Tonic Mount Pleasant

Glad you finally closed, LethalTonic. I hope you and your business rot in hell. :)

Tonic is a nice neighborhood bar… nothing special. I come ever so often for the happy hour which has half off burgers. There was a Memphis burger on the menu that was awesome! It is no longer on the menu :-(. There is now a Texas burger that isn’t bad at all. The tots are decent.
I don’t quite understand how a simple Caesar salad costs much more than a burger though.
I always go upstairs where it is quieter. The service is fabulous. I can’t think of my server’s name, but he is always super cheerful and helpful.

Came here as one stop on a pub run adventure with a group of running friends. It was a Wednesday night around 7:30. We pilled into their downstairs bar, and waited for a waitress. It took probably 15 minutes until someone started taking our orders. Once we were all ordered, we waited another 10 minutes and still no beers. So, one member of the group decided to take it upon himself to go to the bar, remind them what we ordered, and then carry our drinks, 2 by 2, to our tables. Poor quality service.

Decent enough, but not worth multiple visits! Their curry ketchup goes really well with tater tots! This place is a bit pricey for what it is, but it’s in Mt. Pleasant so I suppose you’re paying Mt. Pleasant prices. I’ve never heard of a Moscow mule costing $ 11 – I can get a much, much potent Long Island Iced Tea for $ 9 at Nelly’s on U Street. Tonic, what do you think you are?! Still, I’d visit for their happy hours but not really too excited about the prices. You’re better off in a more glamorous part of DC and get more bang for your buck.

Sadly, Tonic will probably continue to receive my patronage since it will likely feast on my laziness factor when I’m looking for a quick bite/​drink right outside my door. As a standard sports/​games bar, you’ll get cheap beers, typical burgers, tots, and random happy hours (i.e. Taco Tuesdays).
As I mentioned, due to its sheer proximity, I have been to Tonic several times and have always left satiated, though perhaps not fully satisfied. I’ve tried their mac n’ cheese, which is definitely creamy and cheesy; their nachos which were typical; their tots which are a bit too oily; and a few of their burgers which could use a bit more seasoning and a little less cooking, as the couple I’ve had have been overdone.
As I write this, I ask myself why I keep going back. But then I think about the few steps I actually have to take after stepping outside my house, I don’t think about the question too long.

Tonic is a great staple to have in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. they’ve got a lot of good beers on tap and some of the best burgers in the city — they’re always huge and cooked just right. people love the tots that come alongside as well (though i love the fruit salad side option). servers and bartenders are friendly and fast and it’s pretty easy to get a seat. it feels like an upscale sports bar with wood tables, a nice bar, and exposed brick walls.
it’s a Michigan bar on Saturdays (GO BLUE) and they’ve got a good range of accompanying food and drink specials. on Sundays they show a full range of NFL games, but since the televisions are around the perimeter of the room it’s not always easy to see the game you came for unless you scored the table directly opposite. in addition, The Boyfriend has witnessed some strange behavior several times — they have sometimes opted to show UFC fights instead of NFL games on Sundays, and they’ve also kicked everyone out of the top floor after the conclusion of the 1pm games, sending them downstairs to the lower level, without giving any notice to the people waiting outside for the 4pm games (who would have just gone downstairs to sit had they known)… so communication can be lacking. but overall, a totally solid pick in Mt.P.

Three and a half stars. The long format of Tonic’s ground floor allows for an illusion of privacy at the high-​top tables, and the local regulars belly up at the bar to watch games. A couple games in back by the bathrooms. I like a neighborhood watering hole that isn’t too crowded, is staffed by friendly people, and has reasonably tasty food/​drink. The one time we were at the tail end of a lengthy bartender queue on a low-​key weeknight, both Zachary and our server stopped by to apologize in advance. Sadly, our next server was more absent.
Our taste buds worked through a Midsummer’s Night Shandy, Kilbourne Cocktail, Pim’s Cup, Bluemary Collins, and signature Tonic with none of them being too sweet, and our livers were appeased by the minimum booze ratio. Rocking Chair was definitely dominated by sweet tea and old lemon garnish. Tonic burgers came out cooked to order, juicy and flavorful. Tater tots were as clutch as you can expect from bar food.
Brunch was a less consistent experience: charred burger patty and cold huevos rancheros following an outage reorder. Big breakfast salad was generously portioned but the bacon wasn’t quite crisp and the poached egg was nearly medium-​boiled; fresh arugula, oily croutons, crumbled mild blue cheese, halved grape tomatoes. I’ll still be back to try their totchos on football special, and Aztec burger.

