Restaurant at Norfolk, Cordell Dubbed ‘Roof’

The restaurant that is planned to take over the second floor and roof deck of a new Woodmont Triangle commercial building has been dubbed “Roof,” and it could be open by July.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is a nice rooftop dining atmosphere that transitions into a happening night spot in the evenings,” Tommy Joe’s owner Alan Pohoryles, who is behind the new restaurant, said to Patch.

Renovations and additions to an existing commercial building at Norfolk and Cordell avenues are underway. Check out an animation of the concept for the new space via Steven J. Karr, AIA Inc.

Following its opening—sometime between the middle of July and the beginning of August—the bar and eatery will be open for dinner for the first few weeks, and then will open for lunch and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. There will also be a late-night menu and a specialty cocktail menu, Pohoryles said.

As for the food, chef Jed Fox will serve up new American cuisine with French techniques and a focus on local seafood, with prices that “won’t scare anyone away.”

“We’re not looking for $35 entrees—we’re going to be making our entrée prices on average, somewhere between $16 and $28,” Pohoryles said.

Fox has worked at The Inn at Little Washington, Bistro Bis, and Ris. “His training is going to allow him to make simple food great,” Pohoryles said.

The restaurant will feature two upscale dining rooms on the second floor—one of which will be private—with an outdoor patio. Upstairs, the roof deck will boast a more casual atmosphere, Pohoryles said.

The 6200-square-foot space is expected to accommodate 600—350 on the second floor and 250 on the roof, Bethesda Magazine reported.

Operators are hoping to have the roof deck operational year-round, and have filed plans with the county for a temporary structure that will partially cover the deck during colder months.

If plans aren’t approved, the deck will be open as weather allows, and heaters will help diners warm up, Pohoryles said.

“We want to create an environment where we have excellent food at affordable prices with a fun bar scene,” Pohoryles said. “I think those kinds of places are all over in DC, but there aren’t any in Bethesda. We’ll be the first, full-service rooftop dining and bar.”

Downstairs, a combined Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins will be taking over part of the street-floor retail after the coffee chain closes its doors on Bethesda Row. Developers Park Place Properties are leasing the rest of the space.