Foodie Report: Renovated Watergate to Feature New Restaurants, Bars

the watergate hotel

When The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., reopens this spring after $125 million in renovations, the hotel will also be debuting a lineup of new restaurants and bars. Executive chef Michael Santoro, an alumnus from The Fat Duck and Mugaritz (not to mention Blue Duck Tavern), will oversee them all, as well as the hotel's in-room dining. Here are the places to know:

Kingbird will be the main restaurant at the hotel. It will have both tasting menu and a la carte options. Tasting menus will be priced $68-78, with dishes like squab consomme in puff pastry and braised oxtail lasagnette, according to a press release. Meanwhile, breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be served there, with dinner items like Dover sole and braised rabbit. Expect custom-designed chairs and furniture, too.

The Next Whisky Bar will boast a wall of custom whiskey bottles. Naturally, Scotch, bourbon, and ryes will be the focus there. The name is inspired by lyrics from "Alabama Song," notably covered by The Doors.

Top of the Gate will have 360-degree views of the river, as well as the monuments. They'll focus on signature and classic cocktails and Asian street food. There will be bottle service, heat lamps and a firepit, and they expect to host many private events there.