No sooner than entering Funxion you are taken-aback by the setup and style of the venue. While not a very large space, the “chic-ness” of the exposed brick walls and the intimacy of the upstairs lounge overlooking the entire space is very sexy. So immediately TTR was impressed.  Also high above the main floor is the DJ booth only accessible by a strategically placed pull-out ladder which seemed to be a little “different”. The idea itself is great but the practicality of it wasn’t very well thought out. There definitely won’t be any socializing for the DJ, but then again, they are they to entertain the patrons not themselves.

Offering a Pan-Asian cuisine with a touch of French influence, Buddah Bar has definitely uped the game within the food/lounge genre. Without a doubt, every inch of Buddah Bar was meant to impress, from its extensive sushi menu and wine list to the massive black onyx Indonesian Buddha statue and huge murals located throughout the space, Buddah Bar definitely hit the chic/sensual bulls-eye. Look for Buddah Bar to host social events and even parties as the layout is quite obviously conducive to do so. High about the wide open space rests a DJ booth that is obviously more than just decorations. Local socialites and party goers as well should expect to see several events at Buddah Bar in the near future.

One last note that TTR cannot go without mentioning. While Washington, DC prides itself on being a melting pot for all races, we did notice that Buddah Bar lacked flavor of any shade or ethnicity behind the bar. While we’re not responsible for the scheduling of Buddah Bar’s employees, we’re going to hope that maybe everyone of color or varying ethnicity was just off work that night. We will definitely peek back in on Buddah and em’ sooner rather than later.

Visit Budda Bar @ 457 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC