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In this week’s restaurant news: a 20-year-old D.C. lunch go-to brings deli sandwiches and more poke to Northern Virginia; restaurateur Victor Albisu unveils Poca Madre, the modern Mexican counterpart to snack haven Taco Bamba; and a new bar gets off to a bumpy start on H Street due to a bad judgment call by management. Read all about it below.
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June 20, 2018
ARLINGTON—Atrium Cafe, the midday workhorse that keeps office workers fed across D.C., has opened its first location outside the District in neighboring Virginia Square. In addition to the familiar soup and sandwich offerings, Arlnow reports that this newest outpost is also playing up poke. Status: Certified open. 901 N. Nelson Street, Arlington, Va.
June 19, 2018
PENN QUARTER—Latin American chef and restaurateur Victor Albisu is putting his stamp on modern Mexican cuisine at light-filled, mezcal-packed Poca Madre. The area newcomer resides alongside Albisu’s other contribution to local dining, cult casual eatery Taco Bamba. Status: Certified open. 777 Eye Street NW; website.
June 18, 2018
NOMA—Budding local chain Buredo has opened its latest fast-casual restaurant in the shadow of Union Station. Status: Certified open. 111 K Street NE; website.
June 14, 2018
ATLAS DISTRICT—Drink guru Erik Holzherr unveiled Idle Hands, the gaming-friendly cocktail bar he worked up to replace now-defunct Church & State. Holzherr faced some pushback from people outraged by an area he had dubbed the “VIP casting couch;” he has since apologized for the miscalculation.
Status: Certified open. 1236 H Street NE; website.
June 11, 2018
ARLINGTON—Mediterranean-style chain the Simple Greek has opened its first location in the D.C. Metro area. The quick-casual eatery serves custom pitas and bowls filled with roasted chicken or steak and choice of vegetables. Status: Certified open. 1731 WIlson Boulevard, Arlington, Va.; website.
FALLS CHURCH—The Liberty Tavern restaurant group has opened its second Northside Social, this time planting its neighborhood coffeehouse/wine bar in Falls Church. The new Northside Social joins fledgling smokehouse Liberty Barbecue, which debuted late last year. Status: Certified open. 205 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Va.; website.
June 8, 2018
ARLINGTON—New neighborhood restaurant Istanbul Grill is now serving traditional kebabs and other Middle Eastern fare in the space formerly occupied by Mexican restaurant El Ranchero. Status: Certified open. 4617 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va.
June 6, 2018
HANOVER—What was once supposed to be a Todd English-led restaurant at Live Casino has evolved into new all-day breakfast restaurant, David’s. The catch-all, round-the-clock eatery serves everything from crab hash and steak and eggs to Korean short ribs and chicken Parmesan. Status: Certified open. 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Md.; website.
June 4, 2018
GEORGETOWN—The third version of José Andrés’ historically-themed America Eats Tavern pays tribute to recent events by working barbecue into the mix as a tribute to the long-standing restaurant it replaced, Old Glory. Status: Certified open. 3139 M Street NW; website.
LOGAN CIRCLE—Area newcomer Pappe is taking things slow, enticing D.C. diners to give its Indian cooking a try by offering 15 percent off until Sunday, June 10. Status: Certified open. 1317 14th Street NW; website.
June 2, 2018
LOGAN CIRCLE—Mega bakery MIlk Bar has opened its biggest and most free-from location to date. The flagship D.C. shop features test sweets not yet available anywhere else in the company, a new doughnut-flavored waffle sundae, and a communal classroom/private event space designed to bring baking fans together. Status: Certified open. 1525 15th Street NW; website.
June 1, 2018
IVY CITY—The restaurant side of new arrival City Winery is now open. Wine lovers and music fans who stop in for a show are now privy to Mediterranean-style snacks ranging from gourmet flatbreads to vegetarian risotto. Status: Certified open. 1350 Okie Street NE; website.
PENNSYLVANIA AVE—Long-delayed omakase-style restaurant Sushi Nakazawa finally opened inside the Trump International Hotel. Partners Alessandro Borgognone and Daisuke Nakazawa got rolling with service at the 10-seat sushi bar; dinner in the 30-seat dining room is expected to follow in a few weeks. Status: Certified open. 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; website.
