Chop Shop Taco serves up sandwiches at a recent restaurant preview event at D.C.’s Mess Hall. (Photo by Travis Mitchell)
It seems a new restaurant or bar opens its doors in D.C. every couple of days. Some get plenty of extra attention, while others fly under the radar. And then there’s the smattering of announced restaurants that are already building hype, despite the fact they are weeks and often even months away from serving that first meal.
Whether you’re craving a new option for fast-casual salad, an expertly-crafted cocktail, or just a new rooftop to lounge on, put these ten spots on your must-visit list once they’re open for business.
Bandoola Bowl
(1069 Wisconsin Ave. NW)
Burmese cuisine and fast-casual salad bowls collide at this upcoming Southeast Asian restaurant. The project comes from Aung Myint, who has 25-years of experience in the industry, including Mandalay Restaurant and Cafe in Silver Spring.
Anticipated opening: Fall 2018
Call Your Mother
(3301 Georgia Ave. NW)
The crew from Timber Pizza Company is bringing a Jewish-inspired deli to D.C.’s Park View neighborhood. The menu is expected to include bagels, sandwiches (think whitefish or smoked salmon), pastries, and a supper club in the evenings. For an early taste, head to their weekend pop ups: They’re at the Silver Spring Farmers Market on Saturdays and at the Dupont market on Sundays.
Anticipated opening: Summer 2018
Chop Shop Taco
(1008 Madison Rd. Alexandria)
Chef Ed McIntosh has moved on from his Tortilladora taco stand to open to a brick-and-mortar concept in Alexandria. The name comes from its location inside a former auto “chop shop.” The kitchen will turn out creative twists on tacos, tortas (sandwiches), and other seasonal bites.
Anticipated opening: Summer 2018
Coconut Club
(540 Penn St. NE)
Tropical flavors and vibes will touch down near Union Market when Adam Greenberg launches Coconut Club. Guests will be able to fill up on Island-like eats like jerk chicken, poke and fruit-forward drinks.
Anticipated opening: Summer 2018
Little Sesame
(1828 L St. NW)
Another upcoming fast-casual entry, Little Sesame got its start beneath the now-closed DGS Delicatessen in Dupont Circle. The standalone location will deal in hummus bowls, pita sandwiches, and salads. Its food is inspired by the cuisine of the Middle East and uses local ingredients along with house-made spices and condiments.
Anticipated opening: July 2018
The Meatball Shop
(1720 14th St. NW)
This New York City-based chain is setting up its first D.C. location along the busy 14th Street corridor. The menu revolves around mixing and matching a variety of meatballs like classic, veal or chicken; sauces like Parmesan cream or spicy meat; and sides ranging from spaghetti to roasted broccoli. It plans to stay open late too, feeding hungry patrons after a night out.
Anticipated opening: July 2018
Reverie
(3210 Grace St. NW)
Georgetown is still eagerly awaiting chef Johnny Spero’s (formerly of Minibar, now at Columbia Room) upcoming project. The fine-dining establishment is expected to have both a la carte and tasting menu options of inventive, global cooking. A series of preview dinners have whet locals’ appetites, and a debut seems close at hand.
Anticipated opening: Summer 2018
St. Anselm
(5th and Morse St. NE)
Restaurateur Stephen Starr is known around D.C. as the mind behind the ever-popular French brasserie Le Diplomate. His second act in the city will be an offshoot of his Brooklyn steakhouse St. Anselm. Local chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley (Ripple, Smoked & Stacked) will take the helm as executive chef. The restaurant is known for its unconventional cuts of meat along with fish and fresh produce.
Anticipated opening: Late summer 2018
The Imperial
(2001 18th St. NW)
An open-air rooftop, dining room, and basement cocktail bar are all in the blueprints at The Imperial. The ambitious project comes from the ownership of Jack Rose Dining Saloon, located just up the block in Adams Morgan. Once open, guests will be able to drink at the new and expanded Dram and Grain, set to be moved from its basement digs at Jack Rose to the first floor of The Imperial, and dig into chef Jon de Paz’s menu of elevated American dishes.
Anticipated opening: Fall/Winter 2018 (expect the rooftop to come along first)
Potomac Distilling/Tiki TNT
(The Wharf)
Todd Thrasher is already a household name in the D.C. cocktail world. He’s behind the cocktail program at spots like PX in Alexandria and Brothers and Sisters at The Line hotel. Many more will toast to his craft when his multi-story rum distillery and tiki bar open this fall at The Wharf. Get excited for views of the Potomac river, D.C. booze, and much more.
Anticipated opening: September 2018
