Get ready, readers! Due South is the latest addition to the plethora of bars and restaurants located in the ever-growing Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, and with it comes southern fare with an upscale twist. We recently attended the restaurant’s grand opening celebration to test things out and get the scoop on the neighborhood’s newest go-to spot.
Situated at 301 Water St. SE, in the same building as neighborhood favorites Ice Cream Jubilee, Osteria Morini, and Agua 301, Due South brings upscale southern cuisine to the area without the pretension that brand-spanking-new DC restaurants often feature. The restaurant has a rustic-industrial vibe noticeable from the moment you walk in the door thanks to it’s deep brown leathers, stained hardwoods, and accents of iron and rope. The bar runs along the wall to the left, and a right turn brings you into the main dining area, complete with a glass-walled private room in the back that can be reserved for special events. The restaurant also features a wrap-around patio perfect for enjoying the dog days of summer.
As for the menu, Chef Rusty Holman, who is also the mastermind behind sister restaurant Bayou, takes his inspiration from the flavors and dishes of the southeastern United States. The offerings blend southern food with sophistication and refinement, putting a new spin on famous dishes including shrimp and grits and pulled pork. The menu will also change seasonally, so new fall and winter dishes should be entering the rotation soon.
We had the pleasure of tasting an assortment of appetizers and entrees during the grand opening, as well as sampling some of their delicious drink options. Among the highlights were a mini version of their lump crab cakes, squash puppies that are given a hint of spice thanks to the jalapeño aioli, a juicy pulled pork sandwich complemented by buttermilk slaw, and crispy smoked chicken wings. We were able to wash it all down with shoo-fly punch, a refreshing cocktail blending bourbon and ginger beer, as well as the myriad beer options from the bar and select wines.
Due South also caters to the DC brunch crowd with a menu available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays complete with a bottomless mimosa option for $14. The brunch options include such treats as a pulled pork benedict, a BLTE (classic BLT with the addition of a fried egg), and brisket hash.
Due South is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the bar area staying open past midnight every night.
Due South is active on social media. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram (duesouth_dc), Snapchat (DueSouthDC), and Twitter (@DueSouthDC). Reservations can be made through OpenTable.
Cheers!
By: Julia Cole
Copy Editor, The Southwester