Outdoor dining in D.C. is the perfect combination of sunshine and scrumptious. Myriad diverse cultural stops are popping up alongside classic coffee joints and steakhouses, meaning every meal in our nation’s capital can be a new adventure.
The arrival of the novel coronavirus has made eating out a bit more precarious than normal, however. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the pace and look of our day-to-day lives, and how we work, socialize, and even open doors has transformed to limit its spread. As we all work to keep each other safe, there’s still one luxury you don’t have to give up: delicious food.
Outdoor seating is a great choice if you want to skip out on the germs without missing the flavors. If you’re still comfortable dining out and supporting local businesses, we’ve got some recommendations. Here’s everything you need to know about how restaurants are keeping customers safe, as well as our top picks for outdoor dining in D.C.
Essential Outdoor Dining Experiences in Washington, D.C.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led many D.C. restaurants to prioritize outdoor seating and take-out options for safer dining experiences.
- Dining outdoors in D.C. allows for increased social distancing and fresh air, making it a safer option during the pandemic.
- Many D.C. restaurants have implemented additional safety measures, including mask-wearing, frequent cleaning, and reduced table-top items to ensure a safe environment for customers.
- Woodley Park offers outdoor dining at places like Open City, where you can enjoy all-day brunch and coffee in a scenic neighborhood setting.
- Lebanese Taverna in Woodley Park features covered outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine in nearly any weather while maintaining appropriate social distancing.
- In Cleveland Park, Medium Rare is known for its outdoor steakhouse experience, with additional safety measures such as contactless payments, hand sanitizer stations, and staff in masks and gloves.
- Tino’s Pizzeria in Cleveland Park offers a great option for outdoor dining with its Neapolitan-style pizza, perfect for enjoying with family or friends.
- Laredo in Cleveland Park supports local and organic farms, offering a colorful outdoor patio to enjoy delicious meals while supporting local businesses.
- Cleveland Park Bar & Grill provides an outdoor rooftop dining experience, ideal for enjoying food and drinks while watching sports, with safety protocols in place.
- Lauriol Plaza in Dupont Circle offers outdoor dining on multiple patios, allowing you to indulge in Tex-Mex flavors while following safety guidelines.
- RedRocks Firebrick Pizzeria in Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights offers a relaxed outdoor setting with Neapolitan-style pizza and a full beer and cocktail menu.
COVID-19 and the D.C. Restaurant Scene
Like the rest of the world, restaurants have seen big changes as a result of COVID-19. Small and local businesses have been faced with one pressing question: How can we keep doors open while shutting illness out?
The solution, for many, has been prioritizing outdoor seating and take-out options. The great outdoors allows for increased distancing and fresh air. Plus, the view from a D.C. patio, balcony, or rooftop isn’t half bad.
It is wise and courteous to wear your mask when interacting with restaurant staff, but you won’t be the only one doing your part! You can anticipate additional cleanliness precautions when dining out. Look for:
- The use of masks and gloves by staff
- Frequent wiping down of tables and chairs
- Limited table-top items (like salt/pepper shakers or ketchup)
- Infrequent use of physical menus
The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration has even taken on a new role in aiding with guideline enforcement. If we all do our part, enjoying your favorite D.C. restaurants can be delicious and safe.
Best Outdoor Dining in D.C.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or have always called D.C. home, there is an ever-growing list of new options for outdoor dining. Adjustments for the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t changed that, just sparked creativity and re-imaginings of classic dining experiences. That means it’s time to mask up so you don’t miss out!
Woodley Park Neighborhood Outdoor Dining Options
Open City – 2331 Calvert St NW
Located just south of The Parkwest, Open City is in the Woodley Park area of D.C. and provides outdoor seating in a scenic neighborhood. From an all-day brunch to specialty coffee drinks, this restaurant is the perfect place for some comfort food. It is also providing all the measures needed to ensure their guests are safe.
Lebanese Taverna – 2641 Connecticut Ave NW
With more than 1,000 Google reviews, Lebanese Taverna is a local favorite for those who are in the mood for middle eastern cuisine. Its covered outdoor seating means you can comfortably enjoy your meal in nearly any weather, and you won’t have to worry about social distancing because the tables are already appropriately spaced.
Cleveland Park Neighborhood Outdoor Dining Options
Medium Rare – 3500 Connecticut Ave NW
Rated one of the best steakhouses in the Cleveland Park area, Medium Rare is a great place to enjoy a steak while sitting outdoors with no worries about social distancing. Its fries are a favorite to accompany many menu options, and its brunch options of steak and eggs, french toast, sausage, and bottomless drinks are also popular. Medium Rare has taken many safety precautions to help keep customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, too, including adopting contactless payments, having all staff wear gloves and masks, providing hand sanitizer, and limiting capacity as needed.
Tino’s Pizzeria – 3420 Connecticut Ave NW
Located just north of our The Parkway apartment community, Tino’s Pizzeria has been a local takeout pizza staple for years. It features outdoor tables in front of the restaurant that are perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends, and its most popular offering — its Neapolitan-style pizza — pairs well with one of the local D.C. beers or sweet Mexican sodas on its menu. The restaurant’s fresh and fast casual approach to service for take out or at its outdoor seating means you can’t go wrong with pizza from Tino’s.
