The National Mall is finally getting a pizza and wine bar
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Cheers! Photo: courtesy Sonny's
Bar Americano, a natural wine bar, café and pizza spot, is opening Friday on the National Mall.
Why it matters: America's Front Yard is finally getting a European-style café for prime picnicking.
State of play: Owner Max Zuckerman, of popular Park View spots Sonny's Pizza and Doubles Café, is behind the new spot. This summer he opened Catboat, a waterfront pizza and wine bar in Alexandria that sits on National Park land.
- When NPS and its hospitality partner were looking for someone to take over a long-vacant kiosk in front of the Air and Space Museum, Zuckerman was a natural choice.
The intrigue: The National Mall has been ramping up its attractions beyond museums and monuments (e.g. horses, pickleball). In the past, your outdoor dining options were mostly limited to kiosk eats like sodas and tendies, or food truck fare.
- "At this point, people expect good food and drink to be part of whatever experience they're having," says Zuckerman.
The vibe: L'Enfant would approve. Visitors can relax at outdoor tables, BYO picnic blankets, or stroll with their café Americano.
Dig in: Look for made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, homemade pastries and coffee drinks in the morning, and crunchy square-shaped slices and natural wines in the afternoon.
- Zuckerman says the menu may be limited during the soft launch and expand.
Between the lines: Being an outdoor spot, Bar Americano will take a winter pause.
- Zuckerman says he plans to hibernate Catboat in late October.
If you go: Bar Americano (near 600 Independence Ave SW). Open Fri-Sun, 9am-6pm-ish.