The James Beard Foundation has opened the entry and recommendation window for the 2026 James Beard Awards now through Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  These are the culinary world’s benchmark honors, spotlighting excellence across restaurants, bars, media, and the broader food system plus a commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. Recognition at any stage (semifinalist, nominee, or winner) meaningfully moves the needle as many recent semifinalists reported increased covers after their nods. Who Should Throw Their Hat InRestaurants & Chefs (yes, self-recommendations are welcome)Beverage Pros & Bars (including the newer categories added in 2025)Media: Books, Broadcast, JournalismChangemakers: Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Impact Awards (introduced in 2025) What’s New(ish) & NotableImpact Awards recognize visionaries driving transformative change in the food system.Expanded beverage recognition: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Key DatesOpen Call Window: Opens Wed, Oct 1, 2025 (9:00 a.m. ET) • Closes Fri, Nov 21, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)Physical Book Deadline (Media/Books): Fri, Dec 5, 2025Ceremonies (Chicago):Media Awards — Sat, June 13, 2026Impact Awards — Sun, June 14, 2026Restaurant & Chef Awards — Mon, June 15, 2026 How to Enter or RecommendRestaurant & Chef Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).Impact Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).Media Awards (Books, Broadcast, Journalism): Submit an entry ($85 per entry; fee waivers available upon request). Pro-Tip: You can self-recommend! The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremonies will be hosted in Chicago June 13-15, 2026 —> Mark Your Calendars Now.

As the shutdown strains household budgets and neighborhood businesses alike, we’ve rounded up deals designed to help. In true DC fashion, restaurants, cafés, and bars across the DMV are stepping up with deals for furloughed workers (and in many cases, for everyone). Note some places you do nee a Federal ID : Shutdown Specials:AlfredaBOGO pizza (buy one, get a plain pie free) + $8 spritzes, Mon–Fri 3–6 PM½-off wine bottles on WednesdaysAmazoniaSour Hour (Mon–Fri open–7 PM; all day Sun): ½-price anticuchos; select bites $10; ceviche $19; $9 pisco sours/punches; select wines & NA wineAnjuHappy Hour (Mon–Fri, 5–6 PM, 1st floor): Mandu or pork & kimchi dumplings (3) $6; Honey BBQ chicken sandwich $10; Kirin draft $5; Shandy $7; red/white wine $7/glsBarrel“Unhappy Hour” from open to close: $10 milk punch, Old Fashioned, or Manhattan; $6 IPA and lager drafts.Carmine’sAll-day happy hour throughout the shutdown for everyone: $5 meatball sliders; $8 “Here We Go Again” (frozen big berry Cosmo) and “The Essential Worker” (frozen peach bellini). Bar area only.Compass CoffeeShow government ID: free pastry with any drink.Cork Wine Bar & MarketDownstairs bar happy hour 3 PM–close with federal ID: $8 select wine by the glass, $5 Frico can, $5 avocado toast, $6 fries.Daru & TaporiAll-night happy hour Sun–Thu at both spots (menus available online). Great for stretching dollars with standout Indian-inspired plates and cocktails.Doro$12 fried chicken lunch specials daily from 11 AM:– Fried chicken (1-piece) + any side– Chicken tenders + any side– Fried chicken sandwich with berbereDuke’s GroceryShow federal ID: complimentary shot of bourbon or glass of house wine with any burger or entrée; $5 select beers for federal employees.Gogi YogiShow federal ID: complimentary beer with any all-you-can-eat option.Hard Rock Cafe (Penn Quarter)With federal badge, for duration of shutdown (bar area for HH): All-day happy hour + $12 entrée special (Classic Burger or Flatbread with fries/salad + fountain soda).Hyde SocialHalf-off all drinks daily 4–7 PM until the shutdown ends.Immigrant Food$5 Classic Margarita with government ID at Planet Word & Ballston (normally $12). White House location: $5 canned cocktails. Valid until the shutdown ends.KNEAD Hospitality + DesignFree punch with valid government ID at each brand, including:– Gatsby: Greta’s Punch (mango-infused vodka, rhubarb, strawberry, ginger, mint, bubbles)– The Grill: Grill Punch (pineapple-infused vodka, gin, grilled mango, ginger, mint, bubbles)– Mi Vida: Ponche De Lola (mango-infused vodka, Sauza Reposado, ginger, guava, mint, strawberry, bubbles)– Bistro Du Jour: Colette’s Punch (mango-infused vodka, rhubarb liqueur, cassis, ginger, lemon, bubbles)– Succotash: Belle’s Punch (mango-infused vodka, bourbon, ginger, peach, mint, bubbles)King Street Oyster Bar (multiple)Daily HH 3–6:30 PM: $1 KSOB oysters (3 per order); $5–$7 cocktails/beer/wine; $6 tuna tacos/shrimp bites; $7 bruschetta/mussels/burger/wings/shrimp po’ boyMadhatterMon: Trivia 7:30 PM + $7 build-your-own burgersTue: Taco Tuesday—$3 tacos, $4 Coronas, $5 house margsWed: Whole Maine lobster $18Thu: $1 Coors Light mugs (8 PM–close)Fri: $5 martinis (4–8 PM)MallardBurger Wednesdays: Steamburger + any draft beer $20 (weekly rotating special burger), from 5 PMMcClellan’s RetreatShutdown special: $15 grilled cheese + Old Fashioned (Mon–Sat). All-day happy hour on Weds & Sun during shutdown: Old Fashioned or rotating punch $8; Paloma or Aperol Spritz $9; Martini $10.Osteria Morini$15 pastas for federal workers with government ID.ParaísoAll-day happy hour for government employees: $9 Classic & Passion Fruit Margaritas; $4 Tecate; $8 wine; $12 tapas (Queso Fundido, Mejillones en Curry, Taquitos de Short Rib).Rasa$10 bowls (chicken or veggie) for federal workers with badge.Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten (Dupont)With federal ID: extended happy hour till 10 PM; $6 green tea shooters; $7 pretzel bites all day.Shaw’s TavernWith federal ID (Mon–Fri): $5 beers (Miller Lite or Tavern Lager), $6 house red/white, $7 Deep Eddy martini; $10 cheeseburger or pizza (red or white).Taco BambaOne free taco with purchase of any taco for federal employees (valid ID; in-store orders; one free taco per guest).Thompson Restaurants (Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Big Buns, and more)20% off for government employees with valid ID until the government reopens. Full list of participating brands/locations at thompsonrestaurants.com.Union Pub$3 select beer or $7 hot dog + select beer combo.Vera Cocina & بارComplimentary dessert with dinner offered to furloughed government workers.Yume Hospitality20% off for government employees (show ID) at YUME Sushi, KYOJIN, and RIMTANG. Not valid on happy hour. Runs until the government reopens.You now the drill —> Offers can change; confirm before you go.

