Hot Spots: View from the Top
I was recently a guest at the soft opening of the new Topside bar and restaurant high atop the recently opened Hotel Revival on the square in Mt. Vernon. The new hotel is a complete renovation of the former Peabody Court Hotel.
The building has been completely refurbished, shedding its conservative, formal air for a bright and airy hipster, boutique hotel vibe. In its former incarnation, this rooftop, glass-enclosed space housed the very formal Conservatory restaurant, and more recently was used as private event space.
Stepping off the elevator, one is immediately struck by the expansive views of the neighborhood and city, visible in every direction.
A large central bar is flanked on three sides by tables, high-tops, some communal dining tables…
…and lounge-y seating areas, some replete with foosball tables. Tile floors and ironwork accents give the space a beerhall feel.
And indeed, craft beer is the star here. Local and regional brews rotate through the 13 taps, and a separate beer menu offers a wide selection of cans and bottles.
The cocktail list reflects a list of specialty concoctions in addition to classics.
And the menu has plenty of interesting choices, many sea-based, including fried oysters, fluke ceviche, baked oysters, miso striped bass, fried catfish, mussels, clams, and grilled quail yakitori.
I sampled the bartender’s rendition of a classic Sazerac, then reverted to a more chill vibe, and ordered up a Natty Boh and some excellent chicken wings.
Topside is an excellent addition to the neighborhood, and has already become a draw to folks from all over the city. {Topside in the Revival Hotel, 612 Cathedral Street, Mount Vernon}
