The owners of Ambar will open Baba—a coffee, tapas, and cocktail concept—in Clarendon next week. (Photo by Tigran Andronikovich Markaryan via Calypso Digital)
It may be hard to fathom, but Inauguration Day is finally here. That’s not to say that things will be back to normal after today, but at least the city’s dining scene will have an excuse to start migrating away from everything politics. Along with the following events, we’ve rounded up a dozen inauguration weekend specials as well as bars that are serving liquor until 4 a.m. on Sunday morning.
This week’s food events
Inauguration, live in high definition
Anyone seeking last-minute inauguration plans can make a trip to Service Bar (926-928 U St. NW), where the bar is offering a space for anyone who wants to “come have a drink and deal with life together.” The bar’s $7 happy hour menu will start at noon (including classic cocktails and buy-one-get-one shots) and the bar is offering its signature fried chicken, as well.
Make Americanos Great Again
If there’s one thing about President Donald Trump, he’s certainly inspiration for food and drink specials. Michael Schlow’s Italian Alta Strada (465 K St. NW) is turning Trump’s campaign slogan into a cause for discounted drinks. The restaurant will serve Americano cocktails (Campari, vermouth and soda) for $6 from Friday through the end of the weekend.
All-you-can-eat swine and sips
This Monday, District Distilling Co. (1414 U St. NW) chef Justin Bittner is hosting a special “Swine & Spirits” dinner featuring some of the area’s best chefs from restaurants including Bar Pilar, Kyirisan, Vermillion, and Thip Khao. They’ll all be creating dishes from 300-pound woodland-raised hogs. The all-you-can-eat event will be free for staff members of businesses participating in the All In Service D.C. charity movement. A $25 donation is suggested for other guests. Proceeds will go toward Whitman-Walker Health, N Street Village, and Martha’s Table. It goes down from 6:30 p.m. until close.
Warm up with wine for inauguration, women’s march
Flight wine bar (777 6th St. NW) will have extended operating hours Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. That will include a limited lunch menu (the restaurant typically just serves dinner) and charging stations for anyone needing to get warm and regroup. Get away from the madness with a charcuterie or cheese plate ($15) and a flight of wine.
More Virginia whiskey
Shirlington’s Copperwood Tavern
(4021 Campbell Ave. Arlington) has teamed up with Purcellville’s Catoctin Creek distillery to launch an exclusive new Virginia whiskey. Named the Virginia Heritage, the whiskey is 88 proof (44% ABV) and in part symbolizes the year that Virginia became an official state, 1788. The whiskey will be available this weekend in Shirlington as well as at the restaurant’s Ashburn location (20465 Exchange St.).
Openings
A second location of Eatsa fast-casual chain has opened in D.C., at 1701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. The restaurant offers affordable and healthy vegetarian-based bowls with a ton of ingredients and sauces. It’s also quick and there’s no need to talk to a human or deal with cash.
The team behind Ambar (multiple locations), is opening a new concept called Baba (2901 Wilson Blvd.) in Clarendon. The name translates to “grandmother,” and the team aims for a warm and welcoming vibe with coffee in the morning and European tapas, cocktails, and dancing later in the day. It promises something for all moods, whether it’s 7 a.m. or midnight.
