Warm up at the appropriately named Härth
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| How civilized: Oysters at Lost Society |
The Prime Rib
This K Street power-dining spot exudes elegance and a romantic ambience. Nightly music at the baby grand piano sets the scene for a comfortable upscale experience, complete with dark wood paneling and a subtle leopard-print pattern around the exterior of the bar. 2020 K St. NW, 202-466-8811; theprimerib.com
Härth
This is a fantastic excuse to venture beyond the reach of the Metro. Its appeal is aptly described by its name: The cozy dining space is perfect for escaping the chill of the outdoors, offering the comforts of plush cushion seating and fire-lit walls. 7920 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, 703-761-5131; harthrestaurant.com
Lost Society
The 14th Street corridor restaurant features individual dining rooms decorated in motifs born of different eras. With rich colors and vibrant fabrics against dark alcoves and “peek-a-boo” seating, the atmosphere is as mysterious as its name suggests. 2001 14th St. NW, 202-618-8868; lostsociety-dc.com
Inn at Little Washington
For more Colonial-era comfort, enjoy a weekend getaway at the Inn, its interior clad in gorgeous fabrics, textures, and tapestry. Special décor elements include 300-year-old floors from a château in France. Guests can also enjoy an afternoon tea or preprandial cocktail outside the main dining room. 309 Middle St., Washington, VA, 540-675-3800; theinnatlittlewashington.com
Taberna del Alabardero
For an intimate gathering, reserve La Granja, Taberna’s beautiful semiprivate room. With views into the wine cellar and the chef’s kitchen, the space drips with old-world charm and can accommodate nearly 50 guests for seated dinners. 1776 I St. NW, 202-429-2200; alabardero.com
1789 Restaurant
This quintessential Washington eatery will imbue you with the festive holiday spirit thanks to its abundance of holiday décor: verdant garlands, ornamented trees, grapevines festooned in lights, enchanting antique toy collections, and, for the first time, a large gingerbread house. 1226 36th St. NW, 202-965-1789; 1789restaurant.com
2100 Prime
Formerly known as The Jockey Club, inside The Fairfax on Embassy Row, this traditional restaurant is the ideal backdrop for hobnobbing among politicos and savvy power brokers with its warm tones and velvet banquettes. 2100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-835-2100; 2100prime.com
Trummer’s on Main
Clifton’s quaint and classy three-level space with an outside patio benefits from touches such as artistic ceiling fans, butcherblock-like tabletops. and refurbished historical interiors. 7134 Main St., Clifton, VA, 703-266-1623; trummersonmain.com
2941 Restaurant
Beautiful koi ponds greet guests at this fine-dining establishment. Inside, gorgeous chandeliers, elaborate waterfalls, and breathtaking views yield a serene dining experience. 2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, 703-270-1500; 2941.com
Againn
This sustainable gastropub sets a cozy scene with dark wood, eclectic lighting, and a collection of tea pots and offers guests the choice of two private dining rooms with either a view of the kitchen or an enclave of rustic Scotch lockers. 1099 New York Ave. NW, 202-639-9830; againndc.com
Occidental Grill & Seafood
Lined with fine wine from floor to ceiling—burgundy walls, mahogany décor, and countless bottles—the new Wine Room at the Occidental Grill & Seafood is ideal for a private tasting. 1475 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-783-1475
