The June Hit List: The Runaway, Destino, 2Fifty BBQ, and More

This woman-owned, rock ‘n’ roll restaurant has a dreamy back patio, should friends be looking for a spot to gather for bottomless brunch or burger night (with veggie-friendly options too). The Runaway’s owner, Christine Lilye, routinely hosts local bands and pays homage to musician Joan Jett. Her namesake burger is actually spinach and artichoke with crunchy fried shallots, and topped with edible gold flakes.

A trip to Compass Rose quite literally feels like a culinary journey around the world (minus the jet lag) thanks to a menu inspired by owner Rose Previte. Most of the dishes, like khachapuri from Georgia and acorn squash and labneh from Lebanon, are inspired by personal trips she’s taken in her past. The latest addition to the restaurant is a private dining experience Previte calls the Sunflower Coach. It’s a Ukrainian-themed dinner for up to six friends with a portion of the proceeds supporting World Central Kitchen.

This summer, set a course for destination Destino — Robert Aikens’ and Ben Tenneran’s elegant restaurant, perfect for date night. Find it inside La Cosecha, a food hall featuring Latin American cuisine and culture. The top dish to try is the mole verde made with handmade noodles and succulent pork belly. It pairs perfectly with one of the citrus-forward margaritas or mezcal cocktails.

Hollinger’s is the latest addition in Silver Spring and offers up a chophouse by way of the water with a variety of surf-and-turf specials. That includes a raw bar, fresh seafood sourced from the Chesapeake, premium-quality steaks, and hyper-seasonal local produce, using only the finest ingredients of summer.

There is no better way to celebrate summer than with a feast filled with premium brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. And 2Fifty BBQ’s owner Debbie Gonzalez is a Salvadoran restaurateur, who along with her husband, smokes some of the finest Hill Country-style barbecue with a twist. That includes their take on signature Salvadoran dishes like brisket pupusas. The restaurant is open on a first come, first served basis with two locations — inside Union Market and at the flagship shop in Maryland’s Riverdale Park. 

Walk-ins welcome.

For years, chef Jamie Leeds has been a stalwart for serving up fresh and local seafood in the comfortable setting of Hank’s Oyster Bar, now with three locations in Alexandria, the Wharf, and Dupont Circle. Recently, her Alexandria location moved into a bigger and brighter space with a rooftop scheduled to open in June. What hasn’t changed is the reliable oyster happy hour deal for just $1.50 each.

Picking crabs is a rite of summer passage in Washington, D.C. And at Quarterdeck, the steamed Chesapeake Bay crabs come piled high and doused in Old Bay seasoning. Get to work on a tray of a dozen jumbos, or try the oysters on the half-shell and crab balls. Both are tasty appetizers for those who want a true taste of Mid-Atlantic seafood.

A block off Logan Circle’s 14th Street NW, sits this new hotel bar filled with a whimsical vibe, plus an all-season outdoor patio and bar serving small plates plus local beer and wine. Find favorites on tap like Alexandria’s Port City Brewing Company and Aslin Beer Co. Or enjoy the wine selections, including those from Virginia’s esteemed RdV Vineyards.

Don’t have a friend with a boat? No problem. Here’s the perfect perch overlooking the Anacostia River to make it feel as if you’ve set sail. It’s also a red sauce joint with a one-of-a-kind Aperol Spritz, plus nine different deck-oven-style pizzas. The Navy Yard location is also situated between Nationals Park and D.C. United’s Audi Field, making it an excellent pre- or post-game meet-up.

The next stop on the red line is this outdoor bar, which has become a destination for those who want to sample D.C. food trucks, drink craft beer, or geek out about mass transit. Find trucks like Seafood Boss, Petit Afrik, and Trini Vybez parked out front, plus a massive bar with an old Metro train car stationed here. No need to drive: The location sits adjacent to the Rhode Island Ave.-Brentwood Metro Station and the Metropolitan Branch biking trail. 

Walk-ins welcome.