Winter has arrived in the District and yet outdoor dining remains one of the most exciting and intimate ways to enjoy an evening with friends or family while you dine or have drinks! From cozy igloos to Viking huts and ski lodges, here are some of the best and most interesting options for dining out in D.C. this winter!
1. Four Seasons Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel recently debuted its custom-built outdoor chalets, created in partnership with single malt Scotch whisky brand, The Macallan. The secluded seating areas feature exclusive Macallan pours, paired with seasonal menu offerings from the hotel’s upscale steakhouse.
Feeling particularly festive? Opt for the decadent Macallan Hot Chocolate complete with a Macallan milk foam, marshmallows, cinnamon dust, a chocolate tree, edible gold leaf and marshmallow twigs! Reservations here.
Plus, the Four Seasons lobby is now decked out with a magical holiday installation, designed by Tom Kehoe. The decor celebrates 9 Children’s National Hospital patients, bringing their holiday dreams to life!
Where: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
2. Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit’s seasonal winter chalets have returned this year! Tucked inside the Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s courtyard in Penn Quarter, the festive holiday pop-up features seasonal cocktails, international fare and plenty of cozy seating.
From mulled wine to s’mores to grilled calamari, trumpet mushroom and beef suya skewers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Personally, we’re particularly excited about the “Naughty or Nice” cocktail topped with toasted marshmallow. The chalets are available on a first-come, first served basis, with semi-private areas available for reservations here.
Where: 555 8th St NW
3. Iron Gate Restaurant
A delicious fusion of Greek and Italian cuisine, this restaurant’s covered and heated outdoor patio stays open year-round to produce a cozy and comfortable atmosphere to ensure you can dine without having to battle the elements. Reserve your spot here.
Where: 1734 N ST NW
4. La Vie
The Wharf’s swanky Mediterranean restaurant has once again pulled out all the stops this holiday season, bringing gorgeous private igloos to its penthouse level for a fourth season. This exclusive outdoor dining experience offers a small mezze style menu, and can accommodate parties of two to eight people.
Furnished with lounge seating and plenty of heating, the stunning igloo dining experience offers aerial views of the Wharf and beyond. Plus, due to high demand, La Vie has added additional reservation options! Book your spot here.
Where: 88 District Square SW 5th floor
5. Next Whisky Bar at the Watergate Hotel
Comfy blankets, cocktails, and cozy igloos? Yes, please! Next Whisky Bar’s ornament-inspired igloos, complete with personal fireplaces, are bound to dazzle visitors this winter. Reserve your spot here to enjoy small plates and craft cocktails in style.
Where: 2650 Virginia Avenue NW
6. Hook Hall
Hook Hall’s magnificent winter cabanas are highly coveted for a reason. Situated in the restaurant’s newly themed Northern Lights garden, these magical hideaways are draped in iridescent fabrics and filled with thousands of twinkling lights.
The venue offers a 20 to 25 person Winter Cabana, a 50-person Grand Winter Cabana and an 8-person Winter Hot Tub Cabana for the ultimate retreat. Each area is complete with heaters and firepits, a curated winter drink menu and tasty bites such as double fried wings and Argentine empanadas. Reserve your space here.
Where: 3400 Georgia Ave NW
7. Fiola Mare
The waterfront sister-restaurant of the famed D.C. eatery, Fiola, is regarded as one of the best outdoor dining locations in the District and has also gone all out for this winter; setting up cozy igloos for outdoor dining complete with twinkling lights and heaters! Book your own personal igloo here.
Where: 3100 K St NW.
8. Stable DC
These adorable ski chalets on H Street have brought a taste of the Swiss Alps right to Northeast D.C., offering up plenty of beverages and hearty menu items that will warm you up to your core, such as their beloved fondue.
Stable DC’s charming chalets seat up to six guests, and parties of four or more can indulge in an unlimited Raclette experience – a dream. Reserve your spot here.
Where: 1324 H Street NE
9. The Inn at Perry Cabin
This resort located in St. Michael’s, MD, has set up adorable greenhouses throughout its property to make outdoor dinners all the more charming and intimate!
Where: 308 Watkins Ln, St Michaels, MD 21663
10. Del Mar
Fabio Trabbochi’s Spanish restaurant Del Mar has also set up winter-friendly outdoor seating so you can enjoy your Spanish cuisine in style this winter.
Where: 791 Wharf St., SW
11. Bresca
Book one of Bresca’s “lodges” and enjoy an intimate meal for two featuring top-notch European dishes!
Where:1906 14th St., NW
12. Rakuya
Enjoy your sushi while dining in an adorable little greenhouse just outside Rakuya. The Japanese restaurant has set up two charming greenhouses as well as open-air patio tables for everyone to enjoy their meal safely.
Where: 1900 Q St., NW
13. HalfSmoke
This Shaw restaurant has set up a winter wonderland in its backyard complete with frosted trees, poinsettias, and inflatable polar bears!
Where: 651 Florida Ave NW
14. Albi
At Albi, they’ve set up dazzling winter lodges perfect for making your winter nights merry and bright!
Where: 1346 4th St SE