Fall is flying by fast, and you may have missed all the restaurant happenings around town. We have the rundown on 11 new spots to check out, plus 11 familiar spots with revamped interiors, different hours, and new menus.
NOW OPEN
Challenging the idea that bars are all fun and no games, this Dupont watering hole finally opened with 21 draft beers, snacks, and loads of vintage board games.
The Penn Quarter Caucus Room has morphed into a more casual concept called Social Reform. Meanwhile, a new Caucus Room has debuted in the Westin Georgetown—as has a Latin-themed “speakeasy” called Boveda.
Tryst, the Diner, and Open City owner Constantine Stavropoulos is behind this large, 24/7 operation in Columbia Heights, which starts regular hours on Wednesday.
The late-night Adams Morgan crowd has yet another dining option thanks to this retro-looking eatery featuring Turkish-style kebabs, which opened last week. Germanic foods and beers abound—think brats, fries, and the namesake doner sandwiches—plus there’s outdoor seating and foosball.
Aaron Gordon’s retro 14th Street bar and restaurant officially opens this week, and is rolling out an introductory dinner menu at 25 percent off through October 16.
Chef Jeff Tunks and the Passion Food Hospitality crew just launched their first Mexican eatery in Clarendon, with more than 100 tequilas, tacos, ceviches, enchiladas, and weekend brunch.
One of our favorite destinations for hot dogs outside Chicago has been this Purcellville eatery—and now that there’s an Alexandria location, it’s even easier to get our hands on one.
Maddy’s Tap Room
Dupont’s Maddy’s Bar & Grill is in the soft opening stage of its new “Texican” joint downtown, with plenty of draft beers and eats such as Texas-style chili, tacos, and tequila-spiked queso dip.
From the food truck folks who bring you icy deliciousness on a stick, there’s now a brick-and-mortar shop in Adams Morgan with salads, sandwiches, soups, and market items to go.
The Hilton brothers continue their takeover of 14th/U Street nightlife with an LA-style bar and diner now open behind the 9:30 Club (and a stone’s throw from sister joints the Brixton and American Ice Company).
A brick-and-mortar offshoot of the Korean taco truck debuted in Union Market over the weekend, offering a similar menu of tofu, bulgogi beef, and chicken tacos topped with kimchee slaw.
NOT NEW, BUT IMPROVED
You’ll recognize these names, but freshened interiors, new menus, and different hours mean another visit is in order.
Chef Cathal Armstrong introduced a new menu of American farm-style foods at the Garden Café in the National Gallery, available as a buffet or à la carte to be accompanied by beer, wine, or cocktails such as bourbon milk punch.
Previously the bar was reserved for drinks and late-night noshing—and, of course, the full menu—but the Adams Morgan neighborhood eatery just introduced a bar food menu, available during regular hours. Look for a revamped brunch menu starting October 14.
After opening locations in Bethesda, Tysons, and Columbia Heights, this Tenleytown location of Cava Mezze’s fast-casual offshoot launched with an outdoor deck and plans to serve beer and wine.
Daily Grill
The 16-year-old M Street branch of this national chain just updated its look and introduced a new bar menu and plenty of happy hour specials.
The Kimpton Hotel stalwart recent debuted its fresh face, with a revamped bar area and cocktails from former Gibson bartender Jon Harris.
The H Street gastropub launched lunch service Wednesday through Friday (with weekend brunch), meaning you don’t have to reserve your moules frites cravings for dinner.
We recently got word from the Härth folks that the McLean restaurant is changing its hours, closing the restaurant for dinner on Sunday and the lounge during the afternoon.
The adjoining sister bars from the Hilton brothers join forces, with the Marvin lounge moving to the second floor of BlackByrd. The vacated space in Marvin will become a private event space. Blackbyrd is closed during the week for renovations, open only on Friday and Saturday nights.
You’ll still have to wait for the November 2 debut of José Andrés’s mini temple of modern gastronomy—expanded in price and seating—but reservations are being accepted via e-mail now.
One of our favorite ramen spots scaled back its hours and cut Sunday service entirely, so the team can prep for the busy week ahead.
Whole Foods (multiple area locations)
Who says drinking and shopping can’t mix? Not District- and Virginia-based Whole Foods, which have launched in-store bars, with more to come.
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.
