Bites Nearby: Comfortable Choices at 8407 Kitchen Bar

This restaurant profile was written by Phyllis Armstrong.

Where do you go when you want friends to come to Silver Spring for lunch, brunch or dinner? The 8407 Kitchen Bar might be one of the best places to meet. That is what co-owner Nancy Hart had in mind when she and her partner designed the modern restaurant on Ramsey Avenue.

"We really wanted to create a neighborhood restaurant where people could have great food, have a great experience, and not have to go to D.C.," said Hart, general manager and partner at 8407.

As a former chef, Hart has spent more than three decades working in just about every arena of the food industry. She lived in New York for 17 years. She returned to this area almost nine years ago and developed a clear vision of what she wanted to see in Silver Spring -- a place people living in nearby neighborhoods could call their own.

The 8407 Kitchen Bar opened in March of 2010 with a decor that provides different experiences depending on where patrons choose to sit. They can enjoy a lively Happy Hour at the bar and lounge downstairs or go upstairs to a quieter, more comfortable bar and intimate booths and tables.

"It's absolutely wonderful. Just a fun dining experience," said Andrea Hernandez, a regular patron and Silver Spring resident. "It's lively. Great bartenders. Fun waiters and just really fun, good food."

Hernandez has been eating at 8407 since it opened. She recommended the restaurant to Jennifer Harley, a friend from Northern Virginia. "I'm so happy that Andrea introduced me to this place. I work right around the corner and never even realized the facility was here, and it's wonderful," said Harley, a new patron.

The restaurant's owner strives to connect diners to area farmers, wineries and food purveyors by buying local as often as possible. "That really was the point; to bring these great things nearby to the community nearby, and have them be able to come here and enjoy them in a great setting," Hart said.

The standard menu at 8407 Kitchen Bar gives patrons options even if they arrive in between lunch and dinner or late in the evening. They can have a house made charcuterie or artisanal cheeses for $6. They can order a dry aged beef burger for $11.

Separate lunch and dinner menus list a selection of meat, pasta, seafood or vegetarian dishes. The lunch menu prices are $14 to $16 for entree salads or $13 to $19 for the main plates, including the Fried Chicken Breast with Anson Mills Cheese Grits and Collards. The dinner choices are more pricey with a Grilled Creekstone Farm New York Strip Steak for $32 and Seared Sea Scallops for $26. The House Made Ramp Tagliatelle is $19.

The restaurant serves brunch on Sundays with complimentary house made beignets. The selections include everything from Fresh Shrimp & Anson Mills Grits for $12 to Challah French Toast for $11. A Spring Vegetable & Mascarpone Omelet is $12. The Country Fried Steak is $16.

"Anything done with meat here is amazing. The house-made meats are excellent. The service is fabulous. It's always good," said Lisa Page, a regular and Takoma Park resident, who brought in friends for lunch.

"I live in D.C., and I came all the way up here," said Maxine Clair, Page's friend. "I love the ambience. It's just lovely. And they introduced me to a wine that I like."

Local wines from Black Ankle Winery are featured along with local spirits from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company and ciders from Millstone Cellars. The specialty cocktails at 8407 are also popular, especially the Ginger Lime Martini for $10.  

Hart hired a new chef in January. Ed Witt and pastry chef Rita Garruba are maintaining the seasonal American, artisanal approach that is the heart and soul of 8407. The owners are committed to maintaining the high praise the restaurant has received as one of Washingtonian's 100 Best in 2012 and 2013. More importantly, they hope to continue to please regulars.

"We have great local neighborhood support, and we have those people bringing their friends in. We have people coming from all over because of the recognition," Hart added. "It really helps to stabilize our business, and in the long term, to be able to move forward in a very positive way, so it's great."

The 8407 Kitchen Bar website has more information on hours of operation and menus. The restaurant is located at 8407 Ramsey Avenue in Silver Spring. Parking is available in the public lot on Dixon Avenue right behind the restaurant.

Note: This is a restaurant profile, not a review. Opinions expressed do not represent the ideas of the writer or Patch.