TWELVE
Restaurant & Lounge
Presents...
Happy Hour Specials just right for the SUMMER!
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday from 5pm - 7:30pm
$3 Martini's, $5 Mixed Drinks, $2.50 Beers
Also, new to the menu:
Fried Calamari & Cream of Asparagus Soup
Featuring some of DC's Best Local Talent & DJ's throughout the week from ROCK to REGGAE
We have something for everyone!
Come Watch all your FAVORITE SPORTS
on Flat Screen TV's
So what are you waiting for?
Come on out and DRINK, DINE, & DANCE at TWELVE Restaurant & Lounge in the Atlas District in DC
For more information call: 202.398.2655
www.twelvedc.com
Restaurant & Lounge
Presents...
Happy Hour Specials just right for the SUMMER!
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday from 5pm - 7:30pm
$3 Martini's, $5 Mixed Drinks, $2.50 Beers
Also, new to the menu:
Fried Calamari & Cream of Asparagus Soup
Featuring some of DC's Best Local Talent & DJ's throughout the week from ROCK to REGGAE
We have something for everyone!
Come Watch all your FAVORITE SPORTS
on Flat Screen TV's
So what are you waiting for?
Come on out and DRINK, DINE, & DANCE at TWELVE Restaurant & Lounge in the Atlas District in DC
For more information call: 202.398.2655
www.twelvedc.com
100 comments:
Jesus, did they get the model from a 1980s Michelob ad?
Wow, cream of asparagus soup!
Wow, fried Calamari! How do they come up with this stuff?!
awesome! you guys got off to a pretty good start, but i'm going to go ahead and cue the countdown anyhow.
cue ADDITIONAL ft reader complaints about xii, thugs, go go music, bernard the owner, lazy/rude dc city employees, horace and dickies and any other random topic eating at the poster that particular moment, followed by posts promoting racial conspiracy theories in five...four...three...two...one...
this blog is priceless!!
Those drink prices are pretty good. Anyone know what kind of beers/liquor they include?
colt 45
Ok, enough baiting. I don't know what the rails are, but those are pretty decent prices. Calamari and cream of asparagus soup are there because they are popular summer items. Perhaps someone wants to rag on them for offering beer next?
I am really getting annoyed at anonymous commentors. Would you actually say some of this stuff in public, in person?
Two points:
- like Bernard, and I hope XII is successful. However, after visiting a few weeks ago, I think the space is screaming to be a pool hall. Atomic, Buffalo and Bedrock Billiards make tons of cash, but they are all in upper North West. I wish Bernard all the best with the club, but if he is reading this, I really believe he should think about turning it into a pool hall.
-Inked, I understand the thinking/philosophy behind allowing people to post as Anonymous, asit does allow a lot more freedom, which is the beauty of the internet. However, I have been reading this blog for a few years, and things are really getting bad. I rarely click on the comments anymore, as hostility is really disgusting. You really should set up a log-in system. The tone continues to get worse, and it would really stink to have this blog become a source of neighborhood discord and hate (which is where it's heading).
-12th St.
pool is a great idea. he could make it more like lucky strike without the bowling. of course that takes a lot of cash though.
Gotta love those spiritcatcher feather earrings.
Too bad they couldn't prevent the spirit of 80s hair.
And, yes, I would say that in person.
I second (third?) the idea of a pool hall. That kind of business would fit nicely in XII's space, or any one of several of the other long, narrow spaces generally available on H street. I expect business would be very strong - there's a lot of people on this side of the city wondering what to do with there evenings, and not a whole lot of choices. It would also provide a little diversity of night life option on H street, and would dovetail nicely with the put put golf that is apparently on the way in the former Phish Tea space (or is that still the plan?). Anyway, I like this idea a lot - I wonder how much capital would be required to get a nice place up and running?
Agreed, with Calimari and Aspargas Soup I dont think he will bring anyone into 12 and he will close his doors quickly. A pool hall could turn around his business venture quickly.
If you can't look past incendiary comments on blogs because they are so injurious to your emotional well being, maybe skipping blogs altogether might be a good idea. And disabling the anonymity function will do nothing more than introduce an abundance of pseudonyms into the mix or require inked to spend even more of her precious time policing...
Tables, cues, balls, triangles, racks, chalk, etc. are not inexpensive items. Nor are felt repairs or replacement of any of the above items.
I personally do not like 12. Have given it a few chances but on top of the food that was sub par the space is just not an inviting place I would want to spend my time and more so the service and food is not at the level for me to spend my money no matter what specials they have. With that said, I dont like to see places fail in our hood and hope he turns it around quickly because even though it is not my cup of tea it could be others peoples.
The owners and staff at XII continually strive to bring something new and exciting to offer everyone and still the business is bad mouthed. No one has one good thing to say on here and a bunch of negativity has surfaced based on what you think takes place or what the business seems to offer or cater to. I just don't get it. I guess people with nothing better to do will continue to do just this...criticize what they really don't know. Just don't patronize the business. I am really sick and tired of the complaints about absolutely nothing. What do you really want? Someone mentioned you don't want the business to fail in your "hood"...what do you really think will happen with all the negativity you continue to put out about the business???? Give me a break.
