ON St. Elmo is a vibrant fusion of a restaurant, lounge, and entertainment with immersive experiences. Key features include a central bar, private event spaces, and live performances.
It is located in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle, and hosts live DJs, comedy, music, and live acrobatics. ON St. Elmo has extended hours from 3 PM to 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
This vibrant space showcases American coastal, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an atmosphere brimming with creativity and flair. The owners are Michael Romeo and Sarah Rehman, a husband-and-wife team. The competent head team also includes Executive Chef George Hackey; Bernie Braun, a jack of many trades, does sound, lighting, and tech; and Operations Director Hassan Nahim.
The Core Team
Michael, a Montgomery County native, started in the entertainment business at age 16. He has since started various businesses in DC and Montgomery County. Michael's career spans over three decades. ON St. Elmo is Michael’s 13th venture, and this new one is bringing the late-night club scene to Bethesda!
Sarah, too, is no stranger to running a business. She owns Flying Buddha Studio in Gaithersburg, which elevates the concept of movement and wellness to incredible new heights. She said, “I've been a teacher for 15 years for yoga and aerial dance.” Look for the Midnight Circus and Valentine's Day-themed events!
Chef George is a Montgomery County native who has developed a deep love for flavors that combine Southern roots with the vibrant cuisines of New Orleans, Latin America, and the Mediterranean. Chef George said, “Food is my love language to the world.”
With extensive hospitality experience, this awesome core team is creating a welcoming, interactive environment. Chef George said, “We're very accommodating.” They’re offering something nobody else offers, staying open until three o'clock and a long happy hour. Michael said. “Some people want to come have dinner. Some people want to come to happy hour. There's something for everyone.” Michael went on to say, “The only boss we have is our customers.”
Excellent Facilities
As you walk down the stairs to the maître d' table, the performance stage is on your left. Just beyond the stage is a semi-private dining area that seats 24-30 guests. Note that there are two trapeze hooks in the two-story ceiling, one above the stage and one over the dining tables.
A moderate-sized area in front of the stage can be used for dancing.
Turn to your right, and you will see an impressive central bar with 43 bar stools. Michael said, “Look at these bar stools; they are four inches lower than in most bars. So when women sit here, it's more comfortable.” Sarah said, “Our bartenders are super talented.”
If there’s a performance going on, you don’t have to “park” yourself in front of the stage. In the middle of the bar area, there are large screen monitors. Michael said, “Now you can just sit anywhere, like a supper club, and watch the show like you go to a stadium.”
Some of the more popular cocktails are the Summer Fling, a gin-based drink with a dash of Tabasco, the Spicy Mike, and the Black Widow.
The Potomac Lifestyle Cocktail reimagines the traditional Manhattan with an infusion of burnt rosemary, barkey, smokey, sweet orange note of dry vermouth. This bold twist adds the depth of an unforgettable flavor. Potomac Lifestyle is available at ON St. Elmo. https://citylifestyle.com/articles/introducing-the-potomac-lifestyle-cocktail
Far to the left of the bar is a long, padded wall bench with tables and chairs on the aisle. Nearer to the bar are high-top tables and chairs.
On the right of the bar are a few tables and a separate Side Room. This function room can be used for private parties as well as event space for comedy acts, circus cabaret, magic shows, etcetera. Depending on the configuration and event, the Side Room accommodates around 120 guests.
Diverse Menu
There is a wide range of options: appetizers, salads, skewers, flatbreads, and main dishes, which include seafood, steak, lamb, chicken, and vegan selections. Signature dishes include:
- Chilean Sea Bass
- Lobster Bisque Pasta
- 16 oz. Bone-In Ribeye
- Hot Lump Crab & Artichoke Dip
- PEI Mussel Bowl
Dine at ON St. Elmo
As their website says, “ON St. Elmo is not just a restaurant, bar, or lounge—it's an experience. From its stunning visuals and vibrant sounds to its exceptional food and drinks, every detail is designed to transport guests to a place that feels both timeless and new.” Michael said, “The most important thing is seeing people have a good time.”
This new restaurant, lounge, and entertainment venue is located at 4915 St. Elmo Avenue in Downtown Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle. Reservations can be made using the OpenTable app.
https://www.onstelmo.com
"every detail is designed to transport guests to a place that feels both timeless and new."
“The most important thing is seeing people have a good time.”