The new upscale eatery Second State manages to bring the taste and atmosphere of Pennsylvania to Dupont Circle, even without the presence of a single bearded Quaker. Regardless, Second State successfully delivers enjoyable food with a winning style.
The restaurant replaced former Penn State party bar, the Mighty Pint, with a classy, more mature venue that still pays tribute to the homeland of owner Reese Gardner. Every element of the eatery radiates with the charm and style of the Keystone State. The interior combines elements of industrial style with a country atmosphere. The exposed brick walls and open ceiling contrast the wooden seats and rusty décor, giving the restaurant a rustic, yet modern chic feel.
The menu’s strongest Pennsylvania influence resides in the bar’s drink selection, heavily centered around cocktails and spirits with rye whiskey, the state’s domestically produced alcohol of choice. The drink menu as a whole is themed to replicate an upscale, pre-Prohibition Pennsylvania bar, also offering ten state-made beers with six on tap.
The eatery boasts fresh meats and produce straight from farm to table. The menu presents a variety of á la carte proteins, all from local farms in the Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania area. It also includes starters, small bites, and sharable sides. The small entrées and shared portions are meant to reflect the communal and familial aspects of Second State’s rural, small-town atmosphere.
Second State’s French onion soup is served in a large portion topped with a thick layer of buttery gruyere cheese and contains caramelized onions browned to just the right consistency in a seasoned and flavorful broth of scotch ale and garlic croutons. The Ossabaw pork chop is cooked with an acho-chilli rub. Served with an heirloom apple chutney, the piquant and tangy zest coalesce perfectly in a juicy cutlet.
The duck breast is skillfully roasted to a balance of tenderness and smoky flavor, complimented by a small side of sweet poached pears. The side order of smoked Gouda mashed potatoes is a creamy and smooth home-style addition to any entrée. As for dessert, the menu offers a Pennsylvania-signature shoofly pie made with real Hershey’s chocolate. Adorned with a rich cream garnish, this chocolate finale is simply divine.
Second State offers elegant, moderately priced meals made with completely fresh, local meats and produce. Its decor, mixed with home-style foods and shareable portions, inspires a warm feeling of community and hometown nostalgia, making this trendy hideaway second to none.
Second State
1831 M Street N.W.
secondstatedc.com
Photo: Second State DC
