2052 West Virginia Ave., NE #202
A historic distillery that shuttered during prohibition has been resurrected in DC by a veteran team, and is still in the soft-opening phase. That shouldn’t stop you from dropping by on Saturday to try homemade gin cocktails in their two bars—whiskey will come with the grand debut in September—or take a tour of the Ivy City facility. The building neighbors Atlas Brew Works, New Columbia Distillers, and One Eight Distilling, so make a boozy day of it and taste around (just don’t drive).
3605 14th St., NW
Columbia Heights is home to a new gastropub that offers more than the typical beers and burgers—though there’s plenty of those, too. The place offers everything a neighborhood could want: Old Overholt-infused soft serve, deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwiches, and a lengthy weekend brunch. English Premier League and German Bundesliga soccer may be playing.
1400 K St., NW
Add one more to DC’s list of vowel-free restaurants. The sons of the Dulles Kabob and Reston Kabob owners hit the city with a modern, fast-casual kabob concept near McPherson square. Guests pick between bowls or wraps made with fresh naan or flatbread, and fill them with various grilled proteins and white bean falafel, toppings, and sauces (charred chutney sounds tasty). Sweetening the deal: locally-made treats from Baklava Couture.
Arepa Zone, Khao Poon DC at Union Market
1309 5th St., NE
Visitors to the Noma market will see some new faces. Arepa Zone officially set up shop this week, dishing out Venezuelan specialties like their signature arepa sandwiches, sweet and savory cachapas (corn cakes), and crispy cheese fritters. Right around the corner, Khao Poon DC crafts Laotian noodle bowls, soups, and curries. The pop-up is a preview of the upcoming restaurant from Thip Khao and chef Deth Khaiaphone.
207 King St., Alexandria
Wine drinkers can channel California in Alexandria at this wine bar, which pours over 180 bottles from Sonoma County, and a small selection from local Virginia producers. Tasting isn’t reserved to vino—a varied menu mixes snacks, sandwiches, Cali-style fish tacos, box lunches for those on the go, and dog treats for canine pals.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
