Washington, DC is ready to party with purpose as it proudly hosts WorldPride 2025,  and this year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the District. From May 17 to June 8, the city will come alive with parades, drag brunches, talks, panels, dance parties, and moments of reflection and joy all united under the banner of The Fabric of Freedom.As proud allies, TheListAreYouOnIt.com, is highlighting some of the dazzling events happening across the city. Whether you’re marching in solidarity or dancing in the streets there's no shortage of ways to support and show up.We’ve rounded up a few standout events below, and you can find even more in our Events Calendar here.

May is in full swing—and the DMV is blooming with flavor. Spring produce is showing off, and local chefs are leaning in with bright, seasonal dishes that feel just right. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’re spotlighting the bites that celebrate this sweet spot of the season. Ready to taste what May’s made of?MARK YOUR CALENDAR: LambJam: Get ready to jam out with your lamb out, because the 2025 Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour is making its D.C. stop on Tuesday, May 21st at Autoshop in Union Market, and you don’t want to miss a bite. Presented by the American Lamb Board, Lamb Jam is a coast-to-coast celebration of the bold flavor and versatility of American lamb, spotlighting the chefs who know how to cook it best. After months of showcasing creative lamb bites at top restaurants, the Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour brings all the heat (and the meat) together for one flavorful night. americanlamb.comSaint Owen’s Feast: Saint Owen’s Feast is an all-day, family-friendly Italian-style street fair to officially relaunch the Owen’s Tavern & Garden patio. On Saturday, May 24th, they're throwing an epic outdoor party in collaboration with Caruso’s Grocery. Expect a feast of Italian-inspired street food like Sausage & Peppers, housemade Zeppole, Half Smokes, Tuscan Fries, and Cacio e Pepe Popcorn — plus fresh burgers, truffle fries, and chicken fingers for the kids. More info here. Two Years to Celebrate: This May, Motorkat is proud to celebrate two years of serving the community in Takoma Park.To mark the occasion, the restaurant will host a full week of festivities from Tuesday, May 20 to Sunday, May 25.You are invited to enjoy half-priced local oysters and happy hour drink specials throughout theentire restaurant from open to close all week long. 6939 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD; .motorkat.comTaste the Terroir: Ovoka Wagyu and Barrel Oak Wines have collaborated for an event. Begin with an intimate cellar tour and exclusive barrel tasting led by Barrel Oak Winery’s winemaker, followed by a four-course dinner crafted by Ovoka Farm’s Resident Chef, Ellie McMillan. Featuring premium Ovoka F1 Wagyu beef and perfectly paired estate wines, this experience celebrates terroir, craftsmanship, and the rich flavors of Virginia. 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144; barreloak.comGlobal Bites Fest: Join Global Bites, Rockville’s city-wide celebration of food, culture, and community from June 1-14, 2025. Dine at any of the Rockville restaurants (must be in city limits; excludes national chains) listed below and after indulging, upload an image of your receipt to the Global Bites submission form to be entered for a chance to win one of three VISA gift cards ($50, $100, $200) to fund your next restaurant outing. Get tickets here. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Brunch on the Roof (Brunch Alert): SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge has a new brunch menu. The menu offers you savory and sweet selections to enjoy on the rooftop. Menu items include brunch classics with a twist like cornflake-crusted French Toast, topped with coffee butter and fresh berries, Huevos Rancheros, with refrito beans, avocado, and sunny side eggs in tomato sauce, topped with cotija cheese, Carmelized Onion & Spinach Quiche, served with a frisée salad and the Fried Burrata, served with a tomato basil compote, prosciutto, aged balsamic and walnut raisin bread. Syn.comDesk Meals No More (Lunch Alert): Corso Italian has a new lunch hour. Designed for speed and satisfaction, the new lunch menu features a variety of fresh salads, hot and cold sandwiches starting at $16, and a selection of handmade pastas and other Corso favorites like focaccia with whipped ricotta, seared tuna crudo, and oxtail ravioli. The restaurant pledges to have diners seated, served, and on their way in under an hour. 4024 Campbell Avenue; corsoitalian.comThree Concepts, One Roof: Michelin-starred chef Elias Taddesse brings two of his most celebrated culinary ventures under one roof with the debut of Mélange Foods, Inc. This multi-concept space marks the return of Mélange and Doro Soul Food, with a third concept—Moya, a blend of Ethiopian and Mexican cuisines—set to open later this spring. More than a restaurant, Mélange Foods, Inc. is an incubator for cultural expression through food that reflects Taddesse’s French culinary training, East African heritage, and vision to create a hub where bold flavors, personal storytelling, and community converge. Highlights from Mélange include the classic burger with American cheese, pickled red onions, and brown butter aioli; the Italian, with smoked mozzarella, tomato confit, arugula, and spicy basil aioli; and the new Frenchie–a play on French onion soup layered with caramelized onions, gruyère, and dijonnaise. 2108 8th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001; .melangefoods.comNew in National Landing: Bar Chinois is opening a new location in National Landing. The second Bar Chinois location will continue its happy hour offerings, with dollar dumplings and half-priced cocktails from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting next month. 244 19th Ct S #105, Arlington, VA 22202; barchinoisnl.comComida Corrida (Lunch Alert):  Amparo Fondita in Dupont Circle has opened for lunch, offering a new $26 Comida Corrida ("lunch on the run") and expanded a la carte options. The $26 Comida Corrida includes three courses: start with a soup or salad, move on to tacos or an itacate bowl, and finish with dessert or a refreshing agua fresca or soda. 2002 P St. NW, Washington, DC; AmparoFundita.comCheck Out Xiquet:  El Taller del Xiquet has introduced a series of new spring dishes. One of the standout additions to the starters is Fonoll, a beautifully balanced dish featuring grilled fennel, fennel pollen and romesco. Another being Vera, a vibrant combination of pan-seared Maine scallop, sepia, coconut milk and sherry-cured salmon roe. Lastly, the Crú is a must-try featuring delicate hamachi crudo, vibrant citrus segments and a silky yellow pepper sauce. eltallerdelxiquet.comPartners in Carbs: A new “carb bar” has opened up inside Buffalo & Bergen. This is a dream come true for Neil Dundee. Try dishes like the Lucifer $20 (Red Sauce, Onion, Salami, Pecorino, Parmesan, Hot Honey, and Chili Flakes) along with many other carb-related creations. 