The FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives June 11, and DC is ready for one of the biggest soccer summers the city has ever seen!

Hi-Lawn Transforms Its Union Market Rooftop Into a Soccer Pitch

Hi-Lawn anchors the watch-party scene from June 11 through July 19. The team is painting its signature turf lawn to look like a real pitch. A massive 8-by-12-foot LED screen commands the open-air lawn, while a 100-inch screen sits under the bar tent for covered viewing. The rooftop holds up to 1,000 fans.

Daily matches pair with trivia, bingo, live music and DJs, so the energy never fades. Admission stays free. Walk-ins fill most of the space, and Resy reservations cover parties up to 20. Bring a picnic blanket and claim your spot on the turf!

Outdoor Watch Zones Take Over The Wharf and Downtown DC

The Wharf raises a 14-foot jumbotron on Pearl Street and runs matches daily from noon to 10 p.m., with extended hours for Team USA. Partner bars all along Pearl Street pour match-day specials. Two big watch parties cheer on Team USA: USA vs. Paraguay on Friday, June 12, and USA vs. Australia on Friday, June 19.

Downtown, DC United headlines the United in Play Soccer Celebration, the city’s official World Cup watch party named by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Franklin Park hosts June 12–14, then Navy Yard’s Tingey Plaza takes the action June 19–21. Both run free with advance registration. Expect live screenings, youth soccer and local food vendors.

Score big this summer at Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Street Pizza in Penn Quarter, where every World Cup match is screened alongside unbeatable specials like $1 wings, $4 pints, and a lively social hour menu that keeps the excitement going long after the final whistle.

The National Mall Fan Zone Puts the Tournament Beside the Capitol

The official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone sets up on the National Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets, steps from the US Capitol. Every Team USA match plays here, along with dozens more and each knockout-round game.

Live viewing meets interactive exhibits, youth programming, cultural showcases, food and music. The space stays open as late as 1 a.m. for select games. Best of all, admission is free and open to everyone!

DC Sports Bars Fire Up Every Screen for the Matches

PubKey in Penn Quarter rolls out a 5-by-10-foot screen with room for hundreds, opening with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11; admission is free, RSVPs are recommended, and beer-bucket and food specials run every match. Tom’s Watch Bar in Navy Yard, near Nationals Park and Audi Field, brings a stadium-sized central screen, an outdoor patio and VIP matchday seating for the biggest games.

Sports & Social (U Street) pairs wall-to-wall TVs with stadium sound, match-day buckets and a limited menu inspired by host-country stadiums.

Blackfinn Ameripub downtown on I Street keeps the crowd cheering on screens across every wall. Reserve early, because seats vanish fast!

Atlas Brew Works is pouring $6 pints of its gold medal-winning Bullpen Pilsner and Silent Neighbor from June 11 through July 19 at all three taprooms in Alexandria, Bridge District, and Navy Yard, with sound on across many televisions.

Lyon Hall is streaming every match at the bar with its full happy hour menu running for each game, serving bites like smoked brisket dumplings and mini frankfurters.

Taquería Xochi kicks off its Fútbol, Tacos y Chelas watch party series June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa, bringing sound-on viewing to Navy Yard and sound-off to Arlington, plus all-day Xochi Hour specials on tacos, margaritas, micheladas, and beer buckets, new chile limón and tamarindo cascabel wings, a Best Aficionado Contest, and activations from Heineken, Mezcal Amarás, Coca-Cola, and Topo Chico.

The Admiral at 1 Dupont Circle sets up 15 TVs indoors and across its patio with $12.50 cheeseburger sliders, $8.50 parmesan fries, and $9.50 Buchanita and Tito’s Paloma cocktails.

Mission Navy Yard opens early with 20-plus TVs and plenty of room for big groups, offering $5.25 chicken tinga tacos, an $11 cheese quesadilla, and the $9.95 Golden Paloma.

And Royal Sands Social Club, Navy Yard’s two-level swimming pool bar with 25 TVs, opens early for afternoon games with $10 Floridian Rolls, $10 pineapple guacamole, $6.95 Michelob Ultra bottles, and $5.95 Stella Artois drafts!

Latin Fan Zones Bring the Goooool to DC Tables

Casta’s at Bodega becomes the Latino Fan Zone and airs games with Spanish commentary, because a goooool sounds better that way. Aguardiente flows for Colombia, caipirinhas arrive for Brazil, and margarita specials greet Mexico’s June 11 kickoff. Guess the final score before games to win prizes, then linger for the late-night Latin club.

Back at La Cosecha, fans can catch select matches on large screens and tournament specials from favorite La Cosecha businesses throughout the summer.

Over in Navy Yard, Taquería Xochi launches its Fútbol, Tacos y Chelas series with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 at 3 p.m., plus all-day Xochi Hour deals and a Best Aficionado Contest with gift-card prizes. Immigrant Food streams matches at its Ballston and White House locations and serves a World Cup Combo of beer and Greek wings for $13.

