The last long weekend of summer is almost here, and there’s plenty of fun to be had in the city if you can’t make it to the beach.
Friday
Graffiato’s Italian barbecue
707 Sixth St., NW
Try a different style of ‘cue at Mike Isabella’s Italian, which serves an eclectic meal with brisket, Chinatown-style ribs, cacio e pepe pasta, baked white beans, and artichoke slaw ($25 per person). The meal is offered through Sunday.
Crab roast at Kapnos Taverna
4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Over in Ballston, Mike Isabella serves a crab feast five ways that can be enjoyed on the restaurant’s new patio. Platters for two-to-four guests include a grilled king crab leg, crispy soft shell crab, steamed Maryland blue crab, Maryland blue crab keftedes (like a meatball), and lump crab imperial, all with assorted Greek side dishes ($85). The special is offered through Sunday. The with assorted Greek sides and serves 2-4 people for $85.
Saturday
The Embassy Row Hotel pool party
2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Stop by the Embassy Row Hotel in Dupont on Saturday for a rooftop pool party hosted by HOT 99.5. Celebrate the last weekend of summer with cocktails, swimming, grilling, and tunes from a DJ. Tickets cost $45, and doors open at 2.
Epicurience Virginia food festival
Morven Park, Leesburg, VA
Head to Virginia wine country on Saturday for the Epicurience Festival grand tasting, where you can try some of dishes from big-name chefs alongside local wine, beer, and spirits. Culinary activities include cooking demos, wine blending 101, and a butchery seminar. General admission tickets ($85), VIP ($145), and designated driver passes ($50) are available. Doors open at noon for general admission, and 11 for VIP ticket holders. Purchase tickets online.
Sunday
DNV Rooftop pool party
1155 14th St., NW
Spend Sunday night at a pool party on the DNV Rooftop listening to live music and sipping craft cocktails. General admission tickets cost $40 and include swimming access to the pool—typically reserved for hotel guests—complimentary snacks from Zentan, unlimited Tokyo dogs, a welcome cocktail, and a cash bar. For big spenders, VIP tickets cost $550 (though one ticket covers 8 guests), and include perks like a private cabana and bottle service. Doors open at 6.
Brookland Pint’s Hawaiian-style luau
716 Monroe St., NE
Chef Logan McGear from sister eatery Smoke & Barrel roasts two whole pigs on the patio, while guests can play lawn games, sip tiki cocktails, and limbo for a $250 gift card prize. Don your finest grass skirt or Hawaiian shirt to get 15-percent off your tab. Admission is free to the party, which runs from noon to 8.
Monday
City Tap House crab feast
901 Ninth St., NW
You don’t have to leave the city to dig into steamed Maryland blue crabs. Stop by City Tap House’s Crab Fest on Monday from 2 to 6 for crustaceans by the half-dozen ($19) and dozen ($38), paired with sides like old bay fries with aioli, hushpuppies, and corn on the cob. To wash it down, the restaurant is featuring beer from Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, MD and Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin, MD. Sides cost between $5 and $8, and beer prices range from $5 to $13.
Al fresco happy hour at Boqueria
1837 M St., NW
Wind down the weekend on this Spanish spot’s patio, where you’ll find a happy hour menu from 3 to 7. Specials include $4 draft beers, $5 sangria, $6 cava, and discount tapas ($5 to $6), such as crispy potatoes with roasted garlic aioli and cinnamon-dusted churros.
