With the last strokes of dazzling red lacquer applied to the walls, Washington’s outpost of the international chain Buddha-Bar opened May 12 in Mount Vernon Triangle. The 9,500-square-foot restaurant and lounge has lofty 22-foot ceilings, massive red tassled chandeliers, and an 18-foot-tall signature Buddha sculpture in the center of the 170-seat main dining room.
In the 50-seat lounge, as well as the dining room, chairs and sofas are covered in paisley brocade or polished silk, and more than 700 yards of gold fabric cover the floor-to-ceiling windows. Floors are dark wood with an occasional section set off by a lighter parquet.
In addition to sushi, the Pan-Asian menu by executive chef Chul Kee Ko includes curry shrimp in banana leaves, five spice chicken, and wok-fried beef with basil. The bar stocks 27 sakes, including two sparkling versions.
In mid-June, seating increases with the addition of a 50-seat outdoor cafe. Open for lunch and dinner, Buddha-Bar is available for buyouts.
The bar at Buddha-Bar
Photo: BizBash
At the bar, bartenders pour more than 27 kinds of sake.
Photo: BizBash
The 170-seat main dining room is dominated by an 18-foot-tall Buddha statue.
Photo: BizBash
An illuminated Lucite DJ booth is suspended over the main dining room.
Photo: BizBash
The 50-seat lounge has low chairs and sofas upholstered in paisley brocade.
Photo: BizBash
