D.C.’s Hot New Latin Fusion Place Can Now Fit More Diners With an Airy Patio

Since opening in a brick-lined townhome on 14th Street NW in April, Seven Reasons has been drawing big crowds who want to sample artfully presented dishes from acclaimed Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo. Starting tonight, the trendy spot will be able to relieve the pressure with more tables.

The ivy-covered Latin fusion destination is opening an airy outdoor patio, effectively adding 32 seats outside of the 90-seat venue indoors. The patio, which walled off outside of the public eye, has the same hours (5:30 p.m. to midnight) and features the same menu served inside.

Irena Stein/Seven Reasons

Limardo, who studied architecture and design growing up, lent a hand in the outdoor look by painting a pastel-colored mural of a tree across the length of one brick wall. Twinkling lights outside boost the romance factor.

Another part of the patio is coated in electric green plant life as an ode to the plush Amazon rainforest, which lends ingredients that land on diners’ plates. Limardo’s menu aims to unite flavors from his native country with those from Peru and the Caribbean. Standout dishes include cheese arepitas, a jelly tomato salad, and sweet and sour duck tongue chicharrones.

Irena Stein/Seven Reasons

One idea that could be tested out in the new space is trying an all-vegan menu for a few months next year. Limardo shared that plan with Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema, who fanned out over Limardo’s cooking in an early review.

Limardo most recently made a name for himself in Baltimore, helming Alma Cocina Latina for the past five years. For his first D.C. venture, one of Eater D.C.’s hottest restaurants this month, he presents his menu in seven sections: snacks, small plates, medium plates, large plates, desserts, cocktails, and wines.

Josue Gonzalez, a bartender who’s worked at Bresca and St. Anselm, pulls from his Cuban roots as well as his experience at top cocktail bars in Miami to craft cocktails that integrate fruits, vegetables, and spices from the Amazon.

Farther south on 14th Street, Cork Wine Bar recently introduced its own cozy patio with ropes of canopy lights.

• To Washington, with love: Seven Reasons [W]
• D.C.’s New Latin American Wonderland Opens on 14th Street NW [EDC]