Community, Cuisine, and Celebration: Phil Coppage Reflects on Irregardless's Journey and Future (#17)
This issue also has H Street Bingo winners, tons of events for September, hiring, and promotions on H Streets.
In the heart of H Street, Irregardless has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, known for its warm atmosphere, fine dining quality, and community-centered approach. As the restaurant approaches its two-year anniversary, with Phil Coppage marking his first year as owner, we sat down to talk about the journey so far, the changes he's made, and what the future holds for this beloved establishment.
Harriet the Hedgehog (HH): Phil, Irregardless has become a beloved spot on H Street in just two short years. What do you think has contributed most to its success?
Phil Coppage (PC): I think first and foremost, we’re grounded in the community. We remember everyone who comes through our doors. We love seeing the same people over and over. I live in the community, so I see folks just walking around at the Whole Foods. Being a part of this community is what really sets us apart. That’s how we measure success—by how we’re received by the folks who live nearby. We love being that kind of place where people feel they can always just walk in, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a casual meal. We’re hospitality first, and I think that shows.
HH: I think you’re doing a great job. So, you took over ownership of Irregardless a year ago. How has your vision shaped the restaurant since then, and what changes have you made that you’re most proud of?
PC: When Irregardless first started, it was really fancy—a six-course, wine-pairing tasting menu kind of place. It was where you brought someone to celebrate an anniversary or a birthday, or when your parents were in town. I worked there during its first year, so I was familiar with the restaurant and always loved it. What we’ve done since transitioning to a more casual neighborhood wine joint is keep that quality and standard of fine dining, but make ourselves more accessible to the community. We’ve lowered our prices considerably and taken a more casual approach to service and hospitality. We wanted to fill the gap left by places that closed around us and make Irregardless a spot you can visit a couple of times a month, or even weekly. People get it when they walk in—they’re often surprised by the more relaxed vibe, but they realize we’re still just as good. That’s my touch on the restaurant.
HH: I love that. Can you share any special plans or events you have in store for the two-year anniversary celebration? Any surprises we should be looking out for?
PC: Well, the two-year anniversary falls on Friday the 13th, so we’re likely to play into that theme and make it a fun, fright-night sort of celebration. We’ll be doing our regular dinner service, but we might add something special with the decor, maybe some bubbly or cake. It’s still in the planning stages, but we’d love for everyone—whether you’re a regular or someone new—to join us and help celebrate. Two years in the restaurant business is a big milestone, and we’re thrilled and optimistic for the future. More people are moving into the neighborhood, and that’s encouraging. We’re excited to see where the next year takes us.
HH: Running a restaurant in such a vibrant community must come with its challenges. What have been some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had over the past year as an owner?
PC: It’s really the little things that add up. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you know that feeling of working without thinking, those nights when everything just clicks. You can feel the community’s positivity, see the staff working seamlessly together, and everyone’s just enjoying themselves. We’re lucky because that happens frequently in our restaurant. It’s those moments, particularly on weekends or even a busy Tuesday, when you can step back, look out onto the floor, and see familiar faces. It’s those moments that really keep me in the hospitality business.
Of course, H Street has its challenges. We’re up against a bit of a reputation—whether deserved or not—related to crime in the area. But many criticisms come from people who don’t live here. For those of us who walk these streets every day, we see things differently. As a business, it’s our responsibility to give people a reason to come in, to be proactive in engaging with the community and ensuring that we offer something special—whether it’s beautiful cocktails, a curated wine list, or an evolving menu. We’re still working on consistency, but when we’re firing on all cylinders, there’s nothing better.
HH: As you look ahead, what are your goals for Irregardless in the next year? Any new ideas or dishes you’re excited to introduce?
PC: We’ve been leaning into Italian cuisine lately, which wasn’t necessarily by design, but it’s where our creativity has taken us. We’ll continue to do beautiful pastas and keep that trend alive. We’re also planning to use more of the restaurant, like our upstairs space that people might not be aware of. We’ll be opening our outdoor upstairs patio, but not for everyone—just for those in the know. It’s not a speakeasy, but it’s a little hidden gem that adds to the charm.
As we move forward, our focus is on maintaining that neighborhood feel, offering warmth, hospitality, and connection, followed by spectacular food and drinks. We’ve seen success with our kids’ night on Tuesdays, and we expect that to pick up as folks return from summer vacations. We’re encouraged by how many repeat visitors we get, but we always want to welcome new faces. We just want to keep being a part of this community, helping out where we can, hosting events, and just continuing to operate with the same passion and dedication for another year.
As Irregardless gears up for its two-year anniversary, it’s clear that the restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a cornerstone of the H Street community. Under Phil Coppage’s ownership, Irregardless has evolved while maintaining the high standards that made it a special occasion spot. With plans to keep things fresh and exciting, the future looks bright for this neighborhood favorite. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Irregardless is ready to welcome you with open arms and unforgettable flavors.
You can listen to the whole podcast, “H Street Highlights” here.
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More Good News:
Congrats to our H Street Bingo winners: Shayna Sellers and Emily Guskin! Check your inboxes for details on how to claim your prize. Thanks for playing!
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