Hotels, Shops, and Sticker Books Complete DC’s Soccer Summer

The Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown returns as Soccer Central, broadcasting in the lobby and Loggia from June 11 through July 2 and again July 5–19. Executive Chef Jaime Montes de Oca plates international stadium fare from $16 to $28, with team-themed cocktails around $20, and reservations are not required.

In Alexandria, Old Town boutiques host Shop the Checkers from June 14–28 to welcome the Croatian National Team with red-and-white storefronts and Sip & Shops.

Uchi sells grab-and-go sushi boxes and gives a share of sales to Good Sports for All, which supports kids in high-need communities. nailsaloon offers free soccer-themed nail stickers. Every Giant Food, meanwhile, stocks Panini FIFA 2026 sticker books for $4.99!

We follow every restaurant opening, hotel debut and headline event across the city, so you always know where to be. Save this guide, send it to your crew, and check back all summer for the freshest DC food, travel and nightlife coverage. Tell us where you’re watching, and we’ll see you on the rooftops, along the waterfront and out on the Mall!

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One Saturday night turns downtown Falls Church into a walkable open-air party.

A Sip-and-Stroll Night With No Cover Charge

Mark Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m., when Falls Church debuts Little City Sips, its first-ever downtown sip-and-stroll. Adults 21 and older buy a drink, pour it into an official branded cup, and wander the heart of #TheLittleCity inside a marked boundary. Best of all, there is no entry fee! You pay only for the food, drinks, and goods you actually want, which makes this one of the best-value nights on the regional calendar.

Local Bars, Live Music, and One Walkable Boundary

The pours come from neighborhood favorites. Grab a Florida-style cocktail at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, a Virginia craft beer at Dogwood Tavern, or a pint at Ireland’s Four Provinces, then settle in for handmade pasta at Thompson Italian.

Northside Social (grab the Passionfruit Guava Spritz!), Lucky Thai, Maneki Neko, Pho 88, and Stratford Garden round out the lineup. Meanwhile, drinks stay inside the designated outdoor refreshment area, so watch for the boundary signs. Outside alcohol is never allowed in, and standard Virginia ABC age checks still apply.

Live Music and an Easy Trip In

Singer-songwriter Justin Trawick headlines Mr. Brown’s Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m., while TUSK, the classic Fleetwood Mac tribute, plays the nearby State Theatre. Getting there stays simple. Take Metro’s Orange or Silver Line, grab a Capital Bikeshare, or park free in the city garages. The event runs rain or shine, leashed pets are welcome outdoors, and all ages can enjoy the music. Come hungry. Come thirsty. Come ready to stay awhile!

The Washington Lobbyist champions the neighborhood nights out that give our region its flavor, from DC dining rooms to the Virginia corridors just across the line. So round up your friends, raise an official cup, and tag us with your favorite Little City pour so we can share your night across The Little City and beyond!

Location: Downtown Falls Church, centered on W. Broad Street. GPS for Northside Social: 205 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046. Average Cost: Free to attend; pay per item. Drinks typically run about $8–$15 each, with dinner pricing varying by participating restaurant.

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Polo returns to the National Mall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with The St. Regis Washington DC joining as a Gold Level Sponsor of The District Cup.

A Centennial Hotel Meets a Semiquincentennial Nation

The partnership launches in a milestone year. The St. Regis Washington DC becomes a Gold Level Sponsor of The District Cup, the leading charity polo event on the Mall, as the hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary and the nation commemorates 250 years since its founding. Polo has adorned these grounds since the early 1900s, and the 2026 event will welcome diplomats, lawmakers, business leaders, and young professionals for a vibrant day of sport, culture, and philanthropy.

A Brand Built on a Century of Polo

St. Regis and polo share roots dating back to the turn of the last century. Matches on Manhattan’s Governors Island once headlined the New York social season. The Astors, the founding family, sat at the center of it all. That heritage has traveled the globe. Today, St. Regis supports spirited matches from the United Kingdom and Buenos Aires to Aspen, Greenwich, and Washington. You can follow the hotel’s centennial moments throughout the year on Instagram.

Tapas and Sangria Arrive in the VIP Suites

The day offers more than just sport. This 8th edition features six international teams and cultural pavilions. Guests in the VIP Suites enjoy tapas and sangria from Alhambra, the award-winning signature restaurant of The St. Regis Washington DC. Expect world-class athleticism and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the capital!

Champagne Sabrage and the Astor Polo Experience

The celebration extends beyond June 13. As part of its centennial, the hotel presents the St. Regis Luminaries Sabrage Series. Polo player and international lawyer David Tafuri will lead the Champagne Sabrage ritual this June. Travelers can keep the spirit going through October with the Astor Polo Experience Package. This offer includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, and private lessons at Polo Fields at SummerHill Farm. Pricing is available upon request.

