The July Hit List: Joon, Oyster Oyster, Philippe Chow, and More

Renowned restaurant Philippe Chow recently opened its first-ever location outside of New York at the Wharf. This sleek dining room has a menu filled with modern and flavorful touches alongside the Potomac River, and adjacent to prime-time fireworks viewing on the Fourth. As he has in the Big Apple, chef Chow brings his love for Beijing-style dishes, including honey-glazed spareribs and scallion pancakes, and Peking-style duck.

Joon is a high-end Persian restaurant new to Tysons Corner with cuisine inspired by dishes from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf. The kitchen serves duck fesenjoon (duck legs, pomegranate, walnuts, crispy onions), qaliyeh mahi (barramundi, tamarind, garlic, and cilantro), and an amazing variety of kebabs. A variety of small plates offer the opportunity to taste through the menu, plus family-sized platters like whole-roasted branzino and lamb shoulder.

As we mentioned, Rob Rubba is fresh off a win as Outstanding Chef of the Year at the Beards, and his vegetable-centric restaurant Oyster Oyster may just be the toughest table in town to book right now. Reservations are going quick this summer for his $95 per person tasting menu. It also comes with the option to add zero-proof cocktail pairings for $45. And because we’re good like that, we have a few key tips for how to score a table. May the odds be ever in your favor.

When you don’t feel like cooking this summer, head to this Mount Pleasant pizzeria from Tail Up Goat veterans Demetri Mechelis and Tara Smith. This pie shop serves up Neapolitan-style pies and Greek specialties, like a whipped feta dip and moussaka, which pair perfectly with Mediterranean wines.

Make a pit stop in Silver Spring this summer for fried chicken, soft serve, and milkshakes. Chef Ed Reavis recently launched new menu items to an already extensive list of Southern-inspired comfort food. Enjoy a range of new sandwiches, including the Fryer’s Chicken Sandwich available in spice levels of classic, spicy, or smokin’ hot. To cool things off try the “milkshake of the month,” joining favorites like Red Velvet and Oreo Milkshake. July welcomes the peanut butter and jelly milkshake.

 Walk-ins welcome. More info here.

Feasting on Maryland crabs is a rite of summer in the mid-Atlantic, and Tickler’s Crab Shack & Restaurant, just 90 minutes east of D.C. on Tilghman Island, is one of the best ways to get cracking. Steamed crabs doused in Old Bay seasoning come served by the tray, or if you prefer to keep your hands clean, opt for the jumbo lump crabcake.

Nationals season is in full swing and one way to avoid paying a small fortune at the stadium is feasting before or after the game. Swizzler has all bases covered with ballpark fare, including premium hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. The latest menu addition is their spicy chicken sandwich, served on a brioche bun with hot sauce and sweet pickles. This chicken sandwich is full of mouthwatering flavor and better than anything found at stadium concessions.

Walk-ins welcome.

Baltimore’s The Charmery officially opened its first DMV location in Chevy Chase earlier this summer. It is a scoop shop from husband-and-wife team David and Laura Alima, who also run three shops in Towson, Columbia, and The Union Collective in Baltimore. This Charmery is best known as an East Coast destination for super premium and insanely delicious ice cream. The most beloved treats include the Ice Cream Sando and innovative flavors like saffron olive oil and cheese and crackers.

Walk-ins welcome.

Columbia Heights neighbors are finding a second home at this colorful bar from the Tin Shop restaurant group (Franklin Hall and TallBoy). Consider this the place for patio cocktails at happy hour this summer. It’s also a reliable place to score elevated bar food from Neapolitan-style pizza to lobster ravioli and porchetta sliders.

This month, Colada Shop is celebrating D.C.’s Piña Colada Festival, a tropical paradise like no other, happening from July 10 to July 18. The partying starts with $9 frozen cocktails on July 10 — mixing the perfect blend of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, and setting the stage for Dupont Circle’s Piña Colada Party on July 15. This party includes the energetic beats of a live DJ, plus free swag from Bacardi and irresistible treats like non-alcoholic piña colada pops and piña colada coffee cake.

Walk-ins welcome.