Tonic (at both locations) has some of the most overpriced food I’ve seen. Prices are not reasonable, and the food isn’t any good. I’ve had the veggie burger, the macaroni and cheese, and a few of the appetizer platters.
The main redeeming quality is that Tonic has some really good trivia. The atmosphere is also decent, and the restaurant is always clean. It’s mainly a food issue that brings the place down.

This is such a great neighborhood spot where one can really feel at home and become a regular. Stick to the burgers, which are excellent, and sit at the bar. Except on taco Tuesdays. Obviously get the tacos.
First Fridays is a not-​to-​miss event on the first Friday of each month. Get there by 7 (I think), and get a raffle ticket. Everyone wins, from shots of Jameson to promotional tees and everything in-​between.
Also, check out the speakeasy under the stairs, Last Exit. Some creative cocktails. Though it’s not yet competing with the likes of The Gibson, what it lacks in craft it makes up for in personality.

I like neighborhood bars. Places you walk into that aren’t crowded, the bartender is cool, and you can just grab a seat. It was Thursday and we wandered in for dinner after walking around the neighborhood.
The bartender was nice and there were plenty of seats at the bar. We ordered beers quickly and they were poured. After perusing the menu I went with the Funky Chicken Club. Now, you might ask yourself, did I order it because it had «Funky» in the name? Maybe. Maybe not. I do love funk, I am funky, and I’m one funky low down motha SHUT YO MOUTH!!!
Anyways, I ordered tots along with it. The tots weren’t labeled funky, but how can tots be wrong? They can’t. That was a trick question.
The food came out pretty quick. I was actually impressed with the bun that the sandwich came on. It was an onion poppy seed roll that was fresh and really complimented the contents really well. I’ll probably go back to Tonic and order the same sandwich sometime even though I’ve sampled none of the other items on the menu.
I live in Arlington, but sometimes think about moving back into DC. Mt. Pleasant makes the list of neighborhoods that I’d look for places because being closer to Tonic seems like a pretty good deal.
Also, there are skee ball machines in back. I could easily waste an evening or two or three at Tonic eating funky sandwiches and getting funky scores in Skee ball.

I don’t particularly like Tonic and I honestly am not sure why.
I have been several times and every time is just blah, I never have a horrible time but I also never really enjoy myself. My most recent visit was no real exception.
I went to Taco night, 50 cent tacos on Tuesdays from 8 to 11. The adage you get what you pay for definitely applies to the taco, you can get meat or vegetarian but they might as well be the same as the meat taco barely had any meat on it. Tacos just weren’t very impressive.
Service was good, the bartender was friendly and even found my glasses when I accidentally left them behind and they fell on the floor, so that was a positive.
I can’t put my finger on it totally but Tonic just doesn’t excite me at all.

If you live in Mount Pleasant and are in desperate need of alcohol that does NOT come from The Raven (but WHY), Tonic would fill that need. It serves a good number of beers and they’ve created a bunch of specialty cocktails with fancy ingredients. Plus they have a gazillion TVs and food. When all these things are only a short walk away, it’s probably worth it to visit.
If you don’t live in Mount Pleasant, however, coming all the way will just leave you a little unsatisfied and wondering if you had a good time or not. The menu looks delicious, but like any place that tries to do far too much, most items fall slightly short, and the result is a general sense of blandness. That cocktail menu also appears intriguing, but relies too much on sugary juices rather than drink-​making skill. Service is neither good nor bad, but slightly aloof.
Tonic works well as a neighborhood bar/​restaurant for locals who don’t have further expectations than choosing a new type of hamburger or finding out what a «shrub» is. There’s plenty of seating and no surprises, really. Let’s just say it’s an ideal place to go on a date where you’re not trying that hard.

