Where to Dine (or Take Out) for Hanukkah

At the root of the famed Hanukkah story is the oil that burned for eight nights. To celebrate the annual festival of lights — which this year begins begins Tuesday, December 12 — several local restaurants are serving special meals set to include potato latkes, jelly doughnuts, and other festive offerings cooked in oil.

It’s almost as if area eateries have figured out that deep-fried carbs and seasonal sweets appeal to all types of holiday diners — even the non Hanukkah-affiliated.

Read on to find out where to feast on Hanukkah deals this month.

Alta Strada

465 K Street NW

Pastry chef Alex Levin will offer a special addition on the Alta Strada menu at City Vista for all eight nights of Hanukkah: a brioche doughnut filled with apple butter ($10).

BLT Steak

1625 Eye Street NW

Chef Michael Bonk has made a very special blackboard menu of gussied-up classics for the festival of lights, including cottage cheese kugel with egg noodles and applesauce ($28) and latkes with smoked salmon and roe ($16).

Cafe Mozart

1331 H Street NW

Classic potato pancakes are always a hit at Cafe Mozart. One big difference here? Its latkes are grilled, not fried.

DGS Delicatessen

1317 Connecticut Avenue NW

From Tuesday, December 12, through Tuesday, December 19, DGS is offering a prix fixe dinner ($35 per person) featuring matzo ball soup, potato latkes, braised brisket, and cinnamon sugar doughnuts with Concord grape jelly.

Equinox

818 Connecticut Avenue NW

Equinox is celebrating the festival of lights with an Israeli twist. From Tuesday, December 12, through Wednesday, December 20, a special four-course tasting menu ($65) will feature dishes including red pepper hummus with za'atar-spiced pita, and matzo-stuffed Cornish game hens with braised mustard greens and Manischewitz wine jus.

Ivy and Coney

1537 Seventh Street NW

Shaw watering hole Ivy and Coney is transforming into Hanukkah-themed Chai-vy and Cohen-y pop-up bar during the holiday. Expect potato latkes, matzo ball soup, Manischewitz wine, plum brandy, schnapps, and select beers from Shmaltz Brewing Company. Need more of an incentive? There’s also chocolate gelt and gift giveaways each night.

On Rye

740 Sixth Street NW

Chinatown eatery On Rye is offering trays of 10 latkes for $10, for dining in or carrying out. There is an individual portion of three latkes plus applesauce and sour cream available for $4. For those looking for holiday gifts, try one of their Build-Your-Own Egg Cream Kits.

Parkway Deli & Restaurant

8317 Grubb Road, Silver Spring, Md.

This Silver Spring standby provides latkes year-round, and Hanukkah is no exception. Pick up four for $4.25, or 10 for $6.95, and add applesauce and sour cream for $0.50 more. Craving something sweet? Parkway’s also serving Hannukah-themed cookies this year.

Summer House Santa Monica

11825 Grand Park Avenue, North Bethesda, Md.

Family-friendly chain Summer House Santa Monica is serving latkes with applesauce from Tuesday, December 12, through Wednesday, December 20.