Holiday drinking season is here, and bars are going all-out for 2016. (Photo by Joy Asico)
Thanksgiving is in the rear view and the holiday season is officially in full swing. Most people today are focused on the shopping blitz, but there are also plenty of upcoming food activities to mark on the calendar as well. Here are some best bets—none of which involve long lines or parking lot standoffs.
This week’s food events
Black Friday specials
The mall is not the only place for deals today. Oceanaire (1201 F St .NW) is offering $1 oysters at the bar today from 11:30 a.m. until midnight. All three Pizzeria Paradiso locations will host a fitting imperial stout tap takeover, with six stouts and each location and flights available. If a day of Georgetown shopping is on your itinerary, Eno wine bar (2810 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) is offering 20 percent off its entire food and drink menus.
More Christmas-themed drinking
Two favorite beer gardens are prepping for some cold-weather drinking and festivities. Garden District (1801 14th St. NW) will be open through December 18 with a holiday market featuring lights, Christmas trees for sale, tinsel and drinks like eggnog shots, punch, and mulled wine. There will be patio heaters and a tent will go up on weekends with local arts and craft vendors.
Beginning December 1, Wunder Garten (1101 First St. NE) will transform for the holidays as well with a charity Christmas tree sale, crafts for sale and holiday beer, music, and cheer. There will be a hands-on craft day on Dec. 3 and an REI cocktail party on Dec. 5.
Great Lakes, great dinner
If Thanksgiving has sparked a desire to tackle another large feast, make plans for The Riggsby’s (1731 New Hampshire Ave. NW) Great Lakes beer dinner on December 1. Expect four courses of pairings like glazed carrots with Dortmunder Gold and roast poussin (chicken) with the brewery’s popular Christmas ale. Tickets are $95, inclusive of tax and gratuity.
A celebration of Columbia Heights
Friday, Dec. 2 marks the first-annual Columbia Heights Night, hosted by the Columbia Heights Initiative. Tickets for the evening at $75 (tax-deductible) and include a buffet of the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants (think El Chucho and Maple), four cocktail tickets, live entertainment, a swag back, and a silent auction. It runs 7 p.m. to midnight at the All Souls Unitarian Church (1500 Harvard St. NW).
Openings:
The latest in automated restaurant technology arrives with the opening of Eatsa (1627 K St. NW) on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The fast-casual restaurant comes to D.C. via San Francisco and promises made-to-order quinoa bowls and salads, all made quickly and efficiently through iPad ordering. The healthy bowls are also affordable, starting at $6.95.
And don’t forget that Christmas pop-up bar phenomenon Miracle on 7th Street opens tonight (1843 7th St. NW) in Shaw. The space has expanded considerably this year to accommodate the crowds clamoring for a craft cocktail and winter cheer.
Plan ahead:
The MetroCooking DC exhibition comes to the Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Pl.) on Dec. 3 and 4. The packed schedule includes beer, food, and spirits tastings, plus shopping and celebrity chef appearances from Tom Colicchio, David Gaus, and others. Visit the event website for full ticket information.
