“Estadio Launches “Estadio Afuera” Pop-Up, Opening New 60-Seat Streatery for Safe Outdoor Dining on Friday, August 21”

1520 14th Street, NW courtesy Estadio

From a press release:

“Estadio has always dreamed about being able to serve its beloved Spanish food on a sunny patio, and starting Friday, August 21, that dream is a reality. Thanks to DC’s temporary legislation allowing restaurants to use public space for outdoor dining, Estadio will launch “Estadio Afuera” – a pandemic pop-up and 60-seat streatery in front of its 14th Street NW restaurant.

Estadio will outfit its expansive street-side patios along 14th Street and Church Street NW with astroturf, large patio umbrellas, plus planters and added distance (a minimum of 7 feet) between picnic tables to ensure an extra-safe dining experience.

Estadio has gone above and beyond DC health and safety guidelines, and in addition to safely-distanced tables, mask policies and stringent cleaning procedures, the restaurant also offers contactless online ordering via QR code and complimentary sanitizing stations throughout, to ensure the safest enjoyable dining experience for all:

Increased Safe Distancing: at least 7 feet between tables, and a maximum of 6 guests per party
PPE: all staff members will wear masks and gloves during service, and guests are required to wear masks while not eating or drinking
Enhanced Cleaning Procedures: in addition to continuous cleaning of surfaces with disinfectants, all team members will adhere to strict, frequent handwashing and hygiene standards
Contactless Ordering: guests will place orders via the new system Toast Order & Pay, scanning a QR code to view online menus, place their orders and pay contact-free
Sanitizing Stations: hand sanitizer stations placed throughout the building, upon patio entries and near restrooms
Team Member Health Checks: temperature checks with contactless thermometers will be recorded for all staff upon arrival and employees are clearly understanding of a stay-at-home policy if they are feeling ill
Contact Tracing: all guests will be required to give their names and contact information

Estadio’s reopening also serves as the introduction of its new Executive Chef, Dimas Mendoza, former sous chef and 13-year employee who was recently promoted. Chef Mendoza has been an integral fixture at owner Max Kuller’s family restaurants since day one, opening Proof in 2007 and then tapped to be the opening sous chef when Estadio opened its doors in 2010.

At “Estadio Afuera,” Chef Mendoza will serve many of the restaurant’s favorites, along with exciting new summer treats. Expect Estadio’s signature tapas like the tortilla española, patatas bravas, open-faced montaditos, golden brown croquetas, sautéed shrimp al ajillo, plancha-grilled calamari with salsa verde, shishito peppers and manchego cheesecake, just to name a few.

Chef Mendoza is also showing off his culinary skills in summer-only dishes featuring peak-season produce like creamy Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Donut Peaches from Path Valley Farms, topped with cucumber, shaved red onion, baby greens, sherry vinaigrette & crackly shards of homemade herbed flatbread; Roasted Sweet Corn with alioli, manchego, chili, lime & cilantro; Salmon with Baby Zucchini, corn, tomatoes, mushrooms, scallions, baby spinach and a piquillo labne; and bright, local tomato Gazpacho.

To pair with its contemporary Spanish fare, Estadio will offer its popular gintonics (including the crowd-favorite Orange-Thyme and Elderflower-Citrus varieties), sangrias, Spanish wines and sherries, beers and more.

“We’ve waited for more than five months with closed doors, to really ensure that when we opened for on-premise dining, we were offering the safest experience possible. Now, we’re putting the porrons aside, but bringing back the rest of your Estadio favorites and expanding upon what makes summer at the restaurant so great. We’re excited for our neighbors and friends to finally be able to enjoy Estadio al fresco,” says owner Max Kuller.

Estadio will offer and strongly encourage reservations via Resy, but will also take walk-ins if space is available. Tables are available for 2-6 guests, with time limits of 1.5-2.5 hours per reservation, depending on party size.

Estadio continues to offer take-out via www.toasttab.com/estadio. Estadio will be open for outdoor dining on its streatery starting Friday, August 21, and thereafter every Tuesday-Friday from 4-10pm, Saturday from 12-10pm and Sunday from 12-9pm. Estadio’s indoor dining room remains closed.”