Never "Againn"

C Says...

I’d driven by AGAINN on my way home from work a bunch of times and had been intrigued by what always appeared to be a packed house. Sadly, AGAINN won’t be somewhere I’ll be going to again anytime soon.

The restaurant tries too hard to be a posh Irish pub; sorry guys, Irish pubs aren’t meant to be posh. I ordered the bangers and mash which were just so-so. I opted to have them served without the accompanying gravy, because I hate gravy. However, that might have amped up the dish a bit. The mustard mashed potatoes were great – but probably not for everyone (I have an unhealthy obsession with mustard and put it on/in almost everything).

While semi-reasonable, the prices also don’t reflect what I’m used to at a traditional Irish pub, and certainly my meal wasn’t outstanding enough to be worth the price. One of the only redeeming things about our night at AGAINN? Half price wine night on Mondays – and a to-go bag if you don’t polish off your bottle with your meal (we obviously did).

Finally, the service. Sadly, our waiter was a bit “Handy McGee” for my tastes; every time I looked there was a hand taking a water glass, filling a wine glass, etc. All in all, I say “hands off” to AGAINN.

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J Says...

I chose Againn for 1) its location, 2) its different food focus from our standard meals and, 3) its 1000 point bonus on Open Table. At least I got the 1000 point bonus. Againn was anything but enjoyable...in fact, our liquor bill had to exceed our food bill just to make it tolerable (and the waiter had to come back to our check to add the wine he forgot to charge).

Both skipping the un-appetizing appetizer list, I chose the Shepherd's pie. I think it may have been made with real shepherds and a blind cook...it was simply mashed potatoes on some mashed meat. The most unique aspect of the dish was how completely bland it was. I didn't dare try dessert after that.

Trying to be positive, I have to say the layout of the restaurant is visually interesting. I'd like to drinks at the bar after a long day of work. But I'd noticeably go elsewhere for anything more than a lemon wedge in my citron and soda.


Againn - 1099 New York Avenue NW, 202.639.9830, www.againndc.com