The new Hudson Restaurant and Lounge has taken over the former David Greggory space on the ever-visible corner of 21st and M Streets.

The venue vacated earlier this year by downtown hotspot David Greggory Restau-Lounge didn’t stay empty for long. Hudson, a new restaurant and lounge from Alan Popovsky (owner of Adams Morgan spots Felix and Spy Lounge), has moved into the power-alley space on 21st and M Streets and will open tomorrow.

The chic 4,800-square-foot interior is outfitted with contemporary lighting, hardwood floors, and modernist striped carpeting. An airy dining room designed by Washington-based architect Belinda Ramos completes the brasserie-style restaurant, which will serve both classic and fun takes on comfort food from morning to night (2:45 a.m. on weekends, to be exact). Menu highlights include diver scallops with wild mushroom ragout and applewood bacon, and a wood-ovenbaked pizza with shiitake and white mushrooms, fresh herbs, garlic, and brie. Fancy sandwiches are on offer, too, ranging from a swordfish club to truffle ham and Idiazabal cheese on brioche.

After dark, the venue will turn into a comfortable late-night lounge. Two plasma TVs hang above a granite-topped bar, and plush banquettes decorate the stylized, dimly-lit lounge space. The house cocktail is dubbed Hudson Punch: a blend of Malibu rum, Licor 43, and pineapple and coconut juices on the rocks.Three on-site private dining or party spaces—including a curtained-off V.I.P. area with raspberry walls, a private dining room, and an outdoor patio—can accommodate groups of 24 to 100. The 250-person restaurant is also available for full buyouts.

Remember the restaurant David Greggory’s on 2030 M St. NW? That space has given way to Hudson, which takes its name from the Elizabethan explorer and navigator. Hudson, which held its grand opening party Wednesday, organized by Flash Communications, caters to hungry patrons looking for ‘comfort foods’ and the party guests received exactly that: tastings of french fries, miniature pizza bites, fried shrimp with spicy chutney, washed off with wine, beer and champagne.

The eatery features contemporary lighting, a curtained-off VIP area, granite-topped bar, handsomely upholstered banquettes in the bar and dining room, hardwood floors, plasma TVs in the bar area and a stylized, extended patio area, which is a must for the smoking crowd these days. Proceeds from the event were donated to Hoop Dreams.