Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill

BrewTat

Missouri

3.35/5  rDev -11.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 1 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5 | $$

First, the food was great and the bookstore is very good and the beer list is acceptable. The problem was the waiter didn't know what was on the list. I don't mean he didn't have it memorized, I mean he told me they only had draft beer. I pointed out the beer menu and was told again that they didn't have any bottled beer. I changed my plans and had a draft. The waiter was indifferent inattentive and one the worst I've ever had. While the family was waiting for dessert I went to the bar and inquired about the bottled beer situation. He told me they had what was on the menu. I asked for the manager and he comped us the beer and dessert (which hadn't arrived after 15 min). We stopped by the bar 2 nights latter and the waiter was still there. Go figure.

08-06-2007 01:07:40 | More by BrewTat

hunteraw

China

3.65/5  rDev -3.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4 | $$$

Great atmosphere, something for everyone with the bookstore, cafe, and bar, well-divided into distinct areas so the noise from the bar doesn't penetrate the bookstore or cafe too much. Unfortunately, the group next to us was pretty loud. The service wasn't bad, but she did seem a little rushed. Also, you need to get a token from your server in order to use the bathroom - irritating! The first two things I ordered on tap were out, so selection is an issue. Nice that they attempt to have 18 taps at all times, though. As far as food goes, we only had dessert, but what we had was good - the mixed fruit pie with cinnamon ice cream in particular.

08-11-2006 00:05:50 | More by hunteraw

ChrisBowers

Virginia

3.93/5  rDev +3.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4 | $$$

What a neat place this is. Part bookstore, part bar, part fashionable late night cafe/eatery. Seating is located in the front, with the bookstore in the back. All seating is either under a glassed in dining area (lots of skylights, etc) or under the heated awnings along the sidewalk. Nice beer selection with about 18 taps (mostly US craft) and some decent 750s. Prices are about average for the area (ie a bit expensive) but not absurd. Food is great. Entrees are a tad on the pricy side for what they are, but again, not bad and very tasty. One of the better deals is the three appetizer (sharezies) deal for $17 which you can add a pitcher of any of their drafts for $10. The portions are good and everything is homemade. The deserts are phenomenal as well. Service is kinda spotty and they don't know much about the beer. Great late night or date place though.

02-08-2006 19:46:49 | More by ChrisBowers

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

3.93/5  rDev +3.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4 | $$

Kramerbooks was a cinch to find on Connecticut just North of Dupont Circle. As you walk through the bookstore to the back then they seat you. It was chilly outside, but we decided to sit there. The heaters made it very comfortable and the only traffic on that street was pedestrian. Heck, Tip O'Neil was spotted strolling down the street.

The beer selection is not long and nothing too exciting, but everyone can find something to have with the meal. Our service was good, but not especially well versed in beer. I settled into a 60 minute and decided that would be all for this visit.

The food had potential for greatness, but ended up only good. The signature dish was bass and it was slightly overcooked and the spinach was engulfed in garlic and the potatoes were not well seasoned. A little less flame on the fish, a little more salt on the potatoes and a little less garlic in the spinach. The other two folks with me, enjoyed their entrees. With just a bit of work the food could be stellar.

I'd go back, good food, good service and some beers all for a decent price (DC standards).

10-31-2005 13:24:59 | More by GCBrewingCo

alysmith4

District of Columbia

3.05/5  rDev -19.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 2 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 3 | $$

This place is perfect for the non-beer snob.. mainly because it is open all hours of the (weekend) night, and convenient for hungover drinking and munching. But once you sit there and sober up for a second, you look at the menu and realize that they actually have some good beers available. It's too bad that the waitstaff knows nothing about them.. but hey- it's late, right? Stick with the ones you know, and definitely avoid anything containing meat. Oh, yeah- and this place is actually a bookstore, so be sure to stock up on all things brew while you are there.

10-25-2005 04:48:12 | More by alysmith4

mdavis31481

Maine

3.93/5  rDev +3.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

During a recent grad school scouting trip I, with the help of beerfly, came across Kramerbooks. The day was warm and sunny prompting my companion and I to dine outside. The fifteen or so outdoor tables were sparsely occupied. Upon browsing the menu, a menu replete with expensive dishes, we came across the appealing "Sharzies" option. This special allowed us to choose three appetizers and a pitcher of beer for the pittance of $22. Having chosen the macaroni & cheese (absolutely delicious), nachos (tasty but not out of the ordinary), and side pizza (interesting without sauce) the task of selecting a beer was upon us. Perusing the beer menu we came across delectable, but limited choices. Allagash Tripel and Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA headlined the selections. We chose the IPA as we felt it better complimented the food. The beer was served in a substantial glass pitcher, at the proper temperature, with spotless pint glasses.

The experience was quite enjoyable, so much so my sister and I returned for Sunday brunch. While beer was not part of this particular meal I feel it is important to highlight how scrumptious the food was. I ordered the whole wheat waffles which at $14.95 seemed a bit pricey. Needless to say I felt I walked away with a bargain after finding my plate full of scrambled eggs, three strips of bacon, a side of home fries, a sampling of fruits, and a complimentary glass of champagne. The meal was quite filling and absolutely delectable.

If you find yourself in DC Kramers is a wonderful choice for a meal and a pint or two.

04-13-2005 21:35:53 | More by mdavis31481

schemb

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4

A smallish friendly tap-room that serves as the hallway between the bookstore and the restaurant.
Kramer has a nice Tap selection (esp.for DC). Among the selections are the excellent Allagash Triple (served in regular pints, yippe), Brooklyn Lager and a Bkln Seasonal, a Rogue (I think it was Brutal in late Sept. when I was last there last) , and an Abita. Nice food and snacks. There's a nice food/beer deal, get three "sharzies" snacks and get a pitcher of your choice (including the aforementioned Allagash)at a discount.

10-12-2004 21:37:51 | More by schemb