Interested in getting intel on the newest restaurant and retail additions to Capitol Hill? From a grocer to a New York bakery, read on for the newest spots to make their debuts in this Washington neighborhood.
Whole Foods Market
101 H St. SE
Whole Foods Market is now open in the Navy Yard, with a self-serve cold-pressed juice station, build-your-own açaí bowls, a huge salad and olive bar, and an outdoor patio.
There's also a wine bar and a Philly Wing Fry eatery from "Top Chef" alum Kwame Onwuachi. Discounts on produce, meat and other items are available for Amazon Prime members.
Yelpers are excited about the new Whole Foods Market, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of six reviews on the site.
Ryan Z. wrote, "I liked all the demonstration stations throughout the store, and while I'm not a cheese guy, the cheese department looked pretty impressive. This is not your typical Safeway, by any means."
And Austin G. noted, “Here's what to look forward to at this location: an outdoor beer garden/patio with plenty of seating, a pizza bar, a self-pour cold brew bar, a make-your-own açaí bowl bar, and self-pour beer and wine stations."
Whole Foods Market is open from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Brick Lane
517 Eighth St. SE
Brick Lane on Barracks Row is an outgrowth of the Dupont Circle New American restaurant of the same name.
It offers fancy pub food like the Atlantic salmon with cilantro aioli, or a Cajun chicken melt, each served with hand-cut fries. American entrees include steak, seared scallops and rosemary lemon chicken, but there are also international options, like paella and pad thai.
In addition to beer and wine, there is a small menu of signature cocktails, which are half price during happy hour.
Brick Lane currently holds 4.5 stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Nico L., who reviewed the eatery on Oct. 20, wrote, "If you're looking for a delicious, homey meal in a warm atmosphere, look no further. Our dinner was absolute perfection. The waitstaff was friendly, the ambiance was cozy, the background music was at just the right level. Our food came promptly, and it was absolutely scrumptious."
Kevin J. noted, "Exceptional service and well-crafted cocktails make happy hour an experience, not a time of day. Brick Lane does an excellent job of blending a sleek, upscale environment with casual bar food."
Brick Lane is open from 4–11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.–midnight on Friday, 10 a.m.–midnight on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–11 p.m. on Sunday.
Wiseguy Pizza
202 M St. SE
Wiseguy Pizza has opened its doors in Navy Yard. The expanding local mini-chain offers both whole pies and hot slices. The crust is thin and foldable; the cheese a stretchy mozzarella.
House specialty pizzas include chicken tikka masala made with masala sauce, marinated chicken, cilantro and jalapeño sauce, and the vegetarian Backyard, with green peppers, red onions, mushrooms, Kalamata olives and chili peppers.
In addition to pizza, there are a couple of salad options and garlic knots.
Wiseguy Pizza is off to a solid start with a current rating of four stars out of eight reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Toby F., who reviewed the pizza shop on Nov. 11, wrote, "Wiseguys is easily the best by-the-slice pizza in DC. I read an article about the owner which talked about how he zigzagged the country to find every great New York City pizza joint and learn their methods. His work has paid off. They have unique varieties, and enough topping choices for every taste bud."
Yelper Rachel B. wrote, "Chicken paneer masala in pizza form? This slice had layers of flavor that Indian food lovers dream of. I'll never look at paneer the same way again."
Wiseguy Pizza is open from 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–3 a.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.–3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Duffy's Irish Pub
1016 H St. NE
Duffy's Irish Pub has moved from U Street to H Street, where it has taken over the vacated Liberty Tree location. It's still producing its popular wings, burgers and sandwiches and pouring beer like Guinness on tap. Enjoy an outdoor seating area when the weather cooperates.
With a 3.5-star rating out of four reviews on Yelp, Duffy's Irish Pub is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Sam S., who reviewed it on Nov. 11, wrote, "Expect your average pub brews on tap, plus Guinness and above average pub food. Wings are great, burgers and quesadillas are solid."
Jesse C. noted, "Kind of in the uneventful middle part of the corridor where something like this was needed. As a general rule I don't eat meat, and if you are vegan, this isn't your spot. That being said, the reputation for their wings is well deserved, and they are outstanding."
Duffy's Irish Pub is open from 5 p.m.–midnight on Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday, noon–2 a.m. on Saturday, and noon–midnight and 11:45 p.m.–midnight on Sunday.
Magnolia Bakery
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Finally, Magnolia Bakery is open in Union Station. If the name is familiar, it might be because this New York institution made memorable appearances in "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Sex in the City." More specifically, it became famous for its cupcakes, which are available here in flavors from caramel merengue to a jelly-filled peanut butter buttercream.
In addition to cupcakes, Magnolia offers its popular banana pudding and cheesecake. Pair your dessert with a latte, hot or iced.
Magnolia Bakery currently holds four stars out of 41 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper David H., who reviewed it on Nov. 11, wrote, "The famous banana pudding was good. Full of flavor, comforting, delicious."
Yelper Shay D. wrote, "I love little bakeries like these; everything is made with love and you can taste it in the delicateness. The cheesecake's texture is heavenly."
