Fall Preview: 7 Bar & Restaurant Openings in Washington, D.C.

by Lauren Sloat in Roundups

There are so many reasons to love fall in Washington; the changing leaves, the seasonal brews and now a crazy-exciting lineup of expected restaurant openings. From another district-based brewery to cocktail bars both curated and Japanese, there are at least seven new reasons to fully embrace the changing of the seasons!

Bluejacket Brewery: The forthcoming brewery and restaurant from the Churchkey restaurant team — and helmed by brewmaster Megan Parisi — isn’t slated to open in Southeast Washington until “early 2013,” but be on the lookout for limited-release collaborations to whet your whistle before then (200 Tingey St. NW).

Range: Volt toque and Top Chef alum Bryan Voltaggio has big plans in store for his first restaurant in the district. The mega-eatery, called Range, will reportedly include nearly 300 seats and a wine store in addition to other draws such as a bakery and raw bar.

Teddy & The Bully Bar: Expected to open in time for the January inauguration, this eatery by Lincoln restaurateur Alan Popovsky (in the space formerly occupied by Sam & Harry’s) will be the second in what is projected to be a series of presidentially themed spots (1200 19th St. NW).

Firefly: Though it has been around for 10 years, this Dupont restaurant will reopen on September 29 after extensive renovations, including an expanded bar and lounge area and new cocktail list to match (1310 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-861-1310).

Woodward Table: Stir Food Group had barely announced the closure of Zola and and Potenza when news surfaced that Vidalia’s Jeffrey Buben had plans to move in to Potenza’s H Street address with this restaurant and accompanying takeout spot, which will serve breakfast and lunch. Chef Joe Harran (Bistro Bis) will oversee the upscale, regionally inspired menu (1430 H St. NW).

Southeast Asian Restaurant from Mark Kuller: Mark Kuller of wine-centric establishments Proof and Estadio will expand his 14th Street presence with this yet-unnamed restaurant at S Street NW. Here’s hoping for another great beverage program directed by Adam Bernbach...we hear there are plans for a sizable and “curated” cocktail bar.

Daikaya: There’s no official open date yet, but ramen lovers are already buzzing about this forthcoming Penn Quarter eatery from Daisuke Utagawa and Katsuya Fukushima, co-owners of the beloved Suhiko. The best part? The duo are also expected to open a “Japanese Cocktail Bar” in the space below Fuel Pizza.