The Washington Lobbyist champions the people and places that shape life in the capital. Secure your tickets for The District Cup now and join us on June 13 to celebrate a century of polo—raise a glass and meet us on the Mall!

The St. Regis Washington DC, 923 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006. The District Cup takes place on the National Mall on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

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Shaw’s newest rooftop swaps a regular bar night for a Tulum beach club fantasy!

A Rooftop Escape Reborn Above Shaw

Above the buzz of Shaw, beside breakout bar Eebee’s, Techo Palma has opened where El Techo once stood. The rooftop now reads as a lush, high-energy hideaway. Open-air windows frame the skyline, jungle greenery fills every corner, and poolside furniture invites guests to settle in.

Daniel Joseph Hatem leads the transformation. A DC hospitality veteran since 2003, he steps into ownership for the first time, and the project is personal. Years of traveling to Tulum shaped the vision, back when the town was still dirt roads. The space feels transportive, like a beach club vacation far from the city.

Tacos, Tapas, and Lebanese Roots Meet on the Menu

The menu keeps fan favorites while venturing into new territory. Tacos, guacamole, nachos, and tostones still anchor the table. Alongside them, Mediterranean-style tapas nod to the crossroads of Mexico and Hatem’s Lebanese heritage.

Birria tacos arrive with slow-braised oxtail. Lamb ribs come glazed in chipotle. Mole wings, hamachi crudo, and fire-roasted carrots round out a sharing-friendly lineup.

Behind the bar, barman Jacob Simpson pours tropical cocktails built for long afternoons, while margaritas run from a $14 classic to a $19 añejo pour. Brunch then brings bottomless mimosas and Tangier Island oysters.

DJs, Profit Sharing, and Late-Night Energy

Music drives everything here. Rotating DJs soundtrack the rooftop with downtempo grooves, Afrobeat rhythms, and Latin house, then build the afternoon into a full party after dark. Follow along on Instagram for lineups and brunch news.

The reinvention runs deeper than décor, though. Techo Palma launches with a progressive profit-sharing model that Hatem has carried since his Lima days, designed to create real opportunity for the team!

Techo Palma is at 606 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001, and is open Thursday and Friday from 5:00pm to 2:00am, and weekends from 11:30am to 2:00am.  

Head to Shaw and grab a seat under the palms!

Photos by TaniaHauyon.

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The District, a new DC-based reality series starring Nneka Ihim and Mecole Hayes, has secured a development deal and heads into full production this summer with its sights set on Bravo.

DC’s Newest Reality Series

Washington’s newest reality series is making noise before cameras even roll!

After weeks of viral momentum across bloggers, podcasts, and entertainment pages, The District has secured a development deal and now courts a network or streaming home. The series follows a tight-knit group of DC insiders as they navigate ambition, business, friendship, scandal, and betrayal.

Reality veterans anchor the cast, namely Nneka Ihim of The Real Housewives of Potomac and Mecole Hayes of Big Brother 25. Creator Brandt Ricca, who moved to DC fifteen years ago, has shaped the concept for more than a year and a half.

Chatter first surfaced in late April, and Washingtonian soon documented the buzz. The momentum built fast. The cast shifted. The headlines followed.

A Scandal Erupts Just Hours Before a Lavish Wedding

The drama, meanwhile, is already unfolding off camera. At the center sits a major scandal that detonates roughly fifteen hours before a lavish cast wedding, with fallout that bleeds straight into the ceremony weekend. One cast member’s arrest reportedly lands right ahead of the festivities, fracturing friendships, relationships, and business partnerships along the way.

A sizzle reel viewed by Washingtonian teases affairs, fights, rivalries, a wedding, and even police bodycam footage. The lineup has stayed in motion. One cast member has reportedly left. Another may be joining.

Rumors swirl that former Tennessee state senator Katrina Robinson is in talks to enter the mix, a name that arrives with plenty of headlines of its own.

The Series Spotlights DC Culture Beyond Capitol Hill

Beyond the chaos, however, the show frames a side of Washington that reality TV rarely captures. The cast features entrepreneurs, lobbyists, media personalities, creatives, philanthropists, and small-business owners who built brands together across the city.

Throughout the season, viewers meet the local restaurants, nonprofits, events, and businesses that power DC’s cultural heartbeat.

“There’s incredible culture here,” says Ricca, pointing to the music, the food, the creatives, and the history. Rather than claiming to represent all of Washington, The District zooms in on one connected pocket of it.

The result reads real. It reads local. It reads unmistakably DC!

