Sidewalk Dining

[BigWyoming]

Me and Ms. BigWyoming went out last night in search of a good meal that we could eat in a sidewalk or patio setting and sadly found it's still a bit too early in the year.

I know Jaleo usually has tables outside, as does Cafe Atlantico. None were set up last night, though. With this early summer we're getting this weekend we'd like to sit outside and nibble on some goodies and sip some of the loud-mouth soup, but it seems like options are limited.

Anyone seen any good outside options lately?

[Tee]

Even though its not the most upscale of places, I always enjoy Mimi's (on P Street, west side of the circle). They've had their outside tables set up for a while now, I believe.

Lively atmosphere, both inside and outside the restaurant.

(Just don't order their ravioli)

[bilrus]

I was just at Zaytinya today and the tables were out and mostly filled on their patio. Not exactly the nicest view, but good food in beautiful weather. Two out three ain't bad.

[Mayhaw Man]

I know that it is not exactly on the sidewalk, but I understand that the balcony here has a fabulous view and great service from lots of uniformed staff. Reservations, however, can be kinda tough unless you know somebody.

[mnebergall]

Ten Penh.

[frogprince]

indique has charming little outdoor seatings up above the tumultuous ruckus that is connecticut avenue. ive never been but it essentially looks like eating on a (spacious) balcony of an apartment.

palena's chairs were out yesterday afternoon too.

[JennyUptown]

Alero in Cleveland Park has a set-up similar to Indique's balcony plus a front porch when you first walk in. On Friday night, it was very crowded, a popular place to be.

Rumba Cafe had tables out Saturday night. Reef's roof deck was open, but I'm not sure it was for dinner or drinks only.

[babka]

Regarding the above pernicious rumor concerning Zaytinya:

Please note that the patio is, indeed open, but do not attempt to sit at the only downtown tables bathed in light on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Judging by the hordes present today, far too few people understand the potential dangers:

1) Pomegranate seeds, due to their inherent quality of "redness," accelerate the uptake of ultraviolet radiation. Better to race with your seeded drink into a dark closet and consume by candlelight.

2) Angora goats from the Ringling Bros. circus at MCI are easily confused by the breath of spring and sometimes stampede in search of their native land. The aromas of Turkish eggplant and goat yogurt wafting off the patio of Zaytina make it the most likely spot of conflict.

3) Bulgarian spies, frustrated by their portrayal as KBG stools in the nearby Spy museum, have been known to take their ricin-laced umbrellas and sit down for a stiff drink. Finding not Rakiya but Retsina, and wines from Macedonia instead of Melnik, only makes them angrier.

4) The sprinkler system, accustomed to long dormancy in the dead of winter, gets easily confused on Sundays. When the restaurant staff makes up for your soaked newspaper and damp bag by giving you a dish of olive oil ice cream with coffee on the side, the resulting sense of guilt nearly overwhelms the sublimity of the cream.

So go somewhere else, and leave the risky, light-drenched chairs to one fully prepared for the potential dangers that Zaytinya entails.

like me.

Edited March 29, 2004 by babka (log)

[littlechinagirl]

Having just eaten at the Reef on Thursday, I can confirm that they're serving dinner on the roof deck. Two comments on the food, though- The past few times I've ordered the chicken (which I do enjoy), the portion (of chicken, that is- sides were ample) was ridiculously tiny. Never a problem with my male companion.

And last time, my accompanying "mashed potatoes" seemed quite like polenta- grainy, gummy, and yellow-ish, though tasty. All of my fellow diners had a taste, and we were all stumped. Honestly couldn't tell if they were potatoes or polenta. Tasted like a hybrid.

[JennyUptown]

Having just eaten at the Reef on Thursday, I can confirm that they're serving dinner on the roof deck. Two comments on the food, though- The past few times I've ordered the chicken (which I do enjoy), the portion (of chicken, that is- sides were ample) was ridiculously tiny. Never a problem with my male companion.

And last time, my accompanying "mashed potatoes" seemed quite like polenta- grainy, gummy, and yellow-ish, though tasty. All of my fellow diners had a taste, and we were all stumped. Honestly couldn't tell if they were potatoes or polenta. Tasted like a hybrid.

And as someone who has eaten at Reef quite a few times (including Saturday night), I concur.

When you first view the menu, you'll think "wow! Excellent, this is really cheap." But you do get what you pay for. I'm not a person who's into Cheesecake Factory size portions. These are really just enough for me so someone with a heartier appetite (e.g., most of the population) will need to load up on apps and bread to feel satisfied.

On the flip side, we did enjoy some of the new menu items especially the chicken dumpling appetizer. One of my dining companions had the clam appetizer and guess what? The portion was generous, but the clams were TINY. For dessert, one friend ordered the brownie and by contrast, it must have been five inches x five inches. No joke.

The wine list, while not the most daring, is also inexpensive. They don't presently offer a bottle of red wine over $30.

[mhberk]

If you're into greek, Yanni's in Cleveland Park ALWAYS has tables out. It sits right on an intersection, so if you're a "people watcher" (as I sometimes am), it's a great location.

[WoodleyGrrl]

Anyone know if the patio at Poste has opened yet?