The Shaw Bijou bar. (Photo by Kevin Carroll)

Shaw Bijou‘s plan for an exclusive, members-only club is dead before it could even get off the ground. So, apologies to everyone who hoped their eccentric lifestyle or trove of interesting stories might grant them 24/7 access to the posh restaurant’s second-floor bar.

This news comes just a week after the restaurant announced it was opening up some seats in its small bar for same-day reservations and walk-in diners with the idea of creating a more affordable way to get a piece of chef Kwame Onwuachi’s creative cooking. It was teased as a trial while details of the club were ironed out, but that’s apparently changed.

Citing an “overwhelming response,” to the trial, that model seems here to stay. And it’s been expanded to 40 seats (though the day-to-day availability will vary, as the restaurant’s dining room guests also occupy the bar).

“This new option for our bar is just another opportunity to extend that invitation into our home where people can come in, order a drink, bite to eat, and enjoy each other’s company,” Onwuachi said in a release from the restaurant.

Dishes at the bar will change regularly, and most range in price from $14 to $34. A current menu shows snacks like shrimp chips with avocado pistachio and black lime as well as heartier dishes like grouper stew and roasted lambs head. Cocktails can be ordered up as well. To compare, the standard 13- to 15-course tasting menu is $185 per person (excluding tax, tips, and drinks).

The walk-in option is available Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (202) 800-0640 between 1 p.m and 5 p.m, or by email. Shaw Bijou is located at 1544 9th St NW.