F was for Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers has a concept that sets it apart from much of the rest of the DC restaurant/bar scene. Washingtonian Magazine called it “barnyard chic meets industrial garage,” and that’s about as accurate a characterization as I can think of. The restaurant, tucked into the 20th and Penn Ave corner of the IMF building, has crisp, sleek décor and farm-inspired touches throughout.

The bar in the middle of the first floor is surrounded by tables and booths, and the two story floor-to-ceiling windows along Pennsylvania offer the perfect place to watch the after-work crowd stroll by. Decorative jars of pickled fruits and vegetables line open shelving along the front of the restaurant and remind the patrons of the Founding Farmers theme. The emphasis is on fresh and local. Owned by the North Dakota Farmers Union, Founding Farmers (and its Georgetown sister Farmers & Fishers – link) focuses its drink and food menus on local and sustainable produce and other ingredients.

The cocktail, beer, and wine menu is extensive, with lots of classic and modern combinations to choose from, including “The IMF” inspired the nook of the IMF building it occupies ($25 – cognac, gin, Cointreau Noir, lime, and orange bitters). I tried “The Clementine” ($12 – lime and pineapple juices, agave nectar, and tequila infused with clementines and chiles), which was smooth with the slightest hint of heat at the end. The cocktail menu is divided into four categories: prohibition-era, sophisticated cocktails, farmer’s favorites, and recession proof “fiscally responsible cocktails.” The recession proof section is still pretty pricy by most people’s standards ($8-9), but not so bad when considering the ingredients and flare that go into each drink.

For food options, try some of the small plates. The homemade potato chips and dips, baby cheeseburgers, and flatbread with brie, onion jam, and apples are all tasty choices. A couple of people in the group enjoyed the large-portioned chicken and waffles. Definitely get a bowl of the $2 popcorn of the day, seasoned with the chef’s choice (ginger or old bay, for instance).

Founding Farmers compliments its sustainable menus with its dedication to environmentally conscious operation, including using reclaimed and recycled building materials, claiming the District's first LEED (Gold) certification for a restaurant, and buying carbon credits to offset its greenhouse gas emissions. Although, there are a few old-fashioned incandescents around.

Stop by and enjoy a craft cocktail (and some popcorn) at Founding Farmers sometime soon. And if you don’t have Thanksgiving plans, consider enjoying a three-course “farmhouse-inspired” meal at Founding Farmers for $35.