Eater D.C. Heatmap Archive

Eater recently changed how it updates its monthly Heatmap, the site's guide to the hottest restaurants around town. Instead of writing a new post each month, we're updating the same post each month so that readers can avoid stumbling on outdated maps while they're searching.

But sometimes it's fun to see what restaurants were hot during a previous month or year. So starting this month, for those who are curious which restaurants used to be on the list, Eater will keep a running tally of former Heatmap restaurant players. This list will be updated each month at the same time the Heatmap gets updated.

Retired in August 2015:

*Beefsteak: The first location of Jose Andres' veggie-centric fast-casual restaurant.

*Bar Civita: Liberty Tavern veteran Liam LaCivita's solo venture in Cleveland Park.

*Mango Tree: CityCenter's splashy Thai import.

*Tupelo Honey Cafe: The Southern chain finds a home in Arlington.

Provisions No. 14: The first, cocktail-centric offering from a new restaurant group in Logan Circle.

Retired in September 2015:

*Thip Khao: Chef Seng Luangrath's first D.C. restaurant is the city's source for spicy Lao cooking.

*Brine: Located in Virginia's Mosaic District, Brine serves up oysters and Mid-Atlantic inspired dishes (plus some interesting cocktails); it's overseen by chef John Critchley.

Retired in October 2015:

*Fig & Olive: Though this CityCenter restaurant is back up and running with a clean bill of health, their salmonella troubles weren't doing them any favors.

*Crumbs and Whiskers: DC's first cat cafe opened in Georgetown.

*Rasika: The Penn Quarter standby is routinely featured on Best-of-DC lists.

*The Royal: This Shaw restaurant is about all-day eats.

Retired in November 2015:

*Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken (Falls Church): The second stand-alone location of this chicken and doughnut shop drew early lines in the suburbs.

*Buredo: D.C. went crazy for these burrito-sized sushi rolls.

*Centrolina: Amy Brandwein's Italian operation was the first home-grown restaurant to debut in CityCenterDC.

*Pepita: Mike Isabella's Mexican restaurant really emphasizes the cocktails.

*Maketto: Erik Bruner-Yang made a major splash in 2015 with this Taiwanese restaurant.

Retired in December 2015:

L'Hommage Bistro Francais: Restaurateur Hakan Ilhan tries his hand at French food.

Due South: The Navy Yard gets a new source for Nashville hot chicken.

Red Table: Reston on the Eater Heatmap? The ambitious Red Table had enough early buzz to make it happen.

Retired in January 2016:

Succotash: Ed Lee's first D.C. restaurant is in the National Harbor development.

Ray's Hell Burger: The Arlington burger joint, which gained greater fame after multiple visits from President Obama, finally made it to D.C.

Retired in February 2016:

Chaia Tacos: Farmers market favorite Chaia made a splash in Georgetown with their vegetable-centric tacos.

Masseria: Chef Nick Stefanelli wowed with this tasting menu-centric ode to Italy in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Retired in March 2016:

Garrison: Rob Weland's farm- and garden-centric restaurant has become a Barracks Row destination.

The Riggsby: Michael Schlow's second D.C. restaurant focuses on the classics and has a Supper Club-type of feel.)º

Retired in April 2016:

Requin: Jennifer Carroll first debuted this Mediterranean restaurant at Mosaic District in pop-up form— its eventual home is the Southwest Waterfront next year.

Bad Saint: One of D.C.'s most ambitious Filipino menus is housed in a tiny space in Columbia Heights.

The Source: Longtime Scott Drewno and Wolfgang Puck restaurant received a major revamp last fall.

Yona: Jonah Kim brought noodles and Asian-inspired small plates to Ballston.

Retired in May 2016:

The Dabney: Jeremiah Langhorne's restaurant is a tribute to all things Mid-Atlantic, and prides itself on its careful sourcing.

Momofuku CCDC/Milk Bar: New York's David Chang made a splash in D.C. with the opening of not one, but two locations at CityCenter DC.

Retired in June 2016:

Convivial: Chef Cedric Maupillier of Mintwood Place opened his second, French-influenced restaurant in Shaw.

Alfie's: Alex McCoy is running a long-term Southeast Asian pop-up in Park View.

Retired in July 2016:

Hank's Pasta Bar: The owner of Hank's Oyster Bar brought casual Italian fare to Alexandria.

Kinship: Eric Ziebold made a splash with this ambitious Shaw restaurant, his follow-up to CityZen.

Kyirisan: Tim Ma opened his first D.C. restaurant, which has Asian influences and plenty of offal.

The BBQ Joint: Andrew Evans expanded his empire with this restaurant, known for ribs and late-night frito pie.

Espita Mezcaleria: This restaurant is helping put mezcal on the map in D.C., and has plenty to offer in the way of mole.

