Pap & Petey’s

Damn I wanted to like this place on a recent Friday evening. There was a surprise party going on at the same time, which totally knocked the service off of its track. There were two bartenders, one totally overwhelmed waitress (not her fault) and some dude who kind of ran food every once in a while and joked around with the patrons. They didn’t have any bourbon and I’m pretty sure I got a free drink by accident (nothing wrong with that), primarily because the waitress did not come by that often she brought me a drink and then another soon after. The waitress wrote everything down on paper and we received a hand written paper bill at the end, which was somewhat novel.
I understand a place can have a bad night and I will give it another try, but the primary reason I did not enjoy myself is because of the music. Pap & Petey’s claims to be a proprietor of jazz, blues and r&b, unfortunately I got a Music Choice television channel that was playing club music. I mean, if you aren’t going to play Miles Davis, Lightnin’ Hopkins or Otis Redding, at least play some Maxwell or some other modern and quality r&b. The music could have lent itself to a more chill vibe at the end of a work week, instead I got some weird European club music, booooo.

The recent renovation gives Pap and Petey’s a much more inviting and chill feel. Plus the upgrades to the kitchen mean you can get more than just hot dogs and sandwiches; nothing too adventurous (sliders, etc) but an improvement none the less. But the biggest improvement was the addition of taps. At last visit they had Alagash White, Troegenator and Brooklyn Pilsner on draft. They also have some limited outdoor seating along 5^th St. A great addition to the west end of H St, NE.

The new pap and petey’s has been totally renovated, and it looks great. But it still has the old theme: jazz. Other types of music are played here too as you can see it over their new satellite system. don’t worry if you need to see sports, it can be done on their other flat screen tvs.
They have drafts now in addition to a new menu. Service there has always been great. Duke (an owner) is always around. I was in there a few days after the major makeover, and as to be expected with any new establishment, there were a few kinks like Bud light coming out of the Allagash tap. I am sure things are resolved by now.
I think next time, I’ll try something off their menu.

I let my ride drop me off here because I was planning on having a long night and wanted to grab a bite to eat to start off the evening. I checked out the menu on the window and decided this place was as good as any and I like trying neighborhood places when I can. I guess I picked an off night because the only food they were serving were hot dogs. That would be fine if this was a beer and chips kind of night but it wasn’t. It was only eight or nine which is far too early for full service a kitchen to shut down.
I decided to get a drink instead but could only stay so long after
someone decided that football is best heard on high volume surround sound. Even this would be ok on a football night if there were more than 5 people in the entire place. No one was making a sound so the loudness was truly unnecessary.
I plan on trying the place again as they are in close proximity to Dissident Display and a friend of mine keeps wanting to go there. We’ll see how that visit goes.

Pap & Petey’s-round two.
Okay I have become «ONE of the NORMS-​Cheers ref» of this place. Every night is something different and trust me I have been on almost every night.
Since the last time I wrote a review, food, yes folks food, has been introduce. Now granted it is not like a steak house or anything but it is perfect if you are hungry and want to have a little something while you are drinking. NACHOS, umm, WIf (yes WIF) chicken, umm yummy.
The place has really started attracting all sorts of people in the neighborhood and folks from other neighborhoods (DuPont, Shaw-​Howard, MD, VA) have been coming. You are likely to see artist, off-​duty officers, college folks, fitness peeps and the list goes on. Wednesday nights feature a group called ZeeBops (Jazz, funk, mixture of music) and Sunday has another group, which, um I forgot because I don’t usually come on Sundays. … The bartenders are «FUNNY». This is a great place to practice your comedy routine, really. lol.
The owner, DUKE, is always out mingling and learning folks names. I think that is one of the draws. He introduces you to a neighbor that you may have never seen or spoken to before, then you become bar buddies.
This is a place that is Just right. I have become an Extroverted Introvert because of my dealings with the public but this place has the right amount and mix of folks. All sorts I tell ya. GREAT Spot. Check it out.
Tell em Keif sent ya (okay don’t think that counts for much but try it.)
YIPPPEEE SKIPPPEEE
Kei

This place definitely has potential… I met up at P&P’s for some neighborhood socializing a few days ago, and it was my first look at the bar in operation. The décor could be a little more inventive (currently features identically-​framed photos of jazz performers) and mixed drinks were a little pricey. On the other hand, they don’t short you on the amount of booze they pour in, the staff was friendly, and everyone I was with really liked how the layout provided great visibility of the street. Lastly, it was nice to have a band playing and they kept the volume to a reasonable level as well. I think it could be a great addition to H Street and I’m certainly happy to have a bar closer to my end of the neighborhood.

One week into their soft opening, Pap & Petey’s is already leaving its mark on the neighborhood. Tonight was their first night of amplified music, with the Mike Gillespie Trio setting a mellow tone with flute, congas, and (I believe) archtop guitar. The crowd, however, was boisterous, lively, and filled the warmly decorated room to near capacity. There was no cover for the fantastic entertainment, just a $ 15 minimum on drinks. As the venue is still in its soft opening there is no food yet, but word has it that the A. Litteri Italian food store may be supplying Pap & Petey’s in the near future. At that point they’ll be bursting at the seams and will probably have to hire a bouncer. Outdoor seating is forthcoming as summer approaches. Welcome to the neighborhood, P&P; you’re off to a great start!