So what you may visit on a day when the staff may not be up to par or cater to you as you wish...doesn't that happen everywhere??? I for one am a HUGE critic when it comes to customer service and restaurants but you have to give people and businesses a chance. Everyday isn't a bad day nor a good one. How about you recommend some PROFESSIONAL bartenders and waitstaff to apply for a job at XII so you can get the quality, top notch service you so desire. Things take time people...get over yourselves.
If a bartender rants at strangers on a blog, can I expect quality service? I think not.
It demonstrates a person doesn't know how to handle themself properly.
I'd planned to give the place a try (and had never posted a comment about it), but I doubt I will now based on this employee's attitude.
If this is not really an employee of XII, please let us know. I don't believe everything I read
Fran...XII bartender
I believe the neighborhood have Bernard and 12 some great critism. They do not like the ambiance, food and service. What they think would do very well is a pool hall. Fran you should be passing along all of the ideas that the people on this blog have given to Bernard in hopes of creating a successful business
Fran is indeed an employee at Twelve. It's not about my attitude because I don't possess one. It's hard being an employee there and have to deal with these types of hardships from people that really don't know what the business is all about. If the business was a bad as people make it out to be then I would not have worked there since the doors opened on March 21, 2008. I enjoy my job and I work hard to promote the business just as hard as the owners do. All I have asked continually on this blog and others, is to give the business a chance. I have not hesitated to to take back comments that I read on this blog and what I have heard to the owners so they can strategize and see what works best for the community and the business. Alot of things have been taken into consideration and some things have improved and some things are still a work in progress but it still needs time. My point is to walk in the door, make some suggestions, be an active participant since it is in your community and help mold the business to what you would like to see instead of bashing it on a blog. Good quality service in any establishment is hard to come by and therefore, those things take time to build, mold, and shape. It takes good people to help run a sucessful business and you are only as strong as your weakest link. The hospitality business is an everchanging one. The people you see today, may not be the ones you see tomorrow. All I want is for the business to be successful because it has potentioal but negativity doesn't help it. That was my only point not to get into a shouting match or display any type of unprofessionalism. I don't even know many of you, but if I did it wouldn't matter because my service would be the same regardless of your opinion or feelings toward the establishment. Just give the business a chance.
Some of the new things happening at Twelve in addition to the Happy Hour:
Sundays: Brunch Coming Soon!
Mondays: Comedy Night w/ Open Mic
Wednesdays: International Night (Reggae, Soca, Roots, and House)
Thursdays: Level Out Thursdays (Live Jazz and R&B Band/Special Guest DJ)
Fridays: Dance Party ALL Night
Happy Hour consists of rail Martini's for $3 which include Apple Martini's, Cosmos, Dirty Martini's, Raspberry Martini etc...
Also, you can enjoy delicious mixed drinks and cocktails for $5 like Long Island Iced Tea, Sex on the Beach, Fuzzy Navel, Tom Collins, Margarita...etc. The beer specials are $2.50 for Heinekan, Corona, Sam Adams (light, summer ale, while ale), Guiness, Miller Geniune Draft, Yeungling, Amstel Light and also on Draft we have Amstel Light, Heinekan, and Dos Equis.
Twelve also offers many Specialty Martini's and Cocktails for you to enjoy created from premium spirits and liqueurs.
Fran,
Just give up trying to appeal to these 'people'. The majority of them have not wanted XII to succeed from day 1 and no matter what changes are made, they will never support XII.
The idea to change it into a pool hall is comical. As if it is that simple.
I personally am not a huge fan of XII (or Granville's or the Arg minus Simon behind the bar), but I see no reason to bash it. These people just enjoy making anonymous negative comments.
Whoever made the crack about Colt 45 needs to really go easy.
Our neighborhood has too many do nothing criminals and too many anonymous posters with nothing positive to say.
The hood lost.
ANON:12:26
You are right, enough said. You can't make everyone happy.
Inked, I do not see it as "baiting" if the majority of your white readers seem not care for XII, for various reasons. It is simply a fact.
While there is clearly a subtle conspiracy (think H St Main Street) to encourage black owned/operated enterprises along H St., I don't think these businesses will succeed unless they reach out to the new middle-class whites that have moved into the neighborhood. In fact, if H St. was truly supporting "Minority Owned/Operated" businesses along H St., then you would see even more "white owned" businesses along the corridor as whites have been in the minority there for the last 40 years. But, like it or not (probably “not” for many African American’s on here), that is changing. There would be no other explanation for Joe Englert’s success on H Street except for the changing demographics taking place.
Fran, I know your livelihood depends on XII and I understand your desire to defend it, but I have been to XII three times and never had a good experience, in fact I have never felt comfortable or particularly welcome there – as a gay white man. Because of that I don’t plan to go back, which I’m sure would be totally fine with any XII supporter on this blog. But the longer the attitude remains “fine, I don’t care if you come back or not”, you will be left with none of the local “new minority” supporters and I think ultimately you need them more than they need you.
Completely Off Topic:
I was at Sidamo on Sunday and saw a lot of police activity across the street at the new place. Does anyone know what was going on? It seemed odd for a Sunday.
