Photo courtesy of The Commodore
The Commodore's "Squirrel Kicker" hamburger features two smash patties, Smoked Gouda, onion jam, Bourbon mayo and arugula on a brioche bun.
A popular Dupont Circle-area pub in DC has big plans to open a second location, in Old Town Alexandria, the owners announced recently on their Instagram page.
"The boys are excited to share that your favorite Five-Star Dive Bar is opening a second location in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia in early spring! Stay tuned for details!"
The "boys" are restaurant owners Rob Van de Graaf and Steve Kim, who also serves as executive chef.
Their eatery, The Commodore, will open its doors this spring at 220 N. Lee St., in Alexandria, previously home to Mystic Bar & Grill, which closed in December. The owners of Mystic Bar & Grill closed their doors Sunday, Nov. 30. Owner Ralph Davis (along with son Matt) is a legendary restaurateur in Alexandria, known mainly for his ownership and management of RT's Restaurant for 32 years but also for his hand in many others in Old Town and Arlington.
Photo courtesy of Commodore
(L-r): Steve Kim and Rob Van de Graaff, co-owners of Commodore.
The Commodore originally opened in DC as Commodore Public House and Kitchen in 2016 under different ownership; after it closed its doors in 2019 at 11th and P, it reopened in a new location in 2021 at 1636 17th St. NW. Van de Graaff was formerly a general manager before taking ownership in 2024, when co-owner Steve Kim came on board as executive chef. Kim has previously worked under James Beard-award winning chef Kwame Onwauchi at Philly Wing Fry and Kith and Kin.
The Commodore's food has received kudos from patrons and press, including its fried pickles, getting a shout-out from Eater DC: "Ultra thinly sliced pickle chips (brined and cut in-house) get battered with a roughly 1:1 ratio of pickle to batter, offering a slightly sweet fried pickle perfect for those who don't like an overwhelmingly sour pickle flavor. Served with a poblano ranch." The restaurant has earned four out of five stars on Yelp.
In addition to being known for innovative dishes, The Commodore is known for its vintage brass diving helmet and suit that adorns its DC lair. No word on whether a similar one will grace the Old Town Alexandria location.
The hours at the DC location are Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturdays noon to 1 a.m. and Sundays noon to midnight.The DC location offers Trivia Tuesdays as well as weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m., with bottomless mimosas.
Stay tuned for an opening date this spring!