3501 Connecticut Ave NW; buffalobergendc.com Chefs on a Roll: Beresovsky’s Deli x a.kitchen+bar: Beresovksy’s Deli has launched their latest Chefs…On a Roll sandwich featuring Chef Eli Collins of a.kitchen + bar! Chef Eli Collins is the Executive Chef of a.kitchen+bar at Hotel AKA in Washington, D.C. (the newest location of the acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant), where his seasonal, French-inspired cuisine has earned him accolades such as Philadelphia Magazine’s Best Chef of 2022 and a “Three Bells” review from The Philadelphia Inquirer. A Scranton native, Collins honed his craft under Chef Daniel Boulud in New York before returning to Philadelphia to lead some of the city’s most acclaimed kitchens. His special Philly Roast Pork Banh Mi, made with Taylor’s Ham, Pork Shoulder Confit, Broccoli Rabe Slaw, Long Hot Pepper Mayo, Cilantro, and Fish Sauce Vinaigrette, will be available for the entire month of May. beresovskys.com Nepalese in DC: Himalayan Wild Yak has opened a second location in Norther Virginia. Named for the bovine indigenous to the Himalayan mountains of Tibet, Mongolia and Nepal, the wild yak is a healthy, lean alternative to beef. Chef Keshar Jarga explains that Nepal is a landlocked country between India and China, so its cuisine has influences from both of those cultures. 1010 N Glebe rd; Himalayanwildyak.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Supping at the Supper Club: Inspired by iconic dining and nightlife experiences in Mykonos, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez, Gaia Supperclub reimagines the supper club for a D.C. audience with world-class culinary offerings, live entertainment, and a transportive atmosphere that blurs the line between dinner and nightlife. The menu boasts dishes like Deep Fried Hummus, a Latin twist on refried beans with an airy mousse-like texture; Chicken Nuggets topped crème fraiche, caviar; and flakes of 24 karat edible gold; and a 1 ½ pound Tomahawk Ribeye served with truffle butter, chimichurri, and tiger sauce. 1025 Vermont Avenue NW; Gaia.comWest African Suya Sundays:  All Set Restaurant & Bar has recently launched a Suya Sundays pop-up series in collaboration with Suya Factory, a DMV-based street food concept lead by Samuel “DJ Chick” Mobit. From 4pm through 9pm each Sunday, Executive Chef Ed Reavis (All Set, Money Muscle BBQ, and Fryer’s Roadside) and DJ Chick will serve suya, a West African dish of marinated skewered meats cooked on a grill, alongside a variety of sides for takeout, delivery, and dine-in service. You will be able to enjoy Afrobeats from local DJ Etn as well as All Set’s full food and beverage menus during the pop-up. The current Suya Sundays menu offers a choice of three proteins, accompanied with sides of Pickled Onion, Red Pepper Sauce, and Plantains.  8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5; allsetrestaurant.comFabulous Flavors: In celebration of spring, Pitango Gelato will offer new and returning seasonal flavors at each of its seven locations. While supplies last, the gelateria will offer its new Chocolate Mint Chip, made with peppermint infused dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate gelato. On May 9th and in recognition of National Strawberry Month, guests can enjoy Strawberries and Cream gelato made with gently roasted fresh strawberries swirled with Fior di Latte gelato. Fior di Latte, which means “flower of milk” in Italian, is made with organic milk and cream provided by Pitango’s cows in Glen Arm, Maryland. pitangogelatoStart ‘Em Young: The 2025 Sur La Table Kids & Teens Summer Series is now open for registration! This year, the series will run for 14 weeks, from May 27-August 29, perfect for those summer months where kids (and parents) are trying to fill their days with something fun and educational. The Sur La Table summer cooking series is designed to send kids and teens on a culinary adventure. Whether your child is well-versed in kitchen techniques already or they’re completely new to cooking and baking, they’ll love this immersive experience filled with delicious foods and hands-on tasks. The 2025 series will focus on two main themes: baking and global cooking. Apply here. Caffè del Parco, an Italian Pop Up: Caffè del Parco, a seasonal Italian pop-up, is now open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m., tucked just off the Willard InterContinental’s grand lobby in the elegant Lincoln Library. The pop-up’s name hints at its Italian roots—bringing la dolce vita to the heart of D.C. for a limited time only. They’ve crafted a multi-course menu featuring the soup of the day, risotto, handmade pappardelle, and a decadent dessert paired with thoughtfully selected Italian wines. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, USA; washington.intercontinental.comMarcus Is In the House: Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson makes his debut in the nation’s capital with the opening of Sly, an elevated rooftop bar at The Morrow Hotel. Helmed by Executive Chef Anthony Jones, The menu, crafted by Samuelsson and Jones, will showcase local seafood, seasonal produce, and globally inspired flavors. The culinary experience highlights raw bites, shareable snacks, entrées, and treats. 222 M Street; marcusdc.comThe Wharf’s La Vie Reopens: La Vie at The Wharf has reopened with a renewed Mediterranean spirit, the addition of exciting culinary talent, and a fresh experiential approach that blends vibrant cuisine with celebration and culture. It features an immersive dining experience with live entertainment, and dishes crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Delgado alongside new Chef de Cuisine Aseem Charan. lavie-dc.com. Bar Angie  = Bistro Vibes: The team behind Dupont’s Balos, brings Bar Angie,  a new day-to-night bistro now open in the West End. Inspired by classic New York neighborhood spots and infused with European charm, Bar Angie serves crave-worthy fare—think a luxe Wagyu French Dip, Fried Cream Cheese Caesar, and the over-the-top “Angie Chop Martini,” a crispy pork chop topped with peppers and Parm. At its heart, Bar Angie is a martini bar, featuring an extensive cocktail list and a curated lineup of espresso martinis in partnership with NYC’s For Five Coffee Roasters. Designed with moody lighting, and a Parisian-style zinc bar, Bar Angie offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. Adding to the ambiance: live jazz several nights a week. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends. Located at 2300 N Street NW, for more information visit, theangierestaurants.comAlbi 2.0: Chef Michael Rafidi’s Michelin-starred Albi is back, did you know it was gone?  After a two-week refresh, the Navy Yard restaurant reopens with a reimagined space and an evolved menu that dives even deeper into Rafidi’s Palestinian-American roots. The highlight? A completely spontaneous five-course Sofra experience ($165) that’s created in real time through guest-kitchen dialogue—no set menu, just seasonal creativity and hospitality. The à la carte menu also gets a seasonal refresh, with standout dishes like smoked duck mujadarra, rabbit shish barak, and a crab-studded maqluba. Behind the bar, expect Levantine-inspired cocktails and an irreverent wine list spotlighting bold producers from the Middle East and Mediterranean. The interiors, redesigned in collaboration with The Klein Agency, now feature a cocktail lounge, expanded bar, and an immersive open kitchen—all anchored by powerful Palestinian artistry from Jordan Nassar. Dinner service runs Tuesday–Sunday. Reservations via Resy. More at www.albidc.com and @albiwashdc.

