This post from DCist Contributor Liz Lawson

Mahogany Restaurant presents itself as a place representing the smooth side of the U Street revitalization; one that requires a certain attire for its patrons, like another that was the source of a bit of controversy when it emerged a few years ago.

Recently reopened after renovations, Mahogany sits on the street-level floor of Bohemian Caverns, which hosts local jazz nearly every night of the week in a basement space that lives up to its cavernous name. The renovations did the space well: the décor is gorgeous. The bar is made of red mahogany wood, and the windows open out onto the street. On these nice days, a seat at the windows would be a perfect location; that is, if the food was worth it. On a recent visit for brunch, the restaurant made sure that we realized it wasn’t.

The brunch menu looks appealing on the surface: omelets, pancakes, even a breakfast sandwich for those who kind-of wish they were at Dunkin’ Donuts. Sound like appealing choices, right? Unfortunately, they weren’t.

My meat eating companion went with the breakfast sandwich, and asked for the side of home fries to be replaced with the “cheese” grits. Those scare quotes are necessary. First of all, the requested side came out as an appetizer. Though the timing mistake was our first warning for the meal; the grits themselves were a clear second. I may have become spoiled during the year I lived in Georgia, but, honestly, I’ve had better grits in Pennsylvania. When the menu says “cheese grits,” one expects some cheese; grits as a rule should not be able to be used as a shower sponge.

Photo from c_parascandola.