Came in on a Saturday afternoon for some beers and to watch a few March Madness games with some friends. I was hesitant having read all the reviews (mostly fearing finding a hair in my food, gag), and while Tonic wasn’t as bad I expected, it certainly wasn’t that good either. The first thing I noticed descending into the place was the smell. It evoked memories of waking up the day after a raucous frat party in college — like sticky skunk beer on the floor. It’s fine, heavy traffic, I thought.
We sat upstairs, and the server was mostly attentive, although pretty scattered — she forgot our beers on two separate occasions, and at least admitted she forgot to place the order for one of the Tonic salads. Understandable since she had quite a few tables to cover, but she WAS using a note pad. I could have also done without the explanation for the missed beers since it was disparaging to her other co-​workers and potential patrons downstairs, but no big deal.
The wings were fine. Nicely crisped and piping hot, but the sauce was false advertising. I tasted more «hot» than «Bernie’s spicy bourbon.» The BBQ ones tasted a bit like the ones we already had tried — but it could have been a mishap with the ordering, since it wouldn’t have been the first time.
I guess my real problem with Tonic is that they were out of at least ½ the beers. It’s a Saturday afternoon in the middle of March Madness. You’re a bar. Restock. C’mon.
Our order was also messed up on 3 separate occasions, so at least comp us a beer or something. So, like the 2 stars denote here on Unilocal,all I’d say is «Meh. I’ve experienced better,» but might still be back for bottomless bloody mary’s during brunch.

There’s a rowdy crowd for trivia on Wednesday nights starting at 8. Expect a packed and slightly badly-​ventilated room filled with high tables, stools, a small bar at the end, TVs, and an emcee barking questions at you while walking up and down the narrow space.
Tonic Mount Pleasant, compared to its other outpost in Foggy Bottom, appears even shadier, partially due to the layout. Like its sister restaurant this one also has a downstairs portion where you can breathe slightly better. Though I normally hate dark and damp basements. My friends have raved about the burgers, and I have sampled a salad that’s decent. Besides those, typical bar food. They provide drink specials ($ 4 rails?) during trivia, as well as normal happy hours.

I visited Tonic for brunch. My guest and I were able to sit ourselves which was great. The menu for me was overwhelming only because I could not decide on what to order.
I opted for the steak and eggs which was very delicious. I also ordered a Bloody Mary which was a bit spicy for my taste but still enjoyable. The only downer for me was the service. My server wasn’t very attentive and we had to wait over ten minute for the check. The only way I was able to get the check is because I got up and asked for it and even after that, I waited an additional five minutes.
Tonic has a great brunch menu but the service is what would prevent me from returning.

I had heard that a bar in Mount Pleasant called, «Tonic,» started offering vegan options so one of my friends and I went to check it out. It was in a slightly sketchy area that I don’t go to that often, but it appeared that the area was on the up-​and-​up so after some discussion, we decided it was safe to get out of the car (kidding!).
There were only a few people in the restaurant/​bar when we arrived so it was pretty quiet. They said we could sit wherever we wanted so we chose seating away from the two large-​screen televisions, which were playing sports at the time. I started off by ordering the Strawberry Basil cooler, which was listed as a classic at Tonic. I figured this meant it was pretty good. It had fresh strawberries, muddled basil and strawberry vodka. Although it sounded good, it tasted like it had been watered down so I sent it back and asked for a glass of wine instead. The wine, Regaleali, Nero D’Avola from Sicily, wasn’t very good either. It tasted thick and old like it had been opened a week ago, but I decided to just drink it anyway. Strike number one.
When I inquired about the vegan options, which are not clearly marked on the menu (though they are online), the waitress didn’t know much about them. The meal that sounded the best to me was the risotto with white wine, garlic, and spinach pesto. The waitress told me that although this dish is not vegan, they could modify it so that it would be vegan. I asked her what wasn’t vegan and she told me the pesto had cheese in it. I asked her what kind of sauce it came with then and she told me that it didn’t come with any sauce. She said they’d basically just serve me the risotto in a broth. Well, that doesn’t sound very good. Why offer to veganize a dish if you aren’t going to make it much like the item on the menu? Why not make a vegan pesto without cheese? It is easy enough to do. So, that was strike number two.
I finally decided to order the curried tofu dish, which was 100% vegan. It arrived as just curried tofu without any rice or anything else, which I thought was odd. The curry with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro was a tasty base. Unfortunately, the tofu wasn’t all that good in it. The tofu tasted like it had been taken out of the package and just dropped into the curry so it was very bland. The curry itself was tasty, but the tofu really wasn’t. Had they let it marinate for a while, it would have been better… or if they had used baked tofu with a firmer texture, it would have been even better. And… it definitely should have come with rice. Strike number three.
For $ 16, the curried tofu dish was expensive and way over-​priced. This place was like a cross between a sports bar and a Friday’s — not my favorite type of atmosphere. And, the service left much to be desired. I don’t think I’ll be going back there any time soon.