Clock out and cocktail up, it’s happy hour time, our darlings! Whether you're chasing $7 martinis or oyster towers on the cheap, we have got you covered. We’ve scoured DC high and low (and sipped many a spritz) to bring you the ultimate list of swanky rooftops and  hidden gems. This is your go-to guide for turning any weekday into a mini celebration. Your happiest hour starts here, dive in and find your new favorite post-work playground:ala: Weekdays, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1320 19th Street NW; ala-dc.comAl Dente: Sunday through Thursday, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.; 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW; aldentedc.comAll Set: Monday through Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - close.; 8630 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Md; allsetrestaurant.com Amparo Fondita: Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 2002 P Street; amparofondita.comANJU: Monday through Friday; 1805 18th Street NW; anjurestaurant.comAlfreda: Monday thru Friday from 4pm - 6pm for a Spritz Happy Hour; alfredadc.comAny Day Now: 2 I Street SE; anydaynowdc.comAssembly: 1700 Moore Street, VA; assembly-va.com Apero: Tuesday through Thursday ; 3:00 - 10:00 p.m.; apero.com Astro Beer Hall: Monday 12:00 - 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. astrobeerhall.comAtlas Brew Works: Navy Yard: Weekdays, noon to 6:00 p.m.; Ivy City: Thursday, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.; atlasbrewworks.com Balos: Monday through Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1940 N Street NW; balosrestaurants.com Bresca: Wednesday through Friday; 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.; brescadc.comBistro Du Jour: Monday through Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 99 District Square SW;.bistro-dujour.comCalico: Tuesday through Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m; 50 Blagden Alley NW; calicodc.comChaplin's: Daily 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; 1501 9th St NW; chaplinsdc.comCity Swing: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; 901 New York Avenue; cityswingdc.comCorso Italian: Daily from 3pm-6pm; 4024 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA; corsoitalian.comCrooked Run: Daily; 22455 Davis Dr; crookedrunfermentation.comCrane's: Daily from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; cranes-dc.comEllington Park Bistro; Daily 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 2033 M St NW; ellingtonparkbistro.coGhostburger: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. every day and late night on weekends 9:00 p.m. - close; 1250 9th Street NW; 202.827.5237; ghostburgerdc.comThe Fairmont: 2401 M Street NW; 202.457.5019; fairmont.com/washingtonHello Betty: 940 Rose Avenue, North Bethesda, MD; 301.389.5840; hellobettybethesda.com Hi- Lawn: 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.comKing Street Oyster Bar: Daily 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.; Multiple locations; kingstreetoysterbar.comIl Canale: Weeknights, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1065 31st Street NW; ilcanale.comThe Imperial: Wednesday through Friday. 2001 18th Street NW; imperialdc.comImmigrant Food: Tuesday through Saturday 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.; immigrantfood.comJ Hollinger’s: Tuesday through Sunday, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; jhollingers.com Josephine: Monday through Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m; 109 S. St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA; josephineoldtown.comJOY by Seven Reasons: Daily; 5471 Wisconsin Avenue; joybysevenreasons.com Joon: All day on Thursdays; 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA; eatjoon.com The Landing Kitchen + Bar: Daily + themed specials Monday-Thursday 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2399 Richmond Highway, Arlington; hilton.com Last Call: Saturday and Sunday noon - 4:00 p.m.; 1301-A 4th Street NE; lastcallbardc.comLupo Verde: Monday through Friday. 1401 T Street NW; lupoverdedc.coThe Majestic: 911 King Street, Alexandria, VA; themajesticva.comMaybar at Joon: 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120, Vienna, VA; eatjoon.coMi Vida: 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1901 14 Street NW; mividamexico.comModena: Monday through Friday, various hours; 1199 H Street NW; modenadc.comNick’s Riverside Grill: Monday through Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 3050 K Street NW; nicksriversidegrill.comOfficina Cafe: 1615 L Street NW; officinadc.com Opal: Weeknights 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 5534 Connecticut Avenue NW; opal-dc.comOpaline: Pet-friendly; Monday-Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.;  806 15th Street NW; opalinedc.comOsteria Morini: Weekdays 3:00 - 6:00 pm; osteriamorini.com Pappe: 1317 14th Street NW; pappedc.comPetite Cerise: Tuesday through Sunday, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.; 1027 7th Street NW; petitecerisedc.com The Point:  Weeknights, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 2100 2nd Street SW; thepointdc.com Puro Gusto: Monday through Wednesday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1345 F Street NW; purogustocafe.co Queen’s English: 5:00 - 7:00 pm; 3410 11th St NW; queensenglishdc.comThe Saga: 1190 22nd St NW; .sevenreasonsgroup.comThe Salt Line Navy Yard: Weeknights, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 79 Potomac Avenue SE; thesaltline.comSHŌTŌ: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-5:30pm; 1100 15th Street NW; sevenrooms.comStable: Wednesday through Friday 5:00 - 7:00 pm; 1324 H Street Northeast; stabledc.comSt. James: Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 - 7:00 pm. 2017 14th Street NW; stjames-dc.comStellina Pizzeria: 399 Morse Street NE; stellinapizzeria.comSeven Reasons: Sunday through Thursday 5:00 - 7:00 pm; sevenreasonsdc.comSTK Steakhouse: Daily starting at 3:00 p.m.; stksteakhouse.com Tabla: Various hours, Monday through Friday; 3227 Georgia Avenue NW; tabladc.comEl Tamarindo: Weeknights, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.; 1785 Florida Avenue NW; eltamarindodc.comThe Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse: Monday through Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1356 Okie Street NE; tavern.ivycitysmokehouse.com Tiki TNT: Monday 3:00 - 9:00 p.m.; 1120 Maine Avenue SW; tikitnt.comTiger Fork: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.; 922 N Street NW; tigerforkdc.comTony & Joe’s: Weeknights, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; 3000 K Street NW; tonyandjoes.comUnconventional Diner: Weekdays, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1207 9th Street NW; unconventionaldiner.comWilson Hardware: Weekdays, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.; 2915 Wilson Boulevard; wilsonhardwareva.comYardbird: 901 New York Avenue NW; runchickenrun.comZeppelin: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; 1544 9th Street NW; zeppelindc.com

