By Susannah Black
Tony Radwan says the name Highline RxR is in reference to a railroad—”and just like a train, we want to be noticed.” The upcoming craft cocktail and beer lounge is expected to open in Crystal City in February from Geoffrey Dawson and Peter Bayne, owners of Arlington’s Carpool and Continental Pool Lounge.
Highline’s chef will be Chris Ravenscroft, who has previous kitchen experience at D.C.’s Ripple and Ardeo + Bardeo, to create a menu that includes salads, soups and appetizers like deep-fried mac and cheese poppers and honey Sriracha wings. Also available are sandwiches like a classic BLT, a marinated flank steak and cheese and a homemade pot roast sandwich framed by a baguette and topped with caramelized onions and confit garlic aioli.
Radwan hopes to eventually see the menu expand. “Once we’re comfortable, we’ll eventually start grilling,” says Radwan. Read: more burgers.
Radwan is searching for local meat sources and will source ingredients from Crystal City’s FRESHFARM Market when it reopens in April.
Abby Sexton, an experienced bartender who has worked at D.C.’s Mockingbird Hill, will work as the beverage director. The beverage program will include an extensive tap line of 30 beers—beer flights, too—as well as 10 signature cocktails and wine on tap. Radwan recommends the Highline cocktail made with rye whiskey, homemade spiced pomegranate syrup, lemon juice and orange bitters, served on the rocks and garnished with a brandied cherry.
There will be daily food and drink specials like taco Tuesdays, tequila Thursdays, fried chicken Wednesdays and discounted-wine Saturdays.”We just want everyone to have a really fun time,” says Radwan. “We’re in the hospitality business … the real goal is to have a place where anyone can go to and have a great time.” / Highline RxR, 2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington
