K Street’s ‘Public Interest’ Gets a Taste of Fall
From wild mushroom flatbread to an apple butter Old Fashioned, the downtown brasserie welcomes the season with a menu built for cooler days and longer evenings.
Fall is making its way to the table at Public Interest. The modern American brasserie at 1776 K Street NW is now open and rolling out a seasonal menu that leans into autumn’s earthy flavors, familiar comforts, and cocktail-hour creativity.
Our advice: Start with the Wild Mushroom Flatbread, layered with mornay sauce, caramelized onions, truffle oil, herbs and a balsamic glaze. Tomato Basil Soup, served with sourdough, brings a classic cool-weather pairing, while Scampi à la Maison combines heirloom tomatoes, Parmesan, and a white wine lemon butter sauce. For something more substantial, Steak Frites (a classic!) delivers a 10-ounce New York strip with black peppercorn sauce and a side of frites.
The bar is getting its own seasonal refresh. The Pink Peppercorn Paloma puts a spin on the citrusy classic, while Lady of the House (a rich espresso martini with vanilla and chocolate notes) offers an after-dinner alternative. The Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a unique offering that brings autumn straight to the glass with apple butter and cinnamon. Elsewhere on the menu, Up in Smoke reimagines the Paper Plane, and Purple Reign pairs floral lavender notes with Empress Gin in a truly beautiful presentation.
Halal? There’s also a broader focus on who gets a seat at the table. Public Interest is highlighting its halal chicken selections, adding options for Muslim diners and others who prefer halal dining.
Located inside Tempo by Hilton Washington DC Downtown, near the intersection of 18th and K streets, Public Interest is literally built for the transition from workday to evening. Its brasserie-style setting brings together business dinners, after-work drinks, and casual catch-ups, with happy hour offering another reason to linger. The restaurant serves dinner daily from 4 to 11 pm… though hours may vary for holidays and private events.
The new fall menu is available now: a little truffle, a little spice, and an Old Fashioned that knows this season is special.
