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In this week’s restaurant news, downtown gets a new taco restaurant, a late-night bakery chain branches out to northeast, and a new Italian restaurant takes root in Columbia Heights. Read all about it below.
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March 20, 2018
ATLAS DISTRICT—Chain bakery Insomnia Cookies has opened another D.C. outpost, this time exporting its baked goods and ice cream to H Street NE. The new shop offers delivery service from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. on weekdays, and from noon to 3 a.m. on weekends. Status: Certified open. 1309 H Street NE; website.
ATLAS DISTRICT—Vegetarian playground Fancy Radish, the debut D.C. restaurant from 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards finalist Richard Landau and his wife and business partner Kate Jacoby, has arrived with a lineup of rutabaga fondue, beets on rye, and local spirits. Status: Certified open at 5 p.m. 600 H Street NE; website.
March 18, 2018
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS—Newcomer Napoli Pasta Bar has opened in the space formerly occupied by neighborhood eatery Hilltop. Fledgling restaurateur Antonio Ferraro, an alum of Cafe Milano and Lupo Verde, is focusing on Neapolitan cuisine at his first solo venture. Status: Certified open. 2737 Sherman Avenue NW.
DOWNTOWN—Taqueria Local, the homegrown taco shop designed by nightlife vet Antonis Karagounis (Echostage, Decades, and others), is now operational. Status: Certified open. 1627 K Street NW; website.
March 16, 2018
BETHESDA—Frida Beer Garden, the companion drinking spot to adjoining eatery Tacoarepa, plans to pour discounted beers brewed in Maryland all weekend long. Get $2 off select drafts while eating tacos, arepas, and quesadillas. Status: Scheduled to open at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 16. 4905 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md.; website.
SHAW—A new two-story bar with a year-round rooftop and lots of splashy paint brightening things up inside aims to transport tequila lovers to Baja California. The lively drinking spot comes from the crew behind neighboring beer garden Takoda. Status: Scheduled to open at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16. 1905 Ninth Street NW; website.
March 15, 2018
CLEVELAND PARK—The modern Israeli eatery Knightsbridge Restaurant Group founder Ashok Bajaj has been dreaming about for two years is now serving hummus, salmon kebabs, and grilled hot peppers to intrepid diners. Status: Certified open. 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW
March 14, 2018
COLLEGE PARK—Budding chain Vigilante Coffee Company opened a second location right by the University of Maryland. Status: Certified open. 8200 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, Md.; website.
DUPONT CIRCLE—Area newcomer Tiki Taco is serving tropical-style tacos (think: Kalua pork, and jerk chicken) and syrup-drenched shave ice in a subterranean spot that used to dish out deep-dish pies. Status: Certified open. 2010 P Street NW; website.
March 13, 2018
LEESBURG—Local chef turned restaurateur William Walden has opened a homey Italian eatery focused on pasta and wine. Status: Certified open. 2 W. Market Street, Leesburg, Va.; website.
L’ENFANT PLAZA—Fledgling restaurateur Dario Arana-Rojas is serving arepas filled with foods from Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and others at his new food court stand, Maizal. Status: Certified open. 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW; website.
March 12, 2018
LOGAN CIRCLE—Players Club, the latest bar from restaurateurs Ian and Eric Hilton, is officially switching on its myriad video games and jukebox Monday, March 12. Expect Skee-Ball (two lanes), pool tables (three), bubble hockey, vintage arcade games (Gauntlet, Mortal Kombat, After Burner), pinball machines (Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars), plus food from the Shake Shack up above. Status: Certified open. 1400 14th Street NW; website.
ROSSYLN—International chain Nando’s is building up its presence in Northern Virginia by opening a new quick-service restaurant in Rosslyn. Status: Certified open. 1800 North Lynn Street; website.
March 11, 2018
SILVER SPRING—After three years of floating around town while its fire and flood-damaged home underwent a total renovation, iconic dive bar Quarry House Tavern has returned to its underground spot in the heart of Silver Spring. Look for new burger offerings flanked by fried tater tots. Status: Certified open. 8401 Georgia Avenue; website.
