13 Recently Reopened Bar and Restaurant Patios to Note in D.C.

D.C. restaurants and bars have been able to host customers on patios, rooftops, and more unconventional outdoor spaces since Friday, May 29. A large group took advantage of the Phase 1 reopening immediately, marking the city’s first go at sit-down service since COVID-19 led D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to order a dine-in ban in mid-March.

Plenty more outdoor dining options go live this week, and some restaurants that opened during the dead of winter are unveiling alfresco areas for the first time. There are a few restrictions: tables have a six-person maximum and must be spaced at least 6 feet apart.

These 13 bars restaurants that have shared their plans on social media or confirmed them directly with Eater.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: The D.C. landmark serves its famous half-smokes on its sidewalk cafe on H Street. Saddle up to a bright red chair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1001 H Street NE

Green Zone: The Adams Morgan bar returned over the weekend with popular Middle Eastern-influenced cocktails like slushy mint lemonade and “F*ck Trump” punch. Takeout is also available too. Because its patio perch is small, owner Chris Hassaan Francke ‎says he’s looking to expand outdoor seating along the sidewalk. 2226 18th Street NW

Albi: The months-old Middle Eastern restaurant in Navy Yard revives service with takeout and first-time patio seating on Wednesday, June 10. Chef Michael Rafidi’s Levantine dishes cooked over a charcoal hearth are joined by new summer elixirs and a full wine list. Reservations are available by phone or Resy. The patio at adjacent wine bar Maxwell Park is also now open. 1346 4th Street SE

Brasserie Liberte: Restaurateur Hakan Ilhan reboots his Georgetown brasserie this week with sit-down service across its brick-lined patio (4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and starting at 11 a.m. on weekends). Reserve a seat on a canary yellow chair here. Online ordering for pickup and delivery is also fresh. 3251 Prospect Street NW

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

The Grill: The glitzy Wharf newcomer’s wraparound patio — open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner — offers views of the Potomac. Takeout options continue through Toast Tab. KNEAD Hospitality + Design and chef Roberto Santibañez also just brought back outdoor dining at nearby Mexican mainstay Mi Vida. 99 Market Square SW

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Kith + Kin: James Beard award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Afro-Caribbean restaurant on the Wharf returned last week with a short outdoor menu in front of the InterContinental Hotel. Patio-only service runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon to 8:30 p.m. 801 Wharf Street SW

Service Bar: The acclaimed Shaw cocktail bar is tiny, so the team rented a tiki torch-lined garden space across the street. Vermont and U Streets NW

Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen: The year-old bar in Park View serving everything from local beers to CBD cocktails to racks of New Zealand lamb just jazzed up its patio with Alice in Wonderland-like murals from local artist Eric Ricks, accented with vintage doors, frames, and tables fit for high tea. Hours are Wednesday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends starting at 3 p.m. 3632 Georgia Avenue NW

Lulu’s Winegarden: The Southwestern wine bar from owners of The Royal debuts two lush outdoor options this week. The ivy-lined front patio can safely fit 24 (starting Wednesday, June 10), and its plant-adorned courtyard in the back has room for 40 (starting Friday, June 12). The hidden backyard hosted bocce ball tournaments during its former iteration as Vinoteca. 1940 11th Street NW

Lulu’s/official photo

Calico: Blagden Alley’s open-air bar returns on Wednesday, June 10, with loaded tots and a barbecue brisket sandwich in a scene-y setting. Its “adult juice boxes,” filled with batched cocktails, are also back, as are piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until midnight and Sunday until 8 p.m. 50 Blagden Alley NW

Calico/official photo

Florida Avenue Grill: The D.C. soul food diner, a corner fixture since 1944, just reopened for weekend breakfast service (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons can grab egg sandwiches and hot cakes from its carryout window and take a seat on its patio. 1100 Florida Avenue NW

Busboys and Poets: All-day patio service is live at D.C. locations of the homegrown chains that has plenty of veggie-friendly options in its progressive restaurant/cafe/bookstores. Multiple locations

Union Pub: The Capitol Hill stalwart, a favorite among sports fans and politicos craving bar fare and beer, is taking reservations for its covered patio from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 201 Massachusetts Avenue NE

• A Running List of D.C. Restaurants and Bars Reopening for Outdoor Seating [EDC]
• D.C. Restaurants Can Begin Seating Customers Outside This Week [EDC]
• D.C. Restaurants Are on Track to Reopen for Outdoor Service Only on May 29 [EDC]