Summer is here, and whether you’re looking for an outdoor patio or a takeout picnic, the city’s reopened restaurants are full of al fresco possibilities. These are the patios, rooftops, and terraces that are taking reservations in Washington, D.C. — ready to add to your customizable Hit List. (if you don’t see your favorite restaurant open yet, you can always use My Hit List to stay notified about when it plans to reopen.)
Keep in mind that reservations are preferred, and sometimes required. And a few other helpful guidelines to etiquette: Be sure to wear a mask as often as possible, especially when interacting with servers; stay informed of specific restaurant protocols; and tip well!
Penn Quarter
Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj has reopened the patios of both locations of his crown jewel, Rasika, but if it’s takeout that’s on your mind, remember that Indian food also travels extremely well.
Open for outdoor dining, and takeout.
West End
Open for outdoor dining (specify the patio in your reservation) and takeout.
Ivy City
In Ivy City, Matt Baker has unveiled multiple al fresco dining spaces at his acclaimed Gravitas, including the Conservatory, the restaurant’s rooftop bar and garden.
Open for outdoor dining (specify your location when reserving) and takeout.
Capitol Riverfront
Summer doesn’t get much better than pizza by the Anacostia — especially when the pizza in question was nominated for a James Beard Award. Grab a seat at All Purpose’s patio, pronto.
Open for patio dining and takeout.
Dupont Circle
Jamie Leeds’ tried-and-true oyster bar has opened up the patio at both its Dupont Circle and the Wharf locations, for all your oyster slurping and lobster roll needs.
Open for outdoor dining and takeout.
Adams Morgan
In Adams Morgan, Cedric Maupillier’s neighborhood neo-bistro has pulled out its red parasols and chairs for sidewalk seating six days a week. Don’t forget to order a side of summer seafood brodo.
Open for outdoor dining and takeout.
14th Street NW
On 14th Street, chef Yuan Tang is offering a celebratory Phase 2 Feast — a customizable three-course menu comprised of Rooster & Owl favorites and newcomers. Be sure to specify patio seating in your reservation.
Northwest Washington
Nab a sun-drenched seat at the patio of this charming Columbia Heights spot, close your eyes as you twirl your fork into a plate of homemade pasta, and bam — you’re practically on the Sorrento coast.
Open for outdoor dining (specify the location when you reserve) and takeout.
Adams Morgan
The city’s ultimate whiskey saloon is back in action with a superb rooftop terrace where blue skies, brown liquor, and twinkly lights await. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on dinner, when the outdoor woodfire grill is firing away.
Foggy Bottom
Chef Vikram Sunderam has returned to Bindaas’ Foggy Bottom locale for patio seating, serving his vision of Mumbai’s street food.
Petworth
Petworth’s ultimate trattoria is back with sidewalk seating, made-from-scratch pizza, and a cabinet full of amari. Make sure to drop by on Thursdays for Little Coco’s $39 pasta and prosecco special.
Open for outdoor dining and takeout.
