Get out! Over 20 D.C. bars and restaurants just opened
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A loaded table at Elena James. Photo: Courtesy of Deb Lindsey
D.C. chefs are on a year-end opening spree — over 20 new bars and restaurants debuted since November.
Why it matters: The variety is thrilling — from splurge-worthy destinations to low-key bars and fun collaborations.
The big picture: The opening blitz may be a positive abnormality over a tough year for D.C.'s hospitality industry. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington tells Axios it has clocked a record number of closings, with dozens of members shuttering this year.
- Association spokespersons tell Axios the rapid-fire openings could be a product of timing — many restaurants take two to three years to come to fruition, and that cycle is converging now. Others are opening quickly thanks to the availability of more turn-key restaurant spaces.
- "What this tells me, despite challenges and crime being top of mind this year, is that the industry is resilient," RAMW CEO Shawn Townsend tells Axios.
Catch up quick: A bunch of just-opened spots.
- Legacy HiFi (Adams Morgan): Ex-Marvin bartender Tim Slayton slings $10 cocktails to match PornBurger chef/author Mathew Ramsey's wild smash patties and pickled-brined, deep-fried dogs. The artsy hangout is equipped with vintage TVs and DJ space.
- The Strand (Deanwood): Six years in the making, the seafood-savvy Fish & Fire Group (Ivy City Smokehouse, The Point) soft-opened a 150-seat restaurant in Northeast. Go for fin fare, smoked ribs, Detroit-style pizza and a big Sunday buffet brunch.
- Elena James (North Chevy Chase, MD): Chef Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic (Nina May, Opal) bring morning-to-night service to their family-friendly New American spot. Breakfast and lunch, coming soon, will be counter-service — think pastries, sandwiches and salads. For dinner, patrons can tuck into duck wings, smoked negronis and pastas in the airy dining room. A market also offers cheffy items to-go.
- Taller de Xiquet (Glover Park): Looking for a taste of Michelin-starred Xiquet at half the price? Head to chef Danny Lledó's cozy, casual(er) sister restaurant for award-winning paellas, seafood fideuàs and other Spanish delicacies.
- Minetta Tavern (Union Market): The iconic West Village steakhouse gets a one-time spinoff from Balthazar restaurateur Keith McNally. Much is the same, down to the vintage decor and proprietary Pat La Frieda steaks and burgers. New: a secretive "mistress bar."
- Press Club (Dupont Circle): Bar stars Will Patton (Bresca and Jônt) and Devin Kennedy (of NYC's Pouring Ribbons) teamed up for a sleek vinyl and cocktail lounge that's designed to make headlines with artful drinks and "sando-based" snacks. It opens Thursday night.
What's next: Shaw's former Ethiopian community center is transformed into a destination celebrating the Black diaspora: Sost, opening Friday.
- The tri-level space includes a cafe/wine bar, restaurant, rooftop, art space and vinyl lounge — all from a team of Ethiopian-Eritrean entrepreneurs and Howard alums.
Zoom out: It's been a month of splashy openings. Everyone's buzzing about Osteria Mozza, Nancy Silverton and Stephen Starr's Georgetown hotspot where divine foccacia and sumptuous pastas are worth the waitlist (plus, brunch just started with Silverton's crave-able pizzas).
- We're eager to try Cranes chef Pepe Moncayo's takeover of downtown's new Arlo Hotel, from the rooftop izakaya (coming soon) to his Spanish restaurant, Arrels, and its tapas and tinned fish happy hour.
Over by Union Market, James Beard winner Edward Lee experiments with sustainable fine dining at the 22-seat tasting room Shia (reservations required). The restaurant explores ancient Korean techniques with zero plastics and minimal waste.
- Nearby, Michael Rafidi just sparked up the grill for All The Kebabs dinner service at Yellow. And Clyde's Restaurant Group experiments with coal-fired seafood and dry-aged fish at nautical-chic Cordelia Fishbar.
Between the lines: Everyone's dry-aging everything. Cue Modan, Tyson's new high-roller Japanese restaurant where cases are hung with wagyu and tuna, featured in Nobu alum Chico Dator's omakase and menus.
- And wood-firing. Check out Divino, a rustic Italian in Glover Park from industry vets Luca Giovannini (Donahue) and chef Daniel Perron (ex-Fiola Mare) specializing in roasted meats and fresh pastas.
That's not to say it's all fancy. Our hit list includes free pickle bowls, boozy shakes and "gay 'Cheers'" vibes at Her Diner in Adams Morgan.
- Comforting bowls of she-crab stew and chili from Bub and Pop's new ghost kitchen, No Soup For Youse. And Virginia's best tacos and beer, together at last: La Tingeria at Port City Brewing.