What The District Means for DC’s Reality TV Moment

For now, The District stands as one of the most talked-about reality concepts emerging online, with interest climbing across social media and entertainment circles by the day. Full production is slated for later this summer, and the team continues shopping the project to networks and streamers, with Bravo named as the goal.

Recognizable faces, explosive storylines, and a grounded sense of place give the series a real shot at standing out. Washington has long supplied the country’s political headlines. Soon, it may supply its guilty-pleasure television, too!

Follow along as we track The District from sizzle reel to screen!

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ilili DC and Rooster & Owl will join forces for a one-night-only Silk Road Dinner Series collaboration on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, pairing Lebanese tradition with contemporary American cooking in a multi-course tasting menu priced at $110 per guest.

Two Acclaimed Chefs Share One Table

For one evening, ilili DC Executive Chef Satinder Vij will cook alongside Rooster & Owl Chef-Owner Yuan Tang. Together, they will build a multi-course tasting menu that moves between two distinct food traditions. The Levant meets modern America. Lebanese spice meets seasonal restraint. Each course becomes a conversation!

Vij brings the bright, layered flavors that have made ilili a leading Middle Eastern destination at The Wharf, while Tang contributes the inventive, market-driven style that earned Rooster & Owl national recognition.

A Dinner Series Rooted in Cultural Exchange

The Silk Road Dinner Series honors the historic trade of ideas, ingredients, and traditions across continents, and this pairing carries that idea straight to the plate. Rather than blending two cuisines into one, the chefs let each speak clearly, then find where the flavors overlap. Lebanese technique engages American creativity. The result favors dialogue over fusion.

“Food has always been one of the most powerful ways to connect cultures and communities,” said Chef Satinder Vij. He framed the night as a chance to celebrate those links while building something entirely new with Chef Yuan Tang.

Guests gather around a shared table, exactly the social, communal spirit that defines both restaurants.

What the Evening Promises Guests

Expect a thoughtfully sequenced menu, served course by course, with a story behind every dish. Tang trained at three-Michelin-star Jean Georges and one-Michelin-star The Modern before opening Rooster & Owl, so precision anchors the creativity.

Meanwhile, Vij draws on the Levant’s deep pantry of herbs, grains, and slow-cooked richness. Seating is intentionally limited, which keeps the room intimate and the experience personal. Because demand for these collaborations runs high, early reservations are strongly encouraged!

How to Reserve Your Seat

The collaboration takes place at ilili DC inside The Wharf, where the kitchen opens for the evening’s first courses. Tickets are $110 per guest, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and seats are first come, first served. Reserve early. Reserve directly. Secure your place through the official reservation link before the table fills.

For one night only, two of Washington’s most distinctive restaurants will cook side by side, and a seat at that table is a rare invitation.

Location: ilili DC, The Wharf, 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Average Cost: $110 per guest (exclusive of tax and gratuity).

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Great restaurants make a great city easier to love.

DC Dining Has a New National Moment

Washington DC has a clean 2026 headline: while 50 Best Restaurants named Smyth in Chicago No. 1 overall, DC claimed one of the strongest local showings on the entire North America list, with four placements built from votes by a 300-member Academy of regional restaurant experts.

Albi ranks No. 6, earns The Best Restaurant in Northeast USA 2026, and wins the Highest Climber Award after rising 28 places. Chef-owner Michael Rafidi built the Navy Yard restaurant around live fire, Palestinian flavor, Mid-Atlantic produce, and family memory. Book early!

Four DC Names Give Visitors a Reason to Book Dinner

The answer for search is simple: Albi, Moon Rabbit, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi, and Pascual are the Washington DC restaurants on the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list.

Moon Rabbit brings Kevin Tien’s Vietnamese cooking downtown. Dōgon, inside Salamander Washington DC, connects Onwuachi’s Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Creole roots with a polished Southwest waterfront room. Pascual gives Capitol Hill a wood-fired Mexican standout from Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy. Go hungry!

Kwame Onwuachi Earns a Rare Double Mention

Worth mentioning: Chef Kwame Onwuachi is listed twice! Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi appears at No. 37 in Washington DC, and Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi appears at No. 39 in New York. That makes his 2026 North America’s 50 Best Restaurants story bigger than one city, while still giving Washington DC diners a direct reservation to the moment.

A Howard Connection Extends the Story to Philadelphia

Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia ranks No. 40, and it belongs in this Washington DC conversation because chef Chad Williams has DC roots and a Howard University connection. The Rittenhouse restaurant from Chad and Hanna Williams is known for an eight-course tasting menu, warm service, and Lovers Bar. That gives Washington readers another smart weekend trip built around dinner.

However, honors only help when readers can act. The Washington Lobbyist turns awards, chef news, reservation notes, hotel context, and neighborhood details into useful Washington DC plans.

Save this short list, send it to your dinner group, and book the table that fits your next night out. Your best DC dinner may already be waiting!