Spring has officially sprung—and DC’s bars are feeling fresh. Think citrus, herbs, and all the floral flair, as bartenders mix up cocktails that are light, bright, and just a little bit flirty. We’re rounding up the sips that are perfect for patio season and beyond. Ready to toast to May? We thought so.And speaking of patios - see our Patio Pleasure Round Up & our Up On The Roof for all your DMV al fresco dining.  MARK YOUR CALENDAR Wines of the Shenandoah: Discover Peak Shenandoah - A Collective Wine Tasting Event to have the opportunity to meet with winemakers and owners from multiple vineyards in one location. Peak Shenandoah Wine Region announced its upcoming collective wine showcase event, “Discover Peak Shenandoah - A Collective Wine Tasting Event”, to be held Sunday May 18, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, at Fox Meadow Vineyards & Winery 3310 Freezeland Rd, Linden, VA 22642.Italian Wine Festival at Roost: The Roost is throwing an Italian Wine Festival on May 25th. There will be two 2 hour walk-around tastings of 30 Italian selections with top wine professionals sharing the stories of these producers and their wines. All bottles will be available at a discounted price for one day only. Get tickets here. Global Bites Fest: Join Global Bites, Rockville’s city-wide celebration of food, culture, and community from June 1-14, 2025. Dine at any of the Rockville restaurants (must be in city limits; excludes national chains) listed below and after indulging, upload an image of your receipt to the Global Bites submission form to be entered for a chance to win one of three VISA gift cards ($50, $100, $200) to fund your next restaurant outing. Get tickets here. Virginia Wine Festival: Saturday, May 31 (4–9 PM) & Sunday, June 1 (12–5 PM), 2025. Taste the best of Virginia wine at the Commonwealth’s premier wine event, featuring over 200 wines from 30+ top wineries, live music, gourmet food, and artisan shopping—all just steps from the Silver Line Metro. This year’s festival is made even more exceptional with the participation of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, curating elevated culinary offerings that perfectly complement the region’s finest wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just in it for a good time, this is your ultimate weekend to sip, savor, and celebrate. Tickets are available here. SommCon: SommCon, the leading conference for wine and spirits education, is making its highly anticipated return to the East Coast with the SommCon DC Summit, taking place June 2-3, 2025, in partnership with The SOMM Journal. Each day of the SommCon DC Summit features two wine-tasting seminars and a curated wine-paired lunch. Sessions offered on June 2 differ from those offered on June 3 and attendees have the option to attend one or both days of the summit. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: C’mon Get Happy (Happy Hour Alert): Chef Jeremiah Langhorne and the team at Petite Cerise are excited to offer a new happy hour menu from Tuesday-Sunday 5:30-7 p.m. at the bar! Enjoy bar snacks including salmon rillettes, marinated beets, escargot and more, $10 craft cocktails from MICHELIN-awarded bar director Daniel Todd, $7 wine, and $6 beer & cider. 1027 7th St NW; petitecerisedc.comThursday's Look Happy (Happy Hour Alert): Enjoy all day happy hour in the MayBar Lounge at Joon on Thursdays beginning at 11:30am! Highlights include $10 cocktails such as the Tequila Rose, made with tequila, grapefruit, rosewater, and fresh lime juice, and the Vodka Albaloo made with vodka and Joon’s signature sour cherry cordial. $5 beers and $8 glasses of wine are also available along with $5 off mazzeh plates. 8045 Leesburg Pike suite 120; eatjoon.comSummer Sipping in South Asia: Tapori is ready to combat upcoming seasonal hot temps with his new late Spring/Summer cocktails. You can enjoy frozen cocktails like his spirit-forward and tropical Kerala Cooler, made with Smith & Cross Rum, Iichiko Shochu, Jackfruit Cordial Campari, Orange, Maraschino, and Kashmiri Chili or his Pom Star Soda, made with Mcclintock Organic Epiphany Vodka, Star Anise, Carbonation. 600 H Street NE; taporidc.comRose (Garden) All Day: Enjoy waterfront views with rosé in hand at The Grill’s new Rose Garden. The patio will be decked out for spring and summer with a new floral backdrop for the perfect setting to sip on rosé and watch the boats pass by on The Wharf. They offer 5oz, 7oz and 8oz pours, and their nonalcoholic spritz is perfect for those seeking a fun and refreshing mocktail. 99 Market Square; The grill.comStrawberry Season: Ilili DC just launched the new spring cocktail menu, conceptualized by Beverage Director Rachid Hdouche. Highlights include the Strawberry & Cream Gin and Tonic made with gin, strawberry cream cordial, and Mediterranean tonic and Carajillo Blanco, made with brown buttered tequila, licor 43, and orange bitters. Ilili.comTableside Kakigori Cocktails, Yes Please Celebrate summer in the District at Moonraker, the Japanese-inspired rooftop bar and lounge located atop Pendry Washington, D.C. - The Wharf, with the all-new weekend series Suntory Daytime Socials. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, you can enjoy summer spins from live DJs featuring blends of Japanese city pop, nu-disco and chill jazz funk, and cool down with Moonraker’s new tableside Kakigori Cocktails, a Japanese shaved ice treat spiked with Suntory Japanese spirits. The menu currently features three $40kakigori cocktails, each of which is made and served tableside by Moonraker’s staff exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. 655 Water Street; Moonraker.comNominate the Bubbliest : Bureau du Champagne, USA has officially opened nominations for the fourth annual Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Enjoying Champagne list, inviting Champagne lovers, hospitality professionals, and the broader wine and culinary community to nominate their favorite establishments across the United States. Nominate here. Cocktails in the Lobby: Tory Pratt, founder of DC based Pratt Standard Cocktail Company, is eager to bring unique recipes to Lobby Bar’s cocktail and martini program. The House Dirty Martini uses caper brine for a unique twist, while the Specialty Dirty Martini features an olive oil wash and oyster brine. The Earl Grey Arnold Palmer uses Bulleit Bourbon, Pratt Standard’s ‘ Earl Grey Vanilla Syrup’ and lemon. A variety of other cocktails, wines and beers round out the beverage options. 