Yo ho ho and a handful of fries
Piratz Tavern opens on Bonifant

Serving wenches Deanna and Kaitlyn

by Sara Wald
Photos by Julie Wiatt

Just washed ashore: Piratz Tavern, an eclectic pirate-themed restaurant and bar in downtown Silver Spring.

Like a pirate, the new restaurant is quirky, adventurous and globe spanning with a menu that offers worldwide cuisine.

According to the owner Joaquin, he, his wife Tracy, and his 11-year-old daughter masterminded the idea. They were inspired by a pirate-decorated room in their house where they threw parties for friends that sometimes lasted from dusk until 8 a.m. The family wanted their parties to reach beyond just their friends, so they expanded to a restaurant.

Captain Joaquin Morgado

Joaquin makes a clear distinction between the maverick pirate spirit that his restaurant embodies, and the thieving, troublemaking pirates he says once attacked his friend who was traveling the world alone by boat. His friend who was armed at the time of the attack was unharmed, but Joaquin shakes his head in disgust as he retells the story.

Joaquin, who hails from Portgual, says this is his first restaurant, although he was involved in some behind-the-scenes work at restaurants owned by his friends.

Once a deli, on the corner of Georgia Ave. and Bonifant St. in Silver Spring, the building has been cleverly converted into a lodge fit for a pirate. The narrow cavern-like space holds what seems like lost treasure; lanterns, shiny gold trinkets, fountains and silk galore.

Family-friendly. This reading nook gives children a chance to learn more about pirates. (Above)

Piratz Tavern offers a worldy, inviting menu. Above, Thai-style mussels. Below, a bison burger.

Waiter "Thudd" displays his swordsmanship. (Below)

International music creates a lively, vibrant atmosphere and complements the worldly menu featuring African stew, Thai-style mussels, Jamaican jerk sauce, Indian curry and Portuguese codfish fritters.

A makeshift library of children's pirate books is located in the front, while a more adult library of international wines is displayed in the back in a beautifully lit wine cabinet.

The real treasure trove is the Caribbean-style patio, which features an artfully displayed hodgepodge of found objects, plants, fountains, and pirate-sloganed signs. Live music on Fridays, and a sword-juggling bartender on Saturdays guarantee that the patio will be a weekend hot spot.

What could have turned out to be kitschy Las Vegas strip mall, is actually mature and refined from the décor to the menu.

Surprises of sophistication, like buried treasures, appear unexpectedly in dishes. Shiitake mushrooms liven what could have been a run-of-the-mill salad. A hint of pumpkin and roasted corn niblets gives zest to otherwise standard chowder. Order like a pirate, adventurous and bold, and you will be rewarded with the booty. A bison burger proved to be a winner, flavorful and lean on a perfectly flaky roll.

The less daring will be satisfied but not thrilled. A turkey sandwich was fresh but not over the top. A Caribbean barbeque pork sandwich was meaty but the sauce lacked sweetness or smokiness.

Fries were addicting, freshly cut and excellently seasoned. Bread, from table rolls, to sandwich rolls, was crusty and delicious.

In its first few days in operation, Piratz Tavern does have some kinks to work out. Waitstaff, decked out in full pirates garb, were enthusiastic and knowledgeable but forgetful and a little off.

Serving dishes were more Howard Johnson than Johnny Depp.

Getting in and out within an hour (the time allotted to you by the parking meters) proved a difficult feat.

All-in-all, Piratz Tavern holds enormous amount of promise. Entertaining enough to bring the kids, mature enough for adults, a trove of nightlife. And the best part: prices that won't make you want to walk the plank.

Piratz Tavern: 8402 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. (301) 588-9001. Visit their website at www.piratztavern.com.

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