Loving this place! Great vibes & friendly service. The crowd was great and made a stranger in town feel welcome. Guinness on draft, the best lemon drop shot I ever had, and wings to die for. I'll definitely be back in for dinner next time. New owners really cleaned up the old oyster house and turned it into a gem. ---UPDATE--- I came back for dinner to watch the game. Playoffs tonight! I was starving when I got here and man this place delivered. The burger was great & the evening crowd was just as cool as the happy hour crowd. This is my new spot now when I'm in town. read more

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This is a really comfortable and entertaining establishment. The food and presentation is very nice, while keeping a relaxed and casual vibe. Sitting at the bar, the staff is engaging without being intrusive. The food is fancy comfort food, southern classics dressed up with some creative experimentation. I had the fried green tomatoes and wings off the small bites menu. Both were crispy, fried without residual grease, and complimented well with pickled vegetables for a tart offset. Nice place for a quick stop or a longer stay, this is a fitting addition to the neighborhood. read more

Awakening - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Service was good. The BLT was the most loaded I've ever seen but the bread wasn't as listed on the menu so I was annoyed by that. A sloppy plain burger bun for a BLT is not a win. The use of candied bacon is what caught my attention as I love sweet & savory. Smart idea! I think my meal was too pricey though. And I would've preferred a substitute instead of potatoes as a side. They were out of the dessert I came excited to try as well. Such a bummer on 2 accounts. Go, but they've got work to do. read more

Awakening - Loaded BLT wow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Had the chili on my lunch break to watch a little World Cup. They have 4TVs and it wasn't busy on a Tuesday. Excellent service, love the menu, and the restaurant was cool despite the heat. The chili was great (didn't get a pic before I ate it all). Can't wait to try more. read more

Awakening - Chili - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Awakening needed to "wake up." First and foremost, the food here is really good. The crab cake sandwich, the crab egg rolls, and the shrimp linguine was really well executed. Also, the drinks were excellent and love the nod to DC culture with the drink names. Unfortunately, that is where my praise ends :( The service was really slow and bad. Now this was the day before Valentine's Day, so I'll give them a slight past, but the restaurant was ill-prepared for the volume of people. There was no host, and not enough servers working. I'm not going to kill this place, but I want to come back on a regular day and see if they improved on the basics. read more

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I had the opportunity to check out this new black owned spot twice this week in Barracks Row. The first time was Tuesday after the storm and it was slow as expected. I ordered off their restaurant week menu and everything was fresh and amazing! I got the spicy shrimp dip, strawberry field salad and a seafood dish and some drinks. They have happy hour with food and bar bites from 3-7. Last night I ordered food and drink from their regular menu. I opted for the crab soup and beef sliders. The place was packed so I'm glad I had reserved a table in advance. Due to the volume of customers, the food and drinks were delayed quite a while but the staff and customer service is amazing! They greet everyone at the door and the staff and owner made up for the delayed service. The music selection is on point and the sound system in the bathroom feels like a club lol! I have to come back for brunch and to hear the live saxophonist. This is a promising new black owned businesses that I'm excited about. So be patient as they work through the kinks. read more

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This spot is a vibe. Like a neighborhood bar where they recognize you and treat everyone like family vibe. Have I been here 3 times in the past week? Possibly. But it's so worth it. The food is good and the service is friendly. I first came here on a Saturday. They were packed. There was a saxophone player and everyone was chill. I had a reservation but it took a minute to get a table. While they were busy, we still received very personable service. Sean provides great service and is hilarious. The food is amazing here. I haven't had a bad dish. And the driiiinks. OMG! Herb is an amazing bartender. I'm addicted to the Botanical Garden drink. He mixes his own syrups and this drink is amazing. On my last visit I got to meet Chef P. She's a beast in the kitchen. I tried a cream of celery buffalo chicken soup that was amazing. I don't know how she thought to put all that together but it works. And I love that everything is made from scratch. read more

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LOVE. The vibes. The food. The service. All top tier, almost don't want to post to leave it all for me! The food is great. Atmosphere is nice and it's always busy but worth it! Be nice to the servers/barstaff!!!! read more

