Written by DCist Contributor Eric Denman
On U street NW between 13th and 14th, nestled between Polly’s and a nail salon, Axis is settling into a rhythm and starting to be a very solid contender in an increasingly crowded strip. The wine list, which averages $12 $8 by the glass, is respectable, but the real reason to come here is for the tap list. Although it doesn’t boast a huge variety of obscure seasonals, the 15 taps are well-chosen and include some great beers: Lagunitas Censored Copper, North Coast Red Seal, the ever-solid Eggenberg Pils, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Stone Smoked Porter…the list goes on. The only truly conventional tap here is Guinness, although some American macro lagers are available by the bottle. A 16 oz. pour will normally run you $6, but drops to $4 at happy hour, from 4-7 p.m.
The food menu is supposedly Mediterranean-influenced, but it reads more like a shotgun approach to a bar and grill menu, where the pellets are fired in every conceivable direction. The entree selections consist of a few preparations of steak ($18-22), fish ($17-19), several pasta dishes ($15), and duck. You’ll also find standards like burgers and a grilled salmon sandwich, as well as a relatively tasty fried catfish sandwich which could use a better bun. In short, the food menu doesn’t exactly captivate the imagination, but it covers all the bases.
The layout is long and narrow, with a small second-level seating area. The decor is simple, but the colors are warm and inviting, with exposed brick and earth tones dominating. Axis feels like an average neighborhood bar: it’s a place you could easily come drop in and have a pint, served in weighty 16 oz. mugs, while watching the game, or just stop in for a simple meal and some wine. There may be larger beer lists in the area (both Saloon and St. Ex are about a block away) but Axis gets the job done.
Axis
1340 U Street NW
(202) 319-1340
CORRECTION: This post originally mis-stated the average cost of a glass of wine at Axis. Please note the correct price above is now $8.