The idea of a pool hall is not comical and as expensive as one may believe. You RENT the tables, you don't buy them.
My main gripe with XII is that it's a nightclub trying to pass itself off as a lounge/restaurant:
Wednesday: DJing/live music
Thursday: more DJing/live music
Friday: more DJing/live music
Saturday: private events that probably want...more DJing/live music
Everything else is in place to meet that 40% minimum...or to keep the community appeased.
I won't give the full story, but the long/short is that a juvenile on the premises of Studio 400 was involved in an altercation elsewhere and was being picked up.
Hey Fran (or anyone else with XII): what kind of beers/liquor are included in the Happy Hour prices? I've been in for dinner twice, and while the service has been pretty poor, the food was good, and I'd like to give the bar service a shot. Are we talking domestic beers and rail liquors, or something else?
ANON 1:12
Your points are well received. I wouldn't patronize an establishment where I did not feel welcome either. Many people are not as diverse or have been exposed to people from various backgrounds or social makeup. My livelihood doesn't depend on it as I am a working, "middle" class citizen but I choose to defend XII because I like working there in a calm relaxed, family oriented environment and the business has potential and with time, we will see if things prosper as the owners wish them too. On a another note, you are correct in saying we need the people more than they need us. I totally agree with that. My attitude isn't don't come back, I would love to see everyone step inside at least once but that isn't the case. You have valid reasoning for not wanting to ever come back but some people have never stepped inside to even be able to formulate an opinion. That was my only point here and will continue to encourage people to come and pay a visit.
WOW I must say I can't believe one of the "juveniles" I've seen in front of Studio 400 was involved in an altercation that involved the police! I mean, obviously we all know after-school mentoring activites often involve the police, (as well as byob, of course) I just think the kids outside that place look so goal-oriented and trouble free!
Jamie:
I posted additional information about the Happy Hour in my previous post at 12:22. Hope to meet you one day ;)
Fran, I appreciate your gracious comments in reference to my (1:12) post.
I think one of the most important points you made was that: "Many people are not as diverse or have been exposed to people from various backgrounds or social makeup."
I hope you join me in concurring that this very statement goes both ways for many blacks as well as whites. Your statement could be a watershed moment for much of the racial tensions felt in our neighborhood and spilling over into this blog.
I might be wrong, but it seems that your comment was directed at many whites and their experiences with black culture and there are many new whites in the neighborhood that feel many blacks are also limited in their exposure to whites.
I don't know the solution to this, but I do wonder if you hadn't identified a big part of the problem. Best wishes to you in your job at XII.
fran,
i'll be honest and say i haven't been interested in coming by XII for dinner due to the owner's past cluck u dealings with the neighborhood and comments on this blog indicating the service level was "business as usual" for dc (i.e. attitude, rudeness, etc. that i experience throughout this city, and which i absolutely despise), but i'm willing to put all that aside and give the place a try due to your gracious comments on this blog. i only hope something is being done to improve the customer service issues many have experienced, otherwise your outreach efforts on this blog will be for not because anyone with common sense will absolutely refuse to patronize any business with poor customer service. thanks
ANON 2:28
You are most certainly welcome. Having been exposed to various social classes, economic statuses, and backgrounds I have no problem welcoming and embracing anyone. Some people have that problem because they are afraid to step outside of their element. But that is a problem not only in the H Street community but all over the world. How are we to interact with one another if we aren't told, taught, or exposed to one another?
Many people have formulated their opinions of the businesses on H Street not just XII, based on what someone else said and haven't actually patronized the establishments. I would want everyone to feel welcome not just "hood folk", the "thugs" or "ballers" as stated in many other posts. That really is not the intent the owner has but if we run all the "white" people away, who are we really catering to? Who's left?
Not sure of the solution to the problem either because this is everyday life but one thing is for sure the business owners and the community need to have some type of relationship and understanding. You don't have to like a place, but you also don't have to make problems for it either.
fran,
what time does the open mic component of comedy night start?
Soul Searcher:
The Open Mic portion is mixed in between the Comedy sets. There are various vocalists, poets, musicians etc that have taken the stage to entertain so far. If you have material you would love to share, you are encouraged to participate.
"Many people are not as diverse or have been exposed to people from various backgrounds or social makeup." ....
And this is why there is much anger, mistrust and tension between whites and black in our gentrifying neighborhood.
Inked and others, I know you get tired of the black & white discussions (full of the anger, mistrust, and tensions) that take place here on Frozen Tropics, but like it or not, I'd rather people hash it out here (sometimes intelligently and sometimes not) than to suppress it and take it out in more overt ways. But that's just my opinion.
The anonymous poster who identified himself as a “gay white man” really hit a lot of nails on the head with his post. Regardless of the HHs and drink specials any new business on H Street must make middle to upper middle class newcomers feel comfortable. By newcomers I mean non-DC natives (black or white). I am black and have eaten at XII on several occasions. At some points it was out of pity because I felt really bad that it was being bad mouthed so harshly. I also encouraged my black friends to go and we all honestly came back with the same thoughts..I will share them:
1. XII should not ever ever play Go-Go. Unless you are a DC local you related go-go to all things ghetto and hood.
2. The coloring of the restaurant is kind of harsh. The bright orange is too loud and feel like a loud Caribbean place.
3. The wine on the wall is low grade and tacky. White Zinfandel is tacky and a sweet hybrid meant to cater to people who really don't appreciate wine. It should not be in your wall.