224 7th Street; LobbybarTea from Thi: Moon Rabbit's Bar Director Thi Nguyen’s new Spring cocktail list boasts flavors of the season intertwined with Vietnamese ingredients. Drinks include the Xí Muội, aka Grandma’s Candy Jar made with butterfly pea-infused yobo soju, salted plum, rice paddy oleo saccharum and lime, as well as their Chi Pha made with Barsol pisco, Ming river Baijiu, lacto-fermented pineapple milk cordial, and kinh giới red wine granita. 927 F St NW; moonrabbitdc.comNOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Irish Rebranding: Sazerac's recently-acquired Irish Whiskey Distillery has changed it's name to Hawk’s Rock Distillery. The name change reflects Sazerac Company’s vision for the future of Irish Whiskey – the art and science of blending, innovation and respect for Sligo’s rich heritage. Named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains that inspired Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler (W.B.) Yeats’ play “At the Hawk’s Well”, Hawk’s Rock Distillery aims to become a global hub for Irish Whiskey, while offering a gateway to explore the rich traditions of Sligo and the surrounding region. HawksRock.comCocktail Shake Up at Serenata: Serenata is shaking up spring with a fresh lineup of bold cocktails inspired by Latin American and Caribbean flavors. From smoky, spirit-forward sips like the Alejandro (mezcal, Brugal Mamajuana, Campari, and allspice-cinnamon smoke) to tropical, island-inspired pours like The Ackee Way (Ten to One Rum, banana, raisin, ackee, and ginger-lime), the new cocktail menu is sure to be a good one. 1280 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.; serenatadc.comCaribbean Heat Gets Cool (Happy Hour Alert): St. James has a new happy hour. For happy hour, you can enjoy specialty cocktails such as the Dark & Stormy ($10) made with rum, lime, and ginger beer, and the Smokin’ Mirror ($10) served with mezcal, LilletBlanc, and Luxardo Bitter Bianco. Rail spirits with mixers are available for $9 and select wines are also available for $9. 2017 14th St. NW; stjames-dc.comDid Somebody Say Free & Bottomless Brunch Cocktails? (Brunch Alert): Chef David Bacot's full brunch menu (including Housemade Cinnamon Rolls, Steak & Eggs, PBELT with pork belly, fried egg, romaine lettuce & cilantro mayo, and much more) now comes with free bottomless brunch cocktail: guests can opt in to receive complimentary bottomless brunch cocktails (mix-and-match Aperol Spritzes, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys) for 2 hours with the purchase of any brunch entree or sandwich. boundarystonedc.comTulum-Inspired Oasis: Perched atop Hotel Nell, Treehouse is an outdoor, Tulum-inspired oasis serving up handcrafted cocktails, elevated bites, and more. They have happy hour deals available all day Monday, and Tuesday - Friday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. The deals include $8 Classic Margaritas, and more. 411 New York Ave NE; hotelnelldc.comTiki on 18th Gets a New Look: and a Filipino Soul — Adams Morgan’s beloved Tiki on 18th is back with a full-on glow-up. The tropical two-story hangout is now a vibrant fusion of Filipino flavors, island vibes, and nightlife energy, thanks to a major rebrand from DC hospitality stars Jo-Jo Valenzuela and Oscar Guardado. Expect a revamped menu of bold Filipino-inspired dishes (yes, Jo-Jo’s Pansit is back), next-level tiki cocktails with a modern twist (hello, Pistachio Mustachio and Gin Pom Elite), and late-night DJ sets to keep the vibes strong. Designed by Naii Vegas of Creative Buildr Studio, the space is all lush greenery, bamboo, and cozy corners. More at tikion18th.com | Follow @tikion18dc Vegetal Vibes: Beverage Director for The Popal Group, Suzy Critchlow, just launched several new cocktails for this spring at Lutece. Highlights include the shaken “Faux Pois” (vodka, snap peas, forthave genepy, fusion verjus blanc, lemon), “The Sweetest Season” (rye whiskey, pineau de charantes, mole bitters, blackberry & basil), & the “Forager’s Gibson” (gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters, ramp oil & pickled ramps). 1522 Wisconsin Ave NW; Lutece.comFrozen Fields: Frozens are back at Pascual. Beverage Director for The Popal Group, Suzy Critchlow, just launched new frozens at the Capitol Hill favorite including a signature Frozen Mango Margarita (tequila, mango, curcao, lime) ($17). Other highlights throughout the season will include a take on Frosé and variations based on produce seasonality. Plus, Pascual just opened up their covered patio for the season. 732 Maryland Ave; pascual.com Shake It Up, St Regis Style: The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has launched a private cocktail classes led by the St. Regis Bar’s expert bartenders. As a nod to the Kentucky Derby, the inaugural class will invite budding mixologists to learn how to make the bar’s spin on the Mint Julep. marriott.comBubbles & Whiskey All Weekend: Fairmont has launched a West End Weekends promotion. Every Friday from 4pm – 7pm, you can enjoy ‘Bubbles & Bites’ – a glass of premium champagne and 3 carefully curated canapés by the culinary team for $40. 2401 M Street, NW; fairmont.com

Get ready to jam out with your lamb out, because the 2025 Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour is making its D.C. stop on Tuesday, May 21st at Autoshop in Union Market, and you don’t want to miss a bite.Presented by the American Lamb Board, Lamb Jam is a coast-to-coast celebration of the bold flavor and versatility of American lamb, spotlighting the chefs who know how to cook it best. After months of showcasing creative lamb bites at top restaurants, the Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour brings all the heat (and the meat) together for one flavorful night.And yes, this year’s D.C. chef lineup is straight fire. Prepare your palate for lamb-forward creations from:Chef Rakesh Singh of RasikaChef Erik Bruner-Yang of MakettoChef Ryan Moore of SababaChef Simon Lam of Tiger ForkChef Amy Brandwein of CentrolinaChef Michael Costa of ZaytinyaChef Harrison Dickow of EllēChef Demetri Mechelis of Martha Dear Expect an evening full of juicy bites, craft sips, live music, and American Lamb swag. You’ll even get to vote for your favorite dish to help crown the D.C. Lamb Jam champ.A portion of the proceeds supports World Central Kitchen, the global nonprofit founded by Chef José Andrés, delivering fresh meals to communities in need. For tickets & info here. 

Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect, but it’s also the unofficial kickoff to summer fun — and D.C. is ready to help you celebrate in delicious fashion. Whether you're spending the weekend brunching like a champ, grilling with friends, or lounging poolside, the DMV’s best restaurants and markets are prepped and ready to make this your most memorable Memorial Day yet.Pro Tip: Don’t just stop at Monday! There are plenty of festive options all weekend long — so pace yourself, plan accordingly, and make it one for the books. See our calendar for the best ideas.