Tail Up Goat: Alumni of Komi and Little Serow are behind this thoughtful restaurant known for its breads, pastas, wines, and service.

Ashlar: This Alexandria restaurant is a new addition to the Kimpton empire in D.C.

Buttercream Bakeshop: Pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac opens her own bakery in Shaw.

Alta Strada/Conosci: These Michael Schlow restaurants offer something new in the way of both Italian and raw bar in Mt. Vernon Triangle.

Retired in August 2016:

Metier: Eric Ziebold's tasting menu-centric restaurant debuted in Shaw underneath his other splashy new restaurant, Kinship.

Jinya Ramen Bar: The ramen chain opened its first area location in Virginia's Mosaic District to long lines.

Retired in September 2016:

Pineapple & Pearls: Aaron Silverman's follow-up to Rose's Luxury is a cafe by day and a high-end tasting menu restaurant by night.

Pizzeria Vetri: This Philadelphia favorite for pizza opened its first D.C. location.

Slim's Diner: Paul Ruppert brought a new diner to the Petworth neighborhood.

Retired in October 2016:

Bantam King: This ramen restaurant from the team behind Daikaya serves chicken ramen, as well as fried chicken.

All Purpose: Chef Mike Friedman of The Red Hen turned his attention to pizza with this Shaw restaurant.

Whaley's: This seafood standout came to Navy Yard courtesy of the DGS Delicatessen team.

Fare Well: This diner focuses entirely on vegan fare in the Atlas District.

Retired in November 2016:

Bullfrog Bagels: The second location of this bagel destination has some unique food items and an expanded space on Capitol Hill.

RPM Italian: Reality stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic opened this restaurant, originally a Chicago destination, and it's received praise for its pastas.

Timber Pizza Company: These pizza experts evolved from a pop-up to a permanent location.

Retired in December 2016:

Anxo: This hometown cidery also focuses on Basque cooking, particularly pintxos.

Casolare: Michael Schlow tackled coastal Italian fare with this Glover Park restaurant.

Retired in January 2017:

Bindaas: Award-winning chef Vikram Sudaram pays homage to Indian street food at this sibling to Rasika.

District Distilling Co.: Homegrown establishment focused on locally made spirits and modern American cuisine.

Haikan: Shaw-based ramen shop specializing in Japanese soups, small plates and specialty cocktails.

Retired in February 2017:

DCity Smokehouse: Hometown barbecue pit specializing in slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork and ribs.

RPM Italian: Reality stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic opened this restaurant, originally a Chicago destination, and it's received praise for its pastas.

Retired in March 2017:

Little Coco's: This neighborhood favorite, serving Italian food, is the latest from Jackie Greenbaum (Bar Charley, El Chucho).

Tredici Enoteca: The coastal-inspired cuisine at the new restaurant and wine bar inside The St. Gregory Hotel pulls menu items from different parts of the Mediterranean including Italy, Greece, and the Middle East.

Retired in April 2017:

Johnny's Half Shell: Chef Ann Cashion returns to familiar stomping grounds — her now-defunct Eats Place once occupied the same location — after transporting this Capitol Hill mainstay to Adams Morgan.

Retired in May 2017:

The Bird: The Pig's Michael Bonk turns his attention to poultry with this recent addition to Logan Circle.

Sfoglina: The Van Ness restaurant is the fourth D.C. location from chef Fabio Trabocchi and his wife, Maria Trabocchi.

Retired in June 2017:

Hazel: Rob Rubba, formerly of Tallula, is the chef behind this engaging Asian-themed eatery from Neighborhood Restaurant Group.

Retired in July 2017:

Smoked and Stacked: Marjorie Meek-Bradley of Ripple and Roofers Union fame turns her attention to pastrami at this well-received new sandwich shop in Shaw.

Retired in August 2017:

La Puerta Verde: Mindful Restaurants Group's take on Mexican cooking has been a welcome addition to Ivy City.

Retired in September 2017:

Colada Shop: District residents have embraced chef Mario Monte's Caribbean-themed pastries and co-founder Juan Coronado's tropical cocktails.

Federalist Pig: Veteran pitmaster Rob Sonderman continues to spoil barbecue lovers with personalized takes on meticulously smoked beef, pork, turkey and chicken.

Himitsu: Eater restaurant editor and roving critic Bill Addison named this cozy Petworth establishment — best known for its unique wines, sushi, and Asian-influenced cooking — one of the 12 Best New Restaurants in America.

Honeysuckle: Vidalia alum Hamilton Johnson's self-styled restaurant mines the globe for culinary inspiration but abides by the tenets of Southern hospitality.

Kobo: Brothers Piter and Handry Tjan have carved out room at local mainstay Sushiko for this experimental (vegan sushi, anyone?) tasting counter.

The Smith: The modern American brasserie born in New York draws crowds in Penn Quarter with its expansive menu, well curated wine list, and generously proportioned brunch offerings.

