Recently, DCist was invited to sample some of the dishes at Tallula, in suddenly bustling Clarendon. Fans of the departed Whitey's will be startled by this newcomer, in the former space of Whitey's and owned by the same group as the Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray and Vermilion in Old Town. Gone are the pool tables, dart boards, and broaster. In their place: a beautiful three part dining and drinking space, the adjoining wine retailer Planet Wine, and a modern American menu conceived by Nathan Anda, formerly of Equinox.

The first thing one notices when walking into Tallula is the decor, classy and sophisticated without being pretentious. But don't be scared by the looks of the space. "We want to be as much a neighborhood place as a fine restaurant," says communications director Melissa Gold. "We want our neighbors to feel welcome, and have no dress code."

A look at the menu reveals moderate prices and familiar favorites like a grilled t-bone steak sharing the page with innovative dishes such as fried green tomatoes with duck cracklins, frisee salad, and a bacon vinaigrette (DCist had a chance to sample the latter; it is not to be missed). The menu also features an interesting "Amuse Yourself" menu that features bite-sized dishes like a truffled mini-burger, an oyster shooter with fresh horseradish, and a foie gras sandwich with blackberry preserves. DCist, however, steers you towards the "corn dog," with home made chorizo sausage and whole grain mustard. Tom Sietsema understates the quality a bit: "fluffy on the outside and spicy with chorizo [his corn dog] bests that of any county fair." DCist would go further and say that the corn dog was phenomenal; with the fried green tomatoes and the mini-burger, you have a great beginning to a comfort meal. Tallula also has an interesting looking brunch menu DCist is eager to sample.

If Chef Anda's cuisine isn't your thing, no worries. Situated next to the main dining room is the bar, shiny zinc, that features an impressive scotch selection and an astonishing 70 wines by the glass. This is made possible by a nitrous tap system that allows the restaurant to open 70 bottles without fearing spoilage. DCist was impressed by the bartender's wine recommendations, which were well matched to our food. If one of the wines by the glass doesn't strike your fancy, there are over 350 wines available by the bottle. Wine not your thing? The creative house drinks (pop rocks??) might be more to your liking. "The Inn", with its unique combination of wine and vodka, is particularly good--a refined cousin of the standard martini. The front bar is non-smoking at all times. There is a smoking lounge in the rear dressed in rich reds and oranges, a far cry from the back room's former incarnation. And for those not inclined to wait for one of the 100 seats in the front dining space, full menus are available in both the bar and the smoking lounge.

Overall, DCist had a great time checking out this newest entry onto the Clarendon scene. Though we didn't have a chance to try the majority of the menu, what we did get to try was very tasty. And with the wine and house drinks on the menu, Tallula might be a place for a night out as much as it is a great spot for a date, a quiet dinner, or to take your folks. If you are thinking of dining, be sure to call in advance and find out the wait; Tallula only takes reservations for parties of 7 or more, so plan accordingly.

(Top image courtesy of Tallula. Bar image courtesy of Jason M. Novak, A Studio with a View)