Chef Michael Rafidi’s celebration of Middle Eastern flavors earned him a Michelin star earlier this year, cementing Albi’s status as one of the city’s best dining destinations. The selection of shareable dips, spreads, and mezze make it a nice stop for grazing before a game, while the inventive cocktails, using ingredients like za’atar, Lebanese gin, and pomegranate molasses, are worlds above ballpark drinks. For mid-day games, visit the companion Yellow the Cafe for sweet and savory pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty coffees before heading into the ballpark.
Caribbean vibes are strong at Bammy’s, which recently welcomed chef Peter Prime into the fold. Acclaimed for his Trinidadian cooking, Prime now oversees an already beloved menu of jerk chicken and pork belly, goat curry, fried fish, conch fritters, and similar island-inspired favorites. Along with dinner and drinks, the restaurant hosts Saturday brunch parties from noon to 6 pm complete with a live DJ—the perfect way to gear up before the first pitch. Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm, where Red Stripes go for $5 and you can get an $8 rum and Coke along with food specials.
One of the original Navy Yard hangouts, Bluejacket continues to be a can’t-miss when it comes to pregame craft brews and bar snacks. It’s still a trailblazer among DC’s brewery scene too, churning out a wide variety of brews that span from juicy IPAs to delicate lagers and out-there creations. The food menu here is elevated a notch above typical bar fare, with picks like baked feta dip, a lamb shawarma roll, and spicy Thai mussels.
A reservation here is sure to start or end an evening in the bleachers on an upscale note. Spiced veal hummus, a crispy whole fish, and potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms are among the dishes at chef Haidar Karoum’s globetrotting restaurant. Chloe’s bar seating is also a good bet when available, as draft lines are stocked with selections from Maryland’s Manor Hill brewery.
Part of the Daikaya restaurant group, Hatoba has moved away from its ramen focus and introduced a menu leaning on Hawaiian favorites—think loco moco, kalua pork, and ahi tuna poke. If you’re looking for a quick snack and a drink before gametime, small plates like spam musubi and furikake chex mix are welcome menu additions alongside tropical drinks or a cold Sapporo.
Dacha Beer Garden is a favorite for sunny afternoon hangs, and its sister restaurant in Navy Yard is no exception. Past the sprawling beer garden is Jackie, an American bistro featuring modern takes on classic dishes, like a shishito pesto and Carolina gold rice risotto, brick-pressed chicken with allspice rub, hot fried chicken sandwich, and steak frites with truffle bearnaise. A $10 happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 8 pm with discounted pricing on beer pints, house wines, cocktails, and snacks, perfect for a bite before a Nats game.
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