‘For locals, by locals’ could be the tagline of Homestead, Petworth’s new neighborhood restaurant and bar. A team of native Washingtonians are behind the 175-seat space, which spreads out over three levels—and several outdoor spaces—in a nearly century-old converted row house. The venture opens Thursday.
![IMG_2288 - Washingtonian Chef Marty Anklam's menu includes seasonal dishes like grilled salmon with citrus vinaigrette.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2288-1024x730.jpg)
Co-owners Nic Makris and Blaine King aren’t strangers to the neighborhood concept; the duo are also behind the Blaguard in Adams Morgan, a favorite among DC sports fans and locals looking for a low-key beer. Homestead is more ambitious when it comes to the design and food, though the vibe is casual. Original touches from the 1922 structure remain, though the two-year buildout involved substantial renovations.
![IMG_2423 - Washingtonian The team converted a nearly century-old row house into a three-level space for dining and drinking.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2423-1024x683.jpg)
Chef Marty Anklam‘s menu centers around homestyle cooking. The Arlington native started at Shirlington’s Bistro Bistro in high school before joining the (culinary) CIA, and working as a sous-chef at an upscale Colorado resort. The menu, served in the 70-seat mezzanine dining room for the opening, includes seasonal comforts like Roseda beef meatloaf, crab cakes, dry-aged short ribs, and vegetable risotto. A handful of entrees can be made into family-style meals for two-to-three guests, which include a shareable salad, a main like whole roasted chicken, and three sides. Given 20 minutes notice, the kitchen can pack the spread to-go.
![IMG_2210 - Washingtonian Entrees like dry-aged local short ribs can be ordered a la carte, or as part of a family meal for two-to-four with a salad and sides.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2210-1024x683.jpg)
A large draw for summer drinkers will be two outdoor patios with a total of 70 seats, plus more room to stand. Like the food menu, cocktails are meant to be wallet-friendly and accessible. Classic Manhattans and their ilk go for $10, while specialty drinks such as house juleps or pisco sours are priced at $12. A dozen beers are available by tap, plus ciders and wines.
![IMG_2445 - Washingtonian Each level boasts a bar, where you'll find classic cocktails.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2445-1024x683.jpg)
Initially Homestead will be open for dinner and bar hours, with brunch coming soon.
Homestead. 3911 Georgia Ave., NW. Open for dinner 5 to 10, Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 11 on Friday and Saturday. Bar hours until 1:30 am on weekdays, 2:30 am on weekends.
![IMG_2223 - Washingtonian Local cheese and meat boards are designed for group sharing.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2223-1024x683.jpg)
![IMG_2305 - Washingtonian In addition to the third-level patio (pictured), outdoor seating includes a mezzanine and small balcony.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2305-1024x683.jpg)
![IMG_2327 - Washingtonian The menu sources local-when-possible, like dry-aged short ribs from Virginia's Roseda farm.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2327-1024x683.jpg)
![IMG_2367B - Washingtonian The second level will be open for dining, and can be booked for private events.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2367B-1024x683.jpg)
![IMG_2401 - Washingtonian Look for brunch to begin in a few weeks after the opening.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_2401-1024x683.jpg)