781 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Happy Hour Served Monday-Saturday from 5:00p - 8:00p
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Specials: $5.00 Speciality Cocktails, $4.00 Beer, $5 bar bites (served only in bar and lounge)
Restaurant Website: Zengo
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| Cocktail Menu |
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| Small Plates Menu |
Having been less than impressed when dining at Zengo for dinner a year ago, I was not too excited to come back for happy hour on the suggestion of a friend last night. As the happy hour specials are only served in the bar and lounge on the first floor of the restaurant I was surprised to find it not crowded, especially on a Saturday night. The atmosphere of the restaurant is reminiscent of a club with a DJ booth in the corner, lounge furniture, and low lighting. Now on to the most important part of the review, food and drinks.
The happy hour drink specials included the simplest drinks on their cocktail list. I had the Margarita Tradicional and M. had the Caipirinha. Of the two the Caipirinha came out on top but that does not mean that is not saying much... both were far from good. Because of this we opted for water, rather than enjoying another cocktail.
However the food made up for what the drinks lacked and at $5 a plate the price can not be beat. We tried four plates: Achiote-Hoisen Pork Arepas, Thai Chicken Empanadas, Pork Spare Ribs, and Crunchy Calamari. The best plate was the Achiote-Hoisen Pork Arepas, which unfortunately were so tasty we forgot to take a picture before devouring them. My least favorite was the Thai Chicken Empanadas, although M. thought they weren't too bad. All the portions are full-sized which is a pleasant surprise so you leave feeling full.
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| Crunchy Calamari and Spare Ribs |
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| Thai Chicken Empanadas |
The Verdict: Come for the food but enjoy your cocktails elsewhere!
Stay tuned for my next post because happy hour is the best hour and there is no better place to spend it than in the nation's capital.
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