🍺 Free beer and other World Cup deals

My Big D.C. Obsession

Once a week, I'll dive into the latest trends in D.C. food and culture, plus whatever's catching my attention online.

Having lived in Adams Morgan for much of my adult life, I have done my due diligence. Hazily remembered nights at Dan’s Cafe, grungy shows at Madam's Organ, shivering in a miniskirt outside Shenanigan’s waiting for an Uber, I’ve done it all.

But I was ready for something new, something elevated, and so was the neighborhood. Which is why I was so excited when Maison Bar à Vins opened on Columbia Road last September.

Chef Matt Conroy calls Maison “an Adams Morgan bar for grown-ups.”

“Many people started their early 20s in Adams Morgan and have grown up a little bit,” he said, sipping his post-gym protein shake as we sat at the bar. “This is a little bit more of their space now.”

Now, the Parisian-inspired bistro is up for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant — one of the nation's most coveted culinary awards. If Maison wins, it will be the second time a local restaurant has ever won that category and the first since 2008.

I spoke with the owners about how they got there and what it means for D.C.’s culinary scene.

On My Radar

My singular and opinionated observations of D.C. life, from restaurant openings and viral trends to that one cool bug I saw.

Locking In For 2026 World Cup Deals

Olé, olé, olé, olé! The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today with host nation Mexico’s game against South Africa. I can’t claim to be a footy diehard but it's impossible not to get hyped when seemingly all of D.C. is celebrating with endless watch parties, pickup matches, and specials.

If I’m being honest though, I’m mostly there for the food and drink deals (my country allegiance is absolutely buyable with a good happy hour). If you’re paying more than $4 for a beer this month in D.C., you’re doing something wrong. Here are a few deals I’m already mentally in line for.

• Nando’s PERi PERi is giving away a free quarter chicken meal with chips tomorrow to anyone wearing a soccer jersey. (5 p.m.-8 p.m.)
• Bully Spanish Steakhouse is serving free paella during halftime of every Spain match.
• Gordon Ramsay Street Burger has $1 wings and $4 pints whenever the game is on.
• Apapacho Taqueria is treating guests to a free mezcal shot or beer for every goal Mexico scores. Plus, $4 Modelo, $8 margs, and $4 carnitas tacos all game long.

And there’s a LOT more where this came from. Check out our full list of World Cup deals, events, and country-specific watch bars to cheer on your favorite team.

DC, Honestly

Every week, I’ll answer a reader question on how to navigate D.C.’s food and events scene. What do you want to know? Fill out this form to get it answered!

I’m gonna level with you JC, for me, it's hard to beat a McDonald’s soft serve or a 7/11 slushie on a hot summer day (I’m a woman of taste, what can I say). But I assume that’s not really the answer you're after. This is by no means comprehensive but here are the local soft serve spots that are incredible and worth the cost.

• Yellow (Georgetown/Union Market): My number one pick. The tahini oat flavor with candied walnuts really is that girl.
• Little Sesame (Downtown): 100% vegan but you’d never know. The two flavors are vanilla tahini and strawberry sumac.
• Spot of Tea (Georgetown location): A boba shop with ceremonial grade matcha soft serve that also happens to be vegan.
• Love, Makoto (Downtown): The fast casual spot, Love On the Run, within the food hall serves lovely rotating soft serve flavors. I have had less luck with the sorbet flavors, however.
• Joia Burger (Mt. Pleasant): They only have one flavor of soft serve — ube — but they do it right.
• Malai (14th St NW): Technically scoop shop, but the soft serve is better than anything else on the menu. Right now they have gulab jamun and brown butter.

Can’t Miss Events This Weekend

My top picks for events in the District this weekend. Become a member to get our full event guide in your inbox every Monday.

🎞️ DC/DOX Documentary Film Festival

Thurs., June 11 | Various locations | $17/film

DC/DOX kicks off today and runs through June 14 with over 100 films from 32 countries. Check out “The Custodian” about local legend Samu Kureshi, who spent 50 years building the largest collection of Commanders memorabilia!

🎸 DC Air Guitar Championship at DC Brau

Sat. June 13 | Woodbridge | Free

Exactly what it sounds like. Duke it out for the honor of representing D.C. in the US National Air Guitar Championships. Because yes, that's a thing.

🧑‍🎤 Vans Warped Tour at RFK Campus

Sat. June 13 - Sun. June 14 | RFK | $208 all inclusive pass

EDM may be taking over D.C. this summer, but there will always be a place in my little emo heart for Warped Tour (it was my first concert after all). Rise Against, Third Eye Blind, Of Mice and Med, Jimmy Eat World and all the Warped classics will be there.

⛵ Clipper Round the World Festival at the Wharf

Sun. June 14 - Mon. June 22 | The Wharf | Free

Visit the world's largest fleet of ocean racing yachts as they arrive in D.C. Tour the boats, chat with the crew before their second to final stage of the Clipper 2025-26 Race starts on June 22.

🎵 Local Tunes & Pride Month Fundraiser at Songbyrd

Fri. June 12 | Union Market | $15

Kick off your Pride celebrations with this banger local lineup at Songbyrd, featuring new riot grrls Mac N’ Toss, grungers Shame Shame, and “shoegays” Pinky Lemon. All proceeds go towards SMYAL DC to support queer and trans youth.