(Photo Credit: Sebastian - Shy Magazine)
The latest addition to the Shaw area of NE had its grand opening this weekend. After opening date being pushed back many times due to construction delays. This past weekend it opened with much fanfare, thanks in part to the Urban party duo Marc & Taz's hype machine. This weekend featured the usual DC celebs/athletes. Allen Iverson left confines of his Gaylord upper level hotel suite to party it up with Darnerien McCant and Vernon Davis and some of other usual Redskin party starters in the upstairs glass level VIP.
The 5,000sq. ft two level venue is very plush with white leather couches for the all important bottle service. Promising unparalleled table service and Mediterranean inspired menu with tapas style dishes for guests to dine on. The first floor Layla features panther slate walls and black gold slate floors. We are not making this up, as your move upstairs to the much coveted "GLASS" level that features 16 VIP tables and LED walls similar to Saki or Tangysweet. The design itself for some reason reminds me of Pasha in Dupont Circle, and that may just be me.
Layla is the creation of Sheldon Robinson and partners, Mr Robinson of 40/40 and LOVE fame dropped us a few hints many months ago about this spot and we promised we would keep it hush hush. With well over a dozen tables and minimums started at the DC requisite 500. Layla falls right in step with other lounges in the city. The venue will be open from Tuesday - Saturday, menu items and happy hour plans have not been released yet. With a beautiful website created by the TheMouseArtist, we are hoping for the best.
The only difference is the surrounding location, with neighbors and a area the reminds you of the meat packing district/the drama that was area surrounding LOVE. It will be interesting if lounge lizards and DC socialites will the leave their newly adopted K street corridor to venture into NE to get their party fix.
Layla Lounge DC
501 Morse St NE DC (Corner of Florida Ave and 5th St)
Washington, DC 20002 Office - 202-543-5540
Tables - tables@laylaloungedc.com Kelly M. - kelly@laylaloungedc.com
Private Events: Contact Andrea Cathy at andrea@laylaloungedc.com
Noted: After a very public exodus by their landlords, with DJ equipment and sofas being cast out into the street and photos circling the DC web scene. The Republic Gardens have apparently settled the lease/money issue and have re branded themselves as "The Gardens" at 1355 U Street NW DC , after remodeling and changing a few elements inside, they reopened this past weekend to capture some of the AKA party crowd.
