95
Mussels - $12 as an appetizer
Grilled ribeye - $23.95
Gulf shrimp linguine - $24.95
Are they identical? No. Are they similar enough to suggest that Napa is offering their food at prices comparable to those at a restaurant that would certainly qualify as a higher-end establishment run by a celebrity chef? Yes.
In a nutshell, that's why I haven't tried Napa yet. It's not that the prices are unreasonable or more than I'm willing to pay for a meal. But if I can get dinner at Central (or a similarly established venue) for the same price, I'm almost always going to put off trying Napa.
I'm eagerly awaiting the brunch menu - that may be the incentive I need to give Napa a chance.
I went to NAPA the second night it was open, and had a similar reaction to most. I liked the meal, and was happy for the addition to the neighborhood, but at those prices and given the food was good but not great, didn't know when i would be back.
I went on Friday to try the tapas happy hour, and I have to urge people that tried it in the beginning and wrote it off to try it again. The food was incredible, much improved from last time we went. We ended up not being able to resist and also ordering a full dinner and dessert after the tapas, and all of it was fantastic. It really ranks up there with any other meal I've had in DC, and our whole party would agree.
Add on top of that a really nice atmosphere, friendly wait staff and owner, a great new bartender, free wine tastings on wednesdays, and the place has a lot to offer.
I'm not affiliated with the place in any way, but my whole party had a great experience and if you went early and were underwhelmed, try it again, they've really improved, at least in our book. Both by taking community comments and implementing them, and the food was so much better this time around (and a HUGE steak cooked very well).
Napa 1015
I'd like to let everyone know that our website is being designed and will be up and running soon! In response to anonymous, I will never compare ourselves to The French laundry, The inn at little Washington or Charlie Trotters. We have been open for a little over two months and we are making changes to appeal to everyone in the neighborhoo. Anyone in the restaurant industry knows how difficult it is the first few months and we are confident that we will soon get there. I hope that you give any new restaurant or business coming to H street a chance to evolve. We certainly don't have a celebrity chef,but be assured that we will strive to do our best and hope that one day be one of the many wonderful things that will make H street a special place.
This is a partial Sunday Brunch Menu.
*Mexican frittata. Tortillas, egg & cheese topped with fresh salsa and sour cream.$12.00
*Eggs benedict, sereved with hashbrowns
*French toast with sauteed apples and caramel sauce $12.95
*Quiche Dujour, served with salad $14.50
*Crab cake sandwich, served with potato wedges $14.00
*House cured salmon, served with capers, egg, creme fraiche and bread $13.00
*Grilled portabella and provolone sandwich with a tomato chutney, served with potato wedges $12.99
*Build your omelete, served with potatoes and toast. $13.00.
Please keep in mind that this is only a small portion of what we will be offering for brunch.
Cheers!
Jorge
Jorge,
Thanks for the menu--we're looking forward to the brunch offerings! My husband and I went to Napa for Valentine's Day and really enjoyed it. We'll see you again soon!
And no, I am not affiliated with Napa in any way. I'm just a resident who's excited that we have a variety of options for dining these days.
Barracuda (can't make the post work)
Thanks for taking the time to post that list, Jorge! Definitely gives a good idea of what we're looking at.
I do wonder if H Street is ready for a $13 omelet, though. These prices are still on the high side of what's out there, and that's been my issue since the beginning.
Is that because of overhead or some other extraordinary expenses associated with this particular location? It just seems a bit out of line with what's being offered around it (even down on Barracks Row, Belga Cafe has a decent number of menu items for less than $10 at brunch).
I'm not looking for budget menus, by any stretch of the imagination - just want to make sure Poo Poo and the others who dismiss those of us who complain as 'haters' - but I'm still trying to get to the point where I feel like this is a place to spend $50 on brunch for two.
Mike,
It isn't about paying $13 for an omlette, it's about supporting the community and the development of H St.
Do I need to buy coffee at Sidamo? No, but I choose to pay $3 more per pound to ensure they stay in business.
Do I need a weekly arrangement from Nouveau Flour? No, but buying one will keep them around and avoid yet another vacant storefront.
Do I really want moules and frittes from GM or a burger at the Argo once a week? Probably not, but they are changing the street by being there.
It's about supporting small business in a community where some folks are brave enough to stick out their necks. Many of us have made investments for our families by buying homes near H St, I can't see why paying a few dollars more to change the business landscape is such a stretch.
So continue to go to Central if you don't like the prices, but you'll always be taking a cab to get a decent meal. Support Napa and I'm willing to bet other quality restaurants will follow into the corridor and one day you'll enjoy a safe walk down the street at night.
