By now you all know my undying passion for food and dining. Over the twenty-five years that I have lived in the DC-area, I have seen the DC dining scene evolve, elevate, and grow, and have had the pleasure of patronizing many of those restaurants along the way. 

Dining brings me incredible joy. Sometimes it looks like dining solo at the bar after a long day, ordering a comforting meal, and winding down with an expertly paired wine. Other times, it looks like a table surrounded friends, catching up and toasting and sharing our lives. Sometimes it is coffee with clients, laptop out, working together on their event and getting to know one another in the process. Regardless of the scenario, I am most “in my zone” and always at home dining out. 

One of the benefits of frequenting dining establishments is getting to know the staff that makes the magic happen. And over those twenty-five years I have met so many amazing and talented people — those who craft magical elixirs, push the envelope in the kitchen, and extend gracious service. They have become part of my world, and so many of those relationships I am blessed to have evolved into friendships. 

Does the DC dining scene mean something to me? Yes. Has it elevated my spirits in hard times (the time when a barfriendor watched me cry over a loss)? Made celebrations even more special (when staff celebrated victories and milestones alongside me)? Has it expanded my knowledge and passion about food (each time staff took time to share their expertise about the menu)? Yes. Yes. Yes. 

“My heart breaks” is not a strong enough phrase to express how I feel about the current situation in the DC restaurant scene. These are people I have cheered for and admired; who work ridiculous hours to bring joy to others; and who I want to see thrive. 

Please join me in finding ways to support your local restaurant scene — whether in DC or in the community you live in. Buy gift certificates, SWAG, support go-fund me pages, and order take out from those that are offering it. 

Below is a list of some of my personal favorite DC restaurants that have touched my life over the years, and ways to support them in this time. Of course, there are so many more restaurants that also need our support. Let’s do all we can to help these establishments weather the storm. 

When things stabilize — and they will — I look forward to returning to the tables at my favorite haunts, to those places I’ve been wanting to revisit, and spots that have been on my list to try. And I hope you will join me. 

Cheers, 
Teresa

Please note that this was originally published on March 22, 2020, so please check the websites of the restaurants below as many have updated their offerings.

Anju

Anju is accepting orders online orders for takeout. 

Bresca 

Bresca is not doing take-out but please consider purchasing a gift certificate. 

Chiko

Chiko is continuing their delicious carry-out menu. Check their Instagram feed for more info.

Fiola

Chef/Owner Fabio Trabocchi has established relief funds to help out his employees and his family of restaurants.

Gravitas

Gravitas is offering many options for take-out.

Iron Gate Restaurant

Iron Gate is open for carry-out and delivery daily.

Kinship 

Kinship is offering “In the Spirit of Kinship” to-go meals. The meals are available for pickup between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 

Morris American Bar

Let’s face it, we all need a cocktail. To order, call 1.833.366.7747

Red Hen DC

Place your order online and go to the restaurant only when it is time to pick it up. 

Reverie 

A special carry-out menu changes daily. Check out their Instagram feed for the menu and updates.

Chloe

Chloe is not doing take-out but please consider purchasing a gift certificate. 

More DC-area Restaurants

For full lists of DC-area restaurants offering take-out visit roundups from Washingtonian, Eater DC, and RAMW. Eater also has a nice list of places offering carry-out cocktail kits.