Where to Eat in November: Bar Spero, Hill East Burger, Opal, and More

Michelin-starred chef Johnny Spero channels his experience in Spain’s Basque Country with his latest concept Bar Spero, the latest offering to come to the Capitol Crossing Development. Dishes cooked over an open flame include imported Spanish turbot and whole duck from the Hudson Valley.

This swanky Italian restaurant has become somewhat of a fixture for date nights with former president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Aside from being a politico see-and-be-seen, this restaurant recently debuted lunch and will host its very first Thanksgiving feast on November 24. The three-course dinner will include classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, Waldorf salad, and turkey roulade.

Federalist Pig is a smokehouse known for its brisket and pulled pork, and this November the barbecue joint is bringing back its wildly popular dino beef short ribs, as well as a new Tex-Mex BBQ box to-go. Chef Rob Sonderman puts a fine-dining spin on dishes like mole negro smoked duck and chicken pozole.

Walk-ins welcome. Find more info here.

This fall, the founders of Sloppy Mama’s and Republic Cantina are bringing smoked burgers inspired by the American Southwest, with a side of ranch water. Smashed burgers are stacked — single, double, or triple — to your liking. There is also a can’t-miss fried chicken sandwich, with a buttermilk-brined and fried chicken thigh topped with country gravy and pickled jalapeños.

Walk-ins welcome. Find more info here.

Chef Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, co-owners of Shaw’s Nina May, recently opened Opal, a Coastal American eatery offering wood-fired dishes in Chevy Chase. Diners can expect fresh-baked breads and other seasonal dishes that have been seasoned on the open flame. Early favorites include the charred swordfish and bone-in beef short rib with lemon verbena salsa verde.

This New York City stalwart with fresh and sustainable seafood recently made its DMV debut in Arlington. The menu features Chesapeake seafood from chef Laurence Cohen, and includes freshly shucked oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail, and crispy fried squid.

Look for the glow of Alice’s neon sign, which lights the way on 14th Street to Vietnamese pho perfection. Chef Ngo Mai Oanh opened this walk-in restaurant this fall and offers several varieties of pho plus egg rolls and other Asian street foods, including bao buns and lettuce beef wraps.

Walk-ins welcome. Find more info here.

Chef James Wozniuk has completely revamped his basement bar menu with an entirely new selection of East Asian bites alongside tiki-style cocktails and local craft beer. Think of this as your go-to sports bar, where the menu matches the action of football Saturdays or Sundays.

Walk-ins welcome. Find more info here.

This is one of the best bets in Washington, D.C. for craft beers on tap and steaming hot bowls of Belgian-style mussels. It is so popular that Granville’s kitchen pumps out over 1200 pounds of mussels every week. That’s in addition to a menu of pub sandwiches, tavern steaks, and Belgian fries.

Bar Ivy combines West Coast vibes with a mid-Atlantic menu including seasonal seafood and vegetables, plus vibrant cocktails and low-intervention wines. There is also a heated garden for alfresco dining or opt for one of the bungalow-style booths. The restaurant also features an early morning coffee and pastry to-go option.