May 31, 2018
GAINESVILLE—Restaurateur Mike Cordero has expanded his collection of suburban sports bars (Primetime, G.O.A.T.) with Rockwood. The latest addition, which replaced a Ruby Tuesday, serves comfort foods ranging from fried chicken to Cuban sandwiches. Status: Certified open. 7505 Iron Bar Lane, Gainesville, Va.; website.
May 22, 2018
BALTIMORE—Food Network personality turned restaurateur Giada De Laurentiis has opened GDL Italian by Giada at the Horseshoe Casino. The family-friendly trattoria is her first restaurant outside of Las Vegas. Status: Certified open. 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, Md.; website.
DUPONT CIRCLE—New Mediterranean-style restaurant Barrafina has taken up residence in the spot formerly occupied by tapas haven Madrid. Barrafina is doing dinner-only for now, but management plans to roll out lunch service and weekend brunch in the coming weeks. Status: Certified open. 1714 Connecticut Avenue NW
May 19, 2018
NORTH BETHESDA—Nationwide chain the Baked Bear is now making gourmet ice cream cookie sandwiches — as well as brownie-based offerings, and the occasional doughnut-related special — at the Pike & Rose development. Status: Certified open. 929 Rose Avenue, North Bethesda, Md.; website.
May 18, 2018
BARRACKS ROW—One-time oyster house Senart’s is now gay bar Orchid. Debut offerings include local beers, specialty cocktails, and extended “post brunch” festivities featuring discounted bubbly and raw bar selections. Status: Certified open. 520 Eighth Street SE; website.
SOUTHWEST—The restaurant group behind Italian restaurant Lupo Verde has added Neapolitan-style pizzeria Lupo Marino to its portfolio. The new Wharf restaurant also serves fried snacks, panini sandwiches, and sparkling Italian wine. Status: Certified open. 40 Pearl Street SW; website.
May 17, 2018
ARLINGTON—New neighborhood restaurant Asiatique is offering discounts on its Cajun-style seafood through the end of May. Status: Certified open. 3225 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, Va.; website
May 14, 2018
NORTHEAST—Budding vegan chain Shouk opens its second Middle Eastern-style eatery in the District. The first 100 customers in line will receive a free pita or bowl. Status: Scheduled to open at 11 a.m. 395 Morse Street NE; website.
May 11, 2018
ALEXANDRIA—Local restaurateurs have opened neighborhood bar the People’s Drug, a casual eatery (think: bar snacks and classic cocktails) designed to honor a former chain of pharmacies that previously dotted the area. Status: Certified open. 103 N. Alfred Street, Alexandria, Va.; website.
RESTON—Regional chain Honeygrow has opened its first stir-fry spot in Reston. Next stop: Tysons Corner. Status: Certified open. 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Va. website.
ROCKVILLE—Homegrown Filipino restaurant Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly has finally set up its first brick-and-mortar location. The former pop-up eatery now offers stuffed pork belly, adobo wings, fried rice-filled burritos, and more. Status: Certified open. 5268-H Nicholson Lane, Rockville, Md.; website.
May 10, 2018
DUPONT CIRCLE—College bar Sign of the Whale is back slinging cheap beer, “flavor bombs,” and burgers on M Street NW. The resurrected dive bar has weekday happy hour specials, college nights twice and week, and all-day happy hour pricing on Saturdays and Sundays. Status: Certified open. 1825 M Street NW; website.
May 4, 2018
CHINATOWN—Local chain Spice 6 brings its quick-service Indian food and alternative pizzas to the District. Status: Certified open. 740 Sixth Street NW; website.
SILVER SPRING—Ambar founder Ivan Iricanin has shifted his attention to Mexican cuisine with Tacos, Tortas and Tequila (TTT) and Buena Vida. Iricanin plans to open an updated version of the sibling eateries — the new addition: rooftop beer garden, Up — this fall in Clarendon. Status: Certified open. 8407 Ramsey Avenue, Silver Spring, Md.; website.
U STREET—Regional chain the Smith has opened its second D.C. location within the past year. Status: Certified open. 1314 U Street NW; website.
May 3, 2018
CHEVY CHASE—Neighborhood restaurant Jake’s American Grille has rebranded downstairs bar the Boiler Room as Tex-Mex eatery, La Tazita. The revamped space, which is currently projected to operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, is now serving tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. Status: Certified open. 5018 Connecticut Avenue NW; website.
DOWNTOWN—The Sofitel hotel’s new brasserie, Opaline, is now serving its all-day menu to D.C. diners. Status: Certified open. 806 15th Street NW; website.