4. There are a lot of black folks who look kind of hood in there.
5. Typos on the menu show a lack of attention to detail.
6. Honestly we think the owner is probably from DC and is just not getting what appeals to his bread and butter (white people).
I am black but I know at this point if you plan to succeed on H you have to get white people in your place.
I do not mean to be offensive but instead did not want to waste time being PC.
I hope you guys consider some changes because if you don't...the problem will persist. All the businesses around Shaw and the Convention Center that have survived gentrification changed with the tide.
I understand if you are a native of DC many of the things I said may be quite offensive. I don't mean to be disrespectful. However, I am being honest.
Keeping it real doesn't mean it is necessarily wrong...it's REAL and real opinions and ideas need to be shared with the owner. I am sure he would be more appreciative of the suggestions, complaints, and comments if they were brought to his attention. He may not even ever read this blog unless someone points it out to him. If no one addresses the issues and sheds light on the customer service, decor, wine & spirit selection, or any other problem...how will he ever really know? How will he know what to change? Hmmmmm...
When keeping it real....,
Thanks for showing a lot of these folks have to post CONSTRUCTIVE criticism that may actually be of some use to XII. Also, thanks for visiting the place before posting.
As for all of the complaints about poor service, the Arg has an incredibly disgusting men's bathroom that has never been adequately addressed and some very spotty service issues after being opened for years. I wonder why we have so many posts on the bad service at XII but not many on the service and disgusting bathroom at the Arg. That bathroom is DISGUSTING.
I really wonder.
If I must say, I went in and ate the chicken wings and had two beers. It was evident that these were pre-breaded frozen wings. The key to building a great food establishment is quality. Buy raw chicken, come up with a creative seasoning for your breading and if it is original and different people will come. I don't just mean that with the wings just using it as an example as I was totally turned with the horrible quality
Ah yes! Another point. Every business owner on H who plans to stay around should be reading this blog. Really! Too much is said here for them not to. I also wondered if Bernard read this blog.
Fran,
If Bernard is not reading FT please ask him to. I know there are a lot of really really harsh posts but he should jump in and ask folks to lighten up and just give him constructive thoughts and ideas.
Also, I do believe there are many racially motivated posts and opinions. Bernard has to cipher through them and get to the core. There is a theme here and he should be aware of it.
Sure it would be the "right" thing to just call Bernard up and give your thoughts but I am sure most people who are posting here would not be comfortable doing that.
Bernard is the business man and he has to keep his finger on the pulse. Take notes from the owners of Langston, Napa, SOVA and Joe Englert. They are reading this blog and they are addressing issues.
Actaully having had the same chicken wings I wondered if they were pre-breaded and asked to see the Chef. The wings are purchased raw and breaded with their own mix of breading and seasoning. Ask before you post incorrect information.
are you referring to the upstairs mens bathroom in the argonaut? i didnt notice it to be abnormally worse than any other bar's men's room.
i think 12 might want to budget for the hiring of a very experienced executive chef. it took them a while to bring out my grilled chicken sandwich and when it arrived, the bread was badly burned (completely blackened for about a quarter of the bread, actually). this wasnt part of a soft opening, it was a regular night. i think they need someone with serious experience in the kitchen...and a cuisine vision...
just an idea.
as for banning the go-go, i think that's ridiculous. do you visit kingston and insist that you hear no reggae? visit new orleans and insist you hear no jazz? LOL.
what i did think about my visit was there was a one-man band who had a keyboard and electronic drums, but who had serious trouble segueing between songs. hope that guy still isnt there, he was a mood killer.
uh, 4:14. i guess you haven't been around here for enough time. argonaut gets it pretty good for any number of reeasons (including for the bathroom and poor service) so if it's argonaut criticism you're looking for, i'm sure you won't have to wait very long. nice try going for the racial angle there, but no cigar.
4:41,
I have been here since 2000, before at least 80% of the posters.
Also, the bathroom is still disgusting.
Truth hurts.
when it comes to customer expectations, it's not just a white v. black thing. many black folks in this neighborhood also want good food, good customer service, nice atmosphere (i.e. no blaring music, go go or one man casio keyboard bands), etc. maybe it's because i'm not a dc native, but i just don't get what passes for "doing business" in many of the restaurants in this town.
Soul Searcher...
XII is not Jamaica or New Orleans. It's a new start up business on H street, NE. People spend days in N.O. and Jamaica on vacation and visit due to reasons such as food, music, sand, sun, and the ability to drink alcohol while dancing in the street. Well XII is not offering all those things. So if you are someone who hates Go-Go and most non-dc natives do..then they are not going to spend 1-2 hrs in your place attempting to eat food if they have to endure Junkyard Band. Instead...they will opt for Granville Moore's, NAPA, Argo...you see where this is going. So it's not so simple to write off a genre of music many of your patrons may dislike.