So those that complain about a $13 omlette can have their $7.99 Grand Slam breakfast. I'll be spending $5 more to support these new businesses.
Hatin - I really do appreciate your point, and I'm happy to shop at establishments on H Street...I want the neighborhood to thrive as much as the next person.
But you seem to suggest that it's my responsibility to pay whatever neighborhood businesses see fit to charge, as though the mere fact that they chose to locate on H Street makes them immune to the laws of supply and demand.
I go to Granville Moore's because I consider their prices to be in line with what they're offering - the cost of a Belgian beer is easy to compare from one establishment to the next.
I get coffee at Sidamo and SOVA because the combination of atmosphere and location makes them a great value. When I can walk to them on a weekend morning and enjoy a cup of coffee that is similarly priced to those at other coffeehouses around the city, that just makes sense.
I have a membership at WillPower because it is competitively priced and located just a few blocks from my home. There may be some amenities that it lacks relative to Results and Virginia Sport and Health, but for the price it's a great deal.
But I would probably find plenty of reasons to stop going to each if they were to suddenly start charging prices that are out of line with what they offer relative to their competitors throughout the city.
If someone were to explain to me why Napa's food costs as much as Central's, I'd be more inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt, instead of assuming that they charge Central prices because they feel that's what they deserve.
I'm not going to spend $13 on an omelet OR $7.99 on a Grand Slam at Denny's when I can get an omelet with vegetables, fresh herbs and cheese at Belga Cafe for $9.95. Does that make me a traitor to the neighborhood?
For the record, you don't need to take a taxi to Penn Quarter - the X2 will drop you four blocks from Central, and the Red Line can get you even closer. And I'm already comfortable walking from my home near Murry's to the Argonaut on any given night.
I applaud every business that opens along the route, and I am happy to support them - but don't ask me to subsidize them just because they're the first ones on the block. That's not helping anyone other than the landlords who see the prices and start jacking up the rents on their own already overvalued properties.
$14.50 for quiche and salad is absurd! NAPA really needs to take a good hard look at thier prices. I am all for supporting a local business - but they're not the girlscouts for heaven's sake.
I ate at NAPA 1015 a few weeks ago for dinner. Not only did I feel like I was getting ripped off - but the meal was awful.
This place has truly been a disappointment. As a neighbor who had such high hopes, I truly felt dispair.
As I have been used to - a good eatery starts with lower prices to attract clientel and then makes it more expensive as time goes on. I think the approach NAPA is taking is not working since I see the place is pretty empty each night as I come home.
It looks like Napa is responsive to the comments posted here--the website now has a partial menu posted and the brunch prices are about a dollar or two cheaper than what was posted here earlier. I do appreciate their willingness to meet the desires of the community as evidenced by menu updates as well as the addition of happy hour and then the extension of the happy hour hours.
I agree with Moxie. They have been very responsive--from extending happy hour, to lowering prices, to having a pretheater menu. I hope people notice it and give them a shot.
My wife and I went again
recently and were thrilled by the wine tasting, tapas and quality of the entrees. We were also very happy to hear about some of their future plans.
Apparently, they're planning to add a lounge/wine bar on the second floor and a roof deck. Both are nearly ready and should be open soon.
Also, they're revamping the menu for spring, including a close review of their prices in response to concerns from the neighborhood.
Way to go Napa!
well well there is a lot of people that demands a restaurant that gives the people 5 star attention but they are not willing to pay more than 5 dollars per meal there is a name to all those people CHEAP, there is a razon why napa has those prices is not for the guy that takes his girlfriend or wife to eat burgers and drink beer every time they go out you said that the price is not the problem but you are not paying more than 50 or 60 dollars for a dinner for 2 napa or any other restaurant in h st does not need to be in georgetown to have the prices that they have so if you are taking to your friends or family to a place diferent than the burger place napa is a good choice stop complainig and support napa im not a family or friend and this guy i think hi is family or friend from one of the other places because u just complain about napa grow up stop seating in frot of your computer look for a second job so you cant aford a relly good meal once in a while GOOD THINGS ARE NOT CHEAP MY FRIEND and to this mike guy why napa is or has the prices similar to central u tell me why not after all u live in this neighborhood u decided to live in h st ne instead georgetown or close to central right please u dont need to be family or a friend to post any coments even you can post anything go napa don t listen to any of these fools i know my girfriend loved an it is nice to take your significant other to these kind of places once in a while michael sorry my writing im so amazed about these girl guys coments
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