Seemor
American Ice CompanyBWorth Trying
917 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001
· Bar, Barbecue restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (539 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual U Street bar with crowd-pleasing swachos, BBQ sandwiches, and a laid-back patio; lively before shows, good for drinks and snacks, but expect auto-gratuity and variable service.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
American Ice Company delivers reliable barbecue-bar fare with strong food quality anchored by signature swachos and brisket, though consistency shows some quality variation following recent menu changes and ingredient stockouts. Excellent setting appeal as a pre-show destination near 9:30 Club and The Atlantis elevates neighborhood appeal, but service swings between warm and brusque depending on crowd pressure, and rising prices with auto-gratuity have dampened perceived value. A solid neighborhood choice for casual dining and drinks, though not yet competing with the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
A neighborhood bar that feels casual and lived-in, American Ice Company draws pre-show crowds from 9:30 Club and The Atlantis to its smoke-friendly patio and mason-jar drafts. Service swings from warm and quick at the bar to brusque under pressure, but the food often lands: one diner raved, "Every chip had queso and nothing went dry." The cooking leans classic BBQ-and-bar fare rather than flashy: think swachos piled with pork, brisket sandwiches, wings, and rib platters. The culinary approach is traditional comfort-forward: simple preparations, hearty portions, and a few playful add-ons like brisket-loaded grilled cheese. Families can make it work earlier in the evening. Kids will recognize grilled cheese and mac and cheese, while ribs and sandwiches suit heartier appetites. Keep in mind the bar-first environment and auto-gratuity; for picky eaters, the veggie machos and plainer sides are safe bets.
At a Glance
- Signature swachos with generous topping coverage
- Ideal pre-show stop near 9:30 Club and The Atlantis
- Auto-gratuity and rising drink prices reduce perceived value
- Brisket stockouts and recent menu changes noted
- Patio hang with neighborhood vibe
What Sets It Apart
- venue-adjacent_location
- swachos_signature
- smoke_friendly_patio
What People Love
- Loaded nachos where every chip counts
- Laid-back dive vibe with mason jars
- Quick bar service off-peak
- Proximity to top music venues
Points of Concern
- Auto-gratuity reportedly added to checks; some guests felt blindsided
- Reports of brisket running out and smaller portions recently
- Service tone varies from friendly to curt during rush
- One isolated cleanliness complaint contrasted by others citing clean space
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$20-28 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair swachos ($10) with chips & queso ($5) for a sharable spread
- Pork sandwich ($10) plus Brussels sprouts ($4) is a balanced light meal
- Veggie machos ($9) offer a solid meatless option
Perfect For
- Pre-concert meetup with snacks and beers
- Casual patio hang with friends
- Solo quick bite at the bar
- Low-key neighborhood nightcap
Location Insights
Area: Lively nightlife corridor near music venues; young crowd, pre-show meetups, and casual hangs.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban nightlife precautions apply.
Nearby: Steps from 9:30 Club and The Atlantis; Green Line Metro nearby; heavy foot traffic at peak.
ShawShaw is a dynamic neighborhood with a rich African American heritage, featuring a mix of trendy restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. The dining scene is eclectic, ranging from upscale eateries to casual spots, attracting a crowd interested in innovative cuisine and social nightlife. The area is generally safe, walkable, and well-connected by public transit.
U Street CorridorThe U Street Corridor is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic jazz clubs, and a diverse array of dining options. It draws a lively crowd looking for entertainment, late-night dining, and cultural experiences, making it one of DC's most energetic micro-neighborhoods.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–02:00
Tuesday17:00–02:00
Wednesday17:00–02:00
Thursday17:00–02:00
Friday17:00–03:00
Saturday12:00–03:00
Sunday12:00–02:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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