Again...there comes a time when Keeping It Real Goes Wrong...(taken from the Dave Chappelle skit)
If you are from DC and all your friends are from DC you may not realize you are prob. the only people who like Go-Go. But that is the case and if you want a business to succeed you need to cater to your audience. The new H Street crowd (regardless of color) is not a GO-GO loving group of folks.
I suggest some musical selections that are a bit more universal. Go-Go is hardly universal.
4:44,
i think my point just flew over your head, so i'll make it clearer. i have seen argonaut get plenty of criticism on this blog, including for its restroom and customer service, so any suggestion that xii is being treated differently because it's black owned is just plain silly.
Incorrectly stated... said...
You are actually incorrect. The bartender told me they use a product like these (see below). My guess is the "cook or chef (use that term loosly at 12)" was covering up for the horrible pre breaded frozen wings.
Please see the link
http://www.pilgrimspride.com/products/productdetail.aspx?p=144
keeping it real is on the money re: go go! i have zero interest in enjoying a nice sober dinner with go go playing in the background. now if i'm drunk off my a$$ and in the mood to get silly, and i'm sure i won't get shot or stabbed, i'd love to bounce around all over the place to go go or any other kind of music.
If I were go back I would love to see warm soothing colors and a focused menu with a true attempt at defining a cuisine instead the hodgepodge of crabcake, fajita, steak, cajun shrimp, pasta, meatloaf...
To it is clutter on a menu and if there were a more thought out/focused menu I would consider going back
Even the website has interesting music.
See Granville, Sticky, Argo, Napa (not much of a website) and notice how they appeal to all potentail customers
Wow....
Having visited XII on many occassions, I would say that there are things that need improvement but hardly not as bad as some people make it out to be. There are so many other establishments in DC and in the Metro area that need serious work. On several occassions I have had to endure listening to an occassional go-go song blasting but it doesn't last long. I believe the intent is to appeal to everyone. Maybe go-go shouldn't be played as many do associate it with violent acts of crime in the DC area but is it really that bad? On most days that I have visited, the music is almost always Jazz, R&B, or Alternative music. Keep in mind that it is also a lounge and almost every lounge with a bar plays Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae etc in the DC area. The lounge has pub tables, a huge bar, and flat screen tv's for the purpose of watching sports, news etc for crying out loud. It's not some upscale, lavish NW DC or Bethesda five star restaurant. You can't expect that in a lounge and certainly not in NE DC for that matter. I think XII is one of the better establishments on H Street in terms of space, decor (maybe not so much in the restaurant area), music variety and staff. I have seen and heard a mix of everything during the visits there.
How refreshing, seemingly black posters making critical comments on XII and white posters making critical comments about the Argonaut. Well that throws out the theory "never trash your own."
Thank you "Keeping It Real" for keeping it real!
ANON 4:49
"Incorrectly stated... said...
You are actually incorrect. The bartender told me they use a product like these (see below). My guess is the "cook or chef (use that term loosly at 12)" was covering up for the horrible pre breaded frozen wings.
Please see the link
http://www.pilgrimspride.com/products/productdetail.aspx?p=144"
That is not true, I saw the products they use becuase I asked to see what they use. I was shown frozen wings that they actually bread and sauce themselves. Maybe the bartender really had no clue. That is possible right?
"almost every lounge with a bar plays Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae"
A quick google search says different other than Lima which has a seperate quiet area for dining and a basement area to play music.
Most restaruant lounges do not play Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae while patrons are trying to eat dinner
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=lounge+washington+dc
"I think XII is one of the better establishments on H Street in terms of space, decor (maybe not so much in the restaurant area), music variety..."
I just thought that need repeating.
I am speaking in terms of being in the "actual lounge" not in the restaurant portion of XII where you would expect to dine in a more comfortable dining atmosphere with softer music.
"The wings are purchased raw and breaded with their own mix of breading and seasoning."
You first say the chef told you they were purchased raw and now you say he told you frozen...
"Maybe the bartender really had no clue. That is possible right?"
I am pretty sure you have no clue right?
let's make this simple.
bernard, fran, et al.:
see lucky strike and bar louie in gallery place.
now replicate (minus the bowling alley) and you'll have a guaranteed winner - a place that appeals to everyone regardless of background.
doesn't get any easier than that.
4:49,
Your point did not go over my head. Think what you want. It is clear to me that XII is treated differently because it is black owned. Feel free to disagree and call that idea silly. It is what it is.
That being said, such is life and life is not fair.
A lot of white males have been getting treated differently then others by the criminals on the street lately. As in, getting assaulted for no other reason than being a white male.
All of it sucks but is clearly here to stay. Be safe, the negative posters and preying criminals are all out in full force. It's going to be a hot summer.
Bernard
-POOL TABLES, POOL TABLES, POOL Tables!!!
-You will make a fortune.
you know I've been hearing a lot lately about white males get attached. Wecome to the club that women, afro-americans, and latino have enjoyed for years.I know that you are used to and feel entitled to walk anywhere at anytime that you want, however, many of us haven't that privilege for a long time.
Just had dinner at XII. Met Fran, enjoyed $2.50 Heineken, had a tasty pulled chicken BBQ sandwich. Service was good and friendly, and Bernard stopped by to say hello. The food has always been good, but I'm glad to see that the service has improved as well.
