Where to Eat in January: L’Avant-Garde, Pop, Kirby Club, and More

In the mood for a moody French brasserie? Head to historic Georgetown for a new and highly anticipated restaurant from Fady Saba (known for the eclectic cocktail bar L’Annexe next door). Chef Giles Epié leads the kitchen and is the youngest-ever Michelin-starred chef in his native France. His seared branzino with duck foie gras and topped with poultry jus is the must-order savory dish.

Brent Kroll (of Maxwell Park fame) is one of the country’s most acclaimed sommeliers and recently opened Pop, a 40-seat fizz bar in Shaw. The playful bar devotes itself to all things bubbles, with more than 40 carbonated cans, an extensive sparkling wine menu, and a craveable menu from Chef Bart Hutchins, including a rotating menu of personal pan Detroit-style pizzas.

Walk-ins welcome.

Consider this your D.C. sports-watching headquarters. This Chinatown bar boasts three central oversized stadium screens and seating for more than 300 guests. From Commanders and Wizards to Caps, this is the place to enjoy wings with plenty of D.C. craft beer on tap during the big game.

This Neapolitan pizza joint has quite a loyal following in Mount Pleasant, and now it offers sit-down service for pies like the spicy ‘nduja and peppers pie or the vegetarian-friendly squash, spinach, and halloumi pizza.

Rose Previte (Compass Rose and Mayan) recently introduced Kirby Club to Northern Virginia’s Mosaic District. This fast-casual concept pays homage to the Lebanese-American social clubs Previte grew up going to as a child in Ohio. The menu revolves around kebabs and channels Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean fare.

Walk-ins welcome.

If your January is dry, then head to this cocktail den known for its extensive list of zero-proof cocktails. The Gibson is a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind an unmarked door, with a menu of 1800s preparations for some serious booze-free cocktails.

Duke’s Grocery is an East London-inspired gastro featuring D.C.’s favorite burger, hearty portions, and international flavors centered around a huge copper-top bar. In January, the bar plays host to a special “tea time” on Sundays, where the bar encourages you to spill the tea with bottomless cocktails from 4 to 6 p.m.

Looking for a festive way to ring in 2023? Look to Bethesda for French-inspired small plates, including honey-roasted duck, toasted halibut, and beef tartare. This restaurant space also plays host to several private dining rooms that cater to parties of 10 or more.

Belt out your favorite tune at this new karaoke bar and restaurant with a hit list of K-Pop favorites. The restaurant and bar is open to walk-ins and features a menu of takoyaki (fried octopus), grilled meat skewers, and donburi bowls. Private karaoke rooms can be reserved for larger parties up to 15 people with a minimum two-hour booking at $98 per hour.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 202-478-7483 for group reservations.

James Beard-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby offer plant-based dining at Fancy Radish on H Street. It simply wows, especially with vegetarian dishes including a hearty winter fondue made with rutabaga and served with soft pretzel and house pickles for extra dipping.