It’s spring, and as the nights get warmer, outdoor tables are starting to fill up. Here’s your guide to some establishments with premier outdoor seating.
On campus:
There are many opportunities to dine outside right on campus. Tonic at Quigley’s, located at 2036 G St., offers a full menu outside with prime people watching down 20th Street. For a more private outdoor dining experience there is F Street Bistro in the State Plaza Hotel at 2117 E St. Formerly RH Bistro, this small restaurant offers bistro fare in an outdoor covered area.
For a more casual dining experience there is Froggy Bottom Pub, located at 2142 Pennsylvania Ave., and Thai Place at 2134 Pennsylvania Avenue, which offer their regulare menus outside when the weather is nice. All of the above options take GWorld.
The Waterfront
Washington Harbor
3000 K St. N.W.
The Waterfront is a collection of restaurants and bars between K Street and the Potomac River. Nick’s Riverside Grill and Tony & Joes sit on the water, with indoor dining and an outdoor patio and bar just feet from the Potomac. Both restaurants offer seafood and basic American fare, and entrées run between $20 and $30. The patio turns into a bar scene on nights and weekends. Diners looking for a more relaxed meal can turn to Agraria or Cabanas, which offers a view of the large fountain in the center of the Washington Harbour.
Agraria prides itself on fresh American ingredients from family farmers across the country, and entrées separated by land, field and sea average about $20. Cabanas offers a spicier fare with Latin American cooking, where paella and fajitas both run less than $25.
Lauriol Plaza
1835 18th St. N.W.
Lauriol Plaza is a huge and bustling Spanish restaurant with two options for outdoor dining – sidewalk tables and a roof deck. Besides the affordable prices (most entrées run less than $20) and famous margarita pitchers, the restaurant can accommodate large groups.
The Reef
2446 18th St. N.W.
The Reef, located in the heart of Adams Morgan, offers organic produce, free-range poultry and meats, and a variety of seafood. Most entrées run around $10 and can be enjoyed on the restaurant and bar’s rooftop dining area.
Cantina Marina
600 Water St. S.W.
Cantina Marina is the only restaurant in D.C. to sit directly on the water and it offers one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the District. Seafood and American fare runs from $10 to $20, but dining on the water at sunset is priceless.
Mezza Luna
1140 19th St. N.W.
Mezza Luna offers tapas for less than $10 and entrées from $15 to $20 that can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio. Happy hours run until 7 p.m. and the restaurant becomes a scene at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays when the DJs arrive.
