Updating the Eater Heat Map, Where to Eat Right Now

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Aug 7, 2014, 9:00am EDT

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by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Aug 7, 2014, 9:00am EDT

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, where to sip the cocktail of the moment. And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change often to continually highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment.

This month, Aggio, Pizza Parts & Service, Roofers Union and Toro Toro make way for these newcomers: Bryan Voltaggio's latest, Lunchbox, Denizens brewery and its sister restaurant BBQ Bus; R.J. Cooper's Gypsy Soul and Jose Garces' Rural Society.

01/02/2014: Added Republic
02/05/2014: Added Menu MBK, Joe's Prime Steak, Seafood & Stone Crab
03/06/2014: Added Aggio, Red Apron Penn Quarter, Roofers Union
04/03/2014: Added Toro Toro, The Partisan
05/01/2014: Added Compass Rose, Pizza Parts & Service
06/05/2014: Added Soi 38, Macon Bistro & Larder, Dino's Grotto
07/03/2014: Added America Eats Tavern, Crane & Turtle, Tico
08/07/2014: Added Rural Society, Denizens/BBQ Bus, Gypsy Soul and Lunchbox

Red Apron Butchery/The Partisan

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This is the third Red Apron location to hit D.C., and it's Neighborhood Restaurant Group's most ambitious version. The hybrid butcher shop, market and sandwich destination includes a new type of bread, the tigelle, and will emphasize breakfast. The adjoining restaurant, The Partisan, from Ed Witt and Nate Anda, serves up dishes like whole pig's head.

709 D St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

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Compass Rose DC

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The design is eye-catching, the service is friendly and the menu is interesting. One of the most anticipated opening to date for 2014, Compass Rose boasts a small but wide-ranging menu of international street foods. There's mussels with sofrito, an addictive pizza-like Khachapuri, lamb kabobs, grilled quail, chaat and more. The wine list pulls from such regions as Georgia and Hungary.

1346 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Soi 38

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This Thai restaurant is getting some early attention for its authentic spin on street food, not to mention its eye-catching design. The restaurant owners have also paid attention to the drinks aspect of the experience, with cocktails courtesy of J.P. Caceres.

2101 L St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20037

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Dino's Grotto

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Dean Gold gets a second chance to make a splash with this new, fresh spin on his Cleveland Park restaurant. Some old favorites, like wild boar pasta and trotter tots, remain, but there are also new additions, like more cocktails and a goat stew.

1914 9th St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20001

(202) 686-2966

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Macon Bistro & Larder

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Chef Tony Brown draws from both French and Southern sensibilities for this neighborhood charmer. This new addition to Chevy Chase has cozy design and dishes ranging from fried green tomatoes to cauliflower steak.

5520 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20015

(202) 248-7807

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Tico DC

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Michael Schlow's restaurant is a tribute to the Boston's chef's travels to Mexico and South America. There are non traditional tacos, plenty of vegetable dishes, a variety of margaritas and even some homey desserts like peanut butter sandwich cookies. It's all accented with street art-inspired decor.

1926 14th St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20009

(202) 319-1400

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America Eats Tavern

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Jose Andres' salute to America has found new life in Tysons Corner. The restaurant is housed within the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Andres has put his own spin on such dishes as macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie, and some recipes have a historical bent. Don't miss the raw bar and the hush puppies.

1700 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA 22102

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Crane & Turtle

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Crane & Turtle is the latest project behind restaurant and bar owner Paul Ruppert (The Passenger, Room 11, Petworth Citizen). Chef Makoto Hamamura, a veteran of CityZen has put together a French and Japanese-influenced menu. The restaurant's name comes from a Japanese fable.

828 Upshur St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20011

(202) 723-2543

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Rural Society

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One of several South American steakhouses to open recently in D.C., this is Jose Garces' first venture into the local market. Find plenty of beef, grappa, grilled items and pizzas.

1177 15th St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20005

(202) 587-2629

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Denizens Brewing Company/BBQ Bus at Denizens

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D.C.'s newest brewery is also the home to a food truck's first foray into the restaurant world. Denizens and BBQ Bus have teamed up for this Silver Spring location: find craft beer, a huge patio and bbq sandwiches.

1115 E West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910

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Lunchbox

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Bryan Voltaggio has transferred his former lunch place in Frederick to Chevy Chase. Find takes on both homey and sophisticated sandwiches, from meatloaf to banh mi, plus soups, salads and soft serve.

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5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20015

20-244-3470

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Gypsy Soul

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R.J. Cooper has opened an ambitious restaurant in the Mosaic District. Expect chef-driven fare, cocktails from Bryan Tetorakis and (eventually) a killer rooftop.