The Players’ Club: Bobby McKey’s Piano Bar

THERE’S A NEW kid in the area. With high-rises — hotels, lots of hotels — and restaurants, this new dsetination spot is trying to lure diners away from the comforts of Northwest.

And then there’s the banging of dueling piano keys.

The National Harbor, a ferry ride away from Old Town and a few quick highways away from the District, features newly opened restaurants, from the Asian-themed Grace’s Mandarin to the sports-centric National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill (with a 30-foot video wall!), and with many more on the way, the area has the potential to attract more than the visiting conventioneers. Especially with “Benny and the Jets” blaring from Bobby McKey’s, the area’s only dueling piano bar.

At first, it’s a bit stunning: The place is huge and loud and populated with the diversity that makes the region such a great place to live. And then there’s the singing. Two large pianos face each other; two highly talented men singing iconic tunes, banging on the keys and flirting with the audience. Audience participation is a must. Guests request songs (wrap up your request with a $20 bill and it will surely get played), sing along and can even sneak onstage for a hot second. The music can be as predictable as Billy Joel or as eyeroll-inducing as the Doors; Jim Morrison surely didn’t envision “Roadhouse Blues” in a pay-for-play scheme.

You’ll need a beer or three, or maybe just a comically named cocktail — New York State of Mind (Dirty Martini), Zoot Suit Riot (Manhattan) — to fully get comfortable at Bobby McKey’s. But you’ll also need some grub.

Just like the fun group atmosphere, the menu features funky, to-share dips. The cheeseburger dip is served with four minirolls and can transform into Sloppy Joe sliders. Forget about dollops of sour cream and salsa; the chicken quesadillas can be smeared with a cheesy chicken enchilada dip.

Highlighting its waterfront appeal, the crab and roasted red pepper dip is creamy and takes on a bit of heat with the vehicle of choice — Old Bay chips. If you can scarf it down in seconds, the beer cheese dip served with a pretzel roll is delicious, but soon the cheese separates and all that’s left is grease.

And for those who don’t like to share, you can order a hot dog and chips, pork barbecue sandwich with coleslaw or a personal pizza, cheese or pepperoni.

» Bobby McKey’s, 172 Fleet St., National Harbor, Md.; 301-567-1488

Photo Courtesy Ricky Carioti/Twp
Written by Express contributor Stefanie Gans