Pork sandwich at American Ice Company
Last week, in the midst of the glorious warm weather (sigh, are you missing that?), a few friends and I went to American Ice Company (10th and V Street) for the first time. The place was understandably crowded given their large outdoor space: they also have a garage like window that they opened up, so that even if you were sitting inside you felt like you were outside as well.
We snatched a table and ordered some beers: they have a nice selection of pretty affordable choices (but Guinness is $8 there – what?). I’m pretty sure our waitress used to bartend at the Gibson, I’ve had her a few times and she was excellent, so the bar for service was set high. Unfortunately, it wasn’t met – she had trouble hearing our orders because it was so loud, and for some reason didn’t write anything down. I ended up getting charged for a beer I didn’t order and we had to correct that. Certainly, at a more down-home place like American Ice Company the service shouldn’t be on par with the Gibson, but I was a bit disappointed.
We also ordered some food: pork sandwiches, the turkey plate, chili con queso, and of course the pickle platter (if you know me well you know I love pickles). The barbeque style food was good, but didn’t blow any of us away. I might be from Massachusetts, but I think I know barbeque pretty well and while the ‘que was good I imagine it’s not going to draw barbeque enthusiasts in.
Overall, American Ice Company is a fun place to meet for a few beers and food, but it gets crowded pretty fast and I’ve heard is intolerable during weekends, unfortunately like most of our bars in the U Street area.
February 22, 2011 at 11:10 am
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February 22, 2011 at 1:53 pm
I feel like American Ice Co got an unfair shake. It’s popular and many people condemned it for that because the staff at first wasn’t able to keep up with the crowds. Now that warm weather has made the outdoor seating an option, they will likely have to do some adjustments to figure out how to make that work too.
Now, in terms of the food, I actually thought their pulled pork was very good. Three of my buddies (who are from rural NC – I feel like it is important to say where you’re from when talking about BBQ (I am from GA btw)) were big fans. I haven’t tried any of the other meats, however. This is by far the best BBQ we’ve had in DC. Granted, we haven’t had all that much, but it is definitely better than that place in Chinatown on H St.
Anyway, I am very glad they’re here and will continue to grab a weeknight sandwich and beer from them whenever I’ve had a rough day.
February 22, 2011 at 4:29 pm
I’ve only been there once and I didn’t have any of the food though I’m planning on getting the pickle platter next time I go because, well, I too love pickles
I thought I would hate drinking wine in a mason jar but I grew on me and I love their beer selection too!
February 22, 2011 at 11:10 pm
I want to like the place, but I can’t see paying $7 or $8 for a draft in a mason jar which happens to be smaller than a pint! Ouch! Food is def good…
February 22, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Not to mention that they forgot my food.
February 23, 2011 at 10:56 am
this place is overrun with virginia preps and associate attorneys, most people arrive by cab. if this is you’re idea of a good time then show up by all means. weekends are like amateur night in my opinion. i live nearby and avoid it- sadly
February 23, 2011 at 10:59 am
jesse – I got to say I was surprised given its out of the way location and how once you get there it’s a bit hard to find – but it was very crowded. Guess the Hilton brother’s name travels far. Saw more of the hipster scene than the prep scene the night I was there – but it was during the week.
February 23, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I don’t think it’s a prep scene, definitely leaning towards hipster when I’ve been. I also don’t think people arrive exclusively by cab since the bike rack out front is always slammed. However, I agree with you that the prices for beer are a bit high. People are eager to pay that though to hang out there, so I guess the owners knew what they were doing. Even if it is not somewhere I go all the time, due to the cost, I’m glad to have it in the neighborhood.
February 23, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Interesting how we all have different perceptions of this place. They are definitely trying for the hipster vibe, but their beer prices are too high for that crowd (How much is the PBR?).
Totally agree that it is good to see the neighborhood improve, but this place just bugs me.
The owners don’t know what they are doing. The website they have on their menu is http://www.amico.com. That’s a medical equipment manufacturer…
February 24, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I agree with your assessment. The food is completely mediocre. The pork had giant hunks of cold fat in it that hadn’t been rendered. Everything is just sort of thrown together. And the menu is a joke.
People need to stop complaining about the prices. This is not a dive bar and is (likely) not trying to attract crowds of 22 year old recent college alumni (not food) . . . if you want a dirty dive, head to Duffy’s next door.
February 24, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@JC It’s not about wanting a dive bar.
It’s about paying a fair price for a product, and I don’t think $8 for a draft beer in a mason jar is a fair value.
February 25, 2011 at 3:02 pm
i like the place… i dont drink beer so i cant speak to those price the vodka tonics are priced appropriately…i am from rual NC (as ag points out this info is important in any bbq review) and we decided it could be smoked a tad longer…but that is really personal pref..and overall the food AND service were great when i was there…but then..ive never tried to go at an obviously peak time/outdoor time…
id say give ‘em another try..or dont and maybe i will have a better chance at a bar stool!
xoxo
February 28, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Jim, I think there are three points- 1. DC is an expensive city, AIC’s rent is likely pretty pricy, and they’re trying to attract customers who can afford to pay; 2. those prices are actually pretty run of the mill for high quality beers at nice bars; and 3. if it’s not fair, then you are free to not buy what they are selling. To me, it seems American Ice Co is going for an atmosphere that is rustic/casual yet somewhat nice. You are paying for more than just beer in a mason jar.
March 2, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I tried to go, but couldn’t even get through the door! And it was only a Thursday evening.
I’ll go back, give it the shot it deserves, but these comments aren’t making me hurry…
March 3, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Hey! Guess what! Those mason jars? They’re 16 oz.
March 3, 2011 at 3:16 pm
I guess I’ll have to go back!
March 3, 2011 at 3:31 pm
I need visual evidence. I guess I’ll have to go back!