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The vibe, the vibe, the vibe! It was awesome and the service was exceptional. My drink was delicious and the music was jamming the entire time, from the live music to recorded hits. This place is definitely a gem. read more

It's a YES! The Awakening provided the chill atmosphere needed to converse, enjoy good food and nice cocktails; and watch March Madness ( three TVs three different games). Bonus: the bartenders have personality and make great drinks (ask Taylor for a Side Car). The owner was accommodating and super nice to me and my sister/friends during our recent visit. It was a busy Sunday and we had no reservation but space was made so that we could be seated. Great customer service goes a long way and I will definitely be returning. read more

My partner and I visited awakening on a Tuesday evening during happy hour, we arrived at 6:15ish and we were pleasantly surprised that they had a live band. It was really warm that day (90s) and I think they didn't have air or it wasn't on because it was really warm in there. We sat at small high top behind the bar. We were told that the bartenders would come soon. Time came and went and finally someone came over after about 20 minutes. He then took an additional 15 minutes to get our drinks. I shared that I wanted to order from the happy hour menu and there was literally 2 minutes left. We ordered 2 mumbo wings, crispy green beans and a turkey burger, we asked for it to all come out together. The wings came out right away but we had to ask for the turkey burger. My partner and I grew increasingly frustrated because people who came in after us were serviced and had their orders. We had to get the man who I believe was the manager or owner to check on the food. Additionally my partner said no fries with the burger but wasn't offered a different side. The burger came out 45 minutes after ordering it. The green beans were more like a tempura ... I didn't care for them. Due to the long wait times they did comp our second round. This is a really cute place and the live music takes it to another level. I'm hoping to return and to get more efficient service. read more

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The location is good and if you know the area the parking is not the greatest. The ambiance is good but one of the odd things for me was he disco ball and lights in the bathroom and the loud disco music. I only had an appetizers, the candied deviled eggs. They were really good but the portion size is something to be desired, just 3. The black and blue sandwich was really good and the wings were also excellent. My issue here was the service, not going to lie we came with a party of 6 and honestly he looked overwhelmed. Slow to get the water, slow to take the orders. Just not looking like he wanted to be there. Again the food was good. read more

First time at this spot and I love it! They have an all day happy hour on Sunday which me and my friend really enjoyed. We ordered the candied devil eggs and green beans off the happy hour menu. 5/5! For brunch we did the speciality bottomless mimosas. The ribeye hash and shrimp and grits were so delicious. The grits were so creamy and out this world. The ribeye was cooked perfectly. The service was awesome. The bartender and the manager were super attentive and kept checking on us. Love the casual vibes definitely seems like your local, fun neighborhood bar. Such a vibe! read more

Amazing food, good service with a quaint neighborhood bar feel...happy hour all day Sunday is clutch too read more

Awakening - Ribeye and Eggs! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I dined here for a good friend of mine's birthday celebration earlier in the week. To say I had a great time is a major understatement. First off, the food was torch! We decided to order main dishes and split them. Best decision ever. Everything was so good, I honestly don't know which dish was my favorite. For drinks, we ordered mojitos (I can't recall the name of it and I can't find it on their drink menu) No complaints, though. I ordered two LOL. They also organized bringing out a brownie with torched marshmallow fluff out for my friend, which I'm sure she thoroughly enjoyed. It added a nice touch to the evening. I also can't leave a review without mentioning the bartender. I wish I would've gotten his name but he was such as a breath of fresh air. Super sweet and even threw in a round of shots for the bar and called them "Dèsha shots" for a my friend. Great way to end the night off. Long story short: GO! I don't think you'll be disappointed. read more

Awakening - Chicken and waffles, blackened salmon, rasta pasta, and lamb chops. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food was legit! As appetizers we had the Wings, Avocado Bruschetta and Fried Green Beans, all delicious. For entree's Rasta Pasta (some heat but very good), Pasta Primavera (a yummy vegan option) and Shrimp Linguine which we all loved. The drinks were on point. They surprised us with the wings and they were delicious!!! Go check them out!!! The atmosphere was very chill and the service very personable. Just visiting the city but would definitely hit this place up again if we lived close. read more

