Last night I headed over to Mio for a gathering that honored the 75th anniversary of the end of prohibition. They extended their happy hour special throughout the night (my stomach just turned over from the memory of the two bourbon drinks I had) and also offered a variety of special dishes that I’ll talk about in a little bit.

Cost – $$$

Service – B+
I didn’t get to experience the wait staff but Sietsema vouches for it: “Downtown Washington’s restaurants are stocked with pretty hostesses and servers who can efficiently transport food from Point A to Point B. Maybe that’s why I like the staff at Mio so much: They do more than just go through the motions.”

Food – A
The executive chef Nicholas Stefanelli, formerly of Maestro. He put together a special bar menu for the evening that included homemade hot dogs topped with Mac ‘n’ Cheese and French Fries with cheese curds and gravy. I really have to try dinner there before rating this place honestly but any top-tier restaurant that served hot dogs earns points in my book.

Decor – B+
I’m still trying to track down who the designer was but they managed to create a well conceived space that has a very warm, comfortable feel.

Feel – A-
I had a blast last night. I think some of this may have had to do with the promoters and associated crowd that was there for the event but I did add Mio to my K Street short list. It would be a fantastic place for a date or to have a few drinks before hitting some of the clubs down along K Street.

Mio is located at 1110 Vermont Ave. They can be reached at (202) 955-0075.

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