The region’s starriest celebration of food × LGBTQ+ equality returns Monday, October 27, 2025—and this year it’s reimagined. Instead of one giant gala, Chefs for Equality (CFE) is going intimate with five exclusive collaborative dinners (60–80 guests each) hosted by top chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs from across the DMV. Expect bold flavors, powerful storytelling, and spaces designed to spark conversation. Each evening kicks off with a 5:30 PM cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course paired dinner and special guest appearances.The Lineup:CUT by Wolfgang Puck — Host Chef Wolfgang Puck with Andrew Ho & Ligia Barros (CUT), Amy Brandwein (Centrolina), Harley Peet (Bas Rouge), Bryan Voltaggio (Wye Oak Tavern)Moon Rabbit — Host Chefs Kevin Tien & Susan Bae with Rob Rubba (Oyster Oyster), Ryan Ratino (Bresca, Jônt), Ellin Yin (a.kitchen+bar), Satang Ruangsangwatana & Prapavadee Limvatana (Six Ways to Sunday), Seng Luangrath (Baan Mae), Paolo Dungca (Kaya)The Duck & The Peach — Host Chefs Katarina Petonito & Rochelle Cooper with Johanna Hellrigl (Ama), Matt Adler (Caruso’s Grocery), Carlos Delgado (Causa), Jova Urriolla (Colada Shop), Mike Friedman & Robert Cain (Red Hen), Simon Lam (Tiger Fork), Ria Montes (Fish Shop Bar & Restaurant), Kareem Queeman(Mr. Bake)Acqua Bistecca — Host Chef Colin Clark with Tatiana Mora & Miguel Guerra (MITA), Ruben Garcia (Casa Teresa), Tony Chittum (Iron Gate, Vermillion), Matt Conroy & Isabel Coss (Pascual), Scott Drewno (Fried Rice Collective)Perry’s — Host Chef Masako Morishita with Audrey Angeles (Forst & Flourish) and David Guas (Neutral Ground)Tickets are on sale now at chefsforequality.org for all five dinner experiences. An online auction runs October 20–27 with one-of-a-kind culinary packages and experiences. From October 27–November 2, participating restaurants and bars across the DMV will feature specials and donate a portion of sales to the HRC Foundation. For the full list of auction items and participating venues, visit chefsforequality.org.Now in its 13th year, CFE is one of the country’s most powerful intersections of food and activism, bringing together culinary luminaries, drag performers, and advocates to raise funds and awareness for LGBTQ+ rights. HRC plans a return to the traditional gala format in Fall 2026. For more information, please visit chefsforequality.org

DMV, let’s get back to the table. Starting October 1, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) launches Together We Dine, a month-long initiative to rediscover favorite spots, explore new ones, and rally around the restaurants that feed our communities.— What it is: A region-wide dining campaign designed to reconnect neighbors over great meals and support restaurants navigating a tough stretch.— Who’s behind it: RAMW, with support from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development (DMPED), Events DC, and Coca-Cola Consolidated.— Why now: RAMW’s latest survey shows a rough August: 71% of DC restaurants reported sales declines and 74%saw fewer diners than last year.Restaurants are more than businesses; they’re where communities connect and cultures blend. October focuses on celebrating that connection and filling seats. In September, RAMW distributed $100,000 in microgrants (via DMPED) to help restaurants cover operating expenses and invest in workforce development—seeding momentum for October’s push.How to Take Part— Make a plan with friends, family, and neighbors, then book that table.— Revisit a beloved standby or try someplace new across DC, NoVA, and Maryland.— Share the love: post, tag the restaurant, and spread the word.For details TogetherWeDine.org 

Venezuelan-born Irena Stein has spent her career braiding culture and hospitality into living, breathing spaces. She piloted zero-waste cafés at Johns Hopkins, opened Alma Cocina Latina in 2015 to champion contemporary Venezuelan cuisine (earning national acclaim and a 2024 James Beard nomination), co-created Alkimiah to serve 150,000+ free meals during the pandemic with partners like Mera Kitchen Collective and World Central Kitchen, and published AREPA: Classic and Contemporary Recipes of Venezuela’s Daily Bread, the first global cookbook devoted to the arepa, featuring her own photography. Next up: Candela, a new arepa bar debuting in 2025, adding even more Venezuelan soul to Baltimore’s Station North.If you have not yet experienced Alma, the experience is transportive: ceramic tile underfoot, greenery everywhere, and a tapestry by Juan Félix Sánchez that nods to the Andes. Plates arrive like small works of art. Chef Héctor Romero maps the Amazon, Andes, Caribbean, and llanos on every dish. For Irena, it’s all one story: food as memory, belonging, and responsibility and … she shared her story with us here at TheListAreYouOnIT.comThe List: For readers new to your work, what’s the thread that ties photography, anthropology, and restaurants together?Irena Stein: Storytelling. Anthropology taught me to listen; photography taught me to see. Restaurants let me bring those senses together so people can taste a culture, feel welcome, and leave more connected than when they walked in.The List: Alma is as much a feeling as it is a restaurant. How did you design that?Irena: We wanted the room to breathe—plants, natural textures, art that speaks to Venezuela. When people sit, shoulders drop. That sense of belonging is intentional; hospitality starts before the first bite.The List: Describe the food lens at Alma.Irena: Chef Héctor Romero carries a deep knowledge of Venezuelan gastronomy. Each plate is a map, Amazon to Andes, Caribbean to plains—told through ingredients and memory. Even our peppers carry history: seeds from home, now grown by Maryland farmers.The List: You’ve called food “a bridge.” When have you felt that most?Irena: During the pandemic. Through Alkimiah, with Mera Kitchen Collective and World Central Kitchen, we cooked more than 150,000 meals for Baltimore communities. It reminded