Victura Park reopens at the Kennedy Center. Photograph by Mykl Wu
A number of bars and restaurants around DC decided to temporarily close their doors or go into “hibernation” during the pandemic. But now, with warm weather, vaccinations, and the loosening of Covid capacity restrictions and regulations, many are reopening (though some are still limiting seating and/or keeping mask policies). Here’s a running list of newly opened spots, including some restaurants that are offering dine-in for the first time in months.
Know of a business that’s reopening? Email aspiegel@Washingtonian.com.
Recently Reopened
Last Call Bar – Veteran bartender Gina Chersevani’s dive-y hangout near Union Market, popular for its cheap beers, sandwiches, and frozen Irish coffees, reopens Thursday, June 10 at 5 PM.
How One of D.C.’s Coziest Italian Restaurants Thrives Without Letting People Inside
The Red Hen stays in business by mixing regional Italian pop-ups with a menu of to-go classics
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The Red Hen [official]
On a Zoom call, Mike Friedman looks every bit a chef with his short-sleeved whites, black beanie, and a neatly trimmed beard that frames a frequent smile. But nearly a year into the novel coronavirus crisis, the driving force behind the Red Hen sounds more like the creative director at an ad firm when he explains how the Bloomingdale neighborhood fixture known for its warm service, wood-burning grill, and rich Italian small plates has managed to chug along despite keeping its dining room closed for the past 10 months.
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It’s a tough tweet to send. “Unfortunately one of our team members in Shaw has tested positive for COVID-19,”
All-Purpose Pizzeriaannounced Nov. 30 on its social media accounts. “This person is currently doing fine but we will be closed tonight while we await test results for the rest of our employees.”
Ultimately, the restaurant closed for a week. All of the tests came back negative, which ownership attributes to strict safety protocols. The Shaw location has not allowed indoor dining since the public health emergency was declared in March. Not even delivery drivers can cross the threshold.