Most of D.C. is taking this week to prepare for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Restaurants are readying for feasts and bars decking their shelves with plenty of festive beverages. Still, those staying in the District in the coming days will find some interesting ways to drink and dine, from a mezcal dinner to a final hurrah for a tasty Asian-inspired pop-up.
Mezcal and mistletoe
Warm up Wednesday night at The Royal for a cocktail party and feast from chef Cable Smith and mezcal El Silencio. Admission includes three cocktails and three courses, plus a welcome drink and other extras. Expect dishes like a grilled shrimp taco and an coffee and mezcal cured short rib. (501 Florida Ave. NW, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., $60).
Last Call for Mr. Lee’s
Saturday is the final day to dine at chef Edward Lee’s Asian pop-up, located in the upstairs bar and lounge of Succotash Penn Quarter. Mr. Lee’s opened in September with a rotating menu of Korean-influenced dumplings, wings, lettuce wraps, and other spicy and savory dishes. Happy hour is available daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with $2 dumplings and $1 wings (minimum orders apply) and $5 beers. There are also signature cocktails and plenty of wines and whiskeys to sip alongside the food. (915 F St. NW, now through Saturday starting at 4 p.m.)
Christmas Cocktails for Charity
Shaw’s Miracle on 7th Street pop-up will host a ticketed charity event this Sunday, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Smithsonian National Zoo. The night’s “Eve of the Eve Panda-monium” benefit is fitting given the bar’s elaborate panda theme and decor for 2018. There’s a $20 cover charge in exchange for a two-hour entry period to the notoriously packed bar, which can be purchased online. (1839 7th St. NW, Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight, $20 and up).
12 Days of Beefsteak
December is full of sweets and junk food, whether it’s in the office or at home. With that in mind, José Andrés’ vegetable-forward Beefsteak is helping make healthy eating a bit more affordable in the lead up to Christmas. The special “12 Days of Beefsteak” promotion runs through Sunday with a different menu item available for 50% each day. Check the restaurant’s social media accounts for specific details each morning. (multiple locations, now through December 23).
Bottomless ping pong Sundays
Blow off steam for cheap this weekend during the soft-opening of SPIN, a hangout featuring bar fare, cocktails, drinks and, of course, ping pong. Check out this First Look and then head over Sunday afternoon for $9 all-you-can play. The deal launches this week and will be available each Sunday going forward. Practice your skills while sipping on its riff on a White Russian or chowing down on its Burger Mac — a cheddar-stuffed beef patty rolled in mac and cheese and then deep fried.
Fresh eats at Brookland’s Finest
Some new dishes have arrived to the neighborhood at Brookland’s Finest. Dinner now includes a winter warmers like braised lamb shank with kale and spicy P.E.I mussels with chorizo. Stop by late-night for smoked jumbo wings slathered with spicy mumbo sauce or the salmon patty melt and its side of cheesy grits. (3126 12th St. NE)
Plus, if you’re looking for a place to eat on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both, we’ve got you covered.
