Along with amazing medical advances over the last 18+ months have come some genius evolutions to dining-out options. While many restaurants upped their take-out game, others focused on ways to get clients safely out of the house and back into their restaurant, brewery or winery. These family-friendly private dining experiences in and around DC are the shining stars of an industry that had to pivot hard to survive in the new normal. So give your Pinterest recipes a break tonight and enjoy a meal you don’t have to cook or clean up after!
Field & Main
Located just 60 miles from DC, off Route 66, is the quaint town of Marshall, VA. You’ll find the highly rated bakery Red Truck, a fun British food truck, a classic car dealer and other locally owned businesses. Tucked in the middle of Main Street is a delectable “casual fine dining” experience at Field & Main. An adorable row of outdoor cabanas were constructed to house private groups of up to 10 people. They have propane heaters and sliding barn doors to allow for proper ventilation. Try the seared salmon and Crispy Potatoes (spoiler alert they are fried in duck fat). The kids’ menu, featuring grilled cheese, a cheeseburger, shrimp and chicken, will please all palettes.
Field & Main
8369 W. Main Street
Marshall, VA 20115
540-364-8166
Online: fieldandmainrestaurant.com
Fiola Mare
Celebrating a special occasion or yearning for a trip to Europe? Fiola Mare on the Georgetown waterfront is your escape and their igloos let you experience outdoor dining all winter long. Igloos can accommodate up to 6 guests and 2 hour rental fees range from $175 to $275 depending on the day and time. Fiola Mare’s menus are inspired by Italian coastal cuisine, feature homemade pasta and change daily (they may not be a fit for picky eaters). Their craft cocktail menu is extensive and even offers 2 mock-tails for kids to celebrate with. The igloos are heated, but still dress for outdoor conditions.
Fiola Mare
3050 K Street NW
Suite 101
Washington, DC 20007
202-525-1402
Online: fiolamaredc.com
King & Rye Winter Wonderland
Southern food and “proper whiskey” are paired at King & Rye in Alexandria, and now you can enjoy them in the privacy of your own igloo in their Winter Wonderland. Located a few blocks from Old Town at Marriott’s The Alexandrian, King & Rye transforms their Courtyard into a Winter Wonderland with the installation of a town of igloos. They each accommodate up to 8 guests and have rental fees ranging from $50 to $100 and food and beverage minimums from $100 to $200 depending on the day and time of the reservation. The igloos are heated, but can get chilly. Adults will enjoy the seasonal igloo menu that features Country ham biscuits, Southern “Paella” and mulled wine. A kids menu is available so no need to worry about finding something for everyone’s tastes!
King & Rye
480 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-842-2761
Online: kingandrye.com
Stable
Where better to be than the Swiss Alps on a chilly winter day? You can dine in your own private ski chalet at Stable in the District and channel the Alps without boarding a plane. Five private chalets were constructed inside the restaurant to accommodate small parties (two seat 6 and the rest seat groups of 4). Stable’s Swiss-American fusion menu has many kid-approved dishes for brunch such as French toast, chocolate croissants and quiche. It’s also a great place to have a traditional fondue experience!
Stable
1324 H Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-733-4604
Online: stabledc.com
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company
Situated on 28+ scenic acres in Olney, MD is the bucolic Lone Oak Farm Brewery (named for the majestic pre-Civil War oak tree overlooking the property). Bring the whole family out to the Lone Oak Tent Grove for a meal and drinks in a fully furnished and heated tent (cooled in the summer months)! The hip tents are provided by Wild Tribe Co. and are a true escape from the ordinary. Book small tents (max 8 guests including children) at $125 for 1 hour and 45 minutes and large tents (max of 12 guests including children) at $150. You’ll have a dedicated server to bring you food and drinks from Lone Oak’s fun menu. Kids will enjoy the hot dogs, pretzels and pizza (cookies and brownies too!) and the hop-lovers will appreciate the extensive beer on tap.
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company
5000 Olney Laytonsville Rd.
Olney, MD 20832
240-261-4967
Online: loneoakbrewingco.com
Farm Brew Live
Located in Prince William County, Farm Brew Live is an 8 acre destination brewery campus where you could spend an entire day. The property consists of 2 Silos Brewing, The Black Sheep (whiskey & wine), The Pit BBQ and live entertainment. Even before the pandemic they have offered generous sized rentable igloos for gatherings. The 12’ igloos can be rented at 2 Silos or The Black Sheep and comfortably fit 6-8 people. Note kids must be 10 and older at both locations, likely due to the large and very hot heaters located in the middle of the igloos. The igloo rental fee is always $50, but the minimum food and beverage purchase ranges between $50-$100 depending on day and time. All rentals are for 2 hours and a guest assistant will help with your food and beverage orders. Culinary options at 2 Silos range from nachos to tater tots to brussel sprouts. The Black Sheep has a more sophisticated menu (candied bacon torched tableside, anymore?) with a kids menu that offers mac and cheese and salmon.
Editor's Note: Farm Brew's igloos are reserved for adults and kids 10 & up.
Farm Brew Live
9901 Discovery Blvd.
Manassas, VA 20109
703-420-2264
Online: farmbrewlive.com
—Elissa Olechnovich
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