May 2, 2018
PENN QUARTER—He’s already got vegetarian food (Beefsteak) and gourmet sandwiches (Pepe) under his belt. This time around, restaurateur José Andréss is gauging the public’s appetite for grab-and-go gourmet tacos, tortas, and fruity paletas (courtesy of local producer, Pleasant Pops) at experimental eatery, Butterfly. Status: Certified open. 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; website.
May 1, 2018
DUPONT CIRCLE—Chef Mikko Kosonen has opened his eponymous Finnish cafe in the hopes of giving local diners a taste of his native cuisine. Expect smoked fish dishes as well as sweets ranging from imported chocolates to caramel tarts and panna cotta. Status: Certified open. 1636 R Street NW; website.
April 24, 2018
UNION STATION—Fried chicken chain Chick-fil-a is now selling its coveted sandwiches and waffle fries to commuters at Union Station’s evolving food court. Status: Certified open. 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE; website.
April 23, 2018
ALEXANDRIA—Though embroiled in a war of words with his short-lived opening chef, first-time restaurateur Jerry Pnevmatikatos insists that newly opened Executive Diner “is working according to plan.” Status: Certified open. 1400 Duke Street, Alexandria, Va.; website.
NORTH BETHESDA—The booming Pike & Rose development now has its first South African chicken restaurant. As part of its grand opening celebration, global chain Nando’s plans to donate 100 percent of sales from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 to the music program at neighboring Walter Johnson High School. Status: Certified open. 922 Rose Avenue, North Bethesda, Md.; website.
ROCKVILLE—Sandwich chain Firehouse Subs has opened its first location in Rockville. Status: Certified open. 28 Upper Rock Circle, Rockville, Md.; website.
April 21, 2018
BROOKLAND—New food incubator Tastemakers has unveiled the first crop of local kitchens that have joined the brick-and-mortar dining hall. Featured offerings include gourmet coffee, bagels, ice cream, and vegan fare. Status: Certified open. 2800 10th Street NE; website.
April 18, 2018
ALEXANDRIA—Local hospitality group Alexandria Restaurant Partners has opened Mia’s Italian Kitchen, a neighborhood eatery serving brick-oven pizza, pasta, and Italian “sangria.” Status: Certified open. 100 King Street, Alexandria, Va.; website.
PALISADES—The new Lupo Verde Osteria has arrived, though only the top two floors of the three-story Italian eatery are currently operational; the subterranean market — with a reservations-only chef’s table — is expected to debut next month. Status: Certified open. 4814 MacArthur Boulevard NW; website.
April 13, 2018
BALLSTON—Homegrown chain Cava is giving away food to the first 150 customers in line at its newest location in Ballston. Status: Scheduled to open at 10:45 a.m. 4121 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va.; website.
BETHESDA—Nationwide chain Dog Haus has opened its first gourmet sausage stand on the East Coast in neighboring Maryland. The casual eatery also serves burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and local beers. Status: Certified open. 7904 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md.; website.
April 12, 2018
GEORGETOWN—Women’s-only club the Wing has arrived in D.C. The co-working space includes in-house eatery the Perch, which features food and beverages provided by local producers. Status: Certified open. 1056 Thomas Jefferson Street NW; website.
MCLEAN—Cafe Milano alum Domenico Cornacchia is now serving Neapolitan pies at area newcomer Assaggi Osteria Pizzeria. Cornacchia carved out space for the casual pizzeria from his neighborhood restaurant, Assaggi Osteria. Status: Certified open. 6641 Old Dominion Drive; website.
April 11, 2018
RESTON—Ever popular chain Founding Farmers opened in Reston. The all-day eatery features baked goods, comfort foods, specialty drinks, and gourmet desserts. Status: Certified open. 1904 Reston Metro Plaza Drive, Reston, Va.; website.
SOUTHWEST—Seasonal snack stand Cantina Bambina is now serving Wharf visitors cocktails, quesadillas, and frozen custard. Status: Certified open. 960 Wharf Street SW; website.
April 10, 2018
DUPONT CIRCLE—Restaurateur Anthony Lupo has opened Magnolia Kitchen & Bar in the space formerly occupied by Circa. The new restaurant serves a little of everything, ranging from pigs in a blanket and Buffalo wings to margherita flatbreads and tamarind-glazed pork with coconut rice. Status: Certified open. 1601 Connecticut Avenue NW; website.
