As summer arrives in DC, restaurants embrace the season with special menus and new bar openings.
DC250 Seasonal Offerings
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington – Eat250
Celebrating 250 years of American history through every flavor the DC region has to offer, restaurants will offer pre-fixe menus for $25 or $50.
DC250 Seasonal Offerings Dacha Beer Garden – 250 Years of Beers
Take a tour of beer through the 50 states. Each month features beers from states in chronological order of when they entered the union.
The Monocle – Three-Course Dinner to Benefit Capitol Police
Capitol Hill’s iconic steak and seafood restaurant invites guests to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a special three-course $65 dinner, offered Friday and Saturday evenings in June and July. A portion of the proceeds from each dinner will benefit the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund, honoring those who serve and protect the nation’s capital.
Spotted Zebra (Marriott Metro Center): Red, White & Bleu Bites
Located inside the Marriott Metro Center hotel, the restaurant is joining the semiquincentennial celebration with a playful, patriotic twist on classic American flavors. Try a series of red, white and blue-inspired menu items, headlined by an indulgent bleu double burger, stacked with bacon, bleu cheese and a signature tangy house BBQ sauce. Spotted Zebra will also offer flights of American red and white wines, giving guests a chance to toast the nation’s 250th with varietals sourced from standout U.S. winemakers.
Waldorf Astoria: Seasonal Cocktails and Red, White and Brewed Afternoon Tea
Beneath the hotel’s soaring atrium, enjoy “red, white and brewed” afternoon tea with summer-inspired treats featuring elevated twists on American classics, freshly baked scones with seasonal preserves and artful savory creations. The hotel is also serving a curated collection of cocktails inspired by American landscapes, literature, and legacy. From the tropical ease of The Open Road to the grain-forward depth of Amber Waves and the floral elegance of Liberty in Bloom, each cocktail tells a story.
Fourth of July Experiences
CUT Above – July 4 Rooftop Experience
The all-inclusive rooftop experience at CUT Above will offer direct views of the fireworks. The evening features live action stations including Wagyu beef, CUT prime rib and a premium seafood display, alongside handcrafted desserts and pastries. Guests will enjoy premium craft cocktails, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and sommelier-selected wines and spirits, with music by live DJ and musician Louis Middleton. Tickets include unlimited access to food and beverages, plus entry to the rooftop for the duration of the fireworks celebration. Tickets are priced at $595 per adult and $250 per child (10 & under).
Moonraker – Red, White & With A View
Moonraker will offer a special curated menu of Americana-inspired bites with a Japanese twist, served alongside specialty summer cocktails, live DJ and stunning rooftop views. The event is on July 4th from 7:00 to 11:00pm, for guests 21 and up.
Top of the Gate – July 4th
All tickets include a premium open bar, culinary buffet and reception-style service with views of the fireworks. This event is 21+.
La VIE – Diamonds in the Sky
Celebrate Independence Day above The Wharf at La Vie's Diamonds in the Sky rooftop party. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Potomac and Washington, DC skyline while taking in the fireworks display, alongside DJ entertainment, craft cocktails and a full bar. Tickets available for purchase.
What's New
Hive Hospitality’s latest project, Ox & Olive, has taken over the old Reverie location in Georgetown. Michelin-star chef Ryan Ratino draws from his Midwestern roots to create an approachable à la carte menu. Highlights include in-house made mini brisket hot dogs, steak tartare “eclairs” and the chef’s famous carrot cake.
Panama born specialty coffee spot Café Unido has expanded to DC with an elevated, all day cafe and bar experience inside La Cosecha. During the day, Unido offers signature espresso drinks and breakfast favorites, then transforms in the evening with cocktails, wine, and Latin-inspired tapas.
Moxie’s has opened its first DC location, bringing its signature premium-casual dining concept to the Golden Triangle near Dupont Circle. The restaurant offers a polished, modern lounge-style space and a globally inspired menu with handcrafted cocktails. The space is designed to easily transition between business lunches, happy hour, and evening drinks.
U Street recently gained Kathmandu DC, a new Himalayan-inspired cocktail bar and kitchen. Bringing a vibrant mix of Nepali flavors and modern mixology to the neighborhood, the intimate space pairs small plates like momos and spiced Himalayan bites with a cocktail program built around Nepali spirits and ingredients.
Techo Palm is a revived rooftop destination in Shaw, reimagining the former El Techo as a high-energy, tropical rooftop escape on Florida Avenue. The space channels a beach club vibe with lush greenery and DJ parties with late-night cocktail and Latin bites.
Rosselli is a new Italian restaurant in the former Modena space near Metro Center. Led by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Cardona, it offers a refined, modern take on Italian dining with dishes ranging from house made pastas and crudo to branzino and osso buco. The intimate counter dining space transports guests to feel like they are in Europe.
Catahoula is now open in Navy Yard, offering a Louisiana dining experience along the Anacostia River. The indoor-outdoor space features a French brasserie-style dining room and a wine terrace. The menu is centered around Nola classics including hot creole sausage, crawfish boils and handmade beignets.
Capitano is now open at the Wharf, offering a coastal, Mediterranean approach to classic Italian dining. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and wood-fire cooking. The modern, sleek decor creates an ideal environment for an aperitivo.
Coming Soon
Chef Carlos Delgado of Maru San, Causa and Amazonia will be opening his latest venture, Brisa, this year. The restaurant will bring a Tulum-inspired waterfront dining concept to Buzzard Point. The menu will focus on seafood and Latin cuisine with an innovative cocktail program.
The beloved Baltimore-born artisan bakery from the Paterakis family, Kneads Bakeshop & Café, is set to bring its signature breads, pastries, and all-day café experience to Logan Circle. The new outpost will mark the brand’s first full expansion into the District, offering a full-service menu with grab and go options in addition to sit down dining.
Known for Lucky Buns, Chef Alex McCoy, is bringing back Alfie’s this summer. 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.
Originating in New York, Dead Rabbit is coming to the District. 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.
Taki Taki is expected to open later this year on Capitol Hill, bringing a fresh take on Indian fine dining. The restaurant will showcase regional flavors, a warm and inviting ambiance and timeless, rich Indian traditions.
The iconic Giordano’s is coming to DC this June. 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.
Photo Credit - Rey Lopez
Photo Credit - Rey Lopez