Spring is in the air—and DC is bursting with things to do. The days are longer .. yea! The weather’s warmer … double yea! The city is coming alive with fresh energy that includes outdoor festivals and art pop-ups to garden strolls and live action theatre, the team at TheListAreYouOnIt.com has rounded up the best ways to shake off winter and soak in the season. So swap that scarf for sunglasses—it’s time to make your spring plans bloom. Museum VisitsLittle Beasts at the National Gallery of Art: Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World explores the rich exchange between artists and naturalists at the dawn of European natural history. In major cities like Antwerp, artists such as Joris and Jacob Hoefnagel and Jan van Kessel created highly detailed drawings, prints, and paintings of insects, animals, and other beestjes, or “little beasts” in Dutch. Little Beasts features nearly 75 prints, drawings, and paintings alongside some 60 objects from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, marking the first time their collections of art and specimens have been displayed together. Reserve here. National Building Museum: The National Building Museum has extended its Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania exhibition through Sunday, October 5, 2025. This exhibition is a journey into the famed architect’s mind, articulating—for the first time—his broader creative vision. Presenting both realized and unrealized projects Wright designed for the Southwest Pennsylvania region from the 1930s through the 1950s, the exhibition examines how Wright’s vision of the future might have impacted urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Theater:Liquid: LIQUID by New York Circus Project is a 75-minute punk rock circus party where punk rock collides with jaw-dropping spectacle. Follow a reclusive salesman as he’s pulled into a wild punk world filled with acrobats, tap dancers, and aerialists from around the world, navigating chaos with a pulsating soundtrack from The Ramones to Avril Lavigne. From the moment you arrive, the show surrounds you: graffiti streaks, neon lights, and a full bar serving craft cocktails from the minds behind Jack Daniel’s and Diplomatico Rum. Get tickets here. Folger Theatre: Twelfth Night: Folger Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night is on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Library from May 13–June 22, 2025. Tickets start at $20. Folger Theatre presents a playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love. Buy tickets here. Grab Some Popcorn:Drive-In at Union Market: Union Market District’s Drive-In Movie Series is back for its 13th season. Roll down the windows, feel that summer breeze and turn up the volume for one of DC’s favorite warm-weather rituals. The series returns May 9 and continues with a movie night each month through October 3. Get tickets here. Listen to the Music: Jazz @ Met: Back for a third year, Jazz @ Met invites all to celebrate the warm weather and incredible music at the weekly free concert series in National Landing’s Metropolitan Park. Hosted by the National Landing BID, presented in partnership with the DC Jazz Festival and sponsored by Amazon. The 2025 lineup is as follows:May 22: Alison Crockett (Jazz Fusion)May 29: Veronneau (Brazilian Jazz)June 5: Son Cubano Subterráneo (Cuban Son)June 12: Carr-Keys (Straight-Ahead Soul Jazz)Chevy Chase Lake Summer Concert Series: Chevy Chase Lake has a new event series. Music highlights include performances by The Original Moonlighters, Hurricane Kevin & The Cat 5 (CBMA Song of the Year) and Honest Lee Soul, recently named Best Blues Band at the 2024 Maryland Music Awards. The events will also feature local retailers, food and beverage partners like Elena James and community nonprofit Nature Forward.City Ridge Concert Series: City Ridge is thrilled to announce the return of its Summer Concert Series, kicking off Friday, May 2, 2025. Every Friday evening through September, the central square at City Ridge will come alive with the sounds of live music, showcasing a vibrant lineup of local artists. From bluegrass and jazz to pop and global rhythms, line dancing to salsa dancing, the series promises something for every music lover. Get tickets here.  Where Else You'll Find UsSummer Nights Barbecue Series: Presented by a.kitchen+bar D.C. x OpenTable + Benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation: join James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur Ellen Yin + team for a sizzling five-part BBQ & grilling series featuring top DC chefs. One night only dinners will feature a range of flavors including Korean,modern regional Vietnamese, Italia, and bold Mexican. Each chef (headshots here) will prepare four signature dishes ($18-$38). Guests can expect live DJ sets, pay-as-you-go plates + cash bar, with proceeds to support Southern Smoke Foundation ($10 entry fee). Chef lineup below, all events Thursdays, 5–9PM. More info here. Stephane Koerwyn at Park Hyatt: The Park Hyatt  has the exhibit of internationally recognized French artist Stephane Koerwyn’s aluminum creations of “prêt ART porter” in both the public spaces and the private suites of this landmark luxury hotel in the West End of the nation’s capital. A total of 30 sculpture dresses are on display and available for purchase. Koerwyn will be at Park Hyatt Washington on Thursday, May 29, and available for interviews as he tours his installation at the hotel with a welcome reception. The talented culinary team at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Blue Duck Tavern, has created a new cocktail, European Spring, priced at $24, available in both the restaurant and bar during the exhibition, which will remain in place until October 30, 2025. The libation is a nod to these colorful dresses made of painted recycled aluminum that are a fusion of art and fashion. More info here. Virginia Horse Country Pop Up: The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ is the oldest horse show in the U.S. and will celebrate its 172nd year June 2-8. The show runs daily from 8 a.m. until sunset and admission and parking are free. While shopping and eating, attendees can also catch amazing equestrians on horses and ponies, competing in various disciplines in multiple rings all week. From tiny tots in leadline classes to the family class, a therapeutic equine celebration; hunter, sidesaddle and conformation competitions, to watching some of the nation’s top showjumping equestrians competing over challenging courses at amazing heights, there’s something for everyone. There is even an invitational car show on Sunday, for antique and muscle car enthusiasts.  More than 1200 pairs of horses and riders will compete throughout the week. More info here. Distillery & Gristmill Tours: These guided tours allow you to see the distillery where George Washington made his whiskey and the gristmill that produced thousands of pounds of flour and cornmeal a day. If you're not planning to visit Mount Vernon and only wish to tour the distillery and gristmill, purchase a $10 tour ticket. Info here.  

