If you’re in the same boat as us, you have been sprucing up your home these past few months, really embracing the nesting vibes and making everything as cozy, warm, and also functional as possible. With our time reallocated to more nights spent in, you might have added a few new pieces of art, a knit throw for the coach…. and, you’ve been trying out new recipes, some delicious successes and others, well, not. Time to get out and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants in DC with outdoor dining!
In need of a date night out or a relaxing meal with the family? We pulled together a few of our personal favorite dining spots that have adapted to the new normal with their cute patio spaces, so you can finally venture out and feel safe and socially distanced while doing so!
Plus, with fall finally here, it is the perfect time to go on a neighborhood stroll to appreciate the leaves changing. While you wander, we hope you enjoy a few perfectly crisp evenings and not-too-warm days on neighborhood patios digging into a scrumptious meal.
Without further ado, here are 5 of our favorite restaurants in DC with outdoor dining options…
3333 Georgia Avenue NW | Open 7 Days a Week
Located smack between Columbia Heights and Petworth on the popular Georgia Avenue stretch, Midlands is our go-to spot for kicking back on a low-key afternoon or evening out. Known for its craft beers and big tvs, Midlands is set up perfectly for game day, now that football is back!
Midlands is accommodating Phase 2 dining regulations with more ease than most. With 6,000 square feet, every group is spaced out in its cute outdoor garden area. Think picnic table style set-ups that could fit 6 guests comfortably, with hand sanitizer and water pitchers for each group. And note, for those of you with four-legged family members, they are very welcome.
It offers a number of hearty starters to share, which are more typical of a beer garden: from buffalo chicken nachos to spinach and artichoke dip to giant soft pretzels. Its sandwiches are on point, with a surprising variety. We recommend ordering a couple and sharing.
So, if you want to watch a sports game, or are simply in need of a break from lounging on your couch, hop on over to Midlands.
Our Go-To Order: The Chicken Banh Mi and the Frosé (frozen rosé).
2. Sonny’s Pizza & No Kisses Bottle Shop
3120 Georgia Avenue NW | Open Thursday – Sunday
Just down the road on Georgia Avenue is Sonny’s Pizza with the adjoining No Kisses Bottle Shop. They are a new neighborhood staple of Columbia Heights – serving whole pizza pies, slices (including gluten-free), as well as salads, eggplant and chicken parms, and meatballs too.
With plenty of space out back in the Pizza Garden, you can relax and sit back, grabbing a few slices while trying a refreshing glass of something sparkling. While you’re there, browse the online No Kisses Bottle Shop options, including natural wines, cocktails, beer, and ciders.
Our Go-To Order: The Wolfie Pie with tomato, mozzarella, onions, and roasted red peppers.
3. Chaplin’s, Shaw’s First Ramen House & Cocktail Bar
1501 9th Street NW | Open 7 Days a Week
With sweater weather at our doorstep, we have been craving spicy ramen dishes from none other than Chaplin’s, located in Shaw at the intersection of P Street and 9th Street NW. This eclectic restaurant gets its inspiration from – you guessed it – the Golden Age of Hollywood. With old movie posters decorating the inside, you can still experience this fun change of pace from the patio.
While the ramen dishes are why we continue to flock there (especially for the Chaplin A.S.S. – Asian spicy sour chicken with lemongrass and coconut milk), there are plenty of other options to browse, including meat and vegetarian gyoza, chicken katsu, braised pork buns, and pork ribs! Yum.
Our Go-To Order: The Chaplin A.S.S. and the Stamina Spicy.
3410 11th Street NW | Open Thursday – Tuesday
In the heart of Columbia Heights, a quick walk from the metro, you’ll find Queen’s English with its Hong-Kong inspired kitchen, another relatively new addition to the neighborhood. You can’t miss it with its bright green exterior – a welcome pop of color to the street.
Full discloser, this is the most upscale of our favorites, so we recommend it as a date night spot with your special someone. With a quaint roped off patio, your taste buds will be so happy you made the trip out.
Our Go-To Order: We love the Daikon Fritters to start, along with the Salt Baked Spring Chicken. Think soy, ginger and scallion for flavor.
1700 1st Street NW | Open Tuesday – Sunday
We wish we were those people, the early birds at the local farmers market, every Saturday morning. It’s the fun – and sustainable – choice to browse the seasonal veggies and fresh baked good, the countless stands. So, when we do, it gives us a little pride boost for the week. Well, Big Bear Café is the best spot for a relaxing brunch out with tasty, locally sourced fare.
Start with a coffee or tea of your choice, or perhaps a chai or hot chocolate. Sample a freshly baked pastry as a starter to your hearty breakfast burrito or sandwich. Or stay for lunch and try the fried chicken sandwich or summer heirloom gazpacho.
Afterwards, browse for groceries – from local eggs to cheeses and yogurt to fresh tortillas and produce. If you don’t find all you need, the Bloomingdale’s farmer’s market is just out front.
P.S. Big Bear also offers a Guest Chef dinner series, which we’ve heard is fantastic.
Our Go-To Order: A cappuccino and the Breakfast Burrito, followed by a latte for the road.
Let us know how you enjoyed any of our favorite restaurants in DC with outdoor dining!
