Chef Rock Harper is the owner of Hush Harbor.
Mother Carole's Angel Eggs at Washington, D.C.'s Hush Harbor.
The interior of Hush Harbor in Washington, D.C.
People embrace at Hush Harbor in Washington, D.C.

This restaurant takes living in the moment to new heights.

When guests arrive at Hush Harbor, they are greeted by the hosts and notified about the unique no-phone policy. Their devices are placed in a Yondr pouch, locked, and then given back to them to hold while they are inside the establishment.

"People are like, 'Wow. I really enjoy being without my phone and speaking with someone," owner Chef Rock Harper told USA TODAY about the response to the rule.

"People do want to be connected, and they want to vibe, and they want to enjoy themselves," he continued.

'Reminds me of my grandmother's house'

Created by Chef Harper, a known restaurateur and winner of Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen" Season 3, Hush Harbor opened in Washington, D.C., in September.

It's located in the H Street corridor, a creative and nightlife hub in the city, and its name is a nod to "what enslaved Africans here in the States used to create while on the plantation trying to practice their own form of spirituality without being seen," Harper explained.

Rebranded from his previous bar, dubbed Hill Prince, Harper wanted Hush Harbor to have an inviting ambiance.

"It's an old row home, with exposed brick, exposed rafters," he said. "We have some very cozy seating, some beautiful Italian leather chairs, a nice custom sort of dining room tables, and a wonderful sofa that reminds me of my grandmother's house," Harper said.

The small plate restaurant bar features popular dishes such as Cajun red beans and rice, as well as "Mother Carole's Angel Eggs," described on the menu as "classic, creamy, and not a devil in sight." On the cocktail front, Harper praised their take on the Old Fashioned and a drink called Say Less, which consists of lychee syrup, lime, triple sec, tequila blanco, and lemon lime soda.

What if you need to make a call? Harper explains.

Harper said that he was inspired to create Hush Harbor after throwing phone-free comedy shows and getting involved in an offline community.

"I ditched my smartphone for a month and got a flip phone, and met some very creative, intentional, and cool folks," he recalled.

Prior to its launch, Harper experienced some pushback about the no-phone idea, with some even thinking it would be a disastrous business model. However, he explained that only two guests have not wanted to participate since the restaurant opened its doors.

"I think the biggest thing that people misunderstand is that we don't keep the phones," Harper clarified.

He continued, "If any guests would like to use their phone, either to send a text or maybe make a call or check an email, you are welcome to do that as many times as you like. We open it, and we ask that you step outside into the phone zone. As soon as you finish, you come back in, we lock the phone back up, and you're able to enjoy yourself."

Being present is key, Harper says

Harper's concept comes at a time when other restaurant owners are implementing their own rules to curate their spaces. In 2024, a restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri, went viral for enforcing an age policy that required patrons to be at least 30 years old.

Decades into his career, Harper wants his no-phone rule to prioritize fostering a pro-presence atmosphere in a digital-centric world. He's even witnessed love connections blossom without the distraction of a phone.

"I've seen a bunch of first dates that have lasted for two to three hours, where they're playing games, they're joking around. It's just something that I haven't seen in a while, and I'm really happy to be a part of it."

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Your phone is not allowed at this DC restaurant and bar. The owner explains why.

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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