Events at Provision No. 14, Washington

About Provision No. 14

Provision No. 14 was a two-story restaurant and nightlife venue at 2100 14th St NW (corner of V Street) in Washington, DC. Founded by chefs Mike Bramson, Alex Lopez and Naeem Mohd, it opened in April 2015 in the space formerly occupied by the Diego restaurant (www.washingtonpost.com). The name “Provision” reflects its travel theme – hosting designers hung suitcases and trunks overhead – and it was meant to feel like a journey. Its décor (by Maggie O’Neill of Swatchroom) included bright mint-green walls, oil drums repurposed as bar stools, hanging jute lanterns and vintage luggage above diners (www.washingtonpost.com) (www.washingtonian.com). This eclectic, Instagram-friendly interior made it one of 14th Street’s most eye-catching new spots. The cuisine and concept were equally distinctive: Provision No. 14 offered communal dining with global flavors. The menu blended American-style fare with international touches – Filipino braised pork, house-made pastas, miso-braised lamb and other shareable platters (www.washingtonian.com) (discotech.me). Cocktails were a highlight: handcrafted modern and pre-Prohibition–style drinks often arrived in French press coffee makers or even wine bottles for the table (www.bisnow.com) (bottomlessbros.com). (One reviewer even raved about a $23 bottomless mimosa served in a French press, complete with a lavender-basil twist (bottomlessbros.com).) Overall it seated roughly 178 guests indoors and 62 outdoors (271 total occupancy) once built out (www.popville.com), making it a large lounge-like eatery. Over its lifetime, Provision No. 14 became a notable part of the Logan Circle/14th Street restaurant scene. It joined the “buzziest corridor” of DC dining (www.washingtonpost.com), helping to revitalize 14th Street with jobs and foot traffic. While some critics (like the Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema) found the communal format chaotic, noting that food “comes out as it’s ready” and that “the interests of the kitchen trump those of the diner” (www.washingtonpost.com), many diners loved the fun sharing plates and creative cocktails. In short, it delivered a one-of-a-kind “imagined journey” over two floors (www.washingtonpost.com) (discotech.me). **Note:** In mid-2023 Provision No. 14 closed its doors. A leasing sign appeared and local reports confirmed the space is available (www.mapquest.com) (www.popville.com). (By early 2024 a new bar called “V Street Lounge” was announced for the spot (www.popville.com).) When open, Provision No. 14 was celebrated for its lively, group-friendly vibe and global-inspired menu.

Events and Programming

Provision No. 14 primarily functioned as a restaurant and cocktail lounge, but it routinely hosted nightlife events on weekends. On most Friday and Saturday nights it stayed open late (often until 3:00 AM) with a resident DJ spinning Top 40, hip-hop and dance music to fill the dance floor (discotech.me). According to local listings, the venue would “feature mostly top 40 and hip hop” tracks, catering to a party crowd that danced under the lanterns and suitcases (discotech.me). Weekends often brought themed parties or bottle-service events, with crowds drawn by curious cocktails (like the communal French-press drinks). Daytime and early-evening programming included brunch and happy hour promotions. For example, its $23 bottomless mimosa brunch was a popular draw – the drinks were literally served in French-press vessels for a fun twist (bottomlessbros.com). Special occasions (holiday parties, promotions or private corporate events) were also welcomed: the venue could be reserved for private parties of 10 to over 200 people, making it a hotspot for birthdays, office parties and even small weddings. In fact, event-planning sites noted it could accommodate up to 320 guests depending on floor setup (with a 178-person indoor seat count) (www.popville.com). While it did not typically host big touring concerts, Provision No. 14 did occasionally bring in live performers (local acoustic acts or DJs), holiday DJs for Halloween/NYE, trivia evenings or even drag performances in the brunch slot. However, music was mostly recorded and mixed by in-house DJs, so check the venue’s announcements. (When open, fans followed its social media or local DC nightlife apps to hear about upcoming DJ nights, drag brunches or other themed parties.) In short, visitors would enjoy Provision No. 14 for its lively bar-oriented programming – from dance music late at night to festive group brunches in the day.

