Mario's Trattoria, which has replaced Surfside at 2444 Wisconsin Avenue in Glover Park, is open for business! Currently, they are in "soft opening" status and not fully ready for the dinner crowd, but you can stop in at the bar, get a drink and check out the menu. Mario's has plans for an official grand opening on Valentine's Day/Super Bowl weekend, February 12-14.
See the prior article for information on the Jelencovich family and their restaurant business. The establishment will seat 225 people, including an open-air roof deck with rooftop bar. Their liquor license does not permit entertainment, so it is likely Mario's will need an "entertainment endorsement" later on, approved by the DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration as well as Glover Park's Advisory Neighborhood Commission if they wish to have music. Expect plenty of TV's with sports though. Mario's will be open until 3am on Friday and Saturday, and 2am other days.
Getting the sign installed
I just spoke with the chef and Mario's is opening their rooftop deck tonight.
Although that official opening is still one week away, I've witnessed many improvements since the January 22 "soft opening." Tonight every one of their new, cushioned, wooden bar stools was occupied by sociable drinkers, sampling an unusual blend of $10 - 14 cocktails. The horrid large-screen TV's were finally muted and the easy-listening music soundtrack was audible. An animated crowd seemed to be enjoying the chef's delectable offerings. We ordered an utterly fantastic $17 Proscuitto & Arugula pizza to go and it was ready within five minutes. To order carryout ahead of time, their phone number is (202) 735-0033.