Marvin

2007 14th St. NW
202/797-7171
www.marvindc.com [1]

HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-3 a.m.,
Sun. 11 p.m.-2 a.m.

A restaurant, lounge, and Belgian biergarten that pays homage to DC native son Marvin Gaye, Marvin draws an international crowd to its dimly lit spaces, who flock to its split personality decor—classic bistro restaurant downstairs, comfortable homespun lounge upstairs, with framed pictures of Motown stars, upholstered furniture, and floral banquettes.

The back deck, with a covered bar, serves a variety of Belgian brews on tap and 30 in bottles that complement the Belgian menu. DJs spin soulful, fun, funky, or R&B tunes seven nights a week.

Why a Belgian theme in a place dedicated to one of the kings of Motown? In 1981, Gaye faced a nadir in his personal life and professional career and fled to the seaside town of Ostend, Belgium, where he found inner peace, freedom from drugs, and inspiration for his hit “Sexual Healing.”