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A great lunch should be fast, fresh, filling, and worth finishing.

The Chicken Caesar Wrap Hits Fast

For anyone asking where to find the best Chicken Caesar Wrap in DC, Little Engine near Eastern Market makes a strong case. The wrap brings chopped romaine, garlic croutons, parmesan, and house Caesar dressing together with pulled rotisserie chicken, crispy chicken, or crispy mushrooms. It tastes classic, then lands with more muscle.

Lunch, buckle up! The Caesar salad or wrap is listed at $15 on the online menu, making it an approachable Capitol Hill lunch with real staying power.

Chef Rob Sonderman Sets the Pace

Little Engine comes from Chef Rob Sonderman, a DC name tied to DCity Smokehouse, Federalist Pig, and Honeymoon Chicken. Washington Post food critic Elazar Sontag recently spotlighted Little Engine among Capitol Hill’s new chicken spots, noting Sonderman’s barbecue background and the restaurant’s rotisserie focus.

That experience shows in the menu, from slow-roasted birds to wings finished with house-made flavors such as Sticky Sichuan, Guava Glaze, Chipotle Ranch Dust, and Thai Peanut. The food is direct, bold, and built for repeat visits.

Eastern Market Makes It Easy

The location helps. Little Engine sits at 250 7th St SE, Washington, DC, across from Eastern Market and close to the Eastern Market Metro station, making it a smart stop for Capitol Hill lunch, Washington DC dinner pickup, weekend market runs, and casual group meals.

The restaurant is open seven days a week, and diners can order online for pickup or delivery. So, yes, this Chicken Caesar wrap deserves a place on your DC food list!

The Washington Lobbyist supports readers by spotlighting DC restaurants that are practical, satisfying, and worth sharing. Little Engine fits that mission with neighborhood energy, sharp ordering convenience, and a Chicken Caesar Wrap that answers the everyday question of where to eat near Eastern Market.

Bring an appetite, send the tip to a friend, and make this your next Capitol Hill lunch move.

Little Engine is located at 250 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003. Average cost: the featured Caesar wrap is $15, wings start at $10, and family meals start at $42.

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Argentina just landed on America’s front yard.

A Beloved Argentine Bite Arrives at the Hirshhorn

Artisan gelateria DOLCEZZA is partnering with Flor. Coffee + Books — two Argentine-owned DC favorites — to bring handmade empanadas to the DOLCEZZA artistic shipping container on the grounds of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden starting Tuesday, June 2nd.

Three varieties make their debut: Steak, Mushroom, and Ham & Cheese, each served with Salsa Roja and Chimichurri. This is the kind of casual, satisfying bite the National Mall has always needed. The container is open daily from 12pm to 5pm, making it an obvious stop for a quick lunch, a pre-museum snack, or a midday break with something worth eating in hand.

The Full Spread Goes Far Beyond Gelato

The empanadas join an already impressive outdoor lineup. Alongside DOLCEZZA’s award-winning seasonal gelato — including a Roasted Strawberry variety made with berries from Virginia’s Agriberry Farm — guests will find wines from Maryland’s Old Westminster Winery, Calvert Beer Co.’s locally brewed I Just Crush A Lot Sour Ale, and a Strawberry Yuzu Spritz made with a housemade strawberry shrub.

Taken together, this is happy hour on the Mall done right. The shipping container itself is wrapped in artwork by Adam Pendleton, created in conjunction with his landmark solo exhibition Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen, currently on view at the Hirshhorn through January 3, 2027. Even the backdrop is worth talking about.

Two Argentine-Owned DC Institutions, One Collaboration

DOLCEZZA opened its first DC location in 2004 and now operates eight shops across the DMV, from DC CityCenter to Bethesda Row to the Mosaic District. Flor. brings the same Argentine roots and community-first approach! Together, they’ve created something the Mall has been missing.

The empanadas are handmade, the gelato is small-batch, and everything on the menu is locally sourced or locally connected — a founding philosophy!

Plan Your Visit to the Hirshhorn This Summer

The Hirshhorn has earned its place as one of DC’s best warm-weather destinations — not just for the art, but for the atmosphere. The outdoor sculpture garden, the architecture, and now a proper food and drink setup make it worth a dedicated afternoon! Locals, tourists, and museumgoers alike have a new reason to linger.

Available starting June 2nd, and given that this is one of the most foot-trafficked stretches of the National Mall all summer, arriving early in the afternoon is a smart move.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560 DOLCEZZA Container Hours: Daily, 12pm – 5pm Empanadas from $5–$7 | Gelato from $6 | Cocktails from $12.

The Washington Lobbyist is DC’s guide to the city’s best food, drink, and culture — from the corridors of power to the National Mall. If you’re planning a summer outing and want to eat well while doing it, bookmark this one. Follow us for the tables, events, and experiences worth your time in the capital.

