Night of the industry: Graffiato’s monthly Chefs’ Night Out returns on Monday. A $10 charitable door fee starting at 10 gets you access to free snacks and drink specials from Spike Mendelsohn, Austin Fausett of Trummer’s on Main, and more.
Feast for a month: The traditional Italian Christmastime meal, Feast of the Seven Fishes, can be ordered all month at Al Dente starting Monday. Tables of two and more can dine on a menu of sautéed clams, shrimp agnolotti, fritto misto, and more ($45 per person).
Drink outside: It may not feel like al fresco drinking weather, but then again most bars aren’t outfitted with fire pits, heaters, and blankets. You’ll find all of that and more at A Bar + Kitchen starting Monday, where guests can sip from a DIY hot-cider bar, order boozy warm cocktails, and assemble s’mores. If you like that idea, check out our guide to other great places to drink by the fire.
Holi-versary: Republic launches a weeklong celebration commemorating both its one-year anniversary and the holiday season. The festivities start on Wednesday with a new weekly happy hour, where pints of local beer are $5 from 9:30 to close. Other plans include a rock dinner concert on Friday with a $50 set menu starting at 8, and a birthday brunch on Sunday with live jazz and two-for-one mimosas.
Virginia vino: Brabo hosts a five-course Virginia winemaker dinner on Wednesday, with glasses paired by Barboursville, Boxwood, and Thibaut-Janisson ($95 per person). Call for reservations.
Drink more whiskey: Washingtonian‘s annual On the Rocks party goes down on Wednesday at the Maurice Electric Warehouse at Union Market from 7 to 10, and it promises to be quite the spirited affair with samplings of Scotch, whiskey, fine tequilas, gins, vodkas, and more. Tickets are $65.
Festivus: The Renaissance Dupont Circle Hotel commemorates the Seinfeld-ian holiday of Festivus throughout December. Events start on Wednesday with a set, family-style menu of jambalaya, meatloaf, and candy bar cupcakes, plus a Festivus pole in the lobby—and in the spirit of holiday giving, guests can donate to two local charities. Look for nightly specials going forward, including mini Reuben sandwiches and fried chicken bites.
Late-night pop-up: Anju, the late-night dinner series at Mandu‘s K Street location, caps off its 2014 run on Friday from 10 to 1. Drop in for eats from guest chefs Scott Drewno of the Source and Del Campo’s Victor Albisu, plus soju cocktails and other drinks.
Pappy hour: Jack Rose commemorates Repeal Day and the ability to drink freely with a Pappy Van Winkle “Pappy hour” from 5 to 7:30 on Friday. You’ll find the rare whiskey plus a few other varieties of bourbon and rye poured at discounted prices, and a 1930s-inspired five-course menu for $45 in the dining saloon.
Better than five golden rings: No, not four calling birds: 12 Christmas beers, brought to you by the Black Squirrel. Head in on Friday at 5 and Saturday at noon for a collection of seasonal brews, plus oyster stew and a holiday-themed burger.
Post-Prohibition party: Celebrate the end of Prohibition (81 years later) with the DC Craft Bartenders Guild at the Repeal Day Ball on Saturday at the Carnegie Library. More than 25 of Washington’s top barkeeps pour ample spirits, a live jazz band contributes tunes, and there’s a black-and-white photo booth to capture the 1930s-style fun. Tickets are $120 for VIP admission at 8, and $80 for general admission at 9.
Ho ho hoppy: Drink the District throws a Hoppy Holidays Beer Festival at Union Market on Saturday with bottomless pours of 50-plus seasonal beers, live music, and food truck fare. Three sessions run from noon to 3, 4:30 to 7:30, and 9 to midnight ($40 each).
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.
