The End of Beuchert’s

Authentic Americana is rare in this city. Much of it likely left with the punks. As far as establishments on Penn. Ave. go, there isn’t much that is “real,” but I think that Beuchert’s was close in a way.

Beuchert’s was an upscale restaurant and spoof of a maybe-real Prohibition-era speakeasy. I’d liken it to an attraction that evokes ye olde days of rough and tumble social spaces.

Kitschy, sure, but the place felt authentic where it counted: the splotchy mirrors, dusty bison heads, and mold growing on that one wall — it looked the way you’d imagine a saloon from a dime novel but with much, much better food.

The cocktail program was also one of the best in the city. There were several strong, funky offerings that didn’t use sugar as a crutch. Cool ingredients and glassware to boot.

I’ll admit that the decline was there in the past year. My favorite cocktails disappeared at some point, and the dinner menu went unchanged for long periods of time. And that mold probably wasn’t meant to be a part of the aesthetic.

As far as gossip goes, I have none to share and am not in the know. Running a restaurant in this city probably sucks and isn’t worth it. I do sense a toxic relationship developing with our neighbors up Penn. Ave. Much of this city relies on the business of objectively terrible people.

And shout out to the bartenders; you make this city a real place. I hope you land on your feet.

The closing of Beuchert’s was strike one and two for me. If Hill East Burger closes, I’m moving to Baltimore.