Sip on Cana's “Romeu e Julieta” cocktail. Photograph by Hawkeye Johnson.
Good afternoon,
As you know, our food team spends many months eating across the DC dining scene to assemble our 100 Very Best Restaurants ranking. Occasionally, we drink some cocktails too (for research!). Now, we are sharing some of our favorite sips around town, including a better-than-average old-fashioned from the storied Fountain Inn, a funky dirty martini from Your Only Friend, and an heirloom carrot margarita at Service Bar. See the full list here, then text the group chat to make drink plans.
What else is new:
DIM SUM: Corner Bites in Rockville is aiming to offer a made-from-scratch alternative to dim sum spots relying on frozen foods across the DC area. There are no push carts here, but that just means that pineapple buns, dumplings, and beef chow fun come out of the kitchen hot and fresh.
NOW OPEN: The Commodore, a so-called “five-star dive bar,” has expanded from DC to Old Town Alexandria. The pub is one of the few places in the area where you can find cracker-thin Chicago tavern-style pizzas. You’ll also find darts, pool, and classic arcade games.
The social event of the season! April 23rd at The Hamilton Live: cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, a can't-miss auction, plus free professional headshots by Emir Lake. Hosted by Emmy winner Molette Green, NBC4. This one sells out, get tickets today!
REVIEW: Billionaire-backed ghost kitchen Wonder is expanding across the DC area at a rapid pace with 10 locations and counting. Its whole schtick is that you can order food from a variety of different concepts, including partnerships with big-name chefs, and get it delivered quickly. How is it actually? Critic Ann Limpert sampled the menus widely to share what’s worth ordering—and what’s not.
SAY CHEESE: Mozzarella sticks are trendy again. These six versions offer excellent cheese pulls.
ROUGH NIGHT: Too many Guinnesses last night? We’ve got you covered with 16 of our favorite hangover foods around DC, from chicken pho to pastrami-egg-and-cheese sandwiches.
MARCH MADNESS: These bars around DC will be streaming the basketball tournament and offering food and drink specials.
TEA TIME: Peak bloom is quickly approaching. Enjoy cherry blossom-themed afternoon tea at these 12 destinations.
CHEF SHUFFLES: Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Namak in Adams Morgan has a new chef: Lindsey Flowers, previously executive chef of St. Anselm and part of the opening team of Yellow in Union Market. Her revamped menu includes additions like a lamb smash burger, citrus-marinated octopus, and grilled cheese arayes with harissa-tomato soup—all of which is now available all-day on Sundays. CRITIC CHAT: Need a restaurant recommendation? Ask critic Ann Limpert all your dining questions during her weekly chat on Washingtonian’s Instagram stories Friday from 11 AM to noon.
