D.C.'s First Smashburger, New Sala Thai Both Opening

1) Dupont Circle: Burger Smash! Popular chain Smashburger opens its first D.C. location today. There's another location in Fairfax, with more to come in such neighborhoods as Falls Church. Smashburger serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, fries and more. There is room for 47 seats in the new restaurant, which is decorated with murals on the walls. There are some regionally themed menu items such as the Capital Burger. Status: Opening today. 1739 Connecticut Ave. NW; website.

2) Rhode Island Row: One of D.C.'s oldest Thai restaurants has opened its latest location in Northeast D.C. The restaurant is owned by Oy Changsirla, who went from a busboy to the owner of five restaurants. It's the first Sala Thai in this quadrant of the city. The restaurant will have live jazz on the weekend. Status: Open. 2300 Washington Place NE; website.

[Photo: Sala Thai]