Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill

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

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

ferrari29

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | $$$

Located smack-dab in the middle of DuPont Circle. Prime place for hipsters, suits, politicos and any other walk of life to stop by, check out a book, grab a drink, and eat some cafe style food in the wee hours of the morning.

I really like the idea and setup of the place. Book prices were a bit high, no discounts. The bar is perfectly situated in the back half of the bookstore and opposite the cafe. The cafe always seems to be packed, I haven't tried the food there yet, but I assume that the food is either great or everyone wants to be in the middle of the hippest area in town. I really dig the unique selection of beer, small choices, but a touch of everything. I'll be back again for sure.

Here's a selection what beers and/or brewers they had on-tap for the evening:

Special: Loose Cannon IPA
Great Lakes - Lake Erie
Brooklyn
Rogue
Tregs - Sunshine Pils
Allagash
Victory - Hop Devil
Lagunitas
Wyld - Organic Extra Pale
Abita Beer
DcBrau

06-25-2011 02:44:27 | More by ferrari29

jonmacklin

North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$$

Let me start off by saying that this is not a beer bar, but rather a bookstore, restaurant that also has cool little bar with some thought out and interesting drafts. From the outside you would have no idea what is actually inside. its not necessarily a destination place like church key or black squirrel but if you're in the neighborhood/area it is def worth stopping in.

anyway was in town for work and was shopping for beers next door at connecticut ave liquor and one of the guys in there reccomended I check out kramers as it was right next door.

I was super impressed to see that they had 120 minute on draft... first ever draft experience for me, so that was pretty cool. they have 10-15 drafts & a few other highlights included: brooklyn maple porter, old rasputin & troegs hopback.

again, its not a beer bar and it isn't trying to be. but it is a great neighborhood spot to check out and have a drink or two.

04-03-2012 12:03:30 | More by jonmacklin

hmarebel02

Maryland

3.55/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 2 | food: 4 | $$

This is a bookstore/brewpub/all night cafe. Its a great place in the heart of Dupont circle. The beer is pretty average so you won't find any microbrews. However, they do have palatable selections other than Bud/Miller/Coors. The food is great, and the scene for meeting singles is great due to the bookstore aspect of the cafe. Great place to do as a night-cap or after party. More caffeine heads at this place than beer heads, but people are nice and its open super-late!

Come to this place if you are looking for any of the following:
laid-back atmosphere, good desserts, a place to meet literate people, an eclectic atmosphere.

04-20-2009 23:19:56 | More by hmarebel02

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

smakawhat

Maryland

3.83/5  rDev +1.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5 | $$

For this area in Dupont circle this a great quick place to come in and get a simple drink.

There are usually about 10 offerings available all on tap, and some bottles, you won't find a single BMC product on tap here at all. There are also some nice whiskeys and upper shelf spirits to enjoy also.

Beer on tap here is actually very reasonable for price for this area. The bar area though is small but on a quiet day it's a great place to have a simple good cheap drink and kick back. However, after 5 PM the place gets busy.

Food here isn't that much great, but the one thing that it does excel at are the deserts which are step above average. My Wild Ale was served a little too cold, but other than that I don't have any major complaints.

03-07-2011 18:20:51 | More by smakawhat

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

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

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