Support DC Restaurants & Dine Like Kings at Home on National Dine-In Day (and Throughout The Crisis)

 A continuing series about  awesome social distance activities in DC to keep you entertained during the outbreak and inspired to keep daydreaming about your next adventure in the Nation's capital.

Note: Understandably, information about closings/delivery is changing at a rapid pace as this situation continues to evolve. Details in this article were correct at the time it was written but may have changed so be sure to check individual websites for specific information.

Foodies and the culinary-challenged, this one’s for you!

Even though Mayor Bowser has ordered all DC bars and restaurants to cease offering dine-in services, have no fear. You won’t have to subsist on microwave meals and pasta. Today is National Take-Out Day!

Many DC restaurants are adopting take-out and no-contact delivery options right now so you’ll still be able to try those newcomers on Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants list. Bonus: Having a fancy pants dinner in your pajamas!  A few delivery services are also waiving delivery fees so you can dine for a more reasonable-than-normal price. 

We’ve been taking advantage of being at home more than usual to try new restaurants. Always on the lookout for good Chinese food,  we ordered from Chiko the other night (a newbie on Washingtonian’s best restaurants list). For starters, the Chinese/Korean venture doesn’t skimp on portion sizes; we were stuffed and had plenty of leftovers at the end of our meal. For a very wallet-friendly price, we feasted on double-fried chicken and the chopped brisket with egg and rice. It was delicious, arrived piping hot and in handy reusable containers. Two thumbs up!

Even some Michelin-starred restaurants joining neighborhood spots in the eat-at-home game, so take advantage of this unique opportunity and try some of DC’s international cuisines, dine at restaurants that usually have impossibly long waits or just someplace that’s been on your wish list for awhile.

Plus, restaurants and their staff are struggling so you’ll be helping support them by ordering out. So go ahead and get that appetizer and dessert with your meal, it’s for a good cause.

Which restaurants are you excited to try from home? Some of the new-to-delivery places on our bucket list:

• Gravitas: Michelin-star winner is providing customized at-home menus with themes like taco party and steak night, plus optional wine and cocktail pairings. Delivery details BD; follow on social media for updates.
• Ice Cream Jubilee: We can't forget dessert! The creative-flavors creamery is bringing back some of their popular seasonal flavors, and making them available for delivery! Click here to order your "survival ice cream."
  
• Little Serrow: Skip the long line at this forever-favorite will be available for pickup Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 PM.  Order here.
• Masseria: Michelin-star Italian eatery is offering dinners for two featuring a different entree each night, with optional wine pairing. Call 202-608-1330 or order through the restaurant’s website.
• Rose’s at Home: The sister endeavor of Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple and Pearl brings you a restaurant-worthy experience, at home. They bring the music, linens, plates, glassware, and a menu of your choice from any of our Michelin-starred restaurants. As of now, they’re offering delivery of dinner packages that include meals for 2-3 nights, as well as wine. We deliver anywhere in the DC Metro vicinity. Orders must be placed by 3pm the day prior to delivery.
• Union Market: Participating vendors are offering delivery or takeout only via delivery apps or phone. Check with individual businesses for menus and delivery options. Visit the Washingtonian for a frequently updated list.

Visit the Restaurant Association of  Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) to stay updated on the latest restaurants adjusting their daily routines to offer DMV diners an array of pickup & delivery options.

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Curious? There's more!

• 10 Cool & Mostly Free Things to Do in DC If You're Sticking Close to Home (Part 1)
• Tired of Being Indoors? 9 Places in DC to Get Out of the House & Still Follow "Social Distance" Rules (Part 2)
• 10+ DC Museums & Historical Sites You Can Visit Virtually, No Timed Ticket Required (Part 3)