When the weather turns warm, we’re heading up, way up. The DMV’s rooftop scene is serving high vibes and even higher views. Whether you're sipping cocktails above the city lights or brunching under a wide-open sky, we've got your golden hour covered. This list is your passport to the rooftops worth climbing for — think panoramic showstoppers where the drinks are cold, the menus are hot, and the views are chef’s kiss.Looking to stay grounded? Click to see our 2025 guide to patio dining across the DMV. 801: 801 Florida Avenue NW; 801dc.com Amazonia: 920 Blagden Alley NW; causadc.com ART DC: 333 G Street NW; artrooftops.comBetsy: 514 8th Street SE (Back alley); thebetsyusa.com Buena Vida Gastrolounge: 2900 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington; buenavidagastrolounge.com Ciel Social Club: 601 K Street NW; cielsocialclub.com Colada Shop: multiple locations; coladashop.com CUT Above at The Rosewood: 1050 31st Street NW; rosewoodhotels.com Deck 11 at Yotel: 415 New Jersey Avenue NW; deck11rooftop.comThe Delegate: 901 L Street NW; thedelegatedc.comEl Techo: 606 Florida Avenue NW; eltechodc.comHell's Kitchen: 652 Wharf Street SW; gordonramsayrestaurants.comHi-Lawn: 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.comHive Bar in The Hive Hotel: 2224 F Street NW; hotelhive.comHotel Heron: 415 New Jersey Avenue NW; hotelheron.comHush Rooftop Bar: 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com The Imperial: 2001 18th Street NW; imperialdc.comIvy City Smokehouse: 1356 Okie Street NE; ivycitysmokehouse.comJack Rose Dining Saloon: 2007 18th Street NW; jackrosediningsaloon.com La' Shukran: 417 Morse Street NE; lashukran.comLady Bird Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Banneker: 1315 16th Street NW; thebanneker.comLimani: 670 Wharf Street SW; limani.com/washingtonLost Society: 2001 14th Street NW; lostsociety-dc.com  Lucha Rosa at The Moxy: 1011 K Street NW; atlasrestaurantgroup.com/properties/lucha-rosa Madam’s Organ: 2461 18th Street NW; madamsorgan.comMoonraker at the Pendry: 655 Water Street SW; pendry.comO-Ku DC: 1274 5th Street NE; o-kusushi.com  Officina: 1120 Maine Avenue SW; officinadc.comThe Perch at The Watermark: Dog friendly; 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons; capitalonecenter.com/the-perch Perry’s: 1811 Columbia Road NW; perrysam.com Pupatella: Varies; pupatella.com Roofers Union: 2446 18th Street NW; roofersuniondc.com  Roof Terrace Restaurant: 2700 F Street NW; resy.com/rtr-at-the-kennedy-center  The Rooftop DC: 476 K Street NW; therooftopdc.comThe Rooftop at The Graham: 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW; thegrahamgeorgetown.comRooftop at the Riggs: 900 F Street NW; riggsdc.comSalazar: 1819 14th Street NW; salazardc.com  Sauf Haus Bier Hall: 1216 18th Street NW; saufhausdc.com  Sly at The Morrow Hotel: 222 M Street NE; marcusdc.comSmoke & Mirrors: 867 New Jersey Avenue SE; smokeandmirrorsrooftop.comSUMMIT at The Conrad: 950 New York Avenue NW; conradwashingtondc.com  Syn: 1975 Opportunity Way, Reston, VA; synrooftopreston.com  Takoda: 715 Florida Avenue NW; takodadc.com   Tiki TNT: 1130 Maine Avenue SW; tikitnt.com Top of the Gate at The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Avenue NW; thewatergatehotel.com  Treehouse: 411 New York Avenue NE; treehouseunionmarket.com Vagabond: 1836 18th Street NW; vagabonddc.com The Ven at Embassy Row: 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW; thevenembassyrow.com VUE at Hotel Washington: 515 15th Street NW; thehotelwashington.comWhiskey Charlie: 975 7th Street SW; whiskeycharliewharf.comWild Days at The Eaton: 1201 K Street NW; wild-days-dc.com Wilson Hardware: 2915 Wilson Boulevard; wilsonhardwareva.comYara at Washington Marriott Capitol Hill: 175 L Street NE; @yara_caitol_hill12 Stories at the Intercontinental: 75 District Square SW; 12storiesdc.com

Once the temperature hits 70 in the DMV, it’s official: patio season has begun. Everyone’s racing outside to soak up the sun and sip something chilled. Whether you’re into cozy courtyards, bustling sidewalks, or leafy garden hideaways, this list is all about patio perfection. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor dining the DMV has to offer.Looking to take things to new heights? We've got a whole separate list for that!  Check out our Up On The Roof roundup for the ultimate rooftop experiences.600T: 600 T Street NW; 600tdc.com a.kitchen+bar: 1010 New Hampshire Avenue NW; akitchenandbardc.comAl Dente: Dog friendly; 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW; aldentedc.com  Alfreda: 2016 P Street NW; alfredadc.comAll Purpose: 79 Potomac Avenue SE; allpurposedc.com All Set: Dog friendly; 8630 Fenton Street, Silver Spring; allsetrestaurant.comAlta Strada: multiple locations; altastradarestaurant.com  Anju: 1805 18th Street NW; anjurestaurant.comApéro: 2622 P St NW; aperodc.comArt & Soul: Dog friendly; 415 New Jersey Avenue NW; artandsouldc.comAstro Beer Hall: Dog friendly; 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington; astrobeerhall.com Bar Betsie: 1328 4th Street NE; barbetsiedc.comBastille: 606 N. Fayette Street, Alexandria; bastillerestaurant.com Big Buns: Dog friendly; Locations vary in Northern Virginia; eatbigbuns.comBistro du Jour: 99 District Square SW; bistro-dujour.comBlue Duck Tavern: 1201 24th Street NW; blueducktavern.comBourbon Steak: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; bourbonsteakdc.comBrasserie Liberte: Dog friendly; 3251 Prospect Street NW; libertedc.com Café Riggs: 900 F Street NW; riggsdc.comCalico: 50 Blagden Alley NW; calicodc.comCentrolina: 974 10th Street NW; centrolinadc.com Chaplin's: 1501 9th Street NW; chaplinsdc.com Cheesetique: 2411 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; cheesetique.comThe Commentary: Dog friendly; 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington; thecommentaryarl.comCork: Dog friendly; 1805 14th Street NW; corkdc.com Corso: 4024 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA; corsoitalian.com Crooked Run Fermentation: 22455 Davis Dr #120, Sterling, VA; crookedrunfermentation.com The Dabney: 122 Blagden Alley NW; thedabney.comDacha: Dog friendly; Shaw & Navy Yard; dachadc.com Daru: 1451 Maryland Avnue NE; darudc.comDauphine's: 1100 15th Street NW; dauphinesdc.comDel Mar: 791 Wharf Street SW; delmardc.com dLeña: 476 K Street NW; dlenadc.com Easy Company: 98 Blair Street SW; easycowharf.comElectric Cool-Aid: Dog friendly; 512 Rhode Island Avenue NW; electriccool-aid.comFairmont Courtyard Bar: Dog friendly; 2401 M Street NW; fairmont.com/washington Fiola Mare: 3100 K Street NW; fiolamaredc.com The Fountain Inn: Dog friendly; 1659 Wisconsin Avenue NW; fountaininndc.com Garden District: 1801 14th Street NW; gardendistrictdc.com Grazie Nonna: 1100 15th Street NW; grazienonnaxoxo.comHell's Kitchen: 652 Wharf Street SW; gordonramsayrestaurants.com Hen Quarter Prime: 2121 First Street SW; henquarterprime.comHeurich House: 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW; heurichhouse.orgHook Hall: 3400 Georgia Avenue NW; hookhall.comImmigrant Food: multiple locations; mmigrantfood.comIron Gate: 1734 N Street NW; irongaterestaurantdc.com  Joon: 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna; eatjoon.comJoy by Seven Reasons: Dog friendly; 5471 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; sevenreasonsgroup.com King Street Oyster Bar: NoMa, City Ridge, Potomac; kingstreetoysterbar.comLapis: 1847 Columbia Road NW; lapisdc.com Le Diplomate: 1601 14th Street NW; lediplomatedc.comLulu’s Wine Garden: 1940 11th Street NW; luluswinegarden.comLupo Marino: 40 Pearl Street SW; lupomarinodc.comLupo Verde: 1401 T Street NW; lupoverdedc.com Maker's Union: Dog friendly'; Arlington, Reston, The Wharf; makersunionpub.comMaketto: 1351 H Street NE; maketto1351.comMasseria: 1340 4th Street NE; masseria-dc.commatchbox: Dog friendly; Locations vary; matchboxrestaurants.com Matt + Tony's: 1501 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA; mattandtonysva.comMaxwell