3421 Connecticut Avenue, NW
The official good word:
“Highlands Tavern will officially open its doors to the public before the end of August, bringing a fresh, high-energy neighborhood dining experience to the heart of Cleveland Park. Taking over the historic multi-level location previously occupied by the Cleveland Park Bar & Grill at 3421 Connecticut Ave NW, the venue has been completely reimagined to merge classic tavern warmth with modern styling.
In addition to elevating the neighborhood’s dining scene, Highlands Tavern is thrilled to announce it will serve as the official watch party location for Notre Dame Football. Fans can gather on the expansive rooftop or throughout the multi-level tavern to cheer on the Fighting Irish with full sound, dedicated game-day energy, and premium viewing.
Highlands Tavern is helmed by co-owners Ki Yoon (Owner of Magruders) and George Grau, a D.C. native, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate, and seasoned restaurant veteran.
Grau has leaned on his extensive culinary background to personally curate a food menu built entirely from a scratch kitchen. The family-friendly menu highlights wood-fired pizzas, artisanal handheld sandwiches, and premium burgers, alongside a dedicated kids’ menu designed for neighborhood families. Yoon brings a deep understanding of the local market and community-oriented expertise to the partnership, anchoring the tavern’s commitment to the neighborhood.
To bring the vision to life, the ownership team has tapped fellow industry veteran and former D.C. restaurant owner Jeffrey Diaz to lead operations as General Manager. Diaz has curated the venue’s highly anticipated beverage program, which showcases featured and signature cocktails alongside a robust, thoughtful non-alcoholic beverage selection. Under his leadership, the tavern’s bar will feature 12 distinct drafts on tap, highlighting a rotating selection of exceptional beers. Joining the team as Head Chef is Chicago-born culinary professional Mathew Douglas, formerly a tenured chef at a well-known local restaurant group, who now leads the kitchen operations.
“Over the years, this location has held a special place in the neighborhood’s social fabric,” said co-owner George Grau. “We’ve taken great care to fully renovate the space, building an environment that feels both fresh and instantly familiar. We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors, families, and friends old and new up to our rooftop bar—and to kick off college football season with the Notre Dame community.”
Whether gathering with family for a weeknight dinner or catching up with friends over crafted cocktails on the open-air roof deck, Highlands Tavern offers an inviting, accessible environment tailored to the Northwest D.C. community. The tavern features an aggressive weeknight happy hour program running Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering $2 off all appetizers, $6 draft beers, $7 cocktails, $8 glasses of wine, and a $10 whole cheese pizza pie.
The tavern will open daily at 11:00 AM, serving lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks. Operational hours are Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
About Highlands Tavern:
Located at 3421 Connecticut Ave NW, Highlands Tavern is a family-friendly, multi-level neighborhood restaurant and bar in Washington, D.C.’s Cleveland Park neighborhood. Founded by D.C. native and CIA graduate George Grau, who oversees the scratch kitchen, and Ki Yoon, co-owner of Magruders, the concept is operated by industry veteran Jeffrey Diaz, who manages daily operations and the beverage program. Highlands Tavern features wood-fired pizzas, handhelds, burgers, a kids’ menu, signature cocktails, a 12-tap draft selection, and a dedicated non-alcoholic selection. The venue boasts an expansive rooftop bar dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality for the local community.”