5 O'Clock Meeting: Jack's Restaurant and Bar
Moments after I settled into my patio seat during my first visit to Jack’s Restaurant and Bar, which opened in January at 1527 17th Street, NW (the old Peppers/Le Pigalle Space) a cameraman from the local NBC station began to set up his wares on the sidewalk, just a few feet in front of me. Immediately I commiserated with Brad and Angelina. Can’t a man enjoy a heavily-poured whiskey in the evening sun without being hounded by cameras and the media? But the camera and its accompanying reporter were not there on my account; they were recording a story on 17th Street’s vibrant al fresco dining scene. Chef/owner Herbert Kerschbaumer was the star of the piece, and he combed his hair and greeted a few patrons on his way out to meet the camera.
Jack’s Restaurant and Bar is a welcome addition to 17th Street’s patio drinking and dining scene. Its patio seating is more spacious than Fox & Hounds’, and, for now at least, is usually less crowded. There is ample space between the tables for the wait staff to serve drinks without doing a first baseman-style reach worthy of a spot on the Nationals’ roster.
The happy hour at Jack’s runs from 4-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and features Jack Daniels or Stoli vodka drinks for $3 each and Sam Adams Summer Ale for $3 as well. Whiskey or vodka on the rocks consistently arrives as the most robust $3 pour this reviewer has yet encountered on this arduous beat.
Seats at the bar are easy to snag on sunny days. Jack’s boasts a huge flat screen TV above the bar that must be at least six feet wide. The ceiling’s exposed ducts and the restaurant’s French bistro style chairs combine Dupont’s post-millennial condominium designs with Kerschbaumer’s European sensibilities.
As scarcely a report on Jack’s can resist mentioning, the establishment is named for an amorous German shepherd named Jack who was reportedly quite fond of a large tree. To this end, a two-feet tall framed picture of Jack hangs on the restaurant's center post.
There is also, however, a three feet tall statue of Jack Daniels in the restaurant, as well as Jack Daniels straw and napkin holders, doormats and clocks. A trip to the restroom revealed a large framed portrait of Jack Daniels leaning up against the wall, waiting to be hung. Beneath Daniels’ suit cursive letters read: “Our Benevolent Sponsor.”
The happy hour drink prices at Jack’s Restaurant and Bar demand at least one food special. Unfortunately, Jack’s has none. Perhaps Kerschbaumer will consider placing on special his golden French fries, served in a paper funnel spouting from a large champagne flute. Even without a food special, however, Jack’s is destined to become a popular happy hour destination this summer. Its patio and prices are irresistible, especially to those living out another episode in the lifestyles of the parched and parsimonious.
Jack’s Restaurant and Bar
1527 17th Street NW
202.332.6767
Metro: Dupont Circle