Retired in October 2017:

Mirabelle: James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Ruta and pastry chef Aggie Chin turn their respective talents to classic French cuisine at this downtown stunner.

Rosario: Smoke & Barrel chef Logan McGear expanded the reach of Pint Size Hospitality Group earlier this year by creating this neighborhood restaurant honoring Italian cooking.

Retired in November 2017:

Arroz: Restaurateur Mike Isabella's innovative take on Spanish and Moorish cooking has turned the Marriott Marquis into a hive of activity during lunch, brunch and dinner.

Bistro 1521: The owners of modest Filipino restaurant Bistro 7107 (it closed in early 2017) have developed a wider following since moving to the bigger, splashier restaurant they've installed along Glebe Road.

Mola: The same team that brought pasta- and seafood-friendly Nido to Woodridge has shifted to Spanish food at Mola in Mount Pleasant.

Q by Peter Chang: Former Chinese Embassy chef turned nomadic tastemaker Peter Chang has made a home for himself in Bethesda, Maryland, with his new flagship restaurant.

Siren: Restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier is luring patrons into his Scott Circle outpost with glistening seafood towers, imported caviar, and regionally inspired entrees.

Retired in December 2017:

Chicken + Whiskey: This area newcomer features a quick-service rotisserie chicken counter up front and cocktail-slinging speakeasy in the rear.

Jinya: This nationwide chain, which added a Logan Circle location in 2017, has designs on spreading more ramen restaurants across the DMV.

Retired in January 2018:

Salt Line: This celebration of all things seafood combines New England favorites (lobster rolls, clam chowder) and Mid-Atlantic staples (Maryland crab, local oysters). Prefer turf? Get the extra cheesy "smash burger."

Retired in February 2018:

Addie's: Restaurateur Jeff Black has resurrected his flagship restaurant in a new location; Addie's 2.0 features fresh seafood (mussels swim in baths of butter, wine, and herbs; shellfish shine in ice-packed towers) and local brews.

Chiko: Fried Rice Collective co-founders Scott Drewno, Drew Kim, and Danny Lee are reinterpreting Asian cooking at this Chinese-Korean mash-up.

Kith and Kin: Top Chef alum Kwame Onwuachi's Wharf restaurant features Caribbean-style fare including mini patties filled with seasoned beef, as well as fork-tender goat bolstered by crispy potatoes, earthy spices, and warm bread.

Retired in March 2018:

Bar Elena: The neighborhood restaurant has already won over Boundary Road (RIP) regulars with its locally inspired drinks, fancy bar food (clam chowder poutine, anyone?) and old-school games.

Bresca: The menu at chef Ryan Ratino's debut restaurants caroms from haute interpretations of childhood sensations (think: foie gras decorated with preserved cherries and crushed nuts for a pb-and-j effect) to seasonally inspired pasta dishes accented with tender rabbit, pickled mustard seeds, and pureed chestnuts.

District Winery: Ana, the modern American restaurant tucked inside D.C.'s inaugural winery, is a welcome addition to the Navy Yard dining scene.

Retired in April 2018:

Del Mar: Award-winning restaurateur Fabio Trabocchi has pivoted from the native Italian cooking featured at his other local restaurants to Spanish cuisine at his Wharf spot.

Hank's Oyster Bar: Hank's fans are flooding into the local chain's first waterfront location to take advantage of glistening seafood platters stocked with briny oysters, zesty mussels, and succulent lobster.

Rasa: First-time restaurateurs Rahul Vinod and Sahil Rahman are putting their stamp on Indian cuisine with Rasa, the self-styled Navy Yard eatery focused on quick-service with some flair.

Retired in May 2018:

Lucky Buns: Chef Alex McCoy is living his dream of sharing globally inspired burgers and pub grub with the masses at come-as-you-are eatery Lucky Buns.

Mayahuel: Woodley Park’s newest Mexican restaurant boasts local ties — sibling establishment District Kitchen is right around the corner — and eye-catching, Day of the Dead-like decor that includes grinning skulls and colorful death masks.

Maydan: The sparks-spewing grill that stares customers right in the face as soon as they walk in the front door of this Middle Eastern charmer is not just functional, it’s delightful.

Retired in June 2018:

Brothers and Sisters: Restaurateur Erik Bruner-Yang’s new lobby restaurant and bar produces adventurous dishes ranging from fancy arrangements of sea urchin to roast octopus “hot dogs.”

Little Pearl: This Pineapple and Pearls spin-off serves next-level sweets and gourmet java by day, along with boutique wines and okonomiyaki spring rolls once the sun goes down.

Spark: Trinidadian chef Peter Prime is having fun with Caribbean food at this recently revamped restaurant in Bloomingdale.

Taco Bamba: The fancy taco shop restaurateur Victor Albisu started in the ‘burbs has finally made it to D.C.