Got some weird vibes from the server after we mentioned we’d be using the scoutmob 50% off coupon.
Ordered the vegetarian sandwich, but they were out of rolls. Ok, make it a wrap. 75 cents for the privilege. Look, you’re the one that’s out of the usual ingredient, how about you not try to nickle and dime me on the tortilla.
Bill time came and they threw an «automatic» 20% on top, for two people on a meal that was 70% alcohol. Not only was it offensive to me to suggest I was going to stiff her on the tip, but she gets rewarded on the top end of the percentage chart for mediocre service.
Gets an extra star because the food was tasty enough, but won’t be going back on account of being treated like a deadbeat for using a coupon.

The Downstairs Bar:
I arrived before the rest of my party, so I went to the downstairs bar to pre-​game our night. I sat down at the bar and the bartender saw me, sort of nodded to acknowledge my existence and then proceeded to ignore me for about five minutes. He was busy chatting with another group at the bar and with one of the waitresses. It wasn’t until another group came in and sat down next to me that he finally found the time to come over and help me. Once he did, everything was fine. He poured an acceptable drink and was prompt enough. I felt like the drink was a little weak for the price though.
The Upstairs restaurant:
We had reservations for a party of 12, which had turned into just 10 of us. The place isn’t huge, so we were really glad that they were willing to reserve off almost a third of the space. We went through a bunch of rounds of drinks, including some of their specialties. The drinks up here were much better than those downstairs. For food, we ordered a bunch of items and picked off each other’s plates. The cuban and pulled pork were rated as acceptable, but unremarkable. The totchos with ground beef was a hit, but the mac and cheese was the overall favorite. That is — until dessert. I didn’t catch the name of it, and I think it may have been a special of some sort — but it was a pile of tater tots with apples, cinnamon, sugar, whipped cream and I think maybe a bit of ice cream (I was a bunch of drinks in at this point). I had to restrain myself from grabbing this thing and hording it like Gollum and his Precious. In fact, I think we were all contemplating it.
Service up here was much friendlier and more attentive. Glasses were never empty.
We were a little confused at them closing at like 11:30 on a Saturday night though.
Like the drinks, much of the food seemed a little expensive, but not enough that you feel cheated.
Tonic probably won’t be our first choice for another night out, but I’d be happy to go back.
And to get more of that tater tot dessert.

Not sure I understand what gets this a 4-​star. The place is nice, the food is pretty good, but the prices are obscene for the location and for what they give you. I got a pulled pork sandwich that was good, but pretty meager and got charged $ 11 for it. $ 11 is pricey at a BBQ place, at a little pub, it’s kind of outrageous.
Not a bad place, but if you want a nice pub meal, you can do better.

The bar tenders are nice. They’ve got a lot of good beers on tap, but I could find better burgers else where. Just kidding. The burgers are awesome. It makes me miss home. It makes me miss my friends. Not the weather. I can do without breathing in mayo.