Proper 21K Opens In West End

You may know Proper, the upscale sports bar near the White House. Despite all the challenges 2020 brings to the restaurant industry, Proper worked very hard to open their new location in West End: Proper 21K. The new location features a fun name with the addition of “21K” as a nod to it’s easy to find location right on the corner of 21st and K Streets. 

I was invited to try the new menu on their opening night earlier this month. As 2020 would have it, the city experienced massive rainfall and even flooded almost all day. I almost emailed the restaurant to make sure we could still sit outside! However, the later afternoon skies cleared for a beautiful fall evening. 

Here’s What to Expect at Proper 21K

Proper 21K offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The patio seating features both high and low top tables with umbrellas for shade. 

My husband and I tried several small plates but first things first: drinks. Proper 21k encouraged all invited guests to try the Classic Orange with OJ, lemon-lime soda, triple sec, vodka. We can see why this refreshing bubbly drink is a stable on the menu. The crisp and fruity taste instantly made us feel relaxed and refreshed. 

However, even though it was a warm day for summer, we were already looking for colder weather the vibes. The waitress directed us toward the Whiskey Glasses, made with Jack Daniels, lemon, lime, orange, demerara simple, and eggwhite. It sounded like an interesting combination but we trusted her and were not disappointed! This dark liquor drink felt just like fall without feeling too heavy. 

The menu features an upscale version of sports bar favorites, including burgers, tacos, fried chicken, and crab cakes. Plus, you’ll find sides and apps like fries, nachos, brussel sprouts, spicy tuna, and crab dip. We got to taste a few samples of the restaurant’s favorite dishes. 

Up first, truffles fries. This simple classic with parmesan and scallions is a staple at every happy hour table. Another surprising must-have is the Chicken and Waffle egg rolls. This dish had all the sweet and savory flavors you expect from chicken and waffles in an easy to hold finger food – perfect for happy hour. 

Our favorite dish, hands down, was the Chicken Bacon Ranch fried rice. This dish stole the show with perfectly crispy chicken and bacon mixed with ranch crema. A close second was the crab cake sandwiches with Chesapeake aioli. These can be ordered as an entree or as a family-style meal. 

Proper 21K offers a variety of other cocktails, wine, and beer, plus daily specials like Rose All Day Tuesday (1/2 price rose bottles) and Winesday (1/2 price wine bottles) all day. They take reservations on OpenTable and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. As always, please be mindful of your health and the health of others when choosing to dine out during the pandemic.