me that kitchens can be engines of dignity and care.The List: Sustainability has been part of your work since the Johns Hopkins cafés. What does it look like at Alma today?Irena: It’s daily practice, composting, thoughtful sourcing, minimizing waste, and investing in our team. Sustainability is culture, not a marketing line.The List: You’re also a mentor and community builder. How does that show up?Irena: Alma has been a starting point for many, talent from Venezuela and beyond. Some stay, some take what they’ve learned out into the world. That circulation of knowledge is the legacy I care about.The List: Your book AREPA is the first global cookbook centered on the arepa. Why that project, and why now?Irena: The arepa is everyday bread, versatile, ancient, beloved. I wanted to honor its history while inviting people to create with it today. Photographing it myself kept the storytelling intimate.The List: Candela launches in 2025. Give us a taste.Irena: Candela is an arepa bar next door to Alma, playful, bold, and very Venezuelan. It will spotlight heritage corn, bright fillings, and the convivial energy of a bar where you eat with your hands and talk with everyone.The List: What’s one dish that captures Alma right now?Irena: A plate that marries local produce with Venezuelan technique. familiar and surprising at once. You see it, smell it, then taste a memory you didn’t know you had.The List: Advice for young chefs and creators who want to blend purpose with craft?Irena: Know your “why,” protect your team, and practice patience. Beauty and impact take time—and they’re built choice by choice.The List: Last question: when you look back at the “yearbooks” you’ve made of Alma, what do you see?Irena: Faces. Moments. A decade of shared table. It’s proof that restaurants can be archives of community as much as places to eat.Follow Alma Cocina Latina for updates, and watch for Candela’s debut in 2025. If you know, you know, behind the counter is where the best stories start.

Hello, fall. The DMV is sliding into cozy season. You know, tailgates, steins, sweater-weather patios, and menus swapping sweet corn for squash and figs. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites and sips of the season. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (list here). Get game-day ready with our NFL roundup (here). Raise a mug with our Oktoberfest guide (here).It’s still al fresco in our book, see Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).So much more below: MARK YOUR CALENDAR: DCCK Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight, presented by Tyson Foods, is set for Thursday, November 6th at The Anthem. The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food. More info here. Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts: Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts, presented with Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), is a two-day outdoor festival happening October 4–5, 2025, in the heart of Tysons, VA. Designed for all ages, this immersive event transforms the streets of Capital One Center into a multi-block celebration of the arts— featuring interactive installations, hands-on workshops, live music, and culinary experiences for every generation. More info here. Taste of Bethesda: Here's a scavenger hunt for you: find a place where can you try food from your favorite downtown Bethesda restaurants while also enjoying live music on four different stages. Stumped? Here's a clue: it'll take place on the streets of Woodmont Triangle the first Saturday of October. That's right, Taste of Bethesda is back with delicious bites from more than 40 Bethesda restaurants. Taste of Bethesda will take place Saturday, October 4 from 11am - 4pm. Tickets here. Shuck It!: Early bird tickets are available for the Shuck It Oyster festival. 65 +dc tax per person* Join them for the 12th annual Georgetown Shuck It! Beer and Oyster Festival at Tony and Joe's! Saturday, October 18, 2025 1-5 pm ID required to enter. 21 and up. Get tickets here. Snallygaster: On October 11, 2025 the merry monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its 13th year as a rollicking tribute to the wonderful world of craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle + can pours from 175+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. info here. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Ramen Bar Experience: The Darcy has a new ramen bar. Crafted under the vision of Executive Chef Bader Ali, the Ramen Bar at GSK celebrates the harmony of diverse Asian influences while staying true to our globally inspired culinary theme. Ramen bowls start at $18 with diners' choice of broth base, noodles and protein. The signature ramen at GSK is prepared with a deeply savory, slow-simmered house broth, complemented by your choice of artisanal noodles and premium protein, including chicken katsu, braised short rib, black garlic-glazed tofu and more. 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005; thedarcyhotel.comMarion Berry Avenue Market = Food Equity in the DMV: Marion Barry Avenue Market and cafe in Anacostia has opened with fresh produce, groceries and a fast casual cafe to the historic Ward 8. Marion Barry Avenue Market and Cafe is an initiative of Dreaming Out Loud, the non-profit dedicated to rebuilding urban community-based food systems, and supported by investments from both public and private partners, including the Longer Tables Fund, founded by Chef José Andrés, and Mayor Muriel Bowser through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s (DMPED) Food Access Fund. Together, these partners are working to address urgent issues in food systems, social justice, education, and economic inclusion. dreamingoutloud.orgNow Open Monday: Annabelle is now serving dinner on Monday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to welcome the fall season. Executive Chef Michael Fusano’s seasonal menu embraces fall with menu highlights, including starters of Gingered Koginut Squash Soup with an Almond Cloud and Spiced Pepitas; Beef Tartare with Egg Emulsion, Parmigiano-Reggiano;Fennel Tarte Tatin with Pistou; Chicken Liver Pâté with Apples, and Brioche;Roasted Leeks with Lemon Beurre Blanc, Chive-Espelette Oil, and Romesco Sauce, and more.  2132 Florida Avenue, NW; annabelledc.comLive Fire in DC: Brasero Atlántico has opened. Brasero Atlántico celebrates the rustic culinary traditions of Argentina shaped by waves of immigration across the Atlantic. At the helm of Brasero Atlántico’s kitchen is Executive Chef Manuela Carbone, a Buenos Aires native and rising star in global gastronomy. Dishes include Empanadas with fillings like king crab, ossobuco, and hand-cut beef; Palta Atlántica – lobster, avocado, and celery; Brasero Patê of foie gras with house-made chutney and herbs. 