Also, for whatever it's worth, I'm originally from Boston, and I occasionally like some go-go. DC doesn't have a lot of things that are native to the city...why not celebrate one of the few art forms that is?
I am outraged that they dared to use roman numerals as the name for their establishment. We speak English in this country, not Roman. It would have been far cheaper - - and consistent with the historical nature of our neighborhood -- to simply have called themselves "12". The lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of adding one extra figure for "XII" was completely ignored. Now there's going to be a bunch of illegal romans showing up and peeing in my yard after I just invested in a bunch of prize roses. And my children are going to be asking too many questions about those garments those folks wear.
Do you have any idea how many chemicals are used in washing cocktail glasses? You know it all goes into the Anacostia. The wood from those tables almost always comes from China, and they use illegally harvested forests in Indonesia, and its probably filled with formaldehyde. And those plastic chairs are not biodegradable. Did you ask about the tomatoes?
And the dangers of eating fried - rather than steamed - calamari? All that grease will be simply be dumped, when it could be used in our cars - -yes, the kits are available on the internet to make fuel from grease, and don't tell me that convenience is why you all don't use grease in your cars. Instead, my insurance bills are going to skyrocket to pay for all of you who consume fried food and then croak of stuffed arteries.
And pool halls plus liquor? That's the first step towards gambling and hookers. I know because I've seen Caligula. And H street has already burned once - what if another damn Roman whips out a fiddle. We'll be back right where we started.
Anon 7:32 said, "you know I've been hearing a lot lately about white males get attacked. Wecome to the club ... I know that you are used to and feel entitled to walk anywhere at anytime that you want, however, many of us haven't that privilege for a long time."
This reads as if it condones the attack of white males - the two wrongs make it right argument. Where's the outrage with this statement or is it acceptable?After all, as a white male I've been privileged for a long time so now its time to beat up on me. Hey, isn't it clear that I am the VICTIM here? Will someone create a social program for me to help me out of my own victimhood, please? My hand is out....
"maybe it's because i'm not a dc native, but i just don't get what passes for "doing business" in many of the restaurants in this town."
My friend, you couldn't be more correct.
I have friends of all colors from various places, from NYC to small towns in the south. They all universally openly mock DC's restaurant and business culture as being stunningly amateurish and third-rate (there are, of course, exceptions). Interestingly, they say it's our own fault, as we got so used to being such a third rate city that we were gratefully for any type of business, no matter how crappy.
I think there is a lot of truth to that.
And it crosses racial and socioeconomic lines.
zrswvzizoh poor poor little white guy.I really enjoy how every thread comes around to being about you.
Feel better now?
"I know that you are used to and feel entitled to walk anywhere at anytime that you want, however, many of us haven't that privilege for a long time."
True.
But this is the sort of commentary we so often hear when anyone points out that blacks in DC are quite often racist.
It's one in a series of comments belittling and mocking black on white racism that have become sortof standard commentary in DC.
As for who can walk safely where in DC, there are few if any areas where a black man can't walk in DC simply because of his color (in fact, can you name even one area of DC where blacks are being beaten or attacked simply because they are black?)? But there are quite a few areas of DC that I can't go because of my color.
Kids in my neighborhood can't go to Rosedale Rec without getting assaulted.
Ask any young black male in Trinidad if they feel safe in Carver Terrace, or vice versa. This hostility goes back for generations.
"Ask any young black male in Trinidad if they feel safe in Carver Terrace, or vice versa. This hostility goes back for generations."
That's not because of the color of their skin.
Can you name even one area in DC where blacks are attacked and beaten simply for being black?
I've been to Boston, NY, etc. This idea that DC is somehow second rate is such BS. In fact, the DC restaurant scene has been consistently ranked in the top 5 of US cities. We have many second rate restaurants, but trust me, so does Boston.
Actually, Forbes has us #7, above Boston.
http://www.forbestraveler.com/food-drink/restaurant-cities-slide-7.html?thisSpeed=20000
Hillman, you need to get a job and stop going to crappy restaurants.
Anon7:32 said, "I know that you (white man) are used to and feel entitled to walk anywhere at anytime that you want, however, many of us haven't that privilege for a long time."
Excuse me sir/madam, but if you grew up in DC you've had that "privilege" for a very long time. And now, admit it, you want me (the white man) to know what you've felt in other parts of the country. Right? That power feels good doesn't it and you want to hang on to it at all costs - ask your former Mayor-for-Life, still hanging on to his "power" by his fingernails continuously being elected by people who think he will bring them "power". I will also admit that this is what many whites have historically done across the country as blacks move into more influential positions. But that doesn't make either one right.
DC is changing, and gentrification is NOT just white people moving into the neighborhood but also middle class, educated blacks who are demanding a better DC and better H St. And bringing it all the way back to XII, I wonder what the average age, income, and education level is of their typical patron? My guess is less than that of the Martini Lounge, Pap&Petty's, or SOVA customer. So maybe it doesn't come down to race as much as it does... class - whether you have it or not.
Racism is alive and well in DC and it ain't coming from the old white man. Now do you want me to go back to where I came from?
