"**Food:** The sweet potato fries dusted with cinnamon are, as many have said, absolutely divine. While the burger isn’t particularly thrilling, I’ve discovered that the grilled cheese is a winner. It features a delightful mix of American and Boursin cheese on whole grain bread. It’s priced at seven dollars, with an extra dollar for those amazing sweet potato fries. Yum!
**Drinks:** There are around 25 options for canned beer, ranging from Baltimore’s Natty Boh for just $2 to Baltika at $6. Yes, canned beer can be quite enjoyable! If you prefer, you can also order a mixed drink or some wine. There are fun drink specials from Sunday to Wednesday.
**Entertainment:** In the back, you can play pool for just a dollar per game, which is a great way to pass the time (though it can be a bit drafty in the winter). There’s also a retro movie projected silently on the wall, and you can hand the bartender your iPod with a 15-minute playlist to have your music played throughout the bar. Or, even better, chat with the people next to you!
**Clientele:** During my recent visit to the Red Derby this past Sunday evening, the crowd was quite diverse. In attendance were Sascha, one of the owners, along with a middle-aged Black man, a younger Black man, a middle-aged Middle-Eastern man, an Asian man, and a couple of white women who appeared to be a couple, as well as a few white men who seemed to live nearby. Some patrons were mingling while others kept to themselves. A week ago, I witnessed a white neighbor teaching a Black neighbor how to play backgammon. On another visit, the bar was bustling with a lively group of friends preparing to head down to the Black Cat, and another time I dined next to two couples in their 50s. The Red Derby truly welcomes everyone.
**Owners:** Dave and Sascha, a fun young married couple, initially opened a bar in Adams Morgan but ran into several issues there. Thankfully, they found a much better fit on 14th Street. One of them is usually present in the bar, and they both work hard to ensure you feel right at home. They’ve also built relationships with other local business owners, often seen greeting staff from nearby establishments and chatting about the local pool hall and more.
For those unfamiliar with the neighborhood, it’s diverse but not predominantly Hispanic. There are several large apartment complexes with many Hispanic residents, as well as townhouses largely occupied by African Americans, with some white and Hispanic neighbors as well. Most townhomes are owner-occupied. Interestingly, it seems the Hispanic community tends to utilize buses more than both the white and Black populations. Many of my Black neighbors drive, while most of the white neighbors prefer walking to the Metro, often avoiding the bus for reasons unknown. Consequently, the Hispanic presence is quite visible along 14th Street, with many local businesses catering to that community, including several Salvadoran restaurants and takeout spots. There's also a delightful corner grocery store, one of the few in the city that doesn’t sell lottery tickets or alcohol. Everyone is welcome to frequent these local spots, regardless of their background.
I genuinely hoped that my first amazing experience at the Red Derby wouldn’t be tainted by later visits. I was also crossing my fingers that the friendly atmosphere created by the owners and staff would remain consistent. I worried that the city-dwellers who crowd Wonderland on weekends wouldn’t start coming here looking to trivialize it as just another “dive bar.” Thankfully, my hopes have been fulfilled. The discreet “no sign” approach of the Red Derby is charming, and I appreciate the little things.
Walking up 14th Street from the Columbia Heights metro station is safe and well-lit, so no need to worry. Buses 52, 53, and 54 run along 14th Street, stopping at Spring for a short walk. You could also take the 16th Street bus, getting off at Spring and walking two blocks to 14th. Better yet, why not bike? There are bike racks available for at least eight bicycles outside.
Red Derby, may you continue to thrive and maintain your unique character! You have my heart."
Washington
