Business Entertaining in 2015: 9 New Locations in Washington

A $500,000 renovation of the Rooftop at Embassy Row Hotel is in phase one of Destination Hotels’ planned $15 million revamp of the Dupont Circle property. Unveiled in summer, the 4,130-square-foot space now includes teak seating, a faux grass wall, festive lighting, and curtained cabanas lining the 450-square-foot pool. It also offers views of the Washington Monument and National Cathedral and is available for private events with food and beverage options for as many as 250 guests.

In October, Pennsylvania native and restaurateur Reese Gardner opened Second State to honor his state’s culinary history, focusing on seasonal dining with produce sourced from Pennsylvania and farms within a three-hour drive from Washington. Located in the former Mighty Pint space, the venue’s decor incorporates bleached wood, corrugated metal, and iron accents; Maggie O’Neill of SwatchRoom designed the space. The restaurant’s 62-seat dining room spans two floors, and 12 additional seats are available at the bar.

In October, luxury hotel W Washington D.C. unveiled its new restaurant, Pinea, which replaced J&G Steakhouse. The 82-seat restaurant boasts Mediterranean blue decor and serves seafood and pasta dishes inspired by Southern Europe. There are three private dining rooms: the Terra room, which seats 12; the Albero room, which seats 8; and the Root Cellar, which seats 20 or holds 40 for receptions. The patio seats 78.

Celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn’s new speakeasy the Sheppard opened in July in Dupont Circle. The Prohibition-inspired 35-seat venue includes red velvet booths, a bar that seats 12, and only a green light outside a nondescript exterior to signify its location.

In May, National Harbor unveiled new attraction the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot-tall observation wheel that offers views of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. With 42 heated and air-conditioned gondolas that hold eight people each, the wheel is open year-round. It can be booked for corporate events, and catering by Wolfgang Punk Catering is available. A private entrance and private area can also be arranged. A V.I.P. gondola, National Harbor One, holds as many as four guests and features glass floors, leather bucket seats, and a retracting monitor with Apple TV. The entire pier can also be booked for events.

Flight Trampoline Park opened in Springfield in March 2014 and includes 15,000 square feet of connected trampolines. The venue can accommodate a variety of group sizes, or the entire trampoline park can be rented for groups of as many as 200.

Acclaimed D.C. chef Fabio Trabocchi opened his third restaurant, Fiola Mare, in Georgetown on the waterfront in February 2014. The eatery specializes in Italian coastal cuisine, and the 7,500-square-foot restaurant seats 120 or holds 200 for receptions for full buyouts. The largest private room, Sala Marea, seats as many as 35 or holds 45 for receptions. The Sala Mermaid room has floor-to-ceiling windows with waterfront views and seats 20 or holds 35 for receptions. The Sala Panerai room has a chef’s table, a private wine cellar, and a wine service area; it seats 12 or holds 20 for receptions.

In December 2013, Right Proper Brewing Company opened in Shaw near the Howard Theatre. The brewpub includes D.C.-theme murals and a menu offering casual American food with a nod towards Southern comfort. The dining room seats 80, while two bar areas offer stools and high-top tables.

Neighborhood Restaurant Group reopened the historic Iron Gate restaurant in November 2013 under the direction of executive chef Anthony Chittum, who specializes in Greek- and Italian-inspired dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Inside the 50-seat dining room, guests are invited to try the tasting menu, while an à la carte menu is available for diners seated in the courtyard. The courtyard is framed by grapevines and wisteria, while a protective awning allows for nearly all-weather dining. The garden seats 45 or holds 65 for receptions. The restaurant is available for buyouts and holds as many as 200 guests.