Omg the food was amazing! I loved the vibe! First time coming we will definitely be back Arthur and Ireca Brunson. read more

Awakening - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is the spot! If you want good seasoned food come here! The drinks are on point! We will definitely return! You're missing out if you don't come here to support. The food is made to order! None of that pre-prepared stuff! Your taste buds will sing and thank you for bringing them here! The Ancestors blessed this place! It's a whole vibe! read more

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This is a no. We went on Sunday around 1 pm and could only order from the Brunch menu. Wine arrived late - after being told they had "run out" of cabernet. Then they found some. It was served in a plastic glass. Service was slow. We never got refills on water. We ordered the mambo sauce wings and a half smoke. We asked if the wings were sauced. The waitress said yes. Then came back to tell us the chef would not sauce the wings, sauce only came on the side. The menu listed the wings as $22 for 12 - which is expensive. On the bill they charged us $23.99. We did get hot sauce when requested - but the serving sizes were not worth the prices and the slow service. At one point the assistant in the kitchen clanged the bell several times to summon the waitress as food was sitting getting cold. read more

Ladies and Gentlemen join me in welcoming The Awakening Bar & Grill to DC. Well seasoned curated meals, great vibes and libations, multiples TVs, friendly staff ...it's what Barracks Row has been missing. I had the pleasure of ordering the Rasta Pasta and Ceasar salad and they didn't miss. Do yourself and check it out. read more

Tried this place out a couple nights ago. The vibe was very chill, the service from the staff and owner was amazing, and the food was even better! One person in my party was vegan, so they ordered the impossible burger. The sauce that comes with the burger wasn't vegan, so the head chef offered to make a special sauce for her (pictured). The sauce was so good we ended up putting it on everything we ordered. I will definitely be back! read more

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Great all day Sunday Happy Hour,. Good bites and drinks. Live sax player ambiance- but they're usually there just Sat. & Tues. Shrimp and grits was solid. Happy hour wings and 1/2 smoke better than usual. Nice vibe with decent offerings. Accepting inkind $ now. read more

Awakening - The seasonal drinks were great , not too sweet . - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Awakening Bar & Grill is officially my new neighborhood spot. I stopped in recently and had the crab cake sandwich with fries and an Old Fashioned, and everything hit the mark. The crab cake was seasoned just right with that perfect sear on the outside, the fries were fresh and crispy, and the Old Fashioned was balanced and smooth. The vibe here is warm, welcoming, and consistent every time I come in. The staff treats you like they actually want you there, and Herb behind the bar is always on point -- great energy, great service, and great drinks. Whether I'm grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a drink, Awakening is the kind of place that feels like home. Highly recommend stopping by. read more

Awakening - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We found Awakening one night as we wandered along after a nearby lecture. We are glad we did. The decor is cool. The service was friendly and excellent. We had the crispy green beans, deviled eggs, and no-bean chili -- all were delicious. The eggs were extraordinary. We will return! read more

love love this place. This is my 2nd visit and I will definitely be back again! During my first visit I ordered pretty much 8 items on the menu just to try it out!!! I enjoy this place and love the hospitality/service from the owners. read more

This place is horrible. I was here for a birthday get together and I asked the female bartender if she would take my drink order. She said she has 2 drinks ahead of me. I'm like ok cool, I'll wait. 30 minutes later and STILL no drink in my hand. Several other complained about the very slow service. I left and took my money elsewhere. Not good. I won't be coming back to this place, and will definitely encourage others not to as well. read more

The hospitality was unmatched here! Right when you enter, you're made to feel like family-not too many restaurants give off that vibe. Lots of options to choose from on their drink and food menus. We both ended up going with their main awakening burger and one of their mules. For the burger: wow for the price you get a LOT of burger. Patties were huge and seasoned perfectly, definitely a lot of food to take home for leftovers. This place opened recently is my understanding, hope they do well! I'd come back. read more

