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Fri / Feb 26
Party Earth Review Built as an homage to singer Marvin Gaye, who grew up nearby and took soul-searching trips to Belgium in the 1980s, Marvin combines the soulful elements of its namesake with some unique Belgian overtones. A wall-sized... ... read full review
2007 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Green, Yellow Lines: U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
202-797-7171
Bar/Lounge: M–Th 5:30pm–2am, F–Sa 5:30pm–3am, Su 11am–2am
Bistro: M–Th, Su 5:30–11pm, F–Sa 5:30pm–midnight, Su 10:30am–3:30pm
U Street Corridor, Washington, DC –
Built as an homage to singer Marvin Gaye, who grew up nearby and took soul-searching trips to Belgium in the 1980s, Marvin combines the soulful elements of its namesake with some unique Belgian overtones.
A wall-sized mural of the singer casts a watchful eye over the local bohemian types chowing down on fried chicken with waffles or shrimp and grits, highlighted by the warm glow of retro open-bulb lighting.
The small bar in the dining area usually fills up on weekends as young hipsters flock in to peruse the thirty-odd beer options or munch on moules-frites, while young professionals mingle by the street-side window waiting for a table.
After a good meal, patrons head upstairs to a lounge decked out in historic Motown photos, where hip artists and musicians move to an eclectic mix of old-school, hip-hop, and R&B spun by guest DJs.
Sweaty partiers looking for a break from the grooves can try finagling a spot at the lantern-lit bar or make their way to the heated rooftop beer garden for a brew and a bite to eat.
Although the dining room and beer garden may be laid back earlier in the evening, it doesn’t take much for Marvin to become a standing-room-only joint perfect for getting it on.
Mature upscale crowd in the bistro, urbanites, local musicians, and artists in the lounge and rooftop, 20s to 40s.
Various compilations of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, many put together by Thievery Corporation's Eric Hilton. Guest DJs nightly in the upstairs lounge.
Southern soul food with a Belgian twist, including shrimp with creamy grits, goat cheese croquettes with fig vinaigrette, Belgian moules-frites, and country fried chicken with waffles.
Beer and wine list features over thirty Belgian ales and blondes, and wines from organic and sustainable vintners. Street parking.
Brunch $6–$12, appetizers $7–$12, entrées $14–$28. Beer $6–$10 wine $8–$13/glass or $28–$310/bottle, cocktails $6–$11.
Cool casual: jeans, t-shirts, anything from Urban Outfitters or Free People. Dress code: no shorts or flip-flops.
The vibe changes depending on the DJ, but Wednesdays through Saturdays are usually a sure bet for a packed dance floor.
The Gibson (2009 14th Street NW) is another Eric Hilton lounge right next door, with intricate signature cocktails and a more intimate setting.
Marvin User Reviews