Park: 1336 9th Street NW; maxwellparkdc.comMGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD; mgmnationalharbor.comMidlands: Dog friendly; 3333 Georgia Avenue NW; midlandsdc.com Milk & Honey: Bowie, College Park, Fairfax; milknhoneycafe.comMi Vida: 98 District Square SW; mividamexico.com  MXDC Cocina Mexicana: 1610 14th Street NW; mxdcrestaurant.comNina May: 1337 11th Street NW; ninamaydc.comOld Town Pour House: 212 Ellington Boulevard, Gaithersburg, MD; oldtownpourhouse.com  Ometeo: 1640 Capital One Drive, Tysons; ometeotexmex.comOpal: 5534 Connecticut Avenue NW; opal-dc.comOpaline Bar & Brasserie: Dog friendly; 806 15th Street NW; opalinedc.comOttoman Taverna: Dog friendly; 425 I Street NW; ottomantaverna.com Pascual: 732 Maryland Avenue NE; pascualdc.comPatty O's: 389 Main Street, Washington, VA; pattyoscafe.comPerry's: 1811 Columbia Road NW; perrysam.com Petite Cerise: 1027 7th Street NW; petitecerisedc.comPhilippe Chow: 653 Wharf Street SW; philippechow.comPiccolina da Centrolina: 963 Palmer Alley NW; piccolinadc.com The Point: 2100 2nd Street SW; thepointdc.com Pop Fizz Bar: 2108 Vermont Avenue NW; popfizzdc.comPrimrose: 3000 12th St NE; primrosedc.comProst: 919 5th Street NW; prostdc.comPupatella: 1801 18th St NW; pupatella.comQ Street at Hank’s Oyster Bar: 1624 Q Street NW; hanksoysterbar.com/dupont-circle  Queen's English: 3410 11th Street NW; queensenglishdc.comResidents DC: 1306 18th Street NW; residentsdc.comThe Royal: 501 Florida Avenue NW; theroyaldc.comThe Rub Chicken & Beer: 801 King Street, Alexandria, VA; cluckinhot.com The Salt Line: Arlington; Bethesda; Navy Yard DC; thesaltline.com  Seamore's: 2815 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA; seamores.comSfoglina: Downtown DC; Rosslyn, VA; Van Ness Street NW; sfoglinapasta.com   Shaw’s Tavern: 520 Florida Avenue NW; shawstavern.comShilling Canning Co.: 360 Water Street SE; shillingcanning.com Sonny's Pizza: 3120 Georgia Avenue NW; sonnyspizzadc.comSt Anselm: 1250 5th Street NE; stanselmdc.com Steak Frites DC: 1324 H Street NE; stabledc.comStellina: Mt Vernon Triangle; Tyson's; Union Market; stellinapizzeria.com Supra: 1205 11th Street NW; supradc.com Taco Bamba: Some dog friendly; Locations vary; tacobamba.comTaberna del Alabardero: 1776 I Street NW; alabardero.com THRōW Social D.C.: 1401 Okie Street NE: throwsocial.com Tony & Joe’s: 3000 K Street NW; tonyandjoes.comUnconventional Diner: Dog friendly; 1207 Ninth Street NW; unconventionaldiner.com Vagabond: 1836 18th Street NW; vagabonddc.com Villa Yara: 2815 M Street NW; villayaradc.com Zaytinya: 701 9th Street NW; zaytinya.comZeppelin: Dog friendly; 1544 9th Street NW; zeppelindc.com

MEET THE VISIONARIES BEHIND BRANDDICT: VALENTINA STORY & MARITZA RONDÓN — Creative Marketing Isn’t Just Strategy, Its Soul. In a hospitality world that often leans into trends and templates, Valentina Story and Maritza Rondón are carving a different path, one defined by intentional storytelling, emotional resonance, and bold, identity-driven branding. Together, they are the powerhouse behind Branddict, a creative agency dedicated to helping food and hospitality brands not only stand out, but stay unforgettable. Valentina, a designer turned chef turned creative strategist, combines her background in graphic design, culinary arts, and food criticism to build immersive, meaningful brand concepts. Maritza, with deep experience in media, communications, and digital marketing, brings the storytelling to life online—ensuring that every pixel, post, and platform speaks with purpose.What unites them? A belief that hospitality is about connection—not just visuals or vibes, but the feeling you leave behind. In their Behind The Counter feature, "The Art of Standing Out: How Creativity Drives Hospitality Success," Valentina and Maritza explore why creativity,when rooted in honesty and soul, is the most powerful tool in any restaurateur or hotelier’s toolbox. The Art of Standing Out: How Creativity Drives Hospitality SuccessValentina Story and Maritza Rondon, Co-Founders of Branddict If there’s one thing we've learned from working in hospitality, it’s this:People don’t remember marketing copy, they remember how you made them feel. In an industry where new restaurants open every week and every hotel offers its version of “experiential luxury,” traditional marketing alone won’t cut it. It’s not about shouting louder—it’s about showing up with heart, purpose, and imagination. Creativity is what brings your brand to life and keeps guests coming back for more. Let’s Talk About Standing OutHospitality is noisy. Between Instagram feeds, TikTok trends, and never-ending ads, your audience is bombarded from all angles. So how do you break through? Creativity.Take MITA in Washington, DC. This vegetable-forward, Latin American restaurant could’ve gone the typical route pretty plates, soft lighting, and a few buzzwords about “sustainability.” But instead, they built a story grounded in love, identity, and cultural memory. From Lou Bernard’s evocative cocktails to Chef Miguel and Chef Tatiana’s homage to their Latin roots, every element feels intentional. MITA doesn’t just serve food it invites you into a conversation. If you’re only posting food photos and weekly specials, you’re doing the bare minimum. Push further. Find the why behind your concept—and lead with it. Memorable Experiences Begin with MeaningThe most unforgettable moments in hospitality aren’t always the most extravagant, they’re the most intentional. Consider ALMA Cocina Latina in Baltimore, which reimagines Venezuelan cuisine through a modern, elevated lens. Led by a visionary woman and Chef Hector Romero, ALMA creates deeply immersive dining experiences like spirit-paired dinners that connect guests to the cultural roots behind each bottle and plate. Our advice: focus on the personal and purposeful. Maybe it’s a dish inspired by your heritage or a heartfelt moment of hospitality—these are what turn meals into memories. Digital Isn’t Just a Channel, It’s a CanvasYour digital presence is often the first impression your brand makes. Treat it with the same creativity and care you bring to the plate.Whether it’s:• Partnering with local artists to reinterpret your brand• Sharing pre-service rituals on Instagram Stories• Letting your team shine through personality-driven content...people connect with people. At Branddict, we created a video series called “The Soul of the Kitchen”unscripted, heartfelt chef stories. The result? Some of the highest engagement our client had ever seen. Not because it was slick, but because it was honest. Creative Marketing Works, We’ve Seen ItWe don’t just preach creativity, we practice it. One of our favorite projects? MITA. From day one, we shaped the brand hand-in-hand with the chefs. Every texture, tone, and touchpoint reflected their vision. The digital strategy? Designed to create emotional resonance. And it worked. MITA’s community didn’t just follow they engaged, remembered, and shared. With clarity, creativity, and consistency, you don’t just build a brand—you build a legacy. To Our Hospitality ColleaguesIf you take one thing away from this:Creativity is your superpower. Use it. Tell your story. Make people feel seen. Be bold, be honest, and don’t be afraid to break the mold. Because at the end of the day, this business isn’t just about plates or pillows it’s about people. And when you lead with creativity, you don’t just stand out.You stay in their hearts. Let’s keep pushing this industry forward—beautifully, boldly, and with soul.