Tickets and Booking

Provision No. 14 was not a ticketed concert hall – there was no online ticketing or fixed “event tickets” to purchase in advance. Instead, entry was generally “pay at the door” or reserved by table booking. On busy evenings especially, a cover charge or minimum spend might apply, so it was wise to arrive early or get on a guest list. Reservations for dining or bottle service could be made by phone or through the restaurant’s booking site (when it was active). Many groups simply showed up and waited – the lively bar area often had space even if the main dining rooms were full. For the best chance at a table on a weekend night, parties often secured a reservation with the host well in advance. Groups interested in bottle service could call ahead; the venue offered private areas and limo services. Typical drink prices ranged around $10–15 for cocktails (discotech.me), with shareable plates from roughly $15 up into the $30–$40 range for large dishes like roasts. No central box office or strict ticket tiers existed – instead, patrons paid a la carte. Discotech (a nightlife app) was one way fans found events or joined the guest list. In practice, planning a visit meant checking for any special event announcements (via social media or nightlife calendars) and then deciding on walk-in versus reservation. On a normal night, you could usually just show up by 8–9 PM without an issue; on holiday weekends or big DJ nights, arriving at opening or 30–45 minutes early helped avoid lines. (The restaurant did not typically sell tickets by advance, but popular DJs sometimes posted lines on their Socials). Note that after Provision No. 14 closed in 2023, no tickets or reservations are currently available – any references to tickets would now refer to the new businesses moving in.

Seating and Layout

Provision No. 14’s large, open space spanned two floors plus a sidewalk patio. The ground floor had the main dining room and bar. One report notes the first-floor dining/bar area accommodated about 86 guests (www.washingtonian.com). The upstairs lounge – reached by a spiral staircase – had a similar capacity for seated guests (around 80) and offered a more intimate lounge feel. A covered sidewalk patio on 14th Street added roughly 62 seasonal seats for al fresco dining (www.popville.com). In total, the venue seated around 178 inside and up to 62 outside, with a licensed occupancy of 271 (www.popville.com). Guests often sat at high-top tables, banquet booths, or curious orange-oil-drum stools at the bar. Comfortably cushioned vintage couches upstairs gave a lounge vibe. Best seats depended on your goal. For a quiet meal, a booth away from the bar was ideal; for people-watching, the high stools and mezzanine spots give a great view over the bustling floor below. If you want the full “club” experience, the central dance area (usually on the first floor) kept the energy high. The patio was excellent on nice days for a big table under the awning. Note that acoustics were lively – music from the DJ can be heard clearly on both floors, and the space can get loud when crowd and bass mix. If sensitive to volume, find a table tucked into a corner or upstairs away from speakers. One limitation: the second floor has only stairs (no customer elevator), so wheelchair users would stay on the first floor. In short, main-floor diners faced the bar and DJ area, upstairs loungers had a bird’s-eye vantage, and the outdoor patio offered street-level views of 14th Street’s bustle.

Getting There and Parking

Provision No. 14 was located at 2100 14th Street NW, in the Logan Circle/14th Street corridor of DC. It was about 0.2 miles west of the U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial subway station (Green and Yellow lines) (moovitapp.com). You could walk west on U Street to 2200 block and then down to 14th & V. Columbia Heights station (also Green/Yellow) is about 0.4 miles north at 14th & Irving St NW. Multiple Metrobus lines serve 14th Street; for example the D50 and D44 routes stop nearby, as do the C53, D5X and C51 routes (moovitapp.com). Services like Uber, Lyft or a taxi can drop off directly in front of the address on 14th Street NW. Parking on-site was not available. Street parking is metered (check times on meters — typically 2-hour limits during the day, free after 8pm and on Sundays), and can be scarce on busy nights. Several public garages are a short walk away (for example, the Park at 14th garage at 14th & L Streets or the 1101 14th Street lot), but downtown rates can be steep (expect $20+ for a late-night stay). There is no valet service. A word to the wise: plan extra time if driving and aim to arrive early to snag a spot, or consider ride-share on weekend nights. There are also Capital Bikeshare stations in the neighborhood if biking.