Laredo – 3500 Connecticut Ave NW
Laredo is located in the Cleveland Park area of D.C. directly between our The Parkway and The Rodman properties. It offers outdoor sitting on its colorful and comfortable patio, and its mission, vision and values are focused on choosing to support local and organic farms. This makes dining at Laredo a great option to both sit outside while social distancing and also support our local businesses in D.C.
Cleveland Park Bar & Grill – 3421 Connecticut Ave NW
It’s football season and there’s no better way to spend a Sunday than on a sports bar rooftop enjoying some food and beer! Cleveland Park Bar & Grill’s staff is all following safety protocols and seating guests on a first come, first served basis. You are required to wear a mask while moving about the restaurant, but are allowed to take them off when seated with your party at your table.
Dupont Circle NW Neighborhood Outdoor Dining Options
Lauriol Plaza — 18th Street
Lauriol Plaza wasted no time in preparing for the pandemic. The restaurant’s dedication to maintaining a classy dining experience — complete with multiple patios and a transformed parking lot — means no one will have to miss out on its Tex-Mex flavors. There are plenty of diverse options to choose from, from tacos to quesadillas to fajitas to fish, but one thing stays the same: Every customer can rest assured that staff is working hard to keep them safe.
Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights Neighborhood Outdoor Dining Options
RedRocks Firebrick Pizzeria – 1036 Park Rd NW
Located in close proximity from The Vintage apartment building is RedRocks Firebrick Pizzeria and its outdoor seating. The restaurant offers Neapolitan-style pizza and a full beer and cocktail menu with a relaxed atmosphere, and is a great place to get a classic pizza and a great drink with friends.
DC Apartments
Are you moving to the D.C. area or looking for a new neighborhood to call home? We are ready to accommodate you! With an unbeatable location, luxurious amenities, and pet-friendly options, there’s never been better motivation to make the move. We have locations spread throughout D.C. and Maryland, and every apartment comes with classic style and modern convenience. Looking for your perfect match? Contact us today to speak with an expert. We can’t wait to welcome you home.
Essential Outdoor Dining FAQ Experiences in Washington, D.C.
Why has outdoor dining become a popular choice in D.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Outdoor dining has become a popular option in D.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic as it allows for increased social distancing and fresh air, reducing the risk of transmission while still allowing people to enjoy their meals at restaurants.
What safety measures are D.C. restaurants taking for outdoor dining during the pandemic?
Many D.C. restaurants have implemented safety measures such as staff wearing masks and gloves, frequent cleaning of tables and chairs, limiting table-top items, and reducing the use of physical menus to help ensure a safe dining experience for customers.
What can I expect from dining outdoors at Open City in Woodley Park?
Open City in Woodley Park offers outdoor seating in a scenic neighborhood, perfect for enjoying all-day brunch or specialty coffee drinks. The restaurant has also implemented safety measures to ensure guest safety during dining.
Why is Lebanese Taverna in Woodley Park a great outdoor dining option?
Lebanese Taverna in Woodley Park provides covered outdoor seating, making it a great choice for dining comfortably in nearly any weather. Additionally, the restaurant ensures social distancing with appropriately spaced tables and follows strict safety guidelines.
What makes Medium Rare in Cleveland Park a good outdoor dining option?
Medium Rare in Cleveland Park is a popular steakhouse with outdoor seating and a variety of brunch options. The restaurant has implemented safety measures such as contactless payments, masks for staff, and limited capacity to ensure a safe dining experience.
What is special about outdoor dining at Tino’s Pizzeria in Cleveland Park?
Tino’s Pizzeria in Cleveland Park offers outdoor tables perfect for enjoying Neapolitan-style pizza. With its fast-casual service and outdoor seating, it provides a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends, along with local D.C. beers and Mexican sodas.
Why should I choose Laredo in Cleveland Park for outdoor dining?
Laredo in Cleveland Park offers a colorful outdoor patio and focuses on supporting local and organic farms. It’s a great option for dining outdoors while enjoying a meal that supports local businesses and sustainability efforts.
What makes Cleveland Park Bar & Grill a unique outdoor dining spot?
Cleveland Park Bar & Grill provides a rooftop outdoor dining experience, perfect for enjoying food and drinks while watching sports. The restaurant has implemented safety protocols, including mask requirements while moving around and seating guests with social distancing in mind.
What outdoor dining experience can I expect at Lauriol Plaza in Dupont Circle?
Lauriol Plaza in Dupont Circle features multiple outdoor patios where you can enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine in a vibrant setting. The restaurant has transformed its outdoor space to ensure safety and comfort while dining outdoors during the pandemic.
Why is RedRocks Firebrick Pizzeria in Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights a great outdoor dining choice?
RedRocks Firebrick Pizzeria offers a relaxed outdoor dining experience with Neapolitan-style pizza and a variety of drinks. It’s a great spot for enjoying a classic pizza in a laid-back atmosphere, with outdoor seating perfect for friends and family.