Three points:
1. Martini Lounge has the same concept- live music, food(?) and drinks- and holds no punches when it says who they are catering to, yet the amount of critisim is not even recognizable to the critisim as XII. I'm just saying.
2. Bernard posts on this blog occasionally, but why should he do it more often, if all you're going to do is tell him he's an idiot and needs to cater more to white people?
3. To the people wanting a pool hall, there are plenty of abandoned buildings on H. If you think that it is the best thing since sliced bread, and is cheap and easy to start up, no one is stopping you...
"Martini Lounge....holds no punches when it says who they are catering to..."
I would love to hear the owner of Martini Lounge chime in here. While I'm certain he would never trash his XII brother, I would be willing to guarantee you that he would say he is targeting a higher-end, bigger spending, more mature crowd than XII.
And, "yet the amount of critisim is not even recognizable to the critisim as XII" - that's because most of us already recognize the difference between the two clientele being attracted at each establish. Plus, the owner of Martini Lounge never tried to open up another fast food chicken joint on the corridor. I'm just saying.
All this controversy just makes me want to go try XII for myself even more to see if it's getting a bad rap.
Anon 9:19, the countdowns are hilarious.
Rob, you should definatly go try it and see for yourself. I don't think ANYONE on here should trash the place unless they've been there. I've been there three times never had that great of experience, felt uncomfortable, and don't plan to go back. So I've earned the right to trash it.
I want to address the discussion of DC having poor quality bars and restaurants.
It's true.
That said, let me clarify. The reason is that there is a great divide between an upscale expensive restaurant and the average place you go to get together with friend. In New York and Boston, there are fine restaurants and casual restaurants all offering good food and a great atmosphere. However, there is crap there too - I know. In DC, if I want a great meal I feel like I have to break the bank and head to KOMI or the like. Why is that? There is a lack of good food at decent prices that places like Granville's and Sticky Rice are grasping. Frozen chicken wings do not meet the bar for good food.
From the places doing well I can what is drawing people into the neighborhood. Great wholesome, gourmet style food at a good price in a place you feel welcome and able to kick back.
I wish more people would get this idea and realize we are all craving more places to eat on H Street. There is plenty of business to go around. Granville's and Sticky Rice (to name 2) are packed every night. The brick oven pizza place (hoping they do it right) will be a huge hit. Add delivery to great food and you will be slammed with business - not that much variety in Hill delivery.
People are looking for that unique local place to call thier stomping ground. It just seem XII is too large and unfocused (and according to some unrefined) to make it. I agree with the other postings - make is a pool hall, or even better, add bocce courts and play some hipster music and watch the cash roll in.
And for the record, I'm Anon 9:59 & 10:08 and have been to the Martini Lounge on a number of occasions and never felt uncomfortable. And before anyone tells me I need to let the Bernard-Cluck-You connection go -- I never will. I do not trust him as an advocate for a gentrifying community but simply preserving a status quo. It did not sit well with me that Marion Barry was a patron one of the times I was in there. Most rational communities would have tossed this man out yet XII welcomes him.
Sorry, correction from last post:
Comfortable in Martin Lounge, uncomfortable in XII.
Where can't blacks walk in DC and get beat up? Please fill me in...
Entitled? No but you people are so used to living in poverty stricken conditions with a bunch of thugs robbing, cheating, stealing and beating each other in a uncivilized manner that you are used to it.
White people do act that way...
White people do act that way...
Meant white people do not act that way
The comment about Marion Barry is ridiculous...why should XII not serve him? Why would you expect other businesses to not treat him fairly? He is a patron like any other person and deserves to be treated fairly like any other human being. You guys are hilarious...purely a racist blog with racist ideas and opinions. What's the point in defending your statements on here?
"why should XII not serve him (Marion Barry)? Why would you expect other businesses to not treat him fairly?"
He has a right to go anywhere he pleases, just as I have the right not to be a patron of anyone that serves him. It has absoultuely nothing to do with Mr. Barry, but everything to do with people that still take up for and defend this nut. Do you think he would stay in town if he wasn't still adored by his supporters?
"Hilarious, racisist" or not, Barry was more clearly welcomed and comfortable with the crowd in XII than I was and that's exactly what type of business he's wanting. Clearly Barry rasied his profile more than what this white boy did.
Marion Barry
I actually waited in him and his wife at Chez La Mere in Rehoboth Beach Delaware in 1999. On top of his ridiculous request for off menu items. After they ordered me around, made rude and cunning comments he paid his $307.26 (remember like it was yesterday) and left me $4.00 for a tip. If I had a restaurant I wouldn't allow him inside and treat my employees like that
"...purely a racist blog with racist ideas and opinions." ...
And that OFTEN goes both ways.
I think the anger and frustration between the races on here is very indicative of whats going on in our community and like it or not needs to be discussed. I think its healthy - certainly easier than sitting down face-to-face for an emotional yelling match. At least its a beginning.
