Dining & Drinking

Seasonal Offerings

Dirty Habit’s Winter Chalet has returned through January. The immersive space is fully equipped with firepits, blankets, cozy hot toddies, festive decor, and plenty of photo opportunities. Chef Derek Watson’s seasonal menu includes dishes like smoked chicken wings with lemon pepper sauce and truffle fries coated in parmesan.

The Dome at Hi-Lawn has been transformed into a life-size snow globe. The 50-foot heated rooftop above Union Market is fully decked out in holiday decor, with seasonal drinks, festive bites, and artwork by award-winning Australian artist Laura Alice. The Snowglow experience is ticketed and runs through Jan. 4.

Lulu’s Winegarden has become a festive winter garden, complete with warm cocktails and limited time food specials. Guests can sit in a heated patio surrounded by string lights, tinsel, and hundreds of ornaments. This winter wonderland is open through Jan. 11.

The rooftop of Casamara is now an après ski getaway, with evenings full of fondue, champagne, and live DJ sets. The festive alpine pop-up is open Thursday through Saturday until Dec. 31.

Limani is offering two unique waterfront dining experiences this holiday season. Guests can enjoy dinner in a custom-built, heated igloo comfortably seating six people, or spread across two igloos to accommodate up to 12. Each igloo is equipped with a charging station and a Bose sound system. Alternatively, the gingerbread village offers a one of a kind dine inside a fully heated life-size gingerbread house with floor-to-ceiling windows, fitting up to eight guests. Both are ticketed experiences that require reservations.

What's New

Check out DC’s newest restaurants and bars.

Rob Zahn and Will Strozier, the innovators of Proper 21 and Proper 21 K Street, have expanded their concept with Proper Bar. The 5,500-square-foot venue blends a chic, modern atmosphere with elevated American cuisine and inventive cocktails, offering caviar and champagne service alongside live piano entertainment.

Fancy Amish Fried Chicken duo Sara Quinteros and Chef Reid Shilling have introduced Cowbell Seafood & Oysters to Union Market. Menu highlights include Baltimore inspired crab cakes, a rotating selection of freshly shucked oysters, and scallop crudo. The name and slogan, “always ask for more,” pay homage to the iconic SNL skit More Cowbell.

REALM Rooftop Bar & Lounge brings East African inspired flavors and elevated cocktails to DC’s skyline. With panoramic views, vibrant energy, and a menu carefully curated by Chef Keem Hughley, it provides a sleek and immersive rooftop experience for dining, drinks, and celebration.

The acclaimed team behind Pascual, Lutèce and Lapis has launched Maison Bar à Vin, a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant from The Popal Group. Set in a charming three-story brownstone, the intimate space offers a cozy ambiance, a curated menu of French bites and cocktails crafted by beverage director Suzy Critchlow.

Atlas Brew Works has opened its first flagship Atlas Bridge District Brewery & Taproom. With over 24,000 square feet, the space consists of a large tap room, patio, and main brewery operations. Like other franchise locations, food from Andy’s Pizza will be available.

DC’s first phoneless bar, Hush Harbor has debuted on H Street. Owner and chef Rock Harper’s mission is to focus on human connection and being present in the moment. The unplugged environment fosters a warm and communal vibe. Beyond the drinks, the menu features traditional African dishes, such as Cajun beans and rice and shrimp remoulade.

Desert 5 is a new concept in DC inspired by classic Western nostalgia. Guests can enjoy daily live performances from growing country artists and the Desert 5 All Stars band, along with a mechanical bull and line dancing. The 21+ bar asks patrons to dress the part and get ready to two-step.

Chef Michael Mina of Bourbon Steak has launched Acqua Bistecca. Drawing on the spirit of Italian dining, the menu features dynamic dishes such as lasagna alla Piastra and risotto “alla Marchesi.” Designed by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects, the space embraces the feel of an intimate Italian dinner party, with extra flair and fun.

Chef Ismael Mendez has transformed his childhood nickname, Qui Qui, from a pop-up into a full-fledged restaurant that brings the authentic flavors and culture of Puerto Rico to DC. The eatery honors the strong women who taught him to cook with dishes inspired by the people, places, and ingredients of Puerto Rico and the West Indies.

Raising Canes has taken over the former La Tasca space in Chinatown, establishing a second DC location. The Louisiana fried chicken franchise already has plans to expand to Georgetown along M Street.

Executive Chef Lonie Murdock and partner Darren Hinds have launched Isla, a fine-dining experience inspired by Murdock’s Caribbean and Canadian roots and infused with island flavors. The sprawling 8,000+ square-foot space combines an intimate, energetic nightlife vibe with open-fire cooking at its core. The restaurant is open for dinner and cocktails, with weekend brunch coming soon.

Just steps away from Isla, Midtown Center welcomes Goodlove, the Murdock-Hind duo’s 2,200-square-foot cocktail lounge. The chic, elevated space reimagines staple drinks and has a Love Bites small plate menu.

Sook DC is the newest venture from the team behind the recently closed Compass Rose. The all-day café features fresh pastries, baked goods, and locally sourced roasted coffee, and will soon transition into a natural wine bar and lounge in the evenings.

Singing Tiger has opened its doors in Hotel Nell in Union Market earlier this Fall. The karaoke bar has three themed rooms that can host six to eight people. The menu is influenced by Asian culture and flavors with items such as Japanese whiskey, Korean fried chicken, and Taiwanese sesame noodles.

Gigi’s Pasta is the latest addition to Western Market’s food hall. The pasta joint serves a range of signature pastas, customizable build-your-own dishes, and ready-to-bake options.

Opening Soon

Translating to house in Japanese, Uchi is coming to DC later this year. Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award-winner, is bringing a signature blend of tradition and innovation to the nation’s capital. The menu will feature a tasting course, traditional sushi and seasonal omakase.

Originating in New York, Dead Rabbit is set to open in Penn Quarter this winter. The 6,200-square-foot, two-story bar will bring a taste of Ireland, featuring fresh pints of Guinness, Irish coffees, and whiskeys, delivering the spirit and world-class hospitality that an Irish pub is known for.

Known for Lucky Buns, Chef Alex McCoy, is bringing back Alfie’s in early 2026. The Isaan-style spot will return in a cozy 25-seat Georgetown location, featuring dishes like beef-rib khao soi, plus natural wines and cold beer.

The acclaimed Miami-based doughnut shop The Salty Donut is coming to DC this winter, with locations planned for The Wharf, Barracks Row, and Georgetown. The family-owned brand is taking over the former District Doughnut spaces. Known for its brioche dough and creative flavors, each location will also feature a DC-inspired doughnut.

The iconic Giordano’s is coming to DC next May. Famous for its Chicago deep-dish pizza, the pizzeria uses Wisconsin mozzarella, Mendocino County tomatoes, and specially sourced Minnesota flour. The restaurant will occupy the former home of MXDC and allow up to 150 guests across 7,400 square feet, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.

Cork & Wine Bar will open a third location in Cleveland Park early next year. The cozy space will include a 20-seat wine bar and retail shop, a tasting room for classes and events, and outdoor seating. The restaurant will offer an extensive variety of wines by the glass and a curated menu of cheese, charcuterie and small plates.

Taki Taki will open on Capitol Hill early next year, serving authentic Indian cuisine inspired by the motto of atithi devo bhava translating to “the guest is god.” The handcrafted menu will use regional and traditional spices, making every meal feel like a celebration.