Say Ahh, DC: 25 Places to Dine Outside

The streets are calling and brunch will always be the answer…

If you’ve been following my IG stories then you know I’ve been eating and drinking to my heart’s desire. It’s officially Spring and that means it’s time to explore all the outdoor patios and rooftops the area has to offer. Here I’m sharing a few great places I’ve already been to, as well as, a few I’ve yet to cross off my list. Salud! Cheers! Up to it, Down it! - you know the rest!

The Sandlot

A newly opened outdoor shipping container bar and event space offering cold-pressed juices and a rotating line-up of food experiences in partnership with Uber eats and 50 Black-Owned restaurants in the DMV area. Book your table for 2, 3, or 4 friends, or make it a  Rose’ All Day for up to 6 of your tribe for an hour and 45 min. 

Shilling Canning

This Navy Yard gem is definitely a must try.  Shilling offers a regularly changing 3- course tasting menu for both brunch and dinner service, making it a place to never get bored with.  The service was great, and the food was better.  Although you won’t have a direct view of the Anacostia River from Shilling’s perch (depending on where you’re sitting), there’s still ample outdoor seating and views of the Navy Yard grounds. Outdoor and Indoor dining is set at a 2 hour time limit, which includes a 22% service charge, and is available for dinner Wed- Sun from 5p- close and Brunch on Sat/ Sun from 11a-2p.  

ST. Vincent Wine

St. Vincent is Park View’s newish wine garden/ shop/ music venue.  They have a spacious outdoor space with an upper deck and garden perfect for spring/ summer drinking. Reservations are for 2 hours max, and food options solely include prepared and DIY charcuterie platters- perfect for wine drinking, not so much for empty stomachs- plan accordingly.  

O-Ku

If you’re a fan of Japanese and good drinks, then this one’s for you.  This Union Market spot is quite inconspicuous, but the food is nothing but.  Their rooftop, while small, doesn’t make you feel packed in.  As a sushi- enjoyer that has always shied away from the more traditional and raw dishes, I left glad I decided to dive in.  O-ku has the perfect menu for groups-  which is code for lots of different categories and options for each. If you love the Union Market area as much as I do, then add this one to your list.  You won’t be disappointed.     

Residents

If you frequent the Dupont Circle area then you definitely need to add this place to your list of staples.  I’ve been here twice so far and have enjoyed two very different experiences.  Most recently, they’ve added a covered patio (with heaters for those cool Spring nights) adorned with “cherry blossoms”, a new menu, and tasty new drinks- including cherry blossom-themed libations and sake.  You won’t be disappointed sitting inside or out, but I have to say the covered patio is definitely a vibe whether solo, amongst friends, or with that special someone.  Reservations are definitely recommended, and service is timed (3 or fewer guests 1.5 hr time limit and 2hr limit for 4 or more.      

Brasserie Liberte

French sidewalk cafe meets modern, Colonial Georgetown is the best way to describe this tucked away delight.  While the sizable patio/ sidewalk with ample seating and heat lamps is what Spring/ Summer brunch plans are made of, Brasserie Liberte is a beaut inside.  Equally liberating is the food.  For brunch, think French, hearty classics like Bourguignon, and breakfast staples like Avocado Toast and Benedicts.  Mimosa kits with a full bottle of Champagne and several juice options for only $35 is never a bad addition!    

Blue Jacket

This one is for the beer lovers.  BlueJacket is a production craft brewery in the heart of Navy Yard.  Perfect for a gameday pit stop, but outside of baseball season, even better for a nice cold brew on a warm day.  If you’re not much of a beer drinker, you can still indulge with cider and wine options.  Want to learn more about the brewery?  Tasting Tours are offered on Saturdays (not on game days) for only $29 (includes 5 tasting pours).  Tours can accommodate up to 15 with reservation.    

Sonny’s Pizza Garden/ No Kisses

I found out about this place a few years ago, visited twice, fell in love, and sadly haven’t been back since. The best part is the dark and moody, art deco-themed speakeasy called No Kisses that is unfortunately not currently operating as a bar.  The silver lining... the bar is operating as a Bottle Shop with their wines, spirits, and cocktails available for purchase.  When post-pandemic life allows, I highly recommend visiting the bar.  It’s giving ultra intimate and sexy date night vibes. The drinks are classic, but inventive and perfect for experimenting the menu.  Now for the important part- the food.  Can you ever go wrong with pizza and it’s usual suspect sidekicks? The Pizza garden is open for reservations up to 6 and may be one of the few places comfortably able to take walk-ins.  Enjoy!   

Nina May

This Shaw newcomer has been one of my favorite recent dining experiences.  I love menus that are intended to be shared, because I’m greedy and indecisive and want to try everything! I like to eat.  What can I say? At Nina May you have the choice to enjoy two menu options for brunch or dinner- a la carte plates or the Chef’s Choice.  The Chef’s Choice has to be enjoyed by at least two guests, but allows you to experience an array of the best dishes on the menu.  Also, since hyper local producers and seasonal ingredients are a priority, the menu is ever-changing.  What does that mean?  No two visits to this neighborhood gem will likely ever be the same.  My suggestion:  Find a friend or two that likes to dig in as much as you do and book a table.  You won’t be disappointed!      

Bin 1301

If you haven’t visited this small, but lively, Black-owned U Street wine bar then it’s about time you stop on in.  On most days the walls are vibrating with your favorite 90’s R&B jams. Pre- pandemic you could enjoy live jazz bands covering similar classics on Thursdays.  Although wine-focused, you can enjoy cocktails, and pretty good small bites.  On a recent visit, I had a pretty great Old-Fashioned with all the IG-worthy preparation to go with it.  The waitress lit some wood chips to infuse the glass with some smokiness, added in the typical large ice cube, and poured in the pre-batched cocktail.  As a lover of old-fashioned’s, it’s definitely one I’d go back for!    

Columbia Room

I have yet to visit this award-winning, Blagden Alley cocktail lounge, but I’ve got my reservation and I can’t wait to give it a try. Their Tasting Room experience is unfortunately currently closed until DC enters into Phase 3 of re-opening.  While the lounge itself does offer small bites, Sandwich Pop-up, Your Only Friend, can be ordered for pick-up or delivery while you enjoy inventive cocktails. You can enjoy their Rooftop Punch Garden, or Alley Patio by reservation from Wednesday to Saturday from 5p-9:30p.  Due to their tight windows of operation, I highly suggest making a reservation sooner than later!  Reservations can be made on their website or through Tock.   Make those clicks so you can enjoy tasty sips!          

Victura Park

The expansion of the Kennedy Center, also known as The Reach, was completed last year to include multi-purpose event and outdoor space.  Since early April, grounds have reopened to host, Victura Park, the on site wine/ beer garden.  Light bites like charcuterie, hummus, and hot dogs are also available for purchase.  If you’re wondering how to spend a nice day with the beautiful surrounds of the Potomac and the VA skyline, this is a great, cost-friendly option.  Current operating hours are Thursday- Friday 4p- 9p and Saturday- Sunday 12p- 9p.  

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