So now it's XII's problem that Marion Barry receives undue adoration? The anonymous guy with a bizarre fixation on Cluck-U needs to get his head examined. Restauranteurs are not generally expected to throw politicians out of their establishments just because they may be crooks.
i am not sure which is more ridiculous...the concept of a black person welcoming the abuse of a white man, simply to "even the score" (becasue white men have had the privelage of not encountering violence against them??) or the white guy saying that white people (as a people) aren't "thugs robbing, cheating, stealing and beating each other in a uncivilized manner." I wasn't sure you could put two completely ignorant statements, so diametrically opposed, in one comment chain and not have the computer shut down. I am by no means the most enlightened person here, but the extremes of this board are so ludicrous sometimes. I wonder if these are just the product of online personas or true feelings. If the latter is true, both of you need to be fitted with a pair of cement boots and dropped off in the anacostia. Anon 7:32 you are one of the dumbest human beings I have encountered...and Anon 10:43, you are just as stupid. I think you both shouold apologize to the rest of us. And then go apologize to your mothers.
The internet allows certain people to spew out every ugly thought residing in their head. I'm sure a vast majority of the people who read this blog don't feel these racist thoughts, and I'll bet even the people writing them don't really feel that way; they are simply spiting out an impulse feeling. Anonimity can be a dangerous thing.
Dying laughing on the outside and crying on the inside...this is SAD! Look around H Street and Capitol Hill and tell me what you see? All RACES! It's time people open their eyes and see that the world isn't going to change simply because you whether black or white; make a few more dollars than the average person in the community, can afford your nice lavish house "in the hood", or was brought up on a silver platter. You picked your community to reside in and you have to deal with some of the things that were in place long before you decided to bring your little perfect self over to the hood. That's why this whole H Street venture is called a Revitalization Project. It will take time to reconstruct and make the community what you think it should be or it's intended to be. It doesn't matter if you are black, white, brown or purple, you will still get robbed, beaten, possibly get bad service at anyone of the losey spots on H Street on any given day, and be subjected to violent acts of crime right in front of your own house. You have got to be kidding me if you think any of the spots on H Street is all that great. This isn't Georgetown or the Waterfront but we do have places we can go right in the community. You don't have to go to the places you don't like. The business owners have a vision to make H Street the new happening place to dine and shop. Property values are going to sky rocket over time and be beneficial to many homeowners. Instead of you encouraging and attracting people to the community, you are driving people away by making absurd and outlandish comments about race and whatever else you decide to make up on here. It's simply ridiculous. When all the businesses close partially due to your failure to support them, what will H Street look like then. You should be happy people care about the community instead of leaving it in the lifeless, dirty, hopeless condition it was in for MANY, MANY years.
Funny, Anon 2:00, I believe it to be just the opposite.
I think the vast majority of people writing DO BELIEVE every ugly thought they are spewing out of their heads. I also think they are honest, gut impulse feelings to their neighborhood beliefs and experiences. And they say what they say because it is anonymous - that's the beauty of it.
I would be willing to bet that Poo Poo doesn't want his employer to know what he's saying on this Blog. And Soul Searcher really doesn't want his white neighbor to know how he REALLY feels about him and the things he posts here. And Ms. Anonymous, do you really want your husband to know he's sleeping next to the angry person you allow yourself to be on this blog?
I think you're right about one thing, "Anonimity can be a dangerous thing," but if it reveals some of our true hidden feelings of our community, then is it really all that bad?
Ooops, Sad But True, you let a little of your own racisim slip in when you said, "You picked your community to reside in and you have to deal with some of the things that were in place long before you decided to bring your 'little perfect self' over to the hood."
And I think people here ARE dealing with "things that were in place" long before you (insert anything you perceive as represnting The Man) arrived. I think its sad but true too, but I find the dialog to be progress.
Anon 3:20
It's not about me being racist because I care less about who is living next door to me and who resides in my community as long as we can live and work together in peace. The phrase "perfect little self" is for those that simply think that this is their world and crime, violence, and bad service doesn't happen or isn't supposed to happen. It's life so get over it. As long as you do your part to help shape your community is what should really matter. This shouldn't be a race war. I have been fortunate enough to live in various communities with people of all races and classes whether white or black there has been crime and everything else mentioned in this blog. We are all different nationalities and ethicnicities for a reason. If the world operated based on one man's views, thoughts, or ideals; what type of world would it be? It is sad...all of it.
"Frozen chicken wings do not meet the bar for good food. "
Amen. My point exactly.
Sure, DC has good restaurants if you can afford the very expensive.
It's in the mid-range and neighborhood joints that we are sorely lacking.
Much more so than most other cities I've been to.
And the service thing in DC extends far beyond restaurants. Our service industry is abysmal, FAR worse than most other cities.
That's why I often feel a good bit of empathy for anyone that does try to open a place in DC. It really is very hard to get competent, motivated staff.
A good portion of it in DC goes back to an entitlement mentality. For many 'having a job' means just showing up, reasonably sober most of the time. Anything beyond that is an imposition.
Isn't throwing out Marion Barry's name playing the race card?
It is really interesting that you let him have so much power over you. Pretty lame to use him as a excuse to not go to XII. Barry lived in the neighborhood for years, so it's not strange that he would be welcome back
Hillman,
Let's meet up at XII. I'll buy you some wings.
Don't they look tasty! http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelvedc/
Those photos of XII food look pretty tasty.
I have not commented specifically on XII's food and service because I haven't been there.
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