As warmer weather arrives, a host of exciting dining experiences are set to emerge across Germantown and other areas in Montgomery County over the coming months.
Anticipated openings in the D.C. area include: Ox and Olive, a steakhouse and martini bar in Georgetown; Rye Bunny, a casual eatery serving fine mid-Atlantic cuisine in Adams Morgan; and The Angie, a European-style bistro located in Ballston, among others.
PopUp Bagels, the acclaimed bagel brand from New York City, is making its debut in Georgetown this March, backed by notable supporters including Paul Rudd and Michael Phelps. In an impressive expansion plan, 20 additional locations around the DMV are on the horizon. Known for its unique “rip-and-dip” philosophy, where customers tear apart fresh bagels to dip into creamy spreads, PopUp Bagels offers a selection of rotating shmears, including options like Guinness chocolate cake and pesto butter. Adam Goldberg originally launched the brand as a small baking project during the pandemic in Connecticut, and since then, its popularity has soared, leading to lengthy queues during its New York pop-up events. The new Georgetown store takes over the space formerly occupied by Mason’s Lobster Rolls, with plans for a Bethesda location also in the pipeline.
Where: 1078 Wisconsin Avenue NW
When: Friday, March 27
The dynamic restaurateur Ashok Bajaj is preparing for a downtown revival with the opening of Rosselli this spring. The establishment will occupy the prominent corner location near Metro Center that previously housed Modena, a modern Italian venue that closed last year. The new Italian restaurant will feature a fresh layout with a smaller dining area, emphasizing a distinctive U-shaped marble bar and increased counter seating. Chef Carlos Cardona, who boasts Michelin-star credentials from his tenure at NOI by Paulo Airaudo in Hong Kong, will oversee the kitchen. This transition comes as Bajaj and his Knightsbridge Restaurant Group continue to transform dining concepts, having already pivoted several other venues in recent months.
Where: 1199 H Street NW
When: Late March
Renowned chefs Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler, known for their Michelin-starred restaurant Tail Up Goat in Adams Morgan, are converting their former spot into a casual dining venue called Rye Bunny. This counter-service eatery will have seating for 84 and will emphasize the couple’s love for seasonal, produce-driven dishes. New menu highlights will include half-fried bobo chicken and Sunday ragu, complemented by an impressive wine selection curated by beverage director Audrey Dowling.
Where: 1827 Adams Mill Road
When: Thursday, April 2
What: Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, the minds behind the beloved Cork Wine Bar in Logan Circle, are bringing a nostalgic experience to Tenleytown with Marv’s Dogs. This establishment will specialize in Chicago-style hot dogs accented with traditional pickles and served alongside creamy milkshakes in vanilla and pistachio flavors. Designed to be a family-friendly venue close to American University, it will also feature fun video games for entertainment. This new addition reflects the team’s growing presence in upper Northwest D.C., recently having opened a new Cork location in Cleveland Park.
Where: 4936 Wisconsin Avenue NW
When: April
The D.C.-based Hive Hospitality group, renowned for its acclaimed Michelin-starred venues on 14th Street, is stepping into the steakhouse realm for the first time with Ox and Olive in Georgetown. This new 50-seat restaurant will take over the prestigious alleyway space that was previously occupied by the Michelin-starred Reverie, which closed last year. Chef Ryan Ratino plans to bring a robust menu featuring classic American steakhouse favorites, including rib-eyes and wedge salads, along with creative touches such as baked oysters and foie gras.
Where: 3201 Cherry Hill Lane
When: Mid-April
Renowned chef Tyson Cole brings his acclaimed sushi restaurant Uchi to D.C. for the first time this spring. The restaurant, which originated in Austin in 2003, will occupy a refurbished bungalow in downtown D.C., continuing the brand’s expansion to the East Coast. Following successful openings in Houston, Dallas, and most recently Los Angeles, Uchi now plans to reach Philadelphia, with Maryland and Virginia locations also in active development. This new venture is part of a wider initiative by Hai Hospitality, which comprises a range of esteemed eateries including Uchiko and Oheya.
Where: 1150 17th Street NW
When: Mid-spring
The award-winning Soko Butcher shop, celebrated for its excellent cheesesteaks, is making its first foray across state lines into Leesburg, Virginia. Chef-owner Brad Feickert, originally from Purcellville, is expanding his reach with plans for a Soko in downtown Leesburg. Patrons can expect the same stellar offerings of prime rib cheesesteaks alongside smash burgers and breakfast burritos crafted from house-made sausage. This delightful eating space will feature outdoor seating and offer happy hour all day. An additional Soko location is also set to launch in Arlington.
Where: 15 Loudoun Street, Leesburg, Virginia
When: April
From the creators of Dupont’s successful Greek venue Balos, The Angie will bring a touch of French influence to Ballston. This all-day bistro aims to offer a menu filled with both traditional European and upscale American dishes. Patrons can expect to find options such as French dip sandwiches, garlic and butter-crusted lobster frites, and roasted Dover sole. The design emphasizes outdoor dining, featuring operable windows that will enhance the ambiance in the spacious 5,700-square-foot restaurant, located at the base of a modern office building.
Where: 3901 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia
When: May
The concept of Alfie’s, a beloved Thai pop-up, is transitioning to a permanent location in Georgetown after been previously featured in notable locales such as London and Bangkok. Chefs Alex McCoy and Justin Ahn are set to introduce a refined menu that blends traditional Thai cooking techniques with innovative ingredients. The new Georgetown outlet will serve house-made curries using local produce, as well as lunch items like flavorful noodle bowls. Patrons can look forward to an intimate dining experience with just 25 seats in a charming alley next to the omakase restaurant, Two Nine.
Where: 1228½ 31st Street NW
When: May
Chef Victor Albisu, best known for his fast-casual chain Taco Bamba, is pivoting back to his steakhouse roots through a new venture called Electric Bull. Located near his Taco Bamba spot in Vienna, this restaurant will cater to meat lovers with a menu featuring various cuts including hanger and flank steak, South American-style short ribs, and unique family recipes for chorizo. Albisu is renowned for his charred honey lamb ribs, which recently won accolades at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival competition. His team includes James Beard-nominated chef and master butcher Justin Severino as a partner, along with executive chef Adam Hoffa.
Where: 176 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, Virginia
When: Early spring
