Big changes are coming to National Landing’s Water Park this summer, including a slate of 11 new restaurant and bar concepts. The lineup of restaurants “features a diverse and eclectic blend of cuisines conceived by a host of emerging local, minority- and women-led businesses,” according to a press release from JBG Smith, the developer that is working on revitalizing the space.
“Our primary intent in designing and programming Water Park was to create an authentic urban community that echoes and embraces the region’s diverse culture,” said Amy Rice, senior vice president of retail leasing at JBG Smith. “We’re especially excited to introduce National Landing’s residents, workers and visitors to this dynamic mix of emerging culinary talent.”
Of those 11 restaurants, nine will be located in 300-square-foot kiosks along Crystal Drive.
- Brij is a DC-based wine bar and café with an emphasis on inclusivity and community connection.
- Bubbie’s Plant Burger will offer plant-based, kosher burgers, fries, and soda.
- Cracked Eggery offers inventive egg sandwiches, bowls, and sides like loaded tater tots.
- DC Dosa is a South Indian street-food concept, serving an array of dosas and chutney.
- Dolci Gelati has over 450 flavors of fresh gelato, plus coffee and espresso.
- Falafel Inc. specializes in affordable Mediterranean fare like hummus and falafel bowls and pitas.
- PhoWheels began as a popular DC food truck, serving up flavorful Vietnamese food to go.
- Tiki Thai is a tiki bar and restaurant with a wide menu of Thai- and Polynesian-inspired dishes.
- Queen Mother’s, led by a James Beard Award semifinalist, is known for its impressive fried chicken.
In addition to the kiosks, STHRN Hospitality will operate Water Bar, a 1,400-square-foot restaurant with an open-air terrace, featuring a raw bar and extensive cocktail list; and Crush Pizza, which will serve New York–style pizza, salads, and wine by the glass.
The park has been designated as a Commercial Lifestyle Center, which permits visitors to “sip and stroll,” enjoying alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of the park.
The dining components are just one factor in the overall redesign of Water Park. The current plans envision this 1.6-acre open space as a lively community gathering space. Water Park will also have an interactive water feature, a stage for live performances, public art installations, and a trailhead building adjacent to the Mount Vernon Trail.
JBG Smith also plans to open over 5,000 multifamily units; 1,583 are currently under construction. Amazon plans to open a $2.1 million headquarters in the area in June.
Feature image courtesy JBG Smith
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