This isn't your typical bar and grill-- the moment we walked in we got greeted by the owner and the you immediately feel like family. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were so friendly, fun and know how to make an amazing drink! Also this place doesn't make the typical so so fries and burgers bar food. It's elevated, five-star-level delicious. Everything we ate and drank was outstanding. The bartender Herb makes incredible signature cocktails (he even has 2 featured on the drink menu) and the chef clearly knows fine dining--every dish hit, from the deviled eggs and Rasta pasta to the vegetable noodles with lamb chops (which you can add to any entree as a protein side--never heard of this option before but loved it) and we finished the meal off with their marshmallow-topped brownie dessert. Everything was absolutely outstanding! I can't recommend this place enough and will definitely be back again and again! The owners are so chill and have done an incredible job --the energy, music, food and vibe makes you feel like you're at a local DC neighborhood dive "like Cheers" (the tv show) "where everybody knows your name" so you feel like hanging out with family and friends all evening. Oh and the Karaoke bar a few doors down was a super fun activity to do after we left Awakening! It was a perfect evening out! read more

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Warren and his staff were amazing accommodating our group of nearly 30 people with kids on a busy Sunday. Food was amazing especially that French toast! Drinks were strong and flowing and the service was fast even with it being served family style. We will definitely be back for brunch and jazz Tuesday and Saturday's! read more

Fantastic new restaurant in Barracks Row! I went for Brunch with my daughter and we both really enjoyed our experience. The door was opened for us on the way in and on the way out! Wonderful service, delicious food and you can tell a lot of heart went into all aspects of this new place. read more

Food was really good, the drink was on point, and the service was warm and friendly. The music was also perfect, not too much of anything and not too little. Nice vibe went for late night bites! Deviled eggs, wings, and slider burgers are delicious. read more

Went the second week opened. It was a pleasant experience that I hope becomes more refined with time. read more

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Amazing experience from start to finish. The food was excellent--fresh, well-seasoned, and beautifully presented. Every dish was full of flavor and clearly made with care, from the appetizers to the main courses. The drinks were great, the bartender was entertaining, and the music set the perfect vibe. The staff was genuinely friendly, and being greeted by the owner made the experience feel even more welcoming. The live saxophonist was incredible and added such a fun, upscale touch. It's perfect for date night, girls/guys night with friends or even a place to grab a bite to eat with the whole family. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to! read more

Awakening Bar & Grill - A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Home From the moment I walked into Awakening Bar & Grill, I knew this place was special. The staff greeted me with such warmth and genuine hospitality that it immediately felt like home. Everyone -- from the servers to the bartenders -- made sure I was comfortable and taken care of without ever being overbearing. And the food? Absolutely incredible. Every bite was bursting with flavor -- you can tell the chefs put love and attention into every dish. The menu has that perfect balance of comfort food and creativity, and everything I tried was fresh, seasoned beautifully, and plated with care. The atmosphere adds to the experience -- cozy, inviting, and full of good energy. It's the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, share a great meal with friends, or just sit at the bar and feel like part of the family. Awakening Bar & Grill truly lives up to its name -- it's a refreshing reminder that great food and genuine people still exist in one place. I can't wait to come back! read more

Beautiful space and excellent customer service. Our bartender greeted us as we walked through the door and quickly gave us a menu and mentioned the happy hour specials. Enjoyed our drinks and mambo wings. Will return soon. read more

Very nice atmosphere, and excellent food! Service was very polite and welcoming. Would come again when in Capitol Hill area.

We were a party of three and every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious. The bartender is very experienced and made the best drinks. In addition, the owners and staff were outstanding and very friendly. This was our first time there but it felt like we had been there before, everyone made us feel welcome. We will definitely return and have informed our family and friends about our experience here. read more

Food is excellent. Upscale southern food. Staff and owner incredibly friendly. Great ambiance. Can't go wrong here.

Black owned excellence! We celebrated my cousin's 45th birthday on November 23rd, 2025, and everything was truly amazing! The bartender was making great drinks, and the food was good. Our group had an amazing time... The owner made sure I got to my car safely and even carried my food for me. The saxophone player was am as well. read more

What a delicious taste to the neighborhood. Everything was great music and more check them out.