FYIDC | THE DISH
DIAMOND DINING New Southeast dining destinations and above-average ballpark food offer tasty options for foodies at Nationals Park. B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N
GAME TIME Stadium offerings go far beyond typical hotdogs and chicken finger options, and have been ranked among the best ballpark food in the Major League. For some, nothing screams baseball like a juicy ’dog. If that’s the case, upgrade this ballpark staple with a signature halfsmoke from a Washington food legend: Ben’s Chili Bowl (sections 109,140,301 and 315). If you’re craving a burger, check out another District institution, Shake Shack (section 241), which is serving its classic ShackBurger ($6.25 single, $9.25 double), Shroomburger ($8.25) and hand-spun shakes ($5.75). Around the corner, you’ll find sibling restaurants Blue Smoke (section 238) and El Verano Taqueria (section 240). At Blue Smoke, chow down on authentic pit barbecue fare that includes pulled pork, brisket, spare ribs, fried chicken and pit beans. You’ll find traditional Mexican food at El Verano, an up-todate taco stand offering barbacoa, chicken pipian, carnitas, steak and roasted veggie tacos and/or quesadillas ($7.75 to $10.25). Stay and sit for American staples like onion rings, potato skins and even an eightpound “StrasBurger” at Red Porch (section 244). Be forewarned — it comes with a hefty $59 price tag.
treats, chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons and sugar cookies in the shape of baseballs. Prices range from $5 to $10. On those inevitable sweltering game days, try a cup of Italian gelato ($5 to $7) in a variety of flavors — peanut butter, stracciatella, mint chip, lemon and strawberry, — at Dolci Gelati (section 235). 1500 S. Capitol St. SE; 202-675-6287; www.washington. nationals.mlb.com. POST-GAME There’s nothing worse than spending 30 minutes getting jostled by crowds vying to jam into the first Metro train after the game. Avoid the mess and stick around for a celebratory beverage (or two) at Park Tavern. This friendly new LEED-certified neighborhood restaurant with veteran Cafe Atlantico/Minibar Chef Steve Rosenthal offers both indoor and outdoor seating, delicious wood-fired flat breads made with flour flown in from Italy, salads and sandwiches. Most importantly, it’s open until midnight seven days a week to accommodate post-game diners. We’re digging the grilled pear, blue cheese, onions and candied walnut flat bread ($12), but the most popular item by far is the Dark and Stormy lamb and beef burger. Park Tavern places an emphasis on its wine selection, as its management considers the Hill to be a “beer mecca” and says it’s “time to work the wine.” Nine wines, including one sparkling option, are available by the glass, ranging from $8 to $16. Beer lovers need not worry — there are plenty of drafts, bottles and craft cans. 202 M St. SE; 202-554-0005; www.parktaverndc.com.
No ballpark visit would be complete without sweets. Newbie Fluffy Thoughts kiosk (section 134) serves a rotating list of four jumbo cupcakes, red velvet brownies, rice krispy
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PRE-GAME Prepare for that inevitable Nats win at Beuchert’s Saloon in Eastern Market, where the star is an array of farm-to-table cuisine. If you are opting for light fare, we suggest splurging on the All Board ($38) to sample the charcuterie, paté and fromage selections or making a meal out of the Markert’s Market menu ($7 each, 3 for $18), which offers six locally sourced vegetables that ro t a t e we e k l y depending on availability. We highly recommend the bu t t e r nu t squash and sautéed kale. Wash it down with Prohibition-era-esque libations such as the Beuchert’s 75 ($11). 623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; 202-733-1384; www.beuchertssaloon.com.