Outdoor Dining Spots to Sample in DC This Spring
Lifestyle
Covered patios, waterfront seating, and pretty garden courtyards: these are some of our favorite things about spring.
Warmer temps have (finally) arrived in DC, and restaurants and bars are turning up accordingly to make room for seasonably refreshing patios, rooftops, alleyways, and even roadways, known as “streateries.” From the classics we can’t wait to revisit to the newcomers we’ve been wanting to try, here are the outdoor dining DC spots worth your time this season.
#1 Calico:
Calico’s urban backyard in Blagden Alley was practically made for outdoor dining. The walled-in, multi-level space—with a wooden deck terrace and a turf lawn below—is equipped with picnic tables, string lights, lush planters, and a metal greenhouse frame, epitomizing the neighborhood cookout vibe. The menu follows suit, with loaded tots, Philly-style tomato pie, watermelon salad, BBQ brisket sandwiches, plus draft and frozen cocktails. And timed reservations, plus contact tracing, is in full effect for your personal safety.
#2 Duke’s Grocery:
With two locations in Dupont Circle and Woodley Park, each with see-and-be-seen outdoor seating, Duke’s is an easy option for burger cravings or a boozy patio brunch. You certainly can’t go wrong with the proper burger, just be sure to add an egg on top, or if you’re craving some late-night eats, the “after hours” menu offers Vietnamese fried rice and truffle mac-n-cheese. Reservations are required in advance.
#3 La Famosa:
La Famosa features the flavorful cuisine of Puerto Rico. A wrap-around patio makes this highly anticipated restaurant a safe bet for outdoor dining in DC at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Inside there is an all-day menu and walk-up coffee counter serving a variety of savory and sweet-fried turnovers called Pastelillos, as well as locally roasted beans from Ceremony Coffee in Annapolis. For happy hour, the bar leans into tropical-inspired drinks, like piña coladas, guava smashes, and nonalcoholic batidos aka tropical fruit blended with milk, sugar, and ice.
