R.F.D. Birthday Bash Friday
Ten years ago, before there were beer bars and bars with a wide array of beer on every corner, R.F.D. opened in the still-evolving neighborhood around what is now known as Verizon Center.
Looking for a complement to the Brickskeller, the Alexander family decided to take a chance on opening a new bar and restaurant. The Brickskeller, west of Dupont Circle had low ceilings, a small kitchen, more than a thousand beers available by bottle and a few taps. As Dave Alexander tells it, he wanted a place that filled those gaps: High ceilings, a large kitchen and plenty of room for taps to go with bottles of brew.
“We wanted to cover the bases that the Brickskeller didn’t cover,” said Dave by phone from Nashville, Tenn. “Between R.F.D. and the Brickskeller, we had everything covered.”
Dave is in semi-retirement, and the family sold the Brickskeller a few years back (it’s since been renamed). Son Josh Alexander has run the show at R.F.D. since its inception.
“It was an opportunity to branch off,” Josh said. “We took what we did and took it to Chinatown.”
R.F.D. now boasts a wide selection of food items to go with 45 beers on draft and 300 bottles. The restaurant plays host to thirsty Caps fans gathering before a match, despondent Wizards fans after another loss, concertgoers, or folks looking for a drink after work or just a night out.
“I think we always have to ever change,” Josh said. “Any night can be a different atmosphere.”
On Friday, R.F.D. celebrates with a number of celebratory beers and live music.
Dave summed up R.F.D.’s decade of success as thus: provide a good product, know your customer and don’t gouge them on price.
“It’s really very simple if you think about it,” Dave said.
When: Music starts at 9 p.m. Friday
Info: lovethebeer.com
Badfish — A Tribute to Sublime at the State Theatre Friday
It’s been nearly 17 years since Sublime lead singer and guitarist Brad Nowell died. Badfish pay tribute at this show at the State Theatre on Friday. With locals Dale and the ZDubs.
When: 9 p.m. showtime Friday
Info: $15 in advance, $20 day of show; thestatetheatre.com
The Last Liberation Dance Party at DC9 Friday
For more than eight years, Liberation Dance Party has brought an array of music to the dance floor. Bill Spieler and Shannon Stewart spin one final time, but there are plans for something new in the future.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Info: $7; dcnine.com
Christopher Cross at Wolf Trap Friday and Saturday
Christopher Cross, the man best known for “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” performs for two nights at Wolf Trap.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $45; wolftrap.org
Prince vs Outkast Dance Party at the Black Cat Sunday
Hey, it’s a holiday weekend, so you can dance the night away to the music of Prince and Outkast at the Black Cat on Sunday. Presented by DJ Dredd.
When: Doors at 9 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10 in advance, $12 day of show; blackcatdc.com