Inside the Venue

At the door you’d typically check in with the host stand. Evening entry usually required a photo ID showing you’re 21 or older (DC law is strict for alcoholic beverages). The crowd was smartly casual; many men wore collared shirts and women often in nice tops or dresses. Staff members (at least in its day) informed patrons about the communal ordering system: dishes are listed “collection” (small) vs “communal” (large for sharing) on the menu (www.washingtonpost.com). Dishes came out as they were ready, so part of the fun was grazing and sharing. The atmosphere was lively and modern. A deep blue ceiling scattered with old trunks and steel oil-drum stools at the bar underscored the travel theme (www.washingtonpost.com) (www.washingtonian.com). Lighting was dim and colored (especially when DJs played), creating a nightclub vibe later at night. Servers regularly roamed with creative cocktails (watch for the French-press pour) while music pulsed in the background. You could expect a soundtrack of fun top 40/hip-hop beats on the first floor speaker system (discotech.me). Food and drink ordering happened at your table or bar. The custom cocktails (like the whiskey “Voyager” in a French press or draft bottle cocktails) were visual showstoppers (www.bisnow.com) (bottomlessbros.com). The kitchen’s global shareable menu offered familiar upscale comfort foods with twists: things like truffle fries, Filipino pata (braised pork leg), and thin-crust pizzas or pastas (www.washingtonian.com). No cover meals here – it’s a dining experience, so everything is ordered à la carte. The venue had a modest coat check (for a small fee) near the entry to free up seating space. No outside food or drink was allowed (common in DC). Restrooms were available on each floor (the ground floor men’s and women’s restrooms and an upstairs restroom), and the lines could get a bit long on busy nights. Free Wi-Fi availability was never advertised, so plan for limited connectivity. Mobile service tends to be okay; you can ask staff for the house Wi-Fi if needed. Inside, cell phones and casual photos were fine – many customers snapped pics of the quirky decorations and cocktail presentations. There was no merchandise stand. Most staff were welcoming but professional; tipping standard restaurant rates (15–20%) was normal. Finally, if you ever needed help (directions, recommendations, etc.), the guest services were generally friendly – the team aimed for a fun, social atmosphere.

Nearby Amenities

The neighborhood around Provision No. 14 was packed with options for dining, drinks or lodging. Just a block away on 14th Street you’ll find popular eateries like **Le Diplomate** (classic French bistro), **Ghibellina** (wood-fired pizza), **The Partisan** (charcuterie and beer hall) and **Osteria Morini** (Northern Italian). For a quick bite or casual fare there’s **Falafel Inc.** and a large **Whole Foods** across the street on the corner of 14th & P St NW. Logan Circle Park and its restaurants (outdoors seating at Fountain Square, etc.) are just south on Vermont Ave NW. If you need pre- or post-event drinks, nearby bars include **The Bosun’s Loft** (English-ish pub), **HalfSmoke** (beer rub and brewery next door on I St), and for nightlife **Lounge U Street** and **Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL)** are a few blocks east. Piano bars and sports bars (like Nellie’s) line 14th a bit farther down. After Provision shut in 2023, the building was slated to become “V Street Lounge,” a tavern that will continue drawing nightlife crowds (www.popville.com). For hotels, the area has several within a few blocks: **Hotel Zena** (2322 Twining St NW) and **Heywood Hotel** (1473 Rhode Island Ave) are a 5-minute walk east. The **Line DC** ( Adams Morgan) and **Hilton Convention Center** (Mt. Vernon) are a short drive. Uber/Lyft pickup and drop-off is easy at 14th & V. Night bus service (e.g., the Circulator or late metro trains) can get you back Uptown or Downtown after hours. Many visitors planned to arrive 30–60 minutes early to enjoy the vibe or dinner at a nearby restaurant. Given the lively late-night scene, it’s also wise to note the last Metro car times and arrange safe rides home (late-night buses, rideshare, or a designated driver), as 14th Street is about 0.3 miles from downtown. In practice, arriving with some extra time meant less stress finding a parking spot and a table, especially on weekends.

What Makes This Venue Special

Provision No. 14 stood out in DC for its playful communal concept and immersive decor. Few restaurants blend dining and nightlife like it did: eating from share plates under hanging trunks while sipping cocktails from coffee presses gave a “travelers’ lounge” feel that diners remember. The kitchen’s mix of worldly flavors – from Filipino pata to Pizza Hens-in-blankets – wasn’t typical on 14th Street, and many fans would list the giant roasted pork knuckle or lamb ribs as legendary menu items. Its departure from formal dining, vigor for sharing and craft bar program felt uniquely youthful and energetic for a neighborhood once known only for quiet boutiques. On a cultural level, Provision No. 14 symbolized the 14th Street renaissance of the 2010s. By taking over a long-vacant site and turning out regular crowds, it helped prove the corridor could support new concepts and nightlife. Staff and owners were known for creativity (Mike Bramson’s backstory as an “in-water shark wrestler turned restaurateur” was part of the lore). The venue earned a reputation as equal parts restaurant and lounge, attracting after-work groups, date nights, and later partygoers, thus bridging DC’s dining and club scenes. Patrons often remarked how the “everybody-friendly” layout – with communal tables and a big bar – made it easy to run into neighbors or network. Even beyond food and drink, Provision hosted pop-up events (wine tastings, product launches, cookbook dinners) tying it to DC’s broader food community. So local journalists and foodies often cited it when talking “…14th Street’s new era” (www.washingtonpost.com). In summary, Provision No. 14 was special for its one-of-a-kind fusion of global comfort dining with party-house energy. The orange oil-drum bar stools and Edison bulbs gave patrons plenty to talk about, and the phrase “shared plates,” thanks to its concept, became a buzzword. Both chefs and guests loved its daring menu changes, and its closing in 2023 was noted by the community as the end of an iconic spot that gave the area character.

