By Caroline Dalton By Caroline Dalton | June 14, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Bar Bites,
With baseball season in full swing, we’ve rounded up the best spots near Nationals Park in Navy Yard for all your pre- and post-game affairs.
The Nationals play on South Capitol Street in Southeast through September.
TAKODA NAVY YARD
As the largest rooftop bar in Navy Yard, it’s no surprise Takoda is the place to be during baseball season. Take in city views while sipping a Boardwalk Mojito with rum, lime, mint, and demerara crisp, or cool down with a strawberry and peach frozé. Before heading to the game, be sure to snack on Tokoda’s classic bar bites, such as truffle tots. 1299 First St. SE, 202.741.1001, takodanavyyard.com
Chef Michael Rafidi showcases his Levantine roots with incredible fare at Albi.
ALBI
Albi draws inspiration from chef Michael Rafidi’s roots in the Levant by marrying ancient culinary traditions with seasonal ingredients. Located in Yards Park, this lively eatery offers fine dining against a cozy backdrop of greenery, rugs and wooden decor. Choose to dine a la carte with options like grilled octopus kebob and crab warak dawali, or opt for sofra—a specially curated menu highlighting the freshest ingredients. 1346 4th St. SE, albidc.com
ALL-PURPOSE PIZZERIA
Situated across the street from Nats Park, this Italian-American eatery recently launched a new menu that has foodies buzzing. In addition to their classic slices, fans can indulge in bites like king salmon crudo with crispy risotto, toasted sesame, jalapeno, lemon aioli, spring onion and Calabrian chili. For something more decadent, try the rigatoni verde with spring pea cremosa, asparagus, mint, Parmigiano and roasted garlic breadcrumbs. 79 Potomac Ave. SE, allpurposedc.com
Expect great outdoor seating and a party atmosphere at Atlas Brew Works on Half Street.
ATLAS BREW WORKS
With the simple mission of bringing people together over delicious craft beer, Atlas Brew Works creates a modern environment where guests can bond over beer and baseball. Boasting views of Nationals Park, this brewery pours 15 beers on tap like the aptly named Bullpen Pilsner. 1201 Half St. SE, 202.525.2001, atlasbrewworks.com
Chef Haidar Karoum leads the kitchen at Chloe in Navy Yard.
CHLOE
This trendy Navy Yard spot combines an eclectic menu with a lively atmosphere, serving up a diverse range of global cuisines reflective of chef Haidar Karoum’s culinary journey. Share a few small plates like caramelized cauliflower, roasted kaleidoscope carrots, and garbanzo falafel before heading to the Nats game. 1331 Fourth St. SE, 202.313.7007, restaurantchloe.com
Jackie American Bistro features upscale American comfort food cooked with French technique.
JACKIE AMERICAN BISTRO
Step into the 1960s with a visit to the vibrant Jackie American Bistro. Paying homage to Jackie Kennedy, the cozy spot features classic and contemporary decor, handmade furniture from DC regional small businesses and touches from the Kennedy era. The menu honors Jackie by serving upscale American comfort food created with French technique as a nod to Jackie’s lineage. Snack on chips and caviar before indulging in the tomahawk steak with green bean casserole. 79 Potomac Ave. SE, 202.919.3800, jackiedc.com
Royal Sands Social Club.
ROYAL SANDS SOCIAL CLUB
Blending the beachy sandbar vibes of Florida with the energetic atmosphere of Navy Yard, Royal Sands Social Club is the perfect scene for summer games. This upbeat spot’s extended brunches for weekend games and late-night service for post-game drinks come with exceptional views of Nationals Park. Across two levels with 14,000 square feet, sip one of its specialty cocktails like a frozen pina colada or royal rum punch. 26 N. St. SE, 202.355.9000, royalsandsdc.com
Shilling Canning Company
SHILLING CANNING COMPANY
A commanding bar, gleaming handmade copper oven, and navy-blue banquettes set the scene at this modern mid- Atlantic eatery. With a la carte dining and a regularly rotating three-course tasting menu, chef Reid Shilling invites guests in with high-quality ingredients and surprises in each bite. Enjoy a hearty meal of deviled eggs and duck confit before heading to cheer on the home team. 360 Water St. SE, 202.554.7474, shillingcanning.com
TROUBLE BIRD
From the acclaimed DC sommelier and restauranter Brent Kroll, along with Andrew Hurn and Justin Cara-Donna, comes Trouble Bird—a new cocktail bar perfect for post-game celebrations. Enjoy elevated bar bites like a carbonara panini or prosciutto with breadsticks and pickled vegetables while enjoying a specialty cocktail. The “breakfast for dinner” themed drinks put a creative spin on classics like the Cosmo Swizzle, which takes the cosmopolitan up a notch with cranberry falernum and Warm Hug Bitters. 1346 Fourth St. SE, troublebirddc.com
Photography by: SUNG SHIN; REY LOPEZ; COURTESY OF ATLAS BREW WORKS; SCOTT SUCHMAN; COURTESY OF JACKIE AMERICAN BISTRO; COURTESY OF ROYAL SANDS SOCIAL CLUB; JENNIFER CHASE