Occasions

The rustic Briar Barn Inn in Rowley will open early this year.

Floral design and rentals took on a deep red color scheme, while the central bar was covered in greenery.

A curated cocktail menu from Bangarang offered on-theme drinks such as Bee's Knees and Ginger Buzz.

Framed tables with hanging lanterns underneath strung lights provided an outdoor café vibe for diners seeking a seated experience at Burger Bash.

Chef Kuniko Yagi's first standalone project, developed in partnership with Kaizen Dining Group, opened at Row DTLA in mid-December. Pikunico specializes in a hybrid Japanese/American-style of fried chicken served in family-style baskets ideal for groups. The eatery's design was inspired by an American picnic with Japanese influences; the airy interior uses light woods and plenty of greenery, and dine-in orders are served in paper clamshells instead of plates. The eatery seats 40 people.

New York-based ping-pong social club Spin officially opened up in downtown D.C. in January as the concept’s eighth location in North America. Spin's Washington outpost spans 12,000 square feet with 12 Olympic-style ping-pong tables and its own full-service restaurant and horseshoe bar. The food and drink menu includes items like crispy shrimp bao buns and its own take on a White Russian. For events, the playful underground space includes two private rooms with room for 70 standing guests, with customizable catering options and drink packages available for groups. Events can also be coordinated with enhancements like communal games; custom paddles, balls and decals; or the services of a ping-pong pro to organize tournaments.

New York's Meatball Shop opened a location on 14th Street in October, bringing its build-your-own-meatball bowls, meatball sandwiches, plates of spaghetti and meatballs, and more comfort food to Washington. The decor includes cheeky signage and photography of produce along with painted white brick and wooden furniture. The restaurant is available for buyouts, with room for 80 seated guests or 120 standing guests. Semiprivate rooms include the Attic, which can hold 20 standing guests or 16 seated guests; the Pantry, which can accommodate 20 seated guests or 35 standing guests; and the Cellar, with a cozy room with ceilings below seven feet and seating for 20.

The Fairfax at Embassy Row unveiled an extensive renovation of its ground floor common areas in December, with a fresh look courtesy of the Rockwell Group. The hotel's light-filled open areas include warm walnut wood elements, D.C.-theme artwork, and an emerald green color scheme. A glass wall separates the lobby from the Sally restaurant and lounge, which is outfitted with dark wood floors and a marble bar with zinc accents. With a menu of American small plates, the Sally's capacity is 50 diners. Another new space is the Nook, a private game and conference room with space for 28 people. The Nook's decor includes a pool table, fireplace and sectional couches, and antique mirrors. The Market, a café and pantry with grab-and-go-options, accommodates 70 people.