March 4, 2018
NORTHEAST—Cult roaster Blue Bottle Coffee has opened a second D.C. location right by Union Market. The nationwide chain plans to place additional shops in Union Station, the Wharf, and Logan Circle. Status: Certified open. 1250 Fourth Street NE; website.
February 28, 2018
ATLAS DISTRICT—Homegrown chain Buredo has opened its first location in Northeast. The quick-service chain is projected to open a companion site in neighboring NoMa in the coming weeks. Status: Certified open. 625 H Street NE; website.
PENN QUARTER—Global chain Maison Kayser has opened its second D.C. location within a month of debuting in the District. Status: Certified open. 650 Massachusetts Avenue NW; website.
February 26, 2018
LOGAN CIRCLE—Rapidly expanding chain Sweetgreen has moved over one spot in Logan Circle in order to lay claim to a larger space along P Street NW. Status: Certified open. 1461 P Street NW; website.
February 24, 2018
ARLINGTON—Alexandria-based Bread & Water Company has opened a standalone bakery and sandwich shop on Pentagon Row. Status: Certified open. 1201 S. Joyce Street, Arlington, Va.; website.
GEORGETOWN—Nationwide chain Insomnia Cookies has expanded from Adams Morgan to Georgetown, bringing with it gourmet cookies, ice cream, and cookie sandwiches. A third D.C. outpost is scheduled to open in the Atlas District (1309 H Street NE) this spring. Status: Certified open. 3204 O Street NW; website.
SOUTHWEST—Masterchef alum and Northern Virginia native Christina Tosi unveiled her second District location at the newly renovated Wharf complex. The opening menu features familiar Milk Bar offerings: cookies, cakes, coffee, bagel bombs, and soft serve ice cream, with a handful of new hot drinks on their way. Status: Certified open. 49 District Square SW; website.
February 23, 2018
BETHESDA—Local restaurateurs Alonso and Alvaro Roche (Bold Bite, 202 Donuts, R Family Kitchen & Bar) have added Caribbean-themed Tacoarepa to their hospitality portfolio. A grand opening is scheduled for Friday March 16; that’s when companion Frida Beer Garden is projected to debut. Status: Certified open. 4905 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md.; website.
NATIONAL MALL—It’s grand opening day for local chain Dolcezza’s new, permanent coffee stand/bar situated inside the Hirshhorn Museum’s artfully designed lobby. Museum members can get 10 percent off their tabs. Status: Certified open. Seventh Street SW and Independence Avenue SW; website.
SOUTHWEST—New York restaurateur Roberto Santibañez has opened Mi Vida at the Wharf. Hid debut D.C. restaurant features a colorful sculpture depicting the tree of life, food ranging from churros with foie gras to carne asada with mushroom cream sauce, and a lengthy list of tequila and mezcal. Status: Certified open. 98 District Square SW; website.
WOODRIDGE—The former Nido space gets a new life with the arrival of Japanese-themed Momo Yakitori from first-time restaurateurs Masako Morishita and Andrew Chiou. Diners can pencil in skewer picks that run the gamut from tame (trumpet mushrooms) to adventurous (duck hearts). Momo, which means thigh in Japanese, is also the name of the owners’ fluffy grey cat — so expect to spot odes to felines across the modern eatery. Status: Certified open. 2214 Rhode Island Avenue NE; website.
February 16, 2018
SHIRLINGTON—Arlnow reports that Damn Good Burger Co has opened in the space formerly occupied by chain eatery Johnny Rockets. The new restaurant, which comes from the team behind Big Buns restaurant in Ballston, is expected to serve burgers, beers, and milkshakes. Status: Certified open. 4251 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Va.; website.
February 15, 2018
DOWNTOWN—Burgeoning chain Luke’s Lobster opened its third location inside the District. Status: Certified open. 800 17th Street NW; website.
G STREET—Local roaster Swing’s Coffee resumed serving customers at its iconic outpost over by the White House after a two-year hiatus. The newly renovated shop is expected to give away coffee on Tuesday, February 20 as part of its grand reopening. Status: Certified open. 1702 G Street NW; website.
