When BlackFinn took over the old Willie & Reed’s sports bar space on the corner of Fairmont and Norfolk avenues in Bethesda, it quickly became a magnet for attractive, young singles and groups of officemates. The draw? Decent beer, nachos and a place to watch a game on one of dozens of flat-screen TVs. Since opening its doors last November, this small chain’s high-tech yet old-time saloon atmosphere beckons crowds hungry for an elegant local pub.
Décor and Ambiance
The large and boisterous bar area runs the length of the first floor. Oversized, bowl-shaped chandeliers help bring the high ceilings down to earth amid a mix of warm woods, brick alcoves and yellow walls hung with Americana. Tall bar tables and snug booths invite the clinking of glasses and sharing of plates. Essentially a mezzanine, the upper floor is suited for a semi-private bachelorette or graduation party where one can observe the bar scene below. The darker room downstairs has lower ceilings, dark wood tables and a quieter bar. It is where most families and couples are seated. Unfortunately, they have to wade through the loud bar area on the first floor to get there, a path that becomes a little too narrow when crowded with sports fans. TVs are everywhere—even in some of the booths—but the noise is wisely muted on most. When BlackFinn took over the old Willie & Reed’s sports bar space on the corner of Fairmont and Norfolk avenues in Bethesda, it quickly became a magnet for attractive, young singles and groups of officemates. The draw? Decent beer, nachos and a place to watch a game on one of dozens of flat-screen TVs. Since opening its doors last November, this small chain’s high-tech yet old-time saloon atmosphere beckons crowds hungry for an elegant local pub.
Service
With three dining levels, you might expect that seats would always be available, but BlackFinn’s instant popularity may have taken it by surprise. Early on, the kitchen and staff seemed overwhelmed by the crush of patrons, but both seem to have hit their stride since.
Food
The largely unchallenging yet satisfying lunch and dinner menus include four kinds of fun and trendy appetizers known as sliders—tiny meat patties on buns. In addition to the classic beef burger slider, BlackFinn offers a pulled pork version and a tender and chewy chicken Parmesan version that, with four to a plate, was almost filling enough for a meal.
BlackFinn’s regular-sized Angus burgers are big and hearty, dripping with just enough juice, cheddar and caramelized onions. My dining companion flipped for a hearty portion of the classic wedge salad of creamy bleu cheese dressing over iceberg lettuce. A kids’ macaroni and cheese dinner consisting of al dente noodles in a mild cheese sauce with a side of buttered broccoli satisfied a particularly finicky eater at our table.
The fish in the fish and chips entrée was crunchy on the outside and steamy on the inside, but I would have preferred the traditional wedge-cut chips to the skinny American fries served alongside. BlackFinn also offers a turkey wrap, a variety of salads such as spinach or Asian chicken for those with lighter appetites, and a spicy signature chili.
Dessert sliders—vanilla ice cream wedged between two chocolate chip cookies and topped with warm chocolate sauce—are guaranteed to bring smiles to both kids and adults. BlackFinn also offers a decadent Guinness mousse and homemade chocolate pie.
Highlights of BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon
4901 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda
301-951-5681
www.blackfinnbethesda.com
Open
Sunday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Prices
Appetizers: $8-$12.
Lunch: Entrées $8-$12.
Dinner: Entrées $12-$25
Wine List
Dependable American labels, sold by the bottle and by the glass.
Favorite Dishes
Chicken parmesan sliders, the wedge salad, saloon burger.
Favorite Dessert
Ice cream cookie sliders.
Good Place to Go For
Watching the big game, happy hour, families who don’t mind noise.
Parking/Getting There
Street or garage parking nearby, Bethesda Metro.
