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.
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.
One caveat: Auto-gratuity reportedly added to checks; some guests felt blindsided