Drafting The Perfect 14th Street Neighborhood Restaurant

14TH STREET -- As owner of Rabbit, Red Velvet Cupcakery, and the Tangysweet frozen yogurt shops throughout the area, budding D.C. restaurateur Aaron Gordon already has a proverbial full plate with respect to his schedule.

But that didn’t stop the Washingtonian native from nevertheless striking out again with a new 14th Street neighborhood restaurant dubbed Drafting Table, which is currently scheduled to open next Thursday, October 4th.

Enlisting childhood friend Andrew Christenberry as both a co-owner and the designer of the new eatery, Drafting Table’s setting is reminiscent of an old design studio or engineer’s office. The premise being to create a place where guests could come to discuss ideas and concepts over a pint of beer (more on the beer later).

The entire restaurant incorporates natural and lightly stained oak throughout, with the bar and bar tables coming from reclaimed architectural drawing tables and four salvaged bus depot stoplights flashing the location’s address (1-5-2-9) above Drafting Table’s 14-seat communal table.

A series of 10-15 self-described ‘eclectic dishes’, sourced locally and highlighting organic ingredients whenever possible, serve as the driving force behind the new venue’s menu courtesy of Executive Chef Ciji Wagner, who previously served a similar role at Gordon’s Rabbit Grill.

Despite boasting a classic degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from the Culinary Institute of America, Wagner’s approach to cooking sometimes purposefully veers off the conventional path thanks to her belief in ‘satisfying and fun’ food.

Standout dishes include Duck Confit with grilled radicchio, caramelized shallots, grapes and red wine jus, Kaya Toast with coconut jam, fried egg and soy broth, and a Braised Brisket with braised vegetables in a red wine gravy.

Accompanying the savory will be a beverage program led by Sommelier Brian Murphy (formerly of Agraria, Jaleo, and Black’s Bar & Kitchen) and Beverage Director Malachi Broadnax. Drafting Table is particularly proud of its 16 beers on draught, including Guinness, Brooklyn Lager, Anchor Steam, Castle Lager, Red Stripe, Pilsner Urquell, Heineken, Stella Artois, Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgium Style IPA, Dales Pale Ale, Stone IPA, and Carlsberg.

Additionally, a cocktail menu carefully designed to pair with Chef Wagner’s seasonal fare will be on offer, including a Dark and Stormy with Goslings rum and ginger beer, an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve bourbon, muddled orange, brown sugar, bitters and a cherry, and an original Hummer featuring hum liquor, kafir lime, hibiscus, cardamom, ginger, sour and a splash of Prosecco.

Drafting Table’s dining room will be open Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to 12 AM, Friday from 4 PM to 1 AM, Saturday 8 AM to 12 AM and Sunday from 8 AM to 11PM. The bar will operate Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to 1 AM, Friday from 4 PM to 2 AM, Saturday 10 AM to 2 AM and Sunday from 10 AM to 12 AM.