Like its mythical half-lion, half-eagle namesake, The Gryphon is a hybrid of two better halves, marrying the view of a sports venue — there are 31 strategically placed TVs — with the class of an upscale eatery, complete with 30-plus bottled beer list and high-end eats.

“Everything chef Joseph Evans makes is the cat’s meow,” said Gryphon manager Jordan Cappolla at last week’s preview of the new gastropub-meets-sports-bar just south of Dupont Circle. Formerly at Lost Society, Evans has crafted an unusually creative menu here, punctuated with eats such as gator bites (yep), fried oysters, bison burgers and filet au poivre, instead of the area’s standard pub fare.

Inspired in part by NYC’s Bounce Sporting Clubs, The Gryphon puts a polished spin on the sometimes stale sports bar mold. The 5,000-square-foot space outfitted in dark wood, antler chandeliers and tufted leather sofas will become the backdrop to DJs and bottle service on weekend evenings.

Tuesday through Friday, you can catch happy hour specials from 5–8 PM, including seven varietals of wine available for $5 a glass, five beers available for $6 and under and discounted food specials including the gator bites, Gryphon wings (with chili soy sauce) and Gryphon fries made with fresh herbs and parmesan.

The Gryphon is owned by nightlife veterans Tony Hudgins, David Karim and Rich Vasey, so in addition to drawing a more food-focused clientele than it’s neighbor sports spots, expect this newcomer to become a regular on the D.C. late night scene.