1066 Wisconsin Ave NW; floreriaatlanticodc.comThat’s How It Crumbles: Jeni's new fall flavor, Caramel Apple Crumble is now available. Think orchard-fresh apples meet gooey caramel drizzle meets cozy oat crumble (gluten-free!)… basically, the sweater-weather dessert of your dreams. jenis.comOmmm-akasi: Omakase Room by Tadayoshi has opened and he exclusive restaurant introduces Chef Tadayoshi Motoa’s extraordinary talent to the United States for the very first time. The menu will feature 20 courses, beginning at $200 per guest. Each dish reflects authentic Japanese culinary traditions and showcases refined seasonal ingredients, prepared with the precision and artistry that define Chef Tadayoshi’s style, including fish sourced directly from Tokyo’s renowned fish markets. 699 14th St NW; Together We Dine: DMV, let’s get back to the table. Starting October 1, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) launches Together We Dine, a month-long initiative to rediscover favorite spots, explore new ones, and rally around the restaurants that feed our communities. More info here. Two in the Market:  Slice & Pie has opened a new location on 4th street. You can look forward to the Burrata Pie made with California tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh burrata, and parmesan and the Detroit-Style Hot Honey topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone, hot honey, and “cup and char” pepperoni. Appetizers such as meatballs and garlic knots will be available alongside meatball and Italian sandwiches. 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002; sliceandpie.comMediterranean Mexican Mashup: Eunoia, NoMA’s newest dining destination rooted in cultural convergence has opened. The kitchen is led by Mexico City’s Chef Josa Maldonado. Designed for sharing, the menu features Maryland koshihikari brown rice, an umami-rich sticky rice topped with mushroom mole, egg yolk, and garlic tamari; buttered Chesapeake Bay blue crab, Eunoia’s ode to the District, served with carrots, espelette pepper, and optional caviar add-on, and Maine scallop aguachile with avocado, Sichuan pepper, burnt onion powder and housemade blue corn tostadas. 320 Florida Ave NE, Washington DC 20002; You Should Give a Fig!: L’Avant-Garde invites you to indulge in the fleeting beauty of fig season with an exclusive three-course menu, La Figue. Dishes include Goat Cheese Salad — fresh figs, arugula, hazelnuts, orange confit, and thyme honey vinaigrette; Herb-Crusted Branzino — honey roasted figs, cauliflower purée, and aged parmesan emulsion; Tarte Fine aux Figues — with crème anglaise and a berries quenelle. 2915 M St NW; .lavantgardedc.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Winner, Winner, Pizza Dinner: Slice & Pie was just named number 83 on a list of best pizzerias in the world from 50 Top Pizza, one of the most respected pizzeria guides in the world. This fall, Adriani will open a second Slice & Pie shop alongside an off-shoot of its sister concept Lucy, an Italian cocktail bar where Neapolitan-style pizzas and pastas take center stage on the menu. The new location will serve the complete menu available at the flagship Slice & Pie shop, like the popular Burrata Pie and Pepperoni and Hot Honey Pie alongside sandwiches and desserts. 2221 14th St. NW; sliceandpie.com Gameday Eats, Everyday: Upstate FTW, the latest project from acclaimed local restaurateurs Scott Drewno and Danny Lee of The Fried Rice Collective has opened. The menu reads like a culinary road trip through Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo with DC flair: The Garbage Plate, a mash-up of cheeseburgers, mac salad, chili, and mustard, and many more plates. 1314 U Street NW; Upstate.com Mid-Autumn Festival: Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and at Chang Chang. It is believed to be when the moon is at its fullest and brightest and the shape of mooncakes emulates the roundness of the moon - symbolizing family unity.Chang Chang’s moon cakes are traditional flaky and more delicate Suzhou-style. Order moon cakes here.  Steak x Italian = Michael Mina: Chef Michael Mina, the award-winning culinary visionary behind Bourbon Steak, has debuted his newest restaurant, Acqua Bistecca. The concept celebrates the convivial spirit of Italian dining with house-made pastas, fresh seafood, chargrilled steaks, and Mina’s signature flair. 10 Ridge Square, CityRidge Development Washington, D.C.;  Ghanaian To Go: Chef Eric Adjepong has announced the opening of DAWA, a new casual carryout and delivery concept operating from Elmina. Sharing a focus on bold flavors from his Ghanaian roots, DAWA’s menu is a reflection of Elmina’s, but with a more casual vibe and approachable prices. DAWA is now open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, available for carryout and delivery via third-party apps. ing on to rich, slow-cooked dishes like Suya short rib or tamarind duck leg, both served with jollof rice and roasted tomato salad. 