The Capitol Hill Class of 2024 How neighborhoods new food and drink joints fared in their first year

Koko’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar in Capitol Hill celebrated its first anniversary with a successful lounge-like event, showcasing the strong support from the community. Owner Gibran Moreno expressed gratitude for the positive reception and plans to extend late-night kitchen hours to cater to the demand for late-night dining. The restaurant also aims to boost lunchtime traffic, which has not been as robust as dinner service. Meanwhile, Chandelier Lounge, nearing its first anniversary in August, has hosted performances to attract and retain customers. Owner Pranesh Sharma noted that these events have been crucial in increasing foot traffic in an area experiencing a decline.

He hopes to position Chandelier Lounge as a go-to venue for larger events. Both establishments exemplify the vibrant food and drink scene in Capitol Hill, reflecting a shift towards community-oriented dining experiences. As the summer approaches, both venues anticipate further growth and engagement with local patrons.