Scotch Library At Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Step onto Jack Rose's spirited roof deck
The long-anticipated 1,200-bottle Scotch library at Jack Rose Dining Saloon won't open for another few weeks. But in meantime, sneak upstairs to the secluded roof deck for a nightly grill party.
The oak-paneled deck hosts a long bar and a smattering of bar tables. The centerpiece of the space is the open-air grill, from which diners can order flame-licked barbecue sandwiches and platters.
Slices of grilled beef ($9) come dipped in jus on a crusty baguette with horseradish and tangy coleslaw. Summer vegetables ($9) are marinated in herbs and olive oil, grilled, then layered onto bread with goat cheese and arugula.
Grilled radicchio takes the place of bland iceberg lettuce in a clever "wedge" salad ($7). In it, blue cheese, walnuts and slivers of tart grapefruit balance the smoky, bitter greens. Diver scallops ($17) are plump and nearly caramelized, served with grilled asparagus and roasted pepper sauce.
Bar manager Rachel Sergi pours frosty, often tropical cocktails ($10) over crushed ice. Stormy Monday #3 combines rhubarb bitters, gin and apricot liqueur with the gingery base of a Dark & Stormy. A tall, icy Caretaker blends creamy coconut with pineapple, bitters, rum and a float of 151 for a quick, fruity buzz.
Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW (at Florida Ave.); 202-588-7388 or jackrosediningsaloon.com