Restaurateur Aaron Gordon — the man behind Rabbit, Red Velvet Cupcakery and fro-yo joint Tangysweet — knew early on that he wanted his next eatery to be themed around the craft of creation, perhaps even literature or beatnik poetry. But it wasn’t until Gordon and childhood friend (and furniture designer) Andrew Christenberry stumbled upon the image of a construction site table in a lighting catalog that the idea of an architecturally themed joint fully manifested. Now open in the former ACKC space on 14th Street, Drafting Table is serving up comfort fare and a sizable selection of beer, including 15 drafts on tap.

This is the first full-service restaurant from Gordon as well as the first savory venture by executive chef Ciji Wagner, who formerly oversaw pastry operations at Red Velvet. While the space is meant to evoke a design studio (a fitting concept on artistically inclined 14th Street) the menu will make this a go-to neighborhood destination for low-key nights out. With filling, unpretentious fare such as falafel, burgers, fish 'n' chips and meatloaf, Drafting Table is a welcome addition to the otherwise celebrity-chef-driven, small-plate-dominated Logan Circle restaurant scene. It’s the place you’ll go after work to grab a meal and catch the game — without also dealing with a nightclub vibe.

In addition to a larger-than-life wall-mounted compass, framed architectural blueprints and stair-step wall paneling, you’ll find a 22-seat bar, at which you can grab a classic cocktail (servers recommend the Pimms Cup) or one of 15 drafts on tap, including local brews from DC Brau and Flying Dog. Additional beers are available by the bottle and can, and there's a selection of red and white wine. No matter what you get, don’t forget Wagner’s origins as a pastry chef: the homemade Snickers pie is worth every calorie.

1529 14th St. NW; 202-621-7475

Photos by Lauren Sloat