PARK VIEW—Homegrown soul food restaurant Sweetpea’s is now serving barbecue ribs, fried fish, and mac and cheese in northwest. Status: Certified open. 2851 Georgia Avenue NW.
April 9, 2018
NAVY YARD—Boston-based Oath Pizza has expanded to the District, bringing its gourmet pies — including one featuring crab and Old Bay — to Navy Yard. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, April 19. Status: Certified open. 110 M Street SE; website.
DOWNTOWN—Fast-casual raw fish destination Poki DC opened its second area location, following its debut in Penn Quarter last year. Along with five other spots teed up for Maryland and Virginia, another D.C. location is headed for 1399 New York Avenue NW. Status: Certified open. 1895 L Street NW; website.
April 6, 2018
NAVY YARD—Neighboring restaurant Osteria Morini has activated its seasonal snack stand, Morini Piccolo. The waterfront eatery serves cured meats, gelato sandwiches, and frozen cocktails. Status: Certified open. 301 Water Street SE; website.
April 5, 2018
NAVY YARD—Northern Virginia’s Aslin Beer Company has set up Aslin Beer Garden in a vacant lot across from Nationals Park. The seasonal drinking spot is projected to operate during game days in April, and plans to open more regularly starting in May. Status: Certified open. 1299 First Street SE; website.
NAVY YARD—Budding chain Declaration opened its new, larger pizza restaurant along a row of fast-casual eateries. The second location features a full bar, multiple dining rooms, and an expanded menu (think: more thin-crust pies, gourmet sandwiches, and charcuterie plates). Status: Certified open. 1237 First Street SE; website.
NAVY YARD—Yards Park restaurant Due South has added snack-slinging Due South Dockside to the Southeast waterfront. The seasonal food stand serves sliders, nachos, draft beers, and frosé. Status: Certified open. 301 Water Street SE; website.
NAVY YARD—Female chefs from around the area are taking turns creating dishes for Nationals Park’s new concession stand, Grace’s Kitchen. First up: Top Chef alum Carla Hall and local restaurateur Jamie Leeds. Status: Certified open. Nationals Park, Section 136; website.
April 3, 2018
NAVY YARD—Shaw restaurant All-Purpose has opened its second location in the evolving Dock 79 complex. The sibling eatery features Jersey-style pizza, pasta salads, and desserts from local chain Dolcezza. Status: Certified open. 79 Potomac Avenue SE; website.
March 31, 2018
ADAMS MORGAN—Restaurateur Erik Bruner-Yang opened his standing-room only Asian grill, Spoken English. The restaurant features skewered selections (meats, vegetables, cheese), small plates (curried noodles; baked potatoes topped with sea urchin), and full meals (a multi-course chicken tasting; family-style roasted duck). Status: Certified open. 1770 Euclid Street NW; website.
March 30, 2018
GEORGETOWN—New beer hall Church is now pouring dozens of drafts in the shadow of a public parking garage. Status: Certified open. 1070 Wisconsin Avenue NW; website.
March 29, 2018
BALLSTON—Homegrown restaurant Urban Tandoor combines traditional Indian dishes with Tibetan offerings including meat and vegetable-filled dumplings known as momos. Status: Certified open. 801 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, Va.; website.
PENN QUARTER—Burgeoning chain Grk keeps spreading across the District, opening a new quick service eatery that serves rotisserie lamb, chicken, and beef either in a pita or on a plate. Status: Certified open. 1000 F St NW; website.
March 28, 2018
ARLINGTON—Neighborhood restaurant Delia’s opened its latest location, bringing its brand of Mediterranean food and gourmet pizzas to the Arlington Ridge area. Status: Certified open. 2931 S. Glebe Road; website.
SOUTHWEST—Eat Good Food Group co-founder Cathal Armstrong opened his debut D.C restaurant, Kaliwa, at the Wharf. The new restaurant serves food from the Philippines, Korea, and Thailand. Status: Certified open. 751 Wharf Street SW; website.
March 22, 2018
ATLAS DISTRICT—Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby, the chefs behind critically acclaimed Vedge in Philadelphia, have brought their brand of vegetarian cooking to D.C. with neighborhood eatery Fancy Radish. The new restaurant is sticking with dinner service for now, but is projected to add lunch and brunch in the future. Status: Certified open. 600 H Street NE; website.
March 21, 2018
DOWNTOWN—The European-born Joe & the Juice chain has opened the first of several new locations coming to the area. Status: Certified open. 1500 K Street NW; website.
