Residents’ café and bar has an Alpine lodge for its own winter patio. Image via Hook Johnson
Come winter, we crave a hot drink with a hotter fire. These bars and restaurants go beyond the average patio heating with outdoor fireplaces, alpine décor, and private outdoor spaces (chalets! igloos!) for cool-weather fun. It is clear that the more compact the structure, the less it is in the open air. Pay attention to — and stick to — corporate mask mandates and vaccination requirements. And, as usual, be respectful of staff entering enclosed spaces.
Winter Lodge at Residences
1306 18th Street, Northwest
Dupont Circle’s modern hangout will entice diners into a mountain setting thanks to a new winter dream scene on the patio – all designed by local design studio, Bee Inspired Events. Take a seat on a log – with cushions and blankets for comfort – amidst a forest of pine branches, pine cones and false snow. Regular lunch and dinner menus are available with seasonal specials. Hot drinks and espresso martini too? defy.
Chalets in Four Seasons Georgetown
2800 Pennsylvania Street, Northwest
Get an alpine getaway minus the cost of a plane ticket at the Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown, which recently designed outdoor pine “suites” inspired by luxury chain hotels in ski destinations in the French Alps, Jackson Hole and beyond. Each chalet is stocked with blankets, pillows, rustic-chic décor, and food and drinks such as chilled wine and oyster and smoked sable platters (full Bourbon Steak menu is also available). As you’ve probably guessed, these luxury cottages aren’t cheap – reservations start at $300 per chalet, plus a $200 food/drink minimum (so bring five of your sweetest friends). The hotel also hosts an outdoor holiday market on weekends (until December 19th) around a giant Christmas tree with toothed cocoa and lots of presents.
High Lawn Mountain
1309 Fifth Street, Northeast
The huge rooftop bar/restaurant at Union Market is getting a fun winter makeover. Climb up to “Mount Hi-Lawn” for après-ski vibe – mulled wine, mulled wine, 20 fire pits, shotskis (yes, these are ski shots) and comfort food like grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dog sausages. There’s also a huge 2,500-square-foot tent with heaters for when the temperature drops, and outfitted with vintage mountain decor. They’re celebrating the launch with an ugly sweater party on Friday, December 17, and have weekly fun nights including live music on Thursdays.
Eagles scandal at Watergate
2650 Virginia Ave., NW
Drink as if it were 1972 at the Watergate Hotel, which just launched an outdoor “scandalous ice igloo” themed the fiftieth anniversary of Nixon’s heinous crimes. The domes were outfitted with comfortable blankets and plush Playboy-esque chairs, working Victrola record players, non-functioning typewriters, books about Watergate, and other scandal-era accents. Food and drink also go back to 1972 – think Singapore Slings, lamb chops with mint jelly, chocolate cigars, and the aforementioned fondue. Rentals start at $150 with a minimum of $75 for food and beverage per person.
Lulu’s Chimineas Wine Garden
1940 11th Street, Northwest
The indoor/outdoor setting at the U Street Corridor Wine Garden has always been warm thanks to its desert-inspired southwest accents. The semi-sheltered building is protected by an airy wooden structure suspended with plants and basket lamps, while wood-burning eucalypts keep the fun stuff in the front and back yards. There’s also a “warm up” menu—all free QR code service to call—with hot lupine cocktails, chicken cheese tortilla soup, and blankets available for purchase. You can even set your table warmer on your phone.
zinnia winter garden
9201 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring
The new Silver Spring Restaurant and Garden – which takes over the historic space of Mr. K’s Tollhouse – is ready for winter. The holiday market runs every Friday through Sunday until Christmas with crafts, warm drinks, and more. Patrons can make reservations in the spacious gardens at picnic tables in the heated patio or around the fire pits, with warm meals like crab dip and stewed short rib slips.
Abris Ski Rooftop Hotel Conrad
950 New York Ave., NW
You can’t hit the slopes near CityCenterDC, but you can channel mountain vibes on the rooftop of the lofty Conrad Hotel. Enjoy views of the monuments while sipping rum-infused hot chocolate and warm rosemary-infused bourbon cocktails, plus cozy heaters and blankets. The food is French-inspired – think cheeses, meats, and Roasted Croque Madame. The popup continues until December 26th.
waterfront iSeating at Del Mar, Viola Mare
791 Wharf St., SW; 3100 K St NW
Is the trend of fake igloo a bit ridiculous? Yes. Does it sound too easy to rent a plastic orb for $175? probably. Having said that, we wouldn’t complain if a friend rented one of these sneaky snowballs at Fabio Trabucci’s seafood-focused restaurants in Georgetown or at Wharf—and then treated us to an oyster plateau. (Note: rental fees vary during holidays, and there is a maximum of six people).
Winter Festival in Wundergarten
1101 First Street, Northeast
NoMa’s massive outdoor beer garden is in the midst of the annual WinterFest celebration (until December 23) where you’ll find Christmas tree collection, holiday pop-up markets, and more. Even after it’s wrapped up, revelers can expect warm cocktails, roasted cider, and hot chocolate; Seasonal winter beers roar fire pits and private cabanas lit with colorful lights (prices vary by size and date). See the schedule of fun activities here.
Winter Wonderland in HalfSmoke
651 Florida Ave., NW
Owner Andre McCain launched a large pop-up called “Winter Wonderland” outside his restaurant in Shaw last year with socially spaced seating for 100 guests. The patio is furnished with 12 heated and airy igloos for two to six people that can be booked, breakfast through dinner, as well as outdoor picnic tables. You can book the globes here.
Candy Cane Houses at Maxwell Park Navy Yard
1346 Fourth Street, SE
You probably know Maxwell for his whimsical wine lists – now sommelier Brent Kroll and his friend Adriana Salam Aspiazo (part of the talent behind the Miracle on 7th Street Christmas bar) come up with a pop-up wine bar for the holidays. There are fun decorations inside and out, plenty of champagne, and themed drinks like egg throwers. If you want to party outside, book a candy-cane greenhouse (which requires a $300 deposit) with heating and speakers for holiday carols. Available until December 31.
food editor
Anna Spiegel covers the eating and drinking scene of her capital country. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and the Master of Fine Arts program at Columbia University in New York, and held various culinary and writing positions in New York City and in St. John’s, US Virgin Islands.