The area’s restaurant scene continues to attract national attention and accolades for its quality and diversity.
Citizens & Culture, which Kaldi’s Social House owner Tsega Hailemariam opened last month, is one of Eater’s Hottest New Restaurants in July:
Downtown Silver Spring’s cool new restaurant and music spot comes from Tsega Haile, who also owns Silver Spring and Clarendon coffee shop Kaldi’s Social House. Opening offerings include juicy smash burgers, grilled oysters, spicy harissa-glazed wings, wild mushroom pappardelle, fritto misto, and refreshing cocktails like a Basil & ‘Barb spritz (Chandon, Jin Jiji gin, Lillet, basic rhubarb syrup, and lemon). The 15,000-square-foot venue is outfitted with large flat-screen TVs, working fireplaces, and a lofted stage up top equipped with a high-tech sound system for DJs and bands. A ground-floor patio leads to a soaring dining room with a full-length bar. Chief chef consultant Jessica Shields and executive chef Ryan Hackney show lots of love for Maryland farms across the menu.
Chef Ryan Hackney, a Beat Bobby Flay alum who has previously worked at Macon Bistro & Larder, Charlie Palmer Steak, and most recently Valor Brewpub, recently departed from the restaurant, according to a representative. Hackney made headlines for revealing part of Citizens & Culture’s menu in the most unlikely of places: a birthday party for society scammer Anna “Delvey” Sorokin.
Checked out Citizens & Culture last night and it was absolutely stellar. The rooftop was closed for an event, but we got to check it out after. The view of downtown Silver Spring was on point. Have you been yet? pic.twitter.com/Nz9jiDzvFS
— MoCo Local (@mocolocal_md) July 9, 2023
Citizens & Culture is located in the former home of Pacci’s Pizzeria at 8113 Georgia Ave. The restaurant is the second downtown Silver Spring establishment from Tsega Hailemariam, who opened Kaldi’s Social House in 2013; a second Kaldi’s location is located in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, Va.
Rendering courtesy of Tsega Hailemariam