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Downtown DC is finally getting the hotel lobby restaurant it deserves.

Chef Joevel Magpantay Leads the Oribu Kitchen

Chef de Cuisine Joevel Magpantay brings over a decade of luxury hospitality experience to Oribu, opening June 26, 2026, at Grand Hyatt Washington. His background spans Park Hyatt, Jebel Ali Resorts, and Jumeirah Group. Executive Chef Gerard Spezio and General Manager Ross Boykin complete the leadership team. The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, designed the space.

A Menu Where Japan Meets the Mediterranean

The menu features small plates such as Crisped Sushi Rice with Spicy Maguro, Hamachi Crudo with yuzu kosho, and Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Sashimi flown in from Japan. Signature mains include Octopus à la Plancha brushed with charred Kalamata olive reduction, Olive Wood-Smoked Burrata from Murray’s in NYC, and Charcoal-Grilled Hokkaido Salmon glazed in Kalamata olive miso.

The olive, a defining element, is prepared through various ways on the menu: curing, pressing, fermenting, powdering, warming, or emulsifying, anchoring the blend of Japanese precision and Mediterranean warmth. The menu is driven by seasonality, not trends.

The Design Mirrors the Maritime Silk Road

The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry designed the space to echo the Maritime Silk Road, the ancient route that linked Asia and the Mediterranean. A curving rattan chandelier winds overhead, while Mediterranean textures soften the Japanese-inspired bar.

The name Oribu comes from the Japanese word for olive, symbolizing nourishment and quiet strength. The 4,666-square-foot restaurant seats 93 in the dining room, 43 at the bar and lounge, and 24 on the patio. A private omakase table seats ten for a more intimate experience.

How to Visit Oribu at Grand Hyatt Washington

Reservations will be available soon. Lunch from 11:30 AM to 2 PM; dinner from 5 PM to 10:30 PM. The bar and lounge will open from 11:30 AM to midnight. Follow Oribu on Instagram and Facebook for updates and seasonal menu changes.

The Washington Lobbyist celebrates downtown DC dining, and Oribu brings new energy to the Grand Hyatt lobby—a space worthy of a destination restaurant. Come hungry, come curious, and enjoy a meal that spans centuries and oceans.

Oribu at Grand Hyatt Washington. 1000 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.

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One of Piedmont’s most influential winemakers arrives in Arlington for a one-night food and wine event you cannot afford to miss!

Five Wines, Five Courses, One Unforgettable Piedmont Night

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Liberty Tavern hosts a wine dinner with Chiara Boschis of Barolo’s E. Pira & Figli estate. The event begins at 6:00 PM and features five Piedmontese wines paired with five courses from Executive Chef Ulysses Cabahug, Sous Chef Ome Sarceno, and Executive Pastry Chef Bridie McCulla.

Tickets are $125 per person (prepaid on OpenTable). Seats are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Liberty Tavern prepares breads, pastas, pastries, and sausages fresh daily.

The team has hinted that signatures like beef lasagna, fritto misto, spring burrata, asparagus alla Milanese, and rigatoni bolognese could surface during the pairings. Above all, this is a rare chance to meet the producer behind some of the most celebrated bottles in the Langhe.

Who Is Chiara Boschis and Why E. Pira & Figli Matters

Chiara Boschis became one of the first female Barolo producers in the late 1980s, stepping into the historic E. Pira & Figli house in 1980 alongside her parents, Franco and Ida. The family, now in its ninth generation of Barolo winemaking, has produced wine in the region since the 18th century. Today, brother Giorgio Boschis joins Chiara at the helm.

The estate farms roughly 11 hectares across the appellation’s most prized cru sites, including Cannubi, Mosconi, Ravera, and Baudana, and has been certified organic since the 2014 harvest. Moreover, production stays small at about 40,000 bottles annually, with vineyard work done strictly by hand.

Wine Advocate‘s Monica Larner recently awarded the 2020 Barolo Cannubi Boschis 97 points, praising its exceptional fruit and elegant finish.

How to Book the June 16 Wine Dinner at Liberty Tavern

To reserve your seat for the June 16 wine dinner at Liberty Tavern, visit OpenTable and search for The Liberty Tavern in Arlington, VA. Select June 16 at 6:00 PM and complete your prepaid booking. With limited seating, reservations are expected to sell out quickly. The Washington Lobbyist champions the DC region’s most distinctive food and wine experiences. Book your seat, raise a glass to Barolo’s first lady, and toast to a night Liberty Tavern will be talking about long after the last cork is pulled!

Liberty Tavern, 3195 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:00 PM. $125 per person (prepaid, includes five courses and five wines).

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Banana leaves stretch across a long table—eat with your hands, Filipino style.