February 14, 2018
NATIONAL MALL—Local chain Dolcezza unveiled its new, permanent coffee stand/bar inside the artfully designed lobby of the Hirshhorn Museum. Status: Grand opening is scheduled for Friday, February 23. Seventh Street SW and Independence Avenue SW; website.
February 12, 2018
UNION MARKET—The founders of retail shop Righteous Cheese are relocating to Charlottesville, Va., but have left behind a new dining option: gourmet grilled cheese counter Ooey Gooey Crispy. The menu features eight sandwiches (think: brie with truffle butter and crushed potato chips; mozzarella with pesto), build-your-own options (eight cheeses plus toppings ranging from bacon jam to roasted tomatoes), and a handful of sides (tomato soup, dill pickle-flavored potato chips, beer). Status: Certified open. 1309 Fifth Street NE; website.
February, 10, 2018
WOODLEY PARK—Coffee giant Starbucks has completed its takeover of the former Cafe Paradiso spot. Status: Certified open. 2649 Connecticut Avenue NW; website.
February 9, 2018
FAIRFAX—Defense contractor turned restaurateur Jinson Chan has opened High Side, a meticulously designed beer bar marrying local brews and Taiwanese street food. Status: Certified open. 4009 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va.; website.
February 8, 2018
F STREET NW—International chain Maison Kayser has opened its first bakery in D.C. just steps from the White House. The French company plans to open a second location in Penn Quarter on Thursday, February 15. Status: Certified open. 1345 F. Street NW; website.
WOODLEY PARK—Local restaurant District Kitchen has opened a new Mexican-themed sibling, Mayahuel, right around the corner. The Day of the Dead-themed eatery features lamb nachos, beef tongue tacos, and whole roasted fish. Status: Certified open. 2609 24th Street NW; website.
February 3, 2018
BLOOMINGDALE—Events planner turned restaurateur Jenna Mack has rebranded Old Engine 12 as Spark, a new Caribbean-themed restaurant which began serving gourmet beef patties, jerk brisket ,and chipotle-maple oxtails on February 3. Status: Certified open. 1626 North Capitol Street NW; website.
UNION MARKET—Pastry chefs turned first-time restaurateurs Camila Arango and Tom Wellings have opened Pluma by Bluebird Bakery, a new all-bakery featuring sweets, breads, and Romans-style pizza. Status: Certified open. 391 Morse Street NE; website.
February 2, 2018
BETHESDA—Local blog Bethesda Row reports that Shaw standby Chercher has opened a second location in Bethesda, Maryland. Status: Certified open. 4921 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, Md.; website.
January 29, 2018
ADAMS MORGAN—Years in the making, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde’s first D.C. restaurant, A Rake’s Progress, is finally here. A temple to local sourcing, the latest addition to the Line hotel is now accepting reservations and walk-in customers. Status: Certified open. 1770 Euclid Street NW; website.
MOUNT PLEASANT—The powers that be behind neighborhood bar Room 11, critically acclaimed restaurant Bad Saint, and homegrown bakery Paisley Fig have come together to create new bakery/bar/all-day restaurant, Elle. Status: Certified open. 3221 Mt. Pleasant Street NW; website.
U STREET—Gaslight Tavern, the latest bar from nightlife impresarios Ian and Eric Hilton, has transformed a former rowhouse into a drinking destination featuring two bars, multiple fireplaces, an enclosed patio, and food from Chez Billy Sud chef Brendan L’Etoile. Status: Certified open. 2012 Ninth Street NW
January 27, 2018
CAPITOL HILL—Hill Rag reports that the brand builders at Loaf Companies — an outfit also involved in podcasting and clothing lines — have opened their first coffee shop in the space formerly occupied by Mia’s Coffeehouse. Status: Certified open. 101 15th Street NE; website.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS—Popville reports that homegrown chain Pidzza has moved into the space vacated by Zombie Coffee & Donuts. Status: Certified open. 3100 14th Street NW; website.
January 20, 2018
CHEVY CHASE—Restaurateur Tim Walsh (Sixth Engine, Town Hall) has opened the Avenue, a neighborhood bar and restaurant he says is very much meant to be like iconic sitcom gathering place Cheers. Status: Certified open. 5540 Connecticut Avenue NW; website.
