Seasonal Patio Pleasures
Photo: Rose's Luxury
As we say goodbye to the lazy days if summer, there’s no reason to run indoors for an early hibernation. Outdoor patios have been set for your autumnal enjoyment:
Garden Terrace at Café Riggs
Constructed as six separate outdoor dining rooms, each sheltered hideaway features private seating, cooling fans for hot days, and lavish designs by DC-based florist Amaryllis. The Café Riggs menu, from Chef Patrick Curran (previously of David Chang’s Momofuku D.C.), features the Café Riggs Plateau with oysters, cucumber and caviar, scallop ceviche, shrimp, and crab salad. Café Riggs also offers a lovely rosé menu with a wide spectrum of pink, from patio pounders to exquisite stand-alone glasses, plus sparkling selections from all over the map. 900 F Street NW; riggsdc.com
Roof or Terrace at CUT by Wolfgang Puck
The Georgetown restaurant inside Rosewood Washington, D.C., helmed by Executive Chef Andrew Skala, offers a modern take on the classic steakhouse. Seating includes a terrace overlooking the C&O Canal and its towpath. In addition, CUT Above on Rosewood’s rooftop offers grand views of DC with an elevated bar bites menu and cocktails. 1050 31st Street NW; rosewoodhotels.com
Open-Air Slurping at Haikan
Another from chef Katsuya Fukushima, Haikan, inside the Atlantic Plumbing building in Shaw, offers its beloved ramen in a relaxed outdoor setting. Belly up to the long outdoor table and slurp from your bowl. Or grab a spot inside--the garage door-like windows open up on nice days and turn Haikan into an open air restaurant. 805 V Street NW; haikandc.com
Hawaiian Picnic at Hatoba
Hatoba expanded its menu to include Hawaiian favorites, classics, and updates, taking a cue from chef Katsuya Fukushima’s family connections to Hawaii to bring new dishes and island energy to the restaurant which already means “dock” in Japanese. They offer an expansive patio with picnic tables, hightops, and tables for two--most with large umbrellas offering shade. Cocktails inspired by the native fruits of the 50th state add to the Hawaiian ambience. The dinner menu features Saimin, a style of ramen created by immigrant plantation workers, peel-and-eat North Shore garlic shrimp, Kalua pig (roasted for 12 hours), Loco Moco, and poke. 300 Tingey Street SE; hatobadc.com
Officina’s Terrazza
Nicholas Stefanelli’s Officina at The Wharf offers a rooftop al fresco experience year-round. Inspired by the terraces of Rome and aperitivo culture, the Terrazza features a menu of seasonal cocktails and an expansive champagne list. Reserve a couch or seating around a firepit for a three-hour slot and sip and sample while overlooking the Potomac River. Balcony seating in two-hour time slots is also available on the second floor. Enjoy small bites like the frito misto, arancini, cheese and charcuterie boards. Couch and firepit seating is for four to six diners. Reservations require a $100 deposit that is applied to the final bill. For balcony seating, reservations require a $15 deposit per person. A 23% service charge will be added to the bill. 1120 Maine Avenue SW; exploretock.com/officinadc
Rose’s Private Roof Garden
Michelin Starred Rose’s Luxury is an eclectic and modern American restaurant, open Tuesday through Saturday. Their Roof Garden is also now available for private party bookings. Experience an upgraded prix fixe menu in the private rooftop garden. Available for reservations of 6 to 11 people. 717 8th Street SE; exploretock.com/rosesluxurydc