A Shared Table Rooted in Filipino Tradition

The DC Boodle Fight lands at Hook Hall on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. A boodle fight is a treasured Filipino custom served at milestones and celebrations. Roasted pig, jasmine rice, fish, crab, pork belly, and fresh fruit are arranged across banana leaves down a long communal table. You can eat with your hands!

The tradition traces back to the Philippine military, where soldiers ate side by side without rank or hierarchy. Today, families and friends gather this way to mark life’s moments, big or small. Tickets are available now through DC Boodle Fight and on OpenTable.

Meet Chef Patrick Tanyag Behind the Spread

Chef Patrick Tanyag is curating the day’s feast at Hook Hall. He is a 25-year kitchen veteran and a RAMMY Award winner known for bold Latin–Asian fusion. Throughout his career, he has opened more than 30 restaurants.

Those include SPIN Washington DC and SPIN 54. He was also a founding partner of Bunpapa, a RAMMY winner with a prior-year nomination. Tanyag helped open Le Kon alongside celebrity chef Katsuji Tanabe.

He now leads kitchen direction at Pirate Ventures. For the Boodle Fight, his menu is designed to be shared, eaten by hand, and experienced shoulder to shoulder.

What to Expect at Hook Hall on May 31

Seatings are available from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, each lasting 90 minutes. Groups of six or more receive a full spread, while smaller parties of two to four share a communal table. Sharing is central to the experience—that is where memorable moments are made. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the venue.

Tickets are per person with a two-person minimum, emphasizing the event’s focus on community. The feast takes place in Hook Hall’s covered outdoor garden just north of Park View. Reserve early—AAPI Month regularly draws large crowds, and this event is expected to fill quickly. Interested in more experiences like this? Explore our curated selection of third places in DC.

Reserve Your Seat for AAPI Heritage Month

Don’t miss out—reserve your seat now for the DC Boodle Fight Feast! Bring friends, family, or your own appetite for a meal that turns strangers into friends.

Food is communal, conversation is built in, and forks are optional. Secure your spot today through DC Boodle Fight or directly with Hook Hall.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with The Washington Lobbyist at this must-attend shared table experience. Act now—seats are going fast!

Event Details Hook Hall 3400 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010. Tickets: Sold per person with a 2-person minimum via DCBoodleFight.com or OpenTable. Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Seating times 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (90-minute seatings).

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Downtown DC just got a new corner office for power dining.

A Modern American Brasserie at 1776 K Street NW

Public Interest recently opened inside the lobby of Tempo by Hilton Washington DC Downtown at 1776 K Street NW. Neighbors include Barbouzard, Taberna del Alabardero, and The Square food hall on Farragut Square. Farragut West Metro is one block away.

The menu pairs French brasserie staples with American plates. Mains include the P.I. Burger at $25, grilled bavette steak at $34, lobster ravioli at $36, seared scallops at $38, pistachio herb-crusted halibut at $42, and braised lamb shank at $35. Starters and salads run from $14 to $25. Sides are $10 across the board.

Hours, Happy Hour, and Bluestone Lane Coffee

Bluestone Lane Coffee operates in the lobby daily from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The brasserie serves dinner Monday through Sunday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Happy hour cocktails are priced from $13 to $15. The list includes the K-Street Negroni, the Bianco Spritz, the Cucumber Collins, the Brass Poire, and the Lady of the House. All draft beers are $6. Happy hour bites range from $10 truffle fries to $17 charcuterie, with P.I. sliders at $14 and confit wings at $16. Follow @publicinterestdc for daily specials!

Private Events with Washington Monument Views

The 12th-floor private event space measures 5,000 square feet and overlooks the Washington Monument. The venue books intimate dinners in a lobby-level private room and full corporate buyouts upstairs. Typical uses include association receptions, agency dinners, fundraisers, and corporate launches.

The Washington Lobbyist covers the rooms, tables, and rituals that downtown professionals actually use. Bookmark our DC dining coverage and book your reservation at Public Interest before your next K Street meeting!

Public Interest at Tempo by Hilton Washington DC Downtown. 1776 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.

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Ashore Oceanfront Hotel joins the Marriott family, making Ocean City a more rewarding beach destination.

Marriott Bonvoy Now Lives at Ashore Oceanfront Hotel

Ashore Oceanfront Hotel is now available for booking through Marriott, allowing guests to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. The hotel will soon join Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, a group of independent, full-service hotels in desirable locations.

To celebrate, Ashore is offering 3,000 bonus Bonvoy points per night for stays through the end of the year. Guests from DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia can enjoy a rewarding beach getaway less than three hours from home. Book direct, earn points, and stay rewarded.

Renovated Rooms, Five Dining Concepts, and Full Beach Service

After a comprehensive renovation, the 250-room oceanfront hotel reopened with a modern nautical design, private balconies overlooking the Atlantic, and updated bathrooms featuring white quartz countertops and dimmable backlit mirrors.

