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Secluded Getaway Calico Joins Blagden Alley Sunday

Find “elevated” barbecue dishes at this Shaw newcomer

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The patio at Calico.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
Tierney Plumb is the editor of Eater DC, covering all things food and drink around the nation's capital.

Calico, a new addition to Blagden Alley boasting a massive 3,000-square-foot patio that lovingly tips its hat to the eponymous cat breed, is set to debut this weekend with a high-end take on barbecue fare.

The team behind The Fainting Goat and Tiger Fork has created an outdoor paradise complete with communal tables and a large vintage greenhouse. The charming space, scheduled to open at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 8, is adorned with strings of lights, lanterns, creeping ivy, and grape vines.

Chef Nathan Beauchamp’s menu is shooting for “elevated cookout fare” in the form of shareable plates. Think: fried clams, steamed shrimp with beef jerky butter, and rost pork sandwiches (see full menu below).

With Ian Fletcher of Tiger Fork and J.D Quico of The Fainting Goat manning the bar, drink lovers should be in good hands. There’s draft and canned beers from local breweries, various wines by the glass, and huge cocktails designed for sharing.

StreetSense’s EditLab, the same partner that did some serious R&D work in Japan to make Tiger Fork super authentic, went for an exposed industrial look when designing this latest location.

Unlike its neighbor Columbia Room, that’s more popular than ever thanks to a huge Spirited Awards “Best American Cocktail Bar” win, no reservations are taken at the casual Calico.

Check out some stunning pictures of D.C.’s newest bar:

The main bar at Calico.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
Strings of lights dangle above the patio at Calico.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
The ivy-covered entrance to Calico.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC
A covered bar outside Calico.
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Status: Opening at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 8. 50 Blagden Alley NW; website.