2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009; dawakitchen.comPower Lunch is Back: Barbouzard has added a lunch service. Under the direction of acclaimed chef Cedric Maupillier, the lunch menu is designed to suit both the swift business lunch and the more leisurely midday meal, offering guests a momentary escape to the South of France. Highlights include Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, Ratatouille Parmigiana, and Grilled Octopus, alongside signatures like Saumon à l’Oseille and the Wagyu Cheeseburger with frites. Lighter options include the Chopped Salade Niçoise, Fruits de Mer Crudo, and chilled gazpacho. 1700 K St NW, Washington, DC; barbouzard.comNew in Union Market: Chef Meherwan Irani brings his James Beard Award–winning Indian street food to Union Market. The Chai Pani menu is made up of chaat (street snacks), uttapam (savory fermented pancakes), chhota plates (truck stop–style small plates), sigri (grill), pav (street sandwiches, pronounced “pow”), specialties, and tidbits. chaipani.com No Phones Allowed : Hush Harbor, D.C.'s only no-phones bar, has opened and chef Rock Harper created this smartphone-free space as a way to build community when the city needs it most. The cocktail menu will keep many drinks from Hill Prince, Harper’s bar that will turn into Hush Harbor. Classics get a remake with the mole old fashioned, with both Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters and Angostura, and an Italian margarita turns red thanks to Cappelletti, a bitter aperitif. 1337 H Street, NE; hushharbor.co New Chef, New Brunch (Brunch Alert): Kiln has launched brunch and welcomed a new chef with new menu items. he new menu, crafted by KILN’s newly appointed Executive Chef, Chef Ruben Hernandez (previously from Gypsy Kitchen), features elevated takes on classic brunch favorites alongside fresh, seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights include the indulgent Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with blueberry compote and toasted meringue, a vibrant Chopped Salad with toasted grains and pickled raisins, and a savory Lamb Hash with smoked lamb ham, crispy potatoes, and eggs any style. 699 Prince St.; heronalexandria.com 20 Years of Rasika : Rasika is celebrating 20 years. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, guests dining at Rasika Penn Quarter will be treated to featured “Best of Rasika” tasting menus in October, November, and December created by Chef Sunderam.  The five-course menu changes each month. The Non-Vegetarian Tasting Menu is priced at $90 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and the Vegetarian Tasting Menu is priced at $80. Wine Pairings can be enjoyed for an additional $55 per person.  633 D Street, NW; rasikarestaurant.comLove a Late-Night Bite: Maison Bar à Vins, is upping the late night game in Adams Morgan with their impressive late night menu from Chefs Matt Conroy (JBF Best Chef Mid-Atlantic nominee ‘25) and Jason Chavenson. Highlights from the wine bar’s late menu feature Bone Marrow topped with escargots, a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, and Eel Croquettes. maisondc.comBrunch, My Darling (Brunch Alert): Joon is launching a new $35 “Classic Feast” for brunch every weekend! The menu features classic Persian brunch dishes, from warm fava beans, falafel and hummus, to crispy tahdig rice and za’atar pickles. Opt for a classic brunch plate like the Joon French Toast with raspberries and lemon curd, or try the “Royal Feast” option for just $55 for chicken or beef kabobs in addition to all of the options in the classic feast. 8045 Leesburg Pike Suite 120; eatjoon.comMidatlantic Dining in Reston: The Simon has opened. Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio and Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen lead the kitchen with a menu that’s both rooted in place and globally refined. Standout dishes include Dry-Aged Duck à la Presse with lavender from the chef’s garden, Pennsylvania Golden Chicken with brioche stuffing, and Pan-Seared Local Rockfish with sauce vin jaune—plus a decadent tableside cheese cart showcasing the largest Murray’s Cheese collection outside New York. thesimonrestonstation.comKayu Resurrection: After closing on H Street at the end of June, Kayu by Chef Paolo Dungca is officially back in Dupont Circle. The more casual, streamlined version of Chef Paolo’s former Filipino tasting room offers some new spins and old favorites from the previous menu, including a sweet corn agnolotti, Chef Paolo’s famous cassava cake with crab fat, jamón Ibérico, and trout roe, as well as ube bao bun chorizo burgers and crispy pork belly with a chickpea stew. Enjoy a glass of Chenin Blanc or a tamarind margarita while snacking on some bites at the bar, or sit down for a full dinner in the airy 40 seat dining room. 1633 17th St NW, Washington, DC; Kayu.com 

Sweater weather, meet shaker season. The DMV’s bars are trading beachy spritzes for cider highballs, smoky mezcal riffs, and hot-toddy cozies all made for crisp nights. We’ve rounded up the most sip-worthy fall beverages that are shaking (and stirring) the season.Thirsty for more? Keep the sunsets going on Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).Feeling flighty? Browse our Flights list, here.Martini mood? Our Martini Guide is here.Need something snug? Slip into our Underground Bars roundup, here.MARK YOUR CALENDAR DCCK Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight, presented by Tyson Foods, is set for Thursday, November 6th at The Anthem. The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food. More info here.  Old Town Cocktail Week: Presented By Suntory Global Spirits in partnership with Captain Gregory’s, Old Town Cocktail Week is a celebration of the imagination and innovation within Alexandria’s cocktail scene.  Grab a featured cocktail from one of the over 40 participating restaurants or join us for a curated event and enjoy it all while on a staycation at one of the participating hotels with a stay and play package specially curated for Old Town Cocktail Week. September 25Tth - October 6th; more info here.  Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts: Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts, presented with Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), is a two-day outdoor festival happening October 4–5, 2025, in the heart of Tysons, VA. Designed for all ages, this immersive event transforms the streets of Capital One Center into a multi-block celebration of the arts— featuring interactive installations, hands-on workshops, live music, and culinary experiences for every generation. More info here.  Shuck It!: Early bird tickets are available for the Shuck It Oyster festival for $65/person. Join them for the 12th annual Georgetown Shuck It! Beer and Oyster Festival at Tony and Joe's! Saturday, October 18, 2025 1:00 to 5:00 pm; 21 and up. Get tickets here. Bethesda Yappy Hour: Mark your calendars, because your pup's favorite party is coming back. Yappy Hour is back to Elm Street Urban Park this fall, on October 9th, with pop-up dog parks for large and small dogs, live music, and food and beverages for sale. Info here. Snallygaster: On October 11, 2025 the merry monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its 13th year as a rollicking tribute to the wonderful world of craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle + can pours from 175+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. info here. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Show Me Your Hand: Show of Hands is shaking up the season with a fresh cocktail menu that reinvents the classic highball. Dubbed “High Baller, Shot Caller,” the collection features effervescent, flavor-forward creations layered with housemade syrups, exotic tinctures, and playful finishes. Drinks include Melon Pop, a Japanese whiskey, plum sake, shiso melon syrup, vermouth, lemon hop bitters, yuzu, and soda water. Bright, citrusy, and subtly smoky, and more. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue; theroostsedc.comPaging Danny Lee: Singing Tiger is open in Hotel Nell in Union Market, offering a late-night destination where inventive Asian-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and private karaoke rooms come together under one roof. The menu includes creative drinks with Asian-inspired flavors, like the Baritone Burn made with five-spice butter–washed Japanese whiskey and the Kimchi Killa martini. Zero-proof options such as Berry Basil Bliss offer the same thoughtful approach without alcohol. 411 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002-7025; opentable.comSounds Proper: Founded by Will Strozier and Rob Zahn of Proper 21, Proper Bar brings refined American bistro cuisine together with a vibrant bar program and live piano entertainment, all within a stylish and welcoming setting. With exceptional hospitality, craft cocktails, and a seasonally inspired menu at its core, Proper Bar offers an experience that feels both elevated and approachable. properbar.comNew Coffee Line:  Yellow has collaborated with Lost Sock Roasters in Washington, D.C. to source, develop, and roast two blends that are unique and exclusive to YELLOW. Sungold is 70% washed Colombian + 30% washed Ethiopian blend with a sweet, approachable profile and tea-like structure. Poppy is a deeper 80% washed Brazilian + 20% natural sundried Ethiopian blend that’s chocolatey, nutty, and full-bodied with a touch of natural sweetness. Order here. Together We Dine: DMV, let’s get back to the table. Starting October 1, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) launches Together We Dine, a month-long initiative to rediscover favorite spots, explore new ones, and rally around the restaurants that feed our communities. More info here. We Love When It’s Cheesy (Happy Hour Alert): Cheesetique just launched a new happy hour with $5 - $9 food and drink specials from 3 - 6 PM. $9 signature drinks, including the Apple Martini, Oink Fashioned, and Del Ray Buzz. 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301; cheesetique.com C’mon Get Happy (Happy Hour Alert): Acqua Bistecca, Washington D.C.’s new Italian-inspired steakhouse, invites you to unwind midweek with its signature Happy Hour. The drinks menu highlights house cocktails such as the Positano (mezcal, lime, raspberry-basil granita), the Atrani (tomato-washed gin, grapefruit, club soda), and the sparkling Amalfi (vodka, pear, lemon, prosecco), alongside $10 wines and $6 Peroni. 10 Ridge Square, CityRidge Development, Washington, D.C.; theminagroup.com Wine Wednesdays: Josephine's is having a weekly midweek wine ritual: four rotating bottles at 50% off. The list changes every Wednesday to spotlight producers Josephine loves—think crisp whites, soulful reds, and a surprise gem or two—curated to pair perfectly with dinner or a laid-back catch-up at the bar. 109 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria VA; josephineoldtown.com Wintoberfest: Fall is the wine world’s anxiously-awaited harvest season, and the start of Oktoberfest. So Lulu’s Winegarden, beer garden-style wine bar just off U Street, is bridging the two celebrations with “Winetoberfest” – an autumnal pop-up from September 24-November 9. You can enjoy harvest wines, apple cider margaritas, cowboy boots of Oktoberfest festbier, and new fall fare while surrounded by grape vines, gourds and amber-hued foliage. 1940 11th Street NW; .luluswinegarden.com What’s Behind the Flower Shop?: Founded by legendary bartender Renato “Tato” Giovannoni and hospitality veteran Alex Resnik, Florería and Brasero are inspired by the cultural tides that have shaped Argentina since the late 19th century. These spaces celebrate the convergence of culinary influences—Italian, French, Spanish, Jewish, Lebanese—brought by immigrants who arrived through the Atlantic. With their Washington, D.C. debut, Florería Atlántico and Brasero Atlántico bring with them not only world-class cocktails and cuisine, but a deeper celebration of immigrant stories and Atlantic crossings—past and present. 