We were originally going for the piano bar upstairs, but upon arrival, we realized we were a bit early. So we went downstairs and had a filling, affordable meal. Banana Cafe's website says it's "renowned for its Cuban, Mexican and Puerto Rican cuisine," and we were quick fans. I went to town on some delicious chimichangas and while Matt's entree choice is fuzzy, he did have some pretty awesome plantains. And then came the entertainment.
Matt's a good sport and can have a good time virtually anywhere. So he was already pretty content with the concept of a piano bar. He had no idea what he was in for. Gordon Kent is a fantastically talented entertainer who would be worth watching for his talent alone. What makes him even more impressive is what he does as one man. The man interchangeably plays saxophone, trumpet, and of course, piano, while singing, yelling at the crowd to get louder and taking requests. And if playing those instruments weren't impressive enough, it's worth noting that he's blind. Feel inferior yet?
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| From Banana Cafe's site: http://www.bananacafedc.com/piano.htm |
We hung out at the bar and listened to Gordon play a range of recent songs and oldies, from Outkast to Bob Seger. The bride-to-be in a bachelorette party took to the "dance floor" (space in front of Gordon's piano) with an 85-year-old birthday boy, the crowd sang and clapped along, and it was the most open, laid-back environment I've been in on a Friday night in awhile. The happy hour is good (4pm to 7:30pm), the food is good, the entertainment is fantastic - the only negative of the night was when he took a break!
Location: 500 8th Street, SE (8th & E SE) Map
Closest Metro Stop: Eastern Market (orange/blue)
Cost: Happy hour has $3 margaritas, beers and rail drinks; Dinner was about $30 for two
