Food & Drink

Score Winning Food at the Mubadala Citi DC Open 

The high-profile tennis tournament runs through August 4. Here’s what you’ll have to nibble on while you’re there.

By Renee Sklarew August 2, 2024 at 2:51 pm

There’s more to life than tennis, apparently. For those who love the sport and those who love food, the annual Mubadala DC Citi Open tennis tournament is the place to converge your passions.

The Mubadala Citi DC Open is the fifth largest professional tennis event in the United States. It’s expected to draw over 81,000 attendees to the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington, DC. The event will run through Sunday, August 4

Popcorn from the Inn at Little Washington — *Get a taste of The Inn at Little Washington with truffle popcorn. (Photo by Renee Sklarew)*

This year, the Citi Open has several air-conditioned buildings where you can take a break from the action and try dishes from some of the DMV’s top chefs. If you have a Citi Card, you can use it to access the VIP Citi Lounge. There you’ll find offerings like grape leaf–wrapped rockfish from 2024 James Beard–winner Michael Rafidi of Albi, truffled mac and cheese croquettes from The Dabney’s Jeremiah Langhorne, and tapas from decorated chef and restaurateur José Andrés and Michelin-starred Gravitas’ Matt Baker are on the menu. Popcorn fans can sample Patrick O’Connell’s signature truffle popcorn from the region’s only three-star restaurant, The Inn at Little Washington.

Tacos from Taco Bamba — *Taco Bamba brings tasty bites to the Market Square Food Hall. (Photo by Renee Sklarew)*

For a more casual experience, head to the tournament’s Market Square Food Hall, where local favorites like Roaming Rooster, Duke’s Grocery, Oro Pizza, King Street Oyster Bar, Veroni, and Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee are serving their top hits. Taco Bamba serves seven varieties of tacos and El Bacho Nachos in the DeLeón Tequila Lounge. For something sweet, stop by the Ladurée and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream booths. 

Pizza at Mubadala — *Grab a pie from Oro Pizza. (Photo by Renee Sklarew)*

Want in on the fun? Some outer court tickets are still available for the Saturday sessions. Or, if you missed it this year, put it on your calendar for 2025.

Rock Creek Park Tennis Center: 5220 16^th St. NW, Washington, DC

Feature image by Renee Sklarew

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Renee Sklarew

Contributing Writer

A contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine since 2007, Renee Sklarew writes about travel, restaurants, and Mid-Atlantic landmarks. She is the co-author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Washington DC, and her writing and photography has appeared in The Washington Post, Boston Globe, AAA The Extra Mile, Washingtonian, Arlington Magazine, and more.