Roofers Union is a relatively new watering (and feeding) hole located at 2446 18th St. NW in DC in the building that used to be occupied by The Reef. And if you haven’t been, you need to get there stat. The renovated inside is far from the dive bar vibe of the previous establishment.
The decor is casual, simple and to be honest downright comforting. The staff is very warm and welcoming and amazing at what they do. The big bear of a bartender, Frank, makes cocktails that will blow your mind.
The executive Chef, Marjorie Meek-Bradley, is simply phenomenal! There just isn’t a better word for her I swear. Her inventive American fare consists of homemade sausages and crispy pig ears on watercress.
While the first floor is smallish it doesn’t lack for anything in character, good company and excellent food and drink. There are two other floors which feature gorgeous views of 18th street in the heart of Adam’s Morgan, offer more space and additional minimalist decoration. But believe me you won’t be looking at the walls much when you are seated in the large middle floor dining area or hanging out on the rooftop bar.
Next we were served samples of tiny bruschetta of melted taleggio cheese and apple chutney. These were the only dish I had any real issue with. Enjoying a good thick slice of bruschetta where it manages to be both crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, I was not impressed with the very thinly sliced bread as it was too crunchy and sharp in my mouth. Aside from that the flavor was great. Melted cheese and crisp apples, yes please! Also I think I must try more of this taleggio cheese I’d never heard of before yesterday. It has a slight tang to it that was complimented nicely by the sweetness of the apple mixture on top.
Lastly but not least of all were the bite-size apple pies. These are what a certain fast food restaurant that will remain unnamed wishes their apple pies were. Yet another win for Roofers Union and Marjorie in particular. Bravo! The crust was baked just right and had a lovely flakiness and butteriness to it that set off the caramelized apple and cinnamon filling in a flavor explosion of a lip-smacking bite.
If you have noticed a theme, you aren’t wrong. Apples were in every single dish as well as the punch. Thanks to Wendy Brannen from USApple for hosting this pleasant gathering filled with several appetizing and delectable culinary experiences. Do yourself a favor and check out Roofers Union for the food, for the cocktails, for the view. For whatever reason you will not be disappointed! I recommend a seat at the roof-top bar near the railing.