Eater DC just launched its special awards for some of the top-performing restaurants and bars around the District this year.
The five new awards were given out in the following categories:
- Best new restaurant
- Best new bar
- Rising Chef
- Design of the Year
- Best Night Out
Best new restaurant: Tapori
data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMY66cvtXjG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
Serving up unique street food recipes found only in Nepal and parts of India!
According to the rave reviews that Eater DC left after its visit, the restaurant not only features fantastic food, but also a striking interior that feels designed to promote a sense of togetherness and community.
The top dishes, according to Eater Northeast Editor, Tierney Plumb, included:
- Wagyu beef steamed momos
- Podi masala dosas
Best new bar: Bar Betsie
data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRP9DB_Eiob/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
Located inside the Union Market, this spot opened in March of this year and quickly turned heads with its visually loud interior design: dramatic dark-red lighting, mirrored walls, and funky use of neon lighting.
However, more than just an interesting space, Bar Betsie was noted to have something other new bars always seem to strive for, a chic yet laid back feel that can somehow seem like both a cocktail and dive bar at the same time.
The menu of cocktails is noted to be superb, but what really denotes this bar’s ethos is its snack menu, which includes dishes like Buffalo chicken dip, grape jelly & barbecue-flavored “lil smokies”, and soft pretzels with queso dip.
The top drinks to try, according to editorial associate Emily Venezky, are:
- prickly pear mezcal cocktail
- Margaritini
Rising Chef: Chef Anthony Jones of Marcus DC
data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRj5CcHDBgV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
As the leading man behind the Marcus kitchen, which just opened here in D.C. back in June, Chef Jones’s ability to pull together flavors and ingredients from his life’s travels has been rightfully rewarded.
Before becoming the executive chef at Marcus, Anthony Jones had previously worked under the restaurant’s own (Marcus Samuelsson) at his Miami restaurant Red Rooster Overtown, an experience that clearly left quite an impression on both the celebrity chef/owner and Chef Jones.
The top plates of his that you’ll want to try, according to editorial associate Emily Venezky, include:
- Crab rice with uni bearnaise sauce
- Whole-roasted chicken in mambo sauce
- Smoked clam cacio e pepe pasta
- Parmesan gnocchi with spiced mushroom broth
Design of the Year: Fish Shop
data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmbsz7NwXB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
Located at the Wharf serving up, you guessed it, seafood… This restaurant highlights the Mid-Atlantic maritime culinary culture with local classics touched with Scottish flair (an ode to the restaurant’s sister spot in Scotland), like the ever-impressive Maryland Crab Crumpet.
The interior has an incredible aquatic motif that makes you feel as if you are 20,000 leagues under the sea until the food immediately takes you to Flavortown!
The top dishes, according to Eater Northeast Editor Tierney Plumb, were:
- Fresh oysters
- Fish and Chips
Best Night Out: Press Club
Press Club Cocktail Bar, which has been drawing crowds to its Dupont Circle space for just over a year now, largely as a result of its having “the vibes of a 70s cocktail lounge and aesthetics of a 90s record shop.”
The top things to try, according to editorial associate Emily Venezky, include:
- “Devil in a New Dress” cocktail
- The “Play List” four-flight tasting menu