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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
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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
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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
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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
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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