1066 Wisconsin Ave NW;  NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Getting Our Glow: Eat Sprout has collaborated with local nutritionist and wellness influencer Jen Silverman on a limited-edition smoothie. he smoothie—fittingly named Bethesda Glow by Jen Silverman Nutrition—is designed to appeal to both adults and kids. Packed with spirulina, banana, blueberries, and your choice of a protein boost and either dairy or non-dairy milk, it delivers a nutrient-dense punch that tastes as good as it feels. eatsprout.com Tableside Tea (Seasonal Update): Park Hyatt Washington D.C. is celebrating the return of fall with the addition of tableside tea service in the Tea Cellar, which is now available daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can enjoy one pot of freshly brewed tea from the featured list, accompanied by Pecan-Hazelnut Scones, with lemon curd, whipped crème fraiche, and raspberry blackberry jam prepared by Pastry Chef Colleen Murphy. 1201 24th Street, NW, Washington, D.C., United States, 20037; .hyatt.com House Wine:  RPM Restaurants will begin pouring its debut collection of three expertly blended single-vineyard wines—52W Cabernet Sauvignon, Cèpe d'Été Chardonnay and Three Kings Pinot Noir. A collaboration years in the making, the RPM wine team, led by Beverage Partner Richard Hanauer and RPM Steak Wine Director Brennan Sopko, worked hand-in-hand with acclaimed California Central Coast winemaker Andrew Jones of Field Recordings, to bring these bottles from vine to table. RPM.com Tuesdays Are for Wine, Too: Mallard launches Wine Tuesdays, featuring 50% off select bottles from our curated list. Perfect for pairing with dinner, catching up at the bar, or discovering a new favorite without the splurge. mallarddc.com Look Who’s Shaking: St. Anselm, Union Market's Americana-inspired steakhouse, is shaking things up with a brand-new cocktail program, rolling out fresh sips that bring a little extra personality to their rugged, yet refined bar program. Highlights include the Tequila Cocktail, a bright and bracing mix of Cazadores Blanco, red bitters, grapefruit, lime, and smoked salt that hits all the right notes of citrus and savor. For something playful, the Vodka & Bubbles blends Wheatley Vodka with passion fruit liqueur, vanilla, and lime, topped with bubbles for a sparkling finish. 1250 5th St NE; stanselmdc.com Go West: After celebrated openings in Los Angeles and New York, Desert 5 Spot–a popular country western bar and live music venue–is heading east once again. Signature drinks include the Ring of Fire (mezcal, Ancho Reyes, prickly pear, lime) the Jolene (tequila, strawberry, watermelon, lime) and the Dropkick Me, Jesus (Ilegal Mezcal, green Chartreuse, chile, lime) plus frozen cocktails and large format options. desertfivespot.com  

From September 15 to October 15, the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latin communities. At a moment when the current administration has too often dismissed or targeted those very voices, celebrating them feels more vital than ever. Here in the DMV, the tributes are loud, proud, and — naturally — delicious. Restaurants and cultural institutions are marking the month with special menus, collaborations, and festivals that highlight the richness of Latin heritage.2Fifty BBQ: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with 2Fifty BBQ, led by Chef Fernando González, who brings Latin American culinary traditions to the heart of Texas-style barbecue. Born in El Salvador, Fernando draws on the bold flavors and time-honored techniques of his homeland, blending them with the precision and patience of Texas-style BBQ. Each dish he creates embodies unique flavors, from marinades rich with chiles and citrus to slow smoking over clean, fragrant wood. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy specialty menu items such as smoked al pastor pork belly, pineapple-glazed ribs, and bright seasonal sides that tell a story of cultural heritage and culinary innovation; For more information, click here.Bayou Bakery: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15, where Chef David Guas turns up the heat with a 30-day weekday pop-up featuring drinks and dishes from Spanish-speaking countries. At his first established eatery, Bayou Bakery, Guas honors the culinary stories of his kitchen staff’s ancestral families, serving recipes from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico. From empanadas to sopas and tres leches, each dish becomes a flavorful chapter in his culinary journey; Click here for more info.Cameo Coffee + Tea at The Roost: Cameo Coffee + Tea is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with A Toda Madre Roasters (ATMR), a Gaithersburg-based Latino and Asian-owned coffee roaster known for blending culture, inclusivity, and community into every roast. Through September 31, guests can enjoy exclusive coffees, retail offerings, and specialty drinks crafted with ATMR beans, including collaborations with local talent like Chef Julia Jaramillo. Available daily during Cameo’s operating hours; Click here for more info.Colada Shop: Colada Shop is proud to honor Hispanic Heritage Month by teaming up with four incredible nonprofits serving the Hispanic community across the DMV area. Each week, 1 nonprofit will receive 10% of profits from purchases made with their unique code. To celebrate, Colada Shop will also host a special Happy Hour dedicated to each nonprofit at 1 of its locations, bringing the community together over food, drinks, and culture; Click here for more info.MITA: MITA is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Culture Sundays, a weekly series beginning September 21 that brings together Chef Miguel Guerra, Chef Tatiana Mora, and a lineup of guest chefs for an afternoon of culture, community, and creativity. