The Groundhog saw his shadow, so, as the legend goes, we’re in for an early spring this year! But with this recent wave of cold weather, we are rounding up some of our favorite restaurants in the city to keep you warm and full while we count down to spring.
Photo Credit: The Meatball Shop
Get your fill of everyone’s favorite Italian comfort food at the The Meatball Shop. Originally a chain from New York City, their new location on 14th Street offers mix and match options for meatballs and sauces. The restaurant also offers sandwich options with a side salad for a heartier meal as well as larger plates for a sit down dinner. We recommend the Mini Buffalo Balls with blue cheese or the Spicy Heritage Pork Balls with Parmesan Cream Sauce over Broccoli and Rigatoni. 1720 14th St NW, 202-684-8564, themeatballshop.com
Photo Credit: Interior Shot: Greg Powers; Cauliflower Bezule: Shimmon Tamara Photography
With locations in both the West End and Penn Quarter, Rasika’s Modern Indian Cuisine is sure to spice up your night. Owned by Ashok Baja, who was recently named “Restaurateur of the Year,” Rasika offers a modern twist to the traditional way of dining. Take your pick from a variety of venues including an open kitchen, a lounge area, the community dining table or a private dining room. We recommend trying the Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebab, Mango Shrimp, or Palak Chaat while being up close and personal watching a chef prepare your food right in front of you in the showcase open kitchen at the Penn Quarter location. 633 D Street, NW, 202-637-1222; 1190 New Hampshire Ave, NW, 202-466-2500, rasikarestaurant.com
Photo Credit: Greg Powers
An upscale Mexican restaurant in the heart of DC, Poca Madre transports patrons straight to sunny and warm Mexico City. The decor of the restaurant is reminiscent of a breezy Mexican oasis and the dishes bring the heat with typical Mexican cocktails, cuisine, and desserts. Order for yourself or share with your table in either the Agave Bar, Private Dining Room or Mezzanine. We recommend trying the Pulpo Laminado, Burrito the King, Pollo con Mole or the Pato al Pastor. Make sure you come back and visit during the warmer months to enjoy the outdoors in Poca Madre’s Garden Lounge. For a larger meal, Poca Madre is now offering a 12-course fixed-price Taco Omakase menu on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 777 I Street NW, 202-838-5300, pocamadredc.com
Photo credit: Joy Asico
Located adjacent to the Georgetown waterfront, The Berliner headlines dishes inspired by street food straight from Berlin. A modern twist on a German bierhall, The Berliner offers a variety of beers on tap ranging from local DMV beers to pints straight from Germany. The menu features typical German fare including pretzels, schnitzel and a multitude of types of sauces, all reminiscent of typical Berlin cuisine. We recommend trying any of the famous sausages offered or the Housemade Pretzel. 3401 Water St NW, 202-621-7000, theberlinerdc.com
Photo Credit: District Winery
An American restaurant with new takes on your favorite worldwide cuisine, Ana at District Winery features dishes from Executive Chef Ben Lambert. Come for a mid morning brunch, experience happy hour fare, or enjoy a romantic date night with three different menus for different times of the day. We recommend trying the Wild Mushroom Toast, the Meadow Creek Grayson Cappelletti, or the Doppio Raviolo paired with the featured Rhône inspired wine flight or one of District Winery’s monthly featured wine specials. An added bonus: before your meal, take a tour of the winery or bring your friends for a Wine 101 class to learn about the history of wine making and how to best pair food and wine. 385 Water Street SE, 202-484-9210, districtwinery.com
Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton
Get your fill of regionally inspired cuisine and cocktails at Degrees Bistro inside the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown. One of Georgetown’s best kept secrets, Degrees is located inside a historic Georgetown building that has been transformed into an elegant, relaxed restaurant and lounge. Enjoy an event in one of Degrees’ private dining rooms, including the floor to ceiling window Fahrenheit dining room, or grab a bite in the brick exposed main dining room. We recommend trying the Fried Chicken and Waffles, The Bootleg Mary, or the South Street Burger. For a special treat, visit during March and April to sample the Cherry Blossom Menu in celebration of DC’s historic festival. 3100 South Street NW, 202-912-4146, ritzcarlton.com
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