Chef Geoff’s: Bacon Makes Everything Better

Not being much of a drinker, I’m one of those Happy Hour hoppers who gets more psyched about appetizer specials than half-priced martinis. That’s why I’m more than content with the fact that my coworkers tend to make Chef Geoff’s Downtown a frequent post-work destination.

Chef Geoff’s has a few drink specials during Happy Hour, including $3 longnecks and $7 "super mugs" (34 oz). On weekends, there’s a $4 Peppar Mary special as well.

But when my coworkers announce earlier in the day that Chef Geoff’s will be our gathering spot that evening, it’s the burgers I crave all day long. Chef Geoff offers $5 burgers during Happy Hour. But they’re not just burgers. They’re generously-sized bacon cheeseburgers served with a plentiful heap of thin-sliced, crispy French fries. At $5 a platter, they’re a bargain, and even if I don’t go to Chef Geoff’s hungry, I never can pass up ordering one. A warning – usually a medium-rare girl, I tend to order my burger "medium" at Chef Geoff’s – their "medium rare" offering leans more toward the rare. With that qualm aside, giant burgers with two types of cheese where bacon comes standard? Hard to beat that.

The place also has $8 mini-pizzas during its Happy Hour, but I’ve never branched out beyond the burger. Have any DcFud readers sampled a not-too-pricey pie there?

The atmosphere is mildly yuppie, but unpretentious. Well-lit, classy and usually stuffed with professionals in their late 20s to early 30s, Chef Geoff's has the vibe of being busy and popular without feeling like an over-hyped hot spot.

The restaurant is also known for its pre-theatre dinner specials (it sits just across from the Warner theatre), its Sunday brunches and its half-priced wine nights on Mondays at the end of each month. I have yet to sample any of these offerings, but if you can judge a restaurant by its burger, Chef Geoff’s is worth a stop, even beyond those hours which are happy.

Chef Geoff’s
13th (between E and F), NW
202/464-4461