Suites include multi-room layouts, and the property is pet- and family-friendly. The dining experience includes the award-winning Tide Room, recognized in 2025 with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

Additional options include Wahoo Beach Bar on the sand, the repositioned Shore Deck overlooking the dunes, The Taproom for sports viewing, and Ashore Things café for morning coffee. Guests can enjoy food and cocktails delivered to their lounge chairs on the beach with full service.

A Top-Tier Wedding and Event Destination on the Maryland Coast

Ashore now features 14 meeting rooms and 40,000 square feet of flexible space, including a ballroom seating up to 1,000 and scenic oceanfront venues for weddings or events. Packages include amenities like menu tastings and suite upgrades. Between golf and surfing, every stay offers unique experiences on Maryland’s shoreline.

Plan Your Ocean City Stay at Ashore Oceanfront Hotel

Set at 10100 Coastal Highway in the North Beach section of Ocean City, Maryland, Ashore sits where the dunes meet the Atlantic. Average nightly rates land around $175, ranging from roughly $94 in the off-season to $250 and beyond during peak summer weekends.

Book your stay at Ashore Oceanfront Hotel now by visiting Marriott.com, and experience the best of Ocean City. After your visit, share your experience with The Washington Lobbyist and let us know which destination you want to discover next.

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Updated June 9, 2026. The EAT250 DC food festival 2026 is about to take over the nation’s capital!

A Citywide Feast for the Nation’s Milestone Year

The EAT250 DC food festival 2026 takes place June 14–28, spotlighting how America eats.

Developed with partners including the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser, RAMW, and TAA|PR, the festival features 100+ regional restaurants with special menus and experiences.

Chefs will collaborate, embassies will open their kitchens, and museums and libraries will host talks on food and identity. Union Market District serves as the main hub, hosting citywide events.

200+ Restaurants and the Industry’s Biggest Names Sign On

The EAT250 DC food festival 2026 has expanded. Presented by RAMW in partnership with the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser, Events DC, and TAA|PR, the citywide initiative now includes more than 200 participating restaurants across the Washington metropolitan region. Marcus Samuelsson, Bryan Voltaggio, Pierre Thiam, and Paola Velez are among the headline chefs confirmed for the June 14–28 run.

The program has effectively doubled in size since the May announcement. Chef collaborations, neighborhood activations, and embassy dinners will anchor the two-week stretch. The central question stays the same: what is American food? Residents and America250 visitors will find the answer across menus in every corner of DC.

Marquee Chef Collaborations to Book Now

The collaboration dinners are the headlines. The marquee names are confirmed. On June 23, Marcus Samuelsson hosts Diaspora of Flavor at Marcus DC, tracing the movement of ingredients and memory across the African diaspora with Executive Chef Anthony Jones.

On June 19, Rubén García welcomes Bryan Voltaggio at Casa Teresa for From Catalonia to the Chesapeake, a six-course meditation on regional Spanish and Mid-Atlantic cooking.

On June 21, Pierre Thiam joins Hell’s Kitchen winner Rock Harper and storyteller Jessica Nabongo at Manifest 002 for Around the World at the American Table.

Finally, Paola Velez headlines Spice Routes at The Spice Suite on June 28 alongside Tim Ma, Anthony Jones, and founder Angel Gregorio!

International Crossovers and Neighborhood Nights

The lineup keeps building. The international crossovers stack up. June 18 brings Bimi Vita at Masseria, where Nicholas Stefanelli welcomes Katsuya Fukushima for an Italian-Japanese collaboration in six courses.

On June 25, Erik Bruner-Yang hosts Tom Cunanan of the late Bad Saint at Maketto for The New American Table, a Taiwanese, Filipino, and Asian-American conversation across the menu. That same evening, Sébastien Giannini and Andrew Ho present Ode to Escoffier at L’Avant-Garde with the Ambassador of Monaco in attendance. Meanwhile, Stellina‘s Union Market location hosts a Global Pizza Party with Matteo Venini and Elias Taddesse of Doro Soul Food, tracing the shared Italian-Ethiopian story through pizza.

Union Market District and La Cosecha also team up for Tastes of Union Market District on June 25.

Where to Eat, Book, and Celebrate

Programming is anchored in the Union Market District, with chef collaborations, public talks, and special menus rolling out across DC for the full two weeks. Tickets, schedules, and the complete list of 200+ participating restaurants are posted at EAT250.com. Reservations for the marquee dinners are expected to move quickly. Book the dinners. Mark the calendar. Show up hungry.

The Washington Lobbyist proudly champions DC’s vibrant food culture, celebrating the restaurants, chefs, and cultural institutions that make this city unique. Book your seat, enjoy a collaboration dinner, and let us know which ones inspire you. We look forward to celebrating America’s 250th together at the table.

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