December is the time for many restaurants to lure their patrons with festive menus and decadent beverage options. From cozy champagne bars to a pop-up ski chalet in the heart of Penn Quarter, here are five holiday dining options in Washington, DC, you shouldn’t miss.
For a glass of Champagne: Bar Jo
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a glass of champagne, and there’s no better place to enjoy a glass of bubbles than at a champagne bar – namely, Bar Jo’s, the cozy champagne bar inside Josephine’s in Old Town Alexandria. The list of champagnes by the glass and bottle is extensive, and the menu of champagne cocktails includes something for everyone. There is the boozy Hemingway’s Kir Royale, a twist on a classic Kir Royale with absinthe, the light and airy Lighter Side of A, a wine-based aperitif with sparkling wine and lemon, and the tropical Alpine Airmail, with rum, peach, lime and of course, sparkling wine. The venue even offers a sparking wine negroni! Enjoy your champagne with a cheese plate, or, for something indulgent, the creamiest macaroni au gratin in town.
For happy hour with a wintery vibe: Dirty Habit’s Ski Chalet
The iconic Kimpton Hotel Monaco converts the patio of its restaurant, Dirty Habit, into a ski chalet every winter to set a seasonal vibe for guests. There are fire pits, cozy blankets, and of course, winter-themed beverages such as a warm espresso martini, a cranberry sparkling wine beverage, mulled wine, and more. Be sure to visit the annual Penn Quarter holiday market before or after happy hour, located right in front of the hotel.
For the best holiday cookies: Levain Bakery
The cookie tin at Levain Bakery, with locations both in Georgetown and Bethesda, is guaranteed to chase away any winter blues. The dark chocolate peppermint is sinfully rich, the chocolate chip walnut is crunchy, and the oatmeal raisin is a classic. If you are buying one as a gift, get one for yourself too!
For a cozy brunch: The Tabard Inn Restaurant
The Tabard Inn welcomes you with a cozy lounge complete with a fireplace, which leads to several small rooms with dining tables and an enclosed patio with heat lamps. In addition to that, their brunch menu has all the comfort foods you crave in winter. Flaky, butter biscuits, latkes topped with eggs and gravy, pear-topped pancakes, and best of all, irresistible house-made donuts.
For a lunch of classic Italian comfort food: Claudio’s Table
There’s nothing as comforting as pasta when the temperatures drop, and so Claudio’s Table, which just opened in Palisades, is the perfect spot for a winter lunch. Indulge in arancini, where creamy spheres of risotto are enrobed in a crunchy exterior, cheesy cacio e pepe pasta, hearty eggplant parmesan smothered in mozzarella cheese, classic margherita pizza with burnt edges, and, of course, sweet cannoli.
Happy holidays!
