12 Great Restaurant Patios For Weekday Lunch Around DC
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Destino
1280 Fourth St., NE
The great mezcal- and tequila-centric cocktails make this La Cosecha place from the team at the rear of Espita a enjoyable area to day drink (or not—they’ve also acquired some wonderful non-alcoholic cocktails). The modern day Mexican lunch menu is compact, with just a handful of appetizers and entrees, but features some standout vegetarian selections like a mushroom-stuffed quesadilla.
The Freshman
2011 Crystal Dr., Arlington
The all-day spot in Crystal Town (er, Countrywide Landing) offers an eclectic mix—veggie pakora fritters, shrimp toast, steak frites—plus breakfast for lunch. The roomy 50-seat lined patio is a pleasant perch for a espresso or cocktail far too.
Iron Gate
1734 N St., NW
The wisteria-canopied backyard garden of this Dupont Mediterranean desired destination is just one of the most enchanting areas to dine al fresco in DC. The newish lunchtime menu provides extravagant tuna melts, hearty Caesars, and focaccia pizzas. Test the version with fennel salami and charred pineapple (indeed, we’re Staff Pineapple on Pizza).
Laos in Town
250 K St., NE
Just take in the vivid, spicy flavors of Laos from this vast (however generally uncovered) NoMa patio. Among the highlights: quite a few papaya salads, lemongrass-infused pork sausages, and charcoal-grilled rooster with vinegary chili dipping sauce. A focused vegan menu is obtainable as well.
Lapis
1847 Columbia Rd., NW
The Adams Morgan Afghan cafe serves its total menu for lunch on its lowkey side patio. Sample aushak (leek dumplings topped with ground beef), plentiful vegetable dishes, grilled kabobs, and so significantly much more alongside refreshing drinks (like a booze-cost-free pomegranate, rose water, soda mix).
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St., NW
One of the far more bustling midday places around, the well-liked French brasserie is exceptional for the two men and women-watching and onion soup. The lunch go-tos: a heat shrimp salad with lemony beurre blanc or the famed burger Américain. Ask for a person of the “streetside chateaus” (ahem, streatery tables) when attainable.
Pennyroyal Station
3310 Rhode Island Ave., Mount Rainier
Chef Jesse Miller has a way of generating American comfort meals even a lot more comforting. For lunch on the sail-covered patio, test out snacks like fried inexperienced tomatoes and crabby deviled eggs, plus “sammies” stuffed with buttermilk-fried rooster and ramp ranch or cornmeal-crusted fish with remoulade.
Rakuya/Raku
1900 Q St., NW 3312 Wisconsin Ave., NW 7240 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
Craving sushi devoid of an expenditure account? These mid-priced spots with slightly varying menus—in Dupont Circle, Cathedral Heights, and Bethesda—hit the spot. Generous bento containers are a deal for lunch, but the chirashi bowls are a worthwhile (modest) splurge.
Ruthie’s All-Day
3411 Fifth St. S., Arlington
The roomy umbrella-dotted patio serves up elevated Southern staples with the help of a custom wood-burning hearth. Skillet cornbread and deviled eggs make for a fulfilling commence. The smoked brisket is also a standout—either on a sandwich or as component of a meat and two (or 3) platter.
Spanish Diner
7271 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
José Andrés’s most recent nearby spot—with a 48-seat patio—celebrates eggs and potatoes, alongside other Spanish comforts. At lunch, come across a $30 three-study course prix-fixe with choices like gazpacho and pressed ham-and-cheese sandwiches, additionally flan for dessert.
Tabla
3227 Georgia Ave., NW
The informal Georgian restaurant’s planter-lined patio is a astonishing refuge from the bustle of Georgia Avenue, Northwest. The recently launched weekday lunch menu, with QR code buying, provides staples these kinds of as khinkali (soup dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled breads), furthermore sandwiches and a lamb burger.
The Tavern at Ivy Town Smokehouse
1356 Okie St., NE
The seafood restaurant’s affiliation with neighboring supplier ProFish indicates you know you are having good quality catch. From the sunny deck, love crab cakes and fried shrimp po’ boys. The home-smoked fish—which you can sample with bagels—is significantly well known.
Food stuff Editor
Jessica Sidman covers the men and women and traits at the rear of D.C.’s food stuff and drink scene. Prior to joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food stuff Editor and Youthful & Hungry columnist at Washington Town Paper. She is a Colorado indigenous and College of Pennsylvania grad.