WEST END—Bluestone Lane, the Australian chain that’s sprinkled coffee shops and cafes across the U.S., has opened its largest location to date in D.C. The 2,200-square-foot cafe features indoor/outdoor seating, gourmet coffee, and food ranging from breakfast bowls and pastries to assorted “toasts” (avocado, hummus). Status: Certified open. 1100 23rd Street NW; website.
January 19, 2018
BETHESDA—R Family Kitchen & Bar, the restaurant replacing short-lived Tapabar, is focusing on fully composed meals featuring sous-vide chicken, seared steak, and salmon. Other inaugural offerings include pork-filled spring rolls, Cuban sandwiches, and chicken wings with Sriracha-honey dipping sauce. Status: Certified open. 4901-A Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md.; website.
January 15, 2018
MCLEAN—Isabella Eatery’s Dining Hall, the reservations-friendly dining room that allows customers to order featured dishes from several of the surrounding kitchens built into Top Chef alum Mike Isabella’s culinary playground, has officially arrived. Isabella’s suburban dining hub is now complete. Status: Certified open. 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va.; website.
January 12, 2018
GEORGETOWN—Homegrown chain Pizzeria Paradiso has changed a former beer bar into its new game room, bringing together gourmet pies and craft brews with popular diversions including video games, pinball machines, and Skee-Ball. Status: Certified open. 3282 M Street NW; website.
January 10, 2018
H STREET—It’s opening day for D.C.’s debut Clean Eatz, a regional chain serving up custom protein bowls and smoothies all day starting at 6 a.m. Clean Eatz, which also offers weekly meal plans, set up shop in the first-floor space formerly occupied by Mythology, which has since relocated upstairs. Status: Certified open. 816 H Street NE; website.
January 5, 2018
NAVY YARD—Chef turned restaurateur Haidar Karoum has opened his debut restaurant, Chloe. The self-styled eatery, which features menu items from around the globe — think: roast chicken with chili-lime sauce; spiced beef hummus — is named for Karoum’s niece. Status: Certified open. 1331 Fourth Street SE; website.
January 4, 2018
PARK VIEW—Taste of Jamaica, a new arrival currently serving lunch Sunday through Friday, and dinner daily, has cropped up along Georgia Avenue NW. Per an early report on local blogs, the modest eatery is still getting its act together. Status: Certified open. 3308 Georgia Avenue NW.
January 2, 2018
ARLINGTON—Area newcomer Poke It Up is now providing raw seafood-centric bowls, burritos, and salads to Pentagon City shoppers. Status: Certified open. 1100 S. Hayes Street, Arlington, Va.; website.
BROOKLAND—Family members who had been working with the founders of NoMa standby Indigo on an expansion project have instead struck out on their own with new Indian restaurant, Masala Story. Status: Certified open. 3301 12th Street NE; website.
December 27, 2017
BALLSTON—&pizza opened its newest location in Ballston right on the tail of its other newest location in Adams Morgan. Free pizza and free tattoos feted the occasion. Status: Certified open. 3924 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va.; website.
H STREET—Cava is another homegrown fast-casual chain that has no intention of slowing down any time soon — the brand has just opened its latest spot (and eighth in D.C.) in the Atlas District. This location is 1,358-square feet of tasty Mediterranean grub. Status: Certified open. 523 H Street NE; website.
December 26, 2017
DUPONT CIRCLE—Restaurateur Reese Gardner set out to make sure no one would think of his 19th Street NW location’s past as the dive bar Irish Whiskey Public House. His venture, Tulips, is complete with chandeliers, a menu of local ingredients like veal from Virginia, and florals galore. The upper-level champagne room is decidedly racy, and now, open for biz. Status: Certified open. 1207 19th Street NW; website.
December 22, 2017
MCLEAN—Modified versions of Japanese-themed Yona, Mexican-style Pepita, and raw bar-centric Requin have joined the budding family of dining options at Isabella Eatery. Status: Certified open. 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va.; website.
December 21, 2017
PENN QUARTER—New Delhi native Ajay Kumar is now serving fancy Indian dishes featuring local accents at newcomer Karma Modern Indian. Status: Certified open. 611 Eye Street NW; website.
