Warmer weather is a time for slowing your roll, dining outdoors and savoring the bounty of the season, from locally grown produce to Chesapeake Bay seafood. Here are some happy places to visit as summer unfolds in all of its leisurely glory.
Clare & Don’s
It’s always beach season at this perennially popular Little City hangout. T-shirts and flip-flops are standard attire for patrons listening to live music (check the website for the band schedule) over baskets of fried gator and shrimp, grapefruit crushes and slices of the fan-favorite Key lime pie. Sibling owners David and Rebecca Tax have imported the laid-back spirit of their native Florida with coastal eats, frozen drinks—watermelon coladas, rum runners—and a cacophony of vacation-y décor, including surfboards, buoys, crab traps and palm trees. The only thing missing is sand. Watch for a revamped patio with a new outdoor soundstage in early summer. // 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Coco B’s
The Caribbean vibes are legit at this party zone awash in pink, palm fronds and neon. Clarendon resident Christal Bramson, who owns the place with her husband, Mike (they are also the power couple behind adjoining music bar B Live), is half Jamaican. Dig into an order of braised oxtail patties; jerk chicken with yucca fries; or sushi and poke bowls courtesy of sister concept Roll’d. The sunny rooftop is outfitted with pink parasol umbrellas, a thatched-roof tiki bar and a flamingo wall mural by local artists Rodrigo Pradel and Mike Pacheco. Celebrate being out with a rum punch, a frozen piña colada or the Aku Aku Sunset (vodka, orgeat, lemon-lime cordial and pomegranate-hibiscus syrup). // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Founded by restaurateurs with family roots in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam, this amped-up concept out of Orlando is all about Asian street foods—from dumplings, skewers, summer rolls and tofu bites to eight kinds of noodles. During weekday happy hours (3-6 p.m.), the vibrant patio and indoor-outdoor bar are hopping with a vibe-y playlist, firepits, half-off beers and bao buns, and discounts on spirits and small plates. Pair your grub of choice with a local craft brew, a refreshing yuzu spritz or one of 10 featured sakes. Looking to take the festivities elsewhere? The Ballston eatery also has a walk-up takeout window. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Kreole
If tackling a pile of steamed crabs on a table covered in butcher paper is your idea of a good time, visit this “Dirty South meets the Far East” seafood joint in the Mosaic District to eat your fill of that crusted crustacean. Or, dig into a seafood boil featuring shrimp, snow crab and clams with potatoes, corn and sausage. Averse to dirty fingernails? The menu also includes a bonanza of fork-friendly options, including fresh catch with your choice of sauces blending Creole and Asian flavors. (Bonus: You can calibrate the spice level to your liking.) For a light snack and some prime people-watching, snag one of the sidewalk tables and order a soju cocktail with a plate of Korean raw crab with gochujang. // 2985 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Ometeo
The Tex-Mex at this Tysons newcomer leans a little more coastal and upscale than the usual cantina fare, with options such as lobster tostadas, seafood towers, Hamachi aguachile and (natch) fish tacos on house-made tortillas. New England meets Mexico in the Stuffie “Tamal,” a riff on the popular baked clams at sister restaurant The Salt Line, which in this case are packed with quahog clams, heirloom corn, chorizo verde and Manchego. Ometeo’s covered outdoor bar clad in Mexican tiles is a breezy, inviting spot to kick back with a guava margarita, a classic Paloma or an Elote Old Fashioned made with corn-infused whiskey, reposado tequila, corn stock syrup and chocolate bitters. // 1640 Capital One Drive N., Tysons
Ruthie’s All-Day
For a sweet indulgence that tastes like summer camp, it’s hard to beat the chewy, melty campfire cookies at chef-owner Matt Hill’s award-winning Southern café, where homey jars of pickled vegetables line the takeout counter and the chatty side patio is almost always packed. (Dogs are welcome.) Making clever use of the same wood grill that turns out savory mains such as wood-fired branzino and hanger steak with corn succotash, the chef smokes the butter for his Toll House-style dough, giving it a kiss of campfire flavor. The cookies are served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. And if fruit is more your jam, summer also brings peach cobbler. No one will judge if you eat dessert first. // 3411 Fifth St. S., Arlington (Arlington Heights)
Sloppy Mama’s
Warm weather heralds the arrival of barbecue season. If you’re not one for sweating over hot coals, let Joe and Mandy Neuman’s roadside ’cue joint do the cooking for you. The family operation’s wood smokers—which are named Waylon and Merle—burn 12 hours a day, turning out a carnivorous bounty of ribs, pork, brisket, turkey, chicken and sausages (plus vegan jackfruit for meatless eaters) and occasional specials like pit beef and prime rib. Add a few sides (cornbread, collards, mac ’n’ cheese) and you’ve got yourself a party. Find a sunny seat at one of the outdoor tables or take your feast to go. The restaurant sells its signature barbecue rubs and sauces on site and at Whole Foods. // 5731 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Water Bar
Love the idea of sitting by the water? This open-air cocktail and raw bar anchoring Water Park at National Landing is surrounded by lush landscaping and glimmering H2O. Grab a seat overlooking the infinity fountain and pair a plate of regional oysters with a glass of crisp rosé or a cucumber martini. The succinct menu also includes ceviche, salads, smoked trout crostini, fried calamari, a Chesapeake crab roll and po’boy sandwiches. Release your worries and sip on a Chet Baker (Panamanian and pineapple rum, honey, bitters) or a Strawberry Sunset (vodka, aperol, Finochietto cordial, strawberry, coconut and mint). // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)