Commissary opened its doors on September 8, replacing Merkado and introducing a new dining concept to the space. The coffee shop, restaurant, and smoothie, beer, and wine bar aims to be a hangout space for the Logan Circle neighborhood, offering free Wi-Fi, couch seating (along with tables and booths), communal tables, and an outdoor patio that seats 30. Josh Hahn, who co-owns Commissary with David Winer and Tony Oquendo, says the design is meant to be inviting: “Our goal was to warm the space up. We want people to come and stay as long as they want.”
With chalkboards lining the walls, dark hardwood floors, and a blue-and-beige color scheme, the open space displays patriotic adornments such as flags and bronze stars on its walls. The 15-seat bar area is distinguished by a dark slate bartop, denim-covered bar stools, and a slate floor. The dining area seats about 90 on wooden chairs situated around a communal table and a leather banquette that spans an entire side of the restaurant.
Rental options are flexible at Commissary, though the restaurant's focus on serving locals makes a full buyout unlikely, Hahn says. “We wouldn’t want to turn the neighborhood away, so it depends on the situation.” The American fare at Commissary includes sandwiches, salads, pizza, and breakfast items—served all day. “No restaurant appeals to everyone,” Hahn says. “Commissary is as close to something for everyone as we could get.”
