Open since May, the three-story Darlington House is in a historic Dupont townhouse formerly home to Childe Harold, which closed in November. Owned by Fabio and Patricia Beggiato, of restaurant Sesto Senso and nightclub Andalu, the Darlington House carries the name of its former owner, noted D.C. attorney and philanthropist Joseph J. Darlington, who preceded the Childe Harold. In this new incarnation, the site has discarded most of its previous pub decor for a more modern look, housing two restaurant spaces and several bars.
Darlington House's first floor is home to the venue's main 64-seat dining space, which faces the street and is awash in neutral tones (think blond wood floors, beige faux suede seatings, and nude-colored walls). Retro glass globe lights hang above the tables while original fireplaces display works of art. The far end of the room offers brown upholstered armchairs, tufted leather benches, and a six-seat dark wood bar.On the basement level, the building has maintained its gastro-pub past with the brick-walled space dubbed Cantina. Seating 90, including 20 at the large bar, Cantina offers up eight flat-screen TVs and connects to the covered, outdoor 22-seat patio.
Chef Alexander Schulte, previously at the Modern in New York, offers seasonal (but different) menus in the two dining rooms. For now, Cantina's fare includes crunchy chorizo raviolis, tuna sliders on sesame brioche, and donuts and dipping sauces, while the dining room’s prix fixe dinner menu mixes scallops with sweet corn puree and artichoke risotto with Pennsylvania-raised Bell & Evans rotisserie chicken. (Brunch is already available on the first floor; lunch to come in a few months.)
Although the multifunction spot is open for business, the second floor will debut in two weeks as the Library, complete with green sofa seating, working fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, free Wi-Fi, and a 60-inch projection screen. The space will be available for full buyouts, and can fit 80 for a seated event or as many as 120 for a reception. During regular hours, the Library’s menu will offer pastries in the morning and wine flights and charcuterie plates during the evening hours.
Darlington House's first floor is home to the venue's main 64-seat dining space, which faces the street and is awash in neutral tones (think blond wood floors, beige faux suede seatings, and nude-colored walls). Retro glass globe lights hang above the tables while original fireplaces display works of art. The far end of the room offers brown upholstered armchairs, tufted leather benches, and a six-seat dark wood bar.On the basement level, the building has maintained its gastro-pub past with the brick-walled space dubbed Cantina. Seating 90, including 20 at the large bar, Cantina offers up eight flat-screen TVs and connects to the covered, outdoor 22-seat patio.
Chef Alexander Schulte, previously at the Modern in New York, offers seasonal (but different) menus in the two dining rooms. For now, Cantina's fare includes crunchy chorizo raviolis, tuna sliders on sesame brioche, and donuts and dipping sauces, while the dining room’s prix fixe dinner menu mixes scallops with sweet corn puree and artichoke risotto with Pennsylvania-raised Bell & Evans rotisserie chicken. (Brunch is already available on the first floor; lunch to come in a few months.)
Although the multifunction spot is open for business, the second floor will debut in two weeks as the Library, complete with green sofa seating, working fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, free Wi-Fi, and a 60-inch projection screen. The space will be available for full buyouts, and can fit 80 for a seated event or as many as 120 for a reception. During regular hours, the Library’s menu will offer pastries in the morning and wine flights and charcuterie plates during the evening hours.
Darlington House
Photo: Russel Hirshon
The basement entrance to Cantina includes a 22-seat patio.
Photo: BizBash
The first-floor entrance to the main dining room features modern lighting fixtures and a faux animal rug.
Photo: BizBash
The 70-seat dining room is awash in neutral tones, with canvas chair covers and beige suede benches.
Photo: Russel Hirshon
The darker end of the dining room, with tufted leather benches and upholstered armchair seating, includes a 10-seat dark wood bar.
Photo: BizBash
The downstairs 70-seat Cantina retains the original pub decor, with added modern touches such as bright white deer-head mounts and eight flat-screen TVs.
Photo: BizBash
