The New Bar at The Haymaker Bar on H Street
Many longtime H Street residents were sad when The Atlas Room closed for good several weeks ago to change into a new concept. However, the owners have converted the space into a new and exciting concept that they hope will quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Meet The Haymaker Bar (1015 H Street, NE), a more casual bar and neighborhood hangout that still will have chef driven cuisine. District Cuisine chatted with The Haymaker team last week to learn more about the new spot.
District Cuisine: We were very sad to see the Atlas Room close several weeks ago (we used to have our birthday dinner there every year). Think we’ll see any of the old Atlas Room favorites on the menu of The Haymaker?
The Haymaker: While we have (Atlas Room) favorites too, we reimagined chickpea fritters as pubfare as the only crossover, not just because of their popularity, but because they’re vegan and gluten free which is a must on menus. We know people want old favorites, and we hope to make new favorites very soon! While The Haymaker isn’t fine dining, the flavor is still chef driven by owner/chef Matt Cordes.
DC: Where does the name Haymaker come from?
Haymaker: The Haymaker is derived from a couple of meanings and uses of the word. The first being a knockout punch as used in boxing, but really derived from a worker wielding a scythe and cutting down a large patch of hay in one “swing.” We offer a selection of 5 house made punches (a fistful if you will). Also pertaining to beverage, the Haymaker was the orignial Gatorade taken to the fields to keep workers hydrated, it consisted of water, herbs, apple cider vinegar, and sorghum or molasses. The goal for The Haymaker is to be a comfortable neighorhood bar with elements of wood, stone, and metal throughout to provide a laid back and warm environment to enjoy great food and drinks. It has elements of sports and news on the TV’s and an upbeat modern music selection, as well as a fully stocked bar and seasonal beers on tap and in bottles.
DC: What made you want to change the concept from being a fine dining restaurant into more of a neighborhood bar?
Haymaker: Honestly you answered your own question. The Atlas Room became the birthday/special occasion restaurant. It wasn’t a place the neighbors could enjoy a meal or two a week. The hope is Haymaker is at a flavor and price point for the neighborhood to visit often and regularly without breaking the bank. Our draft beer, rail and wine happy hour prices are kept low with this in mind ($5). We’re even launching a 1015 (our address) deal soon. Craving a late night snack? At 10:15 until midnight you can get a draft beer and our tots for $10.15.
DC: How often do you plan on changing menu items at Haymaker?
Haymaker: Seasonally, from time to time we will have food and drink specials.
DC: How has customer reception been for The Haymaker so far?
Haymaker: So far the neighborhood has been extremely generous in welcoming us back as a new business. What makes H Street such a dynamite place to be is how close knit and supportive the neighborhood is. The new menu and prices went over very well. We listened to the neighborhood’s needs and agreed to do a later happy hour from 6-8pm and to keep the kitchen open until midnight. The neighbors who work elsewhere are now able to enjoy a happy hour near their home without rushing and our kitchen hours work well for the neighborhood.
DC: Anything else that we should know?
Haymaker: We hope the good memories of The Atlas Room translate to new memories at The Haymaker Bar. Our goal is to be your neighborhood bar year round.
*Photos by Margaux Cedar
District Cuisine 
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