I can’t believe August is already whizzing by! It’s been a little over 7 months of this mandatory “quarantine and chill” mode — and despite having a little more freedom vs. the start of the pandemic, most of us still won’t be booking a vacation anytime soon. One thing I miss the most this summer is sipping drinks and dining al fresco at a faraway beach, taking in beautiful sunset views and sounds of the ocean waves. To help my travel ban-induced depression, I am starting to treat myself to a few happy hours or brunch at restaurants with fun, outdoorsy vibes across their patios. A few recs below!
Hook Hall: This year I had to cancel my trip to Yucatan, Mexico and Tulum. I was so looking forward to celebrating my birthday at a cute hacienda with a few of my closest friends, and then COVID-19 happened! I was so sad I wasn’t going to be enjoying a margarita with a view this year, but then Hook Hall came to my rescue. This recently reopened Park View patio, decked out in leafy plants and bright tropical decor, screams summer. You can also rent a six-person cabana and have fun the safe/socially distanced way. I loved their pizza and beach-y cocktails (one comes in a branded coconut!). The tacos were also delicious — my fave were the shrimp and fish.
Cuba Libre: Who doesn’t love a good pina colada while sunbathing on the sand? Cuba Libre has delicious rum cocktails that will give you all the vacay vibes. Their outdoor setup, paired with their killer salsa music playing in the background, will transport you to Havana and you won’t want to leave. Note that the min you walk in, they’ll take your temp! Which I think is the right thing to do. Safety first! Sanitary details are everywhere — they also give you disposable bags to house your masks on the table.
TTT: Mexican street food, especially tacos, was something I was craving pre-pandemic. TTT’s delicious menu will take you on that Mexican trip you always wanted. The service at this restaurant is always so amazing. Make sure to order their spicy cucumber cilantro margarita — super refreshing and also one of my favorite cocktails this summer! Share a pitcher and end your night with some delicious churros. They are also currently offering their “Fiesta for Two” special for $44.99…so worth it!
Primrose: Brunching was probably the top activity I missed the most during lockdown! I truly live for Sunday Fundays with friends. Primrose is my neighborhood restaurant — I’m truly lucky to have them just steps away from me. Their patio is magical. It will make you feel like you are vacationing somewhere fabulous in the south of France. They have a great selection of French wines, but what I craved the most was their best-selling burger and frites! Note: Primrose will not have servers come to your table to place your orders. You have to digitally view their menu via your phone and order and pickup dishes and drinks through a window wearing a mask. Very smart for them to do that!
Immigrant Food: A glass of sangria to me means it’s time to relax and enjoy the day! Immigrant Food just launched a new weekend “Sangrias on Penn Ave” option (on Fridays and Saturdays only). Enjoy music outdoors with a white summer sangria pitcher to yourself, cuz WHY NOT lol. They also have super yummy appetizers and the vibe overall is super chill. The fast-casual menu is created by award-winning Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo, who also runs the kitchen at fine-dining spot Seven Reasons (also home to one of my fave D.C. patios you should check out too!).
Residents: This Dupont Circle bar was legit one of the last places I visited before the pandemic started — it was one of those carefree evenings we all now miss so much. The aesthetics of this bar was always on point, so I’m not surprised their extended garden patio is pretty much a dreamy oasis. Surrounded by palm trees, sip your worries away with their famous espresso martinis with a side of tasty mini gyros.
The Riggs Rooftop: This former bank-turned-stunning hotel opened in February in Penn Quarter, right before the whole city shut down. The hotel finally reopened last week in all its glory, complete with a brand new 12th-story rooftop bar overlooking the city! This scenic situation is truly a gem. Order its twist on an Aperol spritz (with Vermouth Rosa) while snacking on light Mediterranean bites and start your photo shoot immediately. The dips are delish — try the smoked red pepper and chickpea relish with assorted crudite (raw veggies) or a bowl of ricotta and seasonal peaches. The tequila caught my eye in the Melon Highball cocktail and it was just as gorgeous as it was tasty! Their lobby-level Cafe Riggs also just opened a pretty patio right out front.
There you have it! A list of fun outdoor places that you’ll love and will take your mind away from the pandemic life. Always remember to wear a mask while ordering your food and upon entering the restaurant. I’m all about having more than a drink, but be conscious with your alcohol intake to make sure you can properly follow the rules to protect yourself and your server! We are in this together, after all 🙂 For more restaurant recs, click HERE and follow me on Instagram.
