The Latest Dish: Sizzling Spicy Summer Sips
By • July 16, 2025 0 811
Dan Ziegler has opened the pop-up Chacho Outpost, featuring his South American-inspired, jalapeño-infused aguardiente, on the second level of Le Mont Royal at 1815 Adams Mill Road NW in Adams Morgan. It officially launched with a DJ on July 12. Chacho is a modern twist on the spirit aguardiente, which translates as “burning water.” Small-plate appetizers, tacos and arepas prepared by chef Maria Olimpia are available to pair with a rotating menu of specialty and classic cocktails. Ziegler’s four-year-old distillery and tasting room is based in Northwest D.C.
Ch-Ch-Changes: On July 14, Ben’s Chili Bowl temporarily closed its original location at 1213 U St. NW to make essential repairs and upgrades, with an expected reopening in November. During this four-month period, starting July 17, there will be a pop-up location at 1208 U St. NW. Ben’s has other locations at 1001 H St. NE and at Reagan National Airport, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Nats Park. Ben’s Next Door is at 1211 U St. NW.
Betul and Ismail Uslu plan to open Agora, a Mediterranean restaurant, in the Hyatt Regency Bethesda at One Bethesda Metro Center, where Daily Grill used to be. An opening in the second quarter of 2026 is targeted. The new restaurant, with a large outdoor patio, will be the third Agora; other locations are in Dupont Circle and Tysons.
Quick Hits: Five Guys is once again open at 3263 Columbia Pike in Arlington, where it was born 39 years ago when the location was the Westmont Shopping Center. Five Guys now has over 1800 locations worldwide … Joe Ragonese, Tom Tsiplakos and Stefanos Vouvoudakis of Balos Restaurant Group are slated to open Sorella, an upscale Italian restaurant, at 1800 M St. NW, where Vapiano used to be. An opening in the second quarter of 2026 is targeted … In the fourth quarter of 2025, Michael Mina plans to open Lunara, serving Italian cuisine, at 4 Ridge Square NW at City Ridge, near D.C.’s Glover Archbold Park … El Mercat Bar de Tapas is slated to open at 1301 S. Joyce St. in Arlington’s National Landing in the early third quarter, complete with a jamónero cart … Los Angeles-based Ten Five Hospitality will open a new concept where El Centro D.F. was in Georgetown at 1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Ten Five also plans to open Desert 5 Spot at 400 Morse St. NE in the Union Market District, where Palette 22 was … Tiffany’s Bar & Bistro opened at 709 H St. NE, where Po Boy Jim used to be.
Linda Roth is the founder and CEO of Linda Roth Associates, a D.C.-based public relations and marketing firm that specializes in the food service and hospitality industries. Follow her at: @LindaRothPR, #LindaRothPR or lindarothpr.com.
