Hush Harbor, D.C.’s first no-phones bar, opened last week on H Street NE, taking over the old Hill Prince space. As someone with a chronic phone addiction and deathly aversion to awkwardness, I naturally had to give it a try.
What’s With the No Phone Rule?
Owner Rock Harper, chef behind Queen Mother's Kitchen, wants the bar to encourage community and connection. “We’re not trying to punish people,” says Harper. “I'm just asking, ‘Hey, put [the phone] in your pocket just for a bit, let us serve you, and see what happens.”
The name itself, Hush Harbor, is derived from the secret forest gatherings where enslaved Africans would speak and pray in privacy. Harper hopes the bar can similarly bring communities together in a safe and joyous space — distraction free.
What’s On the Menu?
The menu leans Southern comfort with dishes like shrimp in Creole remoulade and Cajun red beans with housemade buttermilk biscuits. There are also lots of snackies like candied pecans and angel eggs (Harpers take on a deviled egg). Most menu items range between $5 - $15 even for full plates.
Hill Prince fans will be happy to know that much of the bar menu will remain. Classic cocktails are given new twists like the mole old fashioned or Italian margarita with Aperitivo. But our favorite was their take on a bee's knees.
Hush Harbor bar. (Photo by Max Hernandez-Zapata)
My Experience
The host put my phone in a locked bag (which you can unlock at the front if needed) and showed me to a cozy table with refurbished velvet furniture and layered carpets.
Despite being nervous, I quickly forgot about my phone. I thought I’d miss the camera most, but they have free polaroid cameras to use which felt fun and retro. They also have a land line number you can use for emergencies. The only tricky parts for me were 1) telling the time and 2) not being able to text to arrange my other evening plans.
I didn’t partake, but there were lots of games and books to entertain and it really felt like the perfect bar to hang at alone or meet people. It might be placebo, but the crowd seemed chattier and more open to conversion. Overall, it’s my favorite kind of unfussy neighborhood bar that feels like home away from home.
Red beans and rice from Hush Harbor (Photo by Rey Lopez)
Opening Amidst a Takeover
D.C. restaurants have been hit hard by the federal takeover, with reservations plunging 30% year over year. Rather than being worried, Harper says he is excited. “The goal of [the takeover] is to incite fear and helplessness. And the way you oppose that is realizing your power, and to have a good freaking time,” says Harper. “ When you have joy you confuse the enemy. Hush Harbor is going to be a center of joy and connection. I'm excited to provide that opportunity.”
😋 Inside Scoop: Where Is Harper Eating?
Harper likes to stay in the neighborhood. One of his favorites is Cambodian/Taiwanese restaurant Maketto, just a few doors down. He’s also excited for Manifest’s new location on 3rd Street NE in NoMA. “I already know that's going to be one of my favorites. It's gorgeous.”
