D.C.'s The Commodore bringing 'five-star dive bar' to Old Town
Popular Dupont Circle pub to open second location at 220 N. Lee St. in March
The Commodore, a popular neighborhood pub in D.C.’s Dupont Circle known for its craft burgers and dive bar atmosphere, is expanding to Old Town Alexandria.
Owners Rob Van de Graaff and Steve Kim announced the second location on Instagram last week, writing that “your favorite Five-Star Dive Bar is opening a second location in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia in early spring.”
The pub will open at 220 N. Lee St., the former home of Mystic BBQ & Grill, which closed in late November after about a year and a half in business. The space previously housed Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ. The Commodore team is targeting a March opening.
The Commodore first opened in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood in 2016 and quickly developed a cult following for its creative burger menu and lively atmosphere. The pub closed in 2019 after a dispute with the landlord before reopening at its current Dupont Circle location at 1636 17th St. NW in 2021.
The menu features playfully named items that have become part of the bar’s identity, including the Squirrel Kicker — a burger with two smash patties, smoked gouda, onion jam, bourbon mayo and arugula — along with the Kenny Powers, Neon Smash and Schlogan Burger.
Kim serves as executive chef.
The D.C. location is known for its vintage brass diving helmet and suit that adorns the space. No word yet on whether similar décor will make its way to Old Town.