Tuscana West , a 15-year-old Italian restaurant off of Franklin Park, has a bit of a split personality. On August 15, the downtown D.C. space is making a grab for the late-night crowd that frequents nearby spots Park at Fourteenth and K Street Lounge by launching its new look, available Friday and Saturday evenings from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
On those nights, the entire 4,500-square-foot restaurant will transform into the Tuscana Lounge, as staffers swap out its furniture for modern leather sofas and faux suede armchairs, accompanied by a new color-changing LED lighting system that reflects off floor-to-ceiling sheer white drapery. The reservation-only system should also appeal to “those people that want to go out and have a cocktail without being shoulder to shoulder with someone,” says marketing and private events manager Tiffany Penn.While the lounge is open, four private areas are available for events, including the Terrace Room, which can accommodate as many as 50 guests for a reception. The Vino Room can fit as many as 35, while the outdoor patio can hold up to 50, and can be sectioned off into two spaces. Tuscana is also offering a tapas menu and a specialty martini list and plans to have a DJ in place while the lounge space is open for business.
On those nights, the entire 4,500-square-foot restaurant will transform into the Tuscana Lounge, as staffers swap out its furniture for modern leather sofas and faux suede armchairs, accompanied by a new color-changing LED lighting system that reflects off floor-to-ceiling sheer white drapery. The reservation-only system should also appeal to “those people that want to go out and have a cocktail without being shoulder to shoulder with someone,” says marketing and private events manager Tiffany Penn.While the lounge is open, four private areas are available for events, including the Terrace Room, which can accommodate as many as 50 guests for a reception. The Vino Room can fit as many as 35, while the outdoor patio can hold up to 50, and can be sectioned off into two spaces. Tuscana is also offering a tapas menu and a specialty martini list and plans to have a DJ in place while the lounge space is open for business.

The transformed Tuscana Lounge and its Vino Room
Photo: Cameron Habashian

The transformed Vino Room includes green faux-suede armchairs, mahogany coffee tables, and sheer white curtains.
Photo: Cameron Habashian

The main space features a mix of lounge-style seating and a 100-foot mahogany bar.
Photo: Cameron Habashian

The Terrace Room, which can accommodate 50 guests for a reception, includes the lounge's color-changing LED lighting system.
Photo: Cameron Habashian

The sidewalk patio, which overlooks Franklin Park, can hold up to 50 guests for a reception and can be divided into two spaces.
Photo: Cameron Habashian