El Sapo Cuban Social Club will reopen its indoor dining space beginning today (Tuesday, Sept. 22), according to an announcement from the restaurant’s management. Dining capacity will be limited to 50 percent to comply with the county’s pandemic restrictions and reservations are “highly recommended,” the announcement reads.
College Park Senegalese restaurant Koité Grill has expanded to Silver Spring, opening in the former home of Abol Ethiopian Restaurant at 8626 Colesville Road.
The Urban Winery and BIBIBOP Asian Grill are participating in the first statewide Maryland Restaurant Week, and All Set Restaurant & Bar is participating in The Greater Washington DC Black Restaurant Week. Both are running through Sunday, September 27.
Picnickers in nine county parks will be able to enjoy alcoholic drinks with their meals beginning on Thursday, Sept. 24. The action is a pilot program that will run through May 31, 2021 as part of the Picnic in the Park initiative launched in August. Picnic in the Park allows park visitors to easily find nearby restaurants offering takeout and delivery.
Fans of outdoor entertainment now will be able to attