Fireworkson the Fourth:The largest firework display ever in Washington, D.C.’s history takes place on July Fourth. And outdoor seating is a must this Independence Day to take in the show on the Potomac River. Several restaurants will host rooftop or riverfront parties, includingL’Ardente, Fiola Mare, and Sequoia DC.This is a dazzling display worth celebrating with some good food and bubbly.
Caribbean Capital:Island life seems a bit closer to Washington, D.C. this summer. Look no further than Croix — coming to us from the U.S. Virgin Islands — and Itiyah— a Haitian concept — opening later this summer. While we eagerly await these additions, here are several Caribbean dining options to sample right now. Dive deep into Dōgon’s hoe crab – the most-ordered dish on the menu, with lump Maryland crabmeat gently simmered in garlic butter and creole spices. Or visit St. James for a culinary adventure through Trinidad. Or if it’s Tuesday, head over to Lydia on H for the Taco Tuesday special featuring jerk chicken tacos and beef suya nachos.
Essential World Cup Parties: D.C. may have missed its shot for the host city of the World Cup, but that doesn’t mean our global city is sitting this game out. In July, several bars and restaurants open their doors to fans for exclusive parties, including Bar Barbouzard’s World Cup finals brunch, Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy’sthird-floor lounge watch parties, and Nero’sArgentine game day specialslike $10 Fernet and coke and $13 beef empanadas.
Wine Country Tour: This summer, gather a group of friends and head to Virginia and Maryland’s wine regions to sample some Cab Franc or Petit Verdot. In Virginia, head to Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Early Mountain Winery and Tasting Room, or Delaplane Cellars for three of the mid-Atlantic region’s top producers. Or settle into the tasting room over at The Crossvines in Maryland — an experimental winery that allows several small wine producers to co-work in the same space. But if you can’t escape the city this summer, Crimson Lane comes to L’Ardente for a one-night-only wine dinner on July 14.
New to the Hit List (July 2026) Daru, Kathmandu, Lutèce, Oasis: The Listening Bar, Primrose, Sid Gold’s Request Room.