Visitor Tips and Information

- **Accessibility**: The street-level entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and there is at least one accessible restroom on the ground floor. (However, access to the second floor is by staircase only, so wheelchair users should plan to stay on the first floor.) Staff can assist with seating arrangements for those with limited mobility. - **What to Bring**: A valid photo ID is required for anyone consuming alcohol (21+). Since seating is limited, consider making a reservation for dinner or entering your name on the guest list for busy nights. Cash is accepted, but credit cards are easiest for split bills and big parties. It never hurts to have some singles or small bills for tip jars. - **What Not to Bring**: No outside food or drinks are allowed, and bags are subject to security checks. Oversized backpacks or coolers will likely be questioned. Professional camera gear is not permitted unless you have prior permission. Also, no weapons or illegal items of course. - **Dress Code**: There was no formal dress code, but the vibe leans smart-casual. Jackets and nicer attire fit the scene, especially on weekend nights. Athletic shorts, flip-flops and overly baggy clothing are frowned upon after dark. It’s a fun lounge setting – feel free to dress up. - **Age Restrictions**: Before 9 PM, it functioned as a restaurant, so children (under 21) could dine if accompanied by an adult (per DC rules for restaurant dining). After evening hours it was essentially a bar – some nights it was 21+ only. It’s best to call ahead about older kids or teenage guests, since policies could vary on busy nights. - **Phone Policy**: Casual photos and social media are fine (many guests took Instagram shots of the cocktails and décor). However, as a courtesy to performers or other diners, avoid shaking up bright camera flashes during dinner service or events. - **Emergencies and Etiquette**: Smoking is not allowed indoors, per DC law. (Street smokers should move away from the entrance so diners aren’t bothered.) If you feel unwell or need assistance, staff are generally responsive. - **Insider Tips**: If you’re as fascinated by the French-press cocktails as others, know that once one person at a table orders one, everyone at the table usually does – it’s a shared dish by design (www.bisnow.com). You can take home a bit of leftover sauce or bread by asking – many do. Gratuity: Bars typically expect 15–20%. If you sit at the bar and order drinks, tipping each drink (about $1–$2 or 15-20%) is customary. - **Timing**: Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before any event or reservation time, to avoid lines. For Saturday nights a 9 PM arrival might already mean waiting. For brunch or earlier meals, arriving right at opening avoids crowds. Sundays and weekdays are generally easier, often with open seating. - **Lost & Found / Property**: The venue does keep a lost and found, but it’s small. If you lose something, contact them promptly. By keeping these tips in mind, visitors could maximize their visit to Provision No. 14’s unique space — enjoying all the creative food, drink and ambiance without any surprises.

What makes Provision No. 14 special

One key aspect was the creative, communal drinks – especially the French-press cocktails that drew attention (www.bisnow.com). Whether serving whiskey toddies or bottomless mimosas lid-off, these memorable presentations became a signature. Also special was how it integrated global flavors into sharing-style American plates, feeding DC’s love for new ethnic twists. Architecturally, no other club in DC had old suitcases in the rafters or oil drums at the bar (www.washingtonpost.com) (www.washingtonian.com), which gave it a playful, travel-lounge aesthetic. Fans could always point to a definite “I’ve never been anywhere like that” vibe. Finally, Provision No. 14 allowed both end-of-night dancing and early dinner dining: it filled both roles with one rent-controlled lease, which is rare in DC. These combination of features – innovative cocktails, world-spanning menu, and dual restaurant-club identity – made it a true DC original beloved by chefs and customers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions