La Merna, the Chicago-Italian tavern at 2153 P Street NW in Dupont Circle, now serves a late-night menu after 10 p.m., led by Chicago-style Italian beef. The verdict? This is the after-show, after-work, after-everything bite Dupont has been missing. Now let’s get into it.
A Chicago Tavern Settles Into the Former Duffy’s Space
La Merna took over the old Duffy’s space on P Street and bills itself as a neighborhood Chicago-Italian restaurant and tavern. The Infatuation rates it 8.5, singling out tavern-style pies cut into roughly 20 squares, anchovy toast, and fried gnudi with vodka sauce.
What to Order Once the Clock Strikes Ten
After 10 p.m., the late-night menu centers on Italian beef sandwiches with fries, build-your-own pizzas, and new sweet treats. On the main menu, the Italian beef on house-made focaccia runs $17, hot or sweet (add mozzarella for $1), and the Chicago Classic pie with Italian sausage and giardiniera is $29. Oh, and… please, save room for the olive oil cake with blood orange cream.
Who It Suits and the One Catch
Bring the friend who misses Chicago, a group fresh from a show, or a date that ran long. The Coffee and Cigarettes cocktail, an amaro and espresso nightcap at $14, seals the deal. The catch is getting in, because Resy reservations open 30 days out and go fast. Hint: The bar is first-come, first-served, so a late bar seat is your best shot. Catch up on our first look at La Merna.
La Merna sits at 2153 P Street NW, a few blocks west of Dupont Circle. The full menu runs until 10 p.m., then the late-night menu takes over, with the kitchen open until midnight Thursday through Saturday, so check hours before a Sunday or Monday visit. Expect $17 for Italian beef, $29 for a Chicago Classic pie, and $14 to $17 cocktails. Book through Resy or call (202) 644-8526.
Follow The Washington Lobbyist for informed coverage of Washington DC travel, hotels, restaurants, and events.