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails paired with inventive bar-style bites that highlight the vibrant flavors and traditions of Hispanic heritage, with featured chefs including Juan Nacho Olivera of Just Add Water on September 21 and Danny Ledo of Xiquet on September 28. Held every Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at MITA, the series invites guests to gather, connect, and celebrate the rich culinary and cultural traditions that shape our community through casual, flavorful dishes designed to complement expertly crafted cocktails; Click here for more info.Mi Vida: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Mi Vida, where Chef Roberto Santibañez brings bold Mexican flavors to DC with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy vibrant cocktails, sizzling fajitas, shareable small plates, and a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to gather with friends and family this September and October; Click here for more info.National Landing: This fall, National Landing BID and Amazon present NaLa Noches, a free live Latin music series at Metropolitan Park running Thursdays through October 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Curated by DC trumpet legend Joe Herrera and aligned with Hispanic Heritage Month, the series showcases salsa, boleros, Venezuelan jazz, and more, with performances by artists including Max Rosado, Gigi MacLaughlin, Miramar, Fran Vielma, Alfredo Mojica, and the acclaimed salsa band Bio Ritmo. Each evening also features hands-on art activities from the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, free Topo Chico (while supplies last), and food from local favorites like Taqueria Xochi and Peruvian Brothers; Guests can RSVP here.Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen: Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, Chef David Guas reimagines American classics through a Hispanic lens. Pop-up specials like Tostones Con Camarón with Salsa Criolla and Vera Cruz Whole Fried Vermilion Snapper with aromatic sofrito bring tradition and innovation together. Guests can also enjoy Lillian's Tuna Croquetas, a personal tribute to Guas’s grandmother, blending family history with every bite; Click here for more info.Pascual: Led by Mexico City native Chef Isabel Coss, Pascual celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with wood-fired dishes and flavors rooted in family traditions. Highlights include lamb neck barbacoa, guacamole with unique accompaniments, masa-based dishes, and rotating seasonal desserts like buñuelos; Click here for more info.

Break out the steins and the bratwurst, Oktoberfest is here. The world’s largest beer celebration may be rooted in Munich, but the DMV knows how to throw a party of its own. Running this year from now-ish through Sunday, October 5th-ish, Oktoberfest traditions take over beer gardens, and restaurants across the region. Expect weeks-long promos, special menus, and plenty of one-day bashes filled with pretzels, polka, and pints: Capital Jewish Museum: The Capital Jewish Museum invites guests to celebrate Oktoberfest after hours at CJM After Sunset: Late to the Party Oktoberfest on Thursday, October 16th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The evening will feature curator spotlight talks about the first German Jews to arrive in DC, plus themed activities including stein decorating, trivia competitions, and dancing to klezmer favorites. Guests can sip German beers, enjoy a cash bar with snacks for purchase, and explore all current museum exhibitions. Tickets are $10 for Members, $15 General Admission.Das Best Oktoberfest: Come enjoy Maryland’s oldest running craft beer festival at the Timonium Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 4th from noon to 5 p.m.! Hundreds and hundreds of craft beers, wines, ciders, and schnapps will fill up a souvenir glass as guests enjoy this day-long festival in the infield. Tickets start at $44.46, available HERE. Pike & Rose: Join the community at North Bethesda’s premier fall festival – PIKEtoberfest – on Sunday, October 5th from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Celebrate the season Oktoberfest-style with live music and entertainment, a beer garden pouring local and craft brews, and a wide selection of eats and treats from neighborhood restaurants and retailers.

Rosh Hashanah is in the books, apples, honey, and shofar echoes behind us, and now it’s time to get ready for Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and continues through nightfall on Thursday, October 2. Whether you’re keeping it simple before the fast or planning a beautiful break-fast spread, we’ve got you covered with bagels and schmear, smoked fish, kugel, blintzes, challah, and more.Wishing an easy fast to all who observe.Make Your Break Easier:Baked by Yael: Baked by Yael is ready to sweeten your High Holidays with a special collection filled with everything you need for the season, from traditional challah and babka to honey cakepops, jumbo apple cakepops, and other festive treats perfect for celebrating or breaking the fast. This year also features a meaningful collaboration with artisan Rafi Krigman (Yael’s father) on a handcrafted challah board. Pre-order now to ensure your holiday is filled with love, sweetness, and blessings; Click here for more info.Call Your Mother: Pre-order bagels and more for the break-fast table. Pickup and delivery available October 2, with orders due by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29; Click here for more info.SABABA: Mark Yom Kippur at SABABA, DC’s modern Israeli restaurant and Bib Gourmand favorite in Cleveland Park, with special pre-fast and break-fast offerings from October 1-2. Executive Chef Ryan Moore highlights the holy day with dishes like Hummus Sabich Salad, Heirloom Carrots Al’Haesh, Sumac-Crusted Salmon, and Braised Brisket, alongside SABABA’s full seasonal menu. Perfect for observing the Day of Atonement while enjoying thoughtfully prepared, flavor-forward Israeli cuisine; Click here for more info.Other Places That Will Make Your Break:Attman’s Potomac Deli Beresovsky’s Deli Bethesda Bagels Chutzpah Deli Deli City Restaurant Mikey & Mel’s Parkway Deli & Restaurant River Falls Market So’s Your Mom Stachowski’s Market Wagshal’s