Silver Diner’s First D.C. Location Will Include a Terrace Bar Next to Nationals Park

Long-running Maryland-based chain Silver Diner will open its first outpost in D.C. proper next spring, building out a two-piece project next to Nationals Park with a second-story bar.

A news release from the 32-year-old brand announced the 8,000-square-foot setup will be located at Half and N streets SE. Plans include an outdoor terrace looking out at the baseball stadium in Navy Yard. The upstairs area, dubbed Bar Silver, will sell drinks and small plates. The lower level will look more familiar, serving Silver Diner’s hits from executive chef and Chopped winner Ype Von Hengst.

Founded in 1989, the Rockville-based company marries classic American road trip food with contemporary trends of farm-sourcing and flexitarian cooking. It has exploded with 18 locations across Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. Although D.C. doesn’t have a Silver Diner, the company operates Silver, — its upscale, brasserie-style spinoff — in upper Northwest’s Cathedral Heights neighborhood. Silver Diner made its first foray into Alexandria last year, and another NoVa location is en route to Ashburn this summer.

During the pandemic, the chain upped its sanitizing protocols by installing hospital-grade ventilation systems with HVAC/UV light to increase air flow. At night, UV light flashes across the interiors to help kill bacteria and germs on surfaces. The Half Street restaurant will implement the same technology.

The Navy Yard neighborhood is gearing up to welcome Knead Hospitality Group’s Gatsby, which will also riff on diner classics, and self-pour pub Tap 99 this spring. A new outpost of Logan Circle’s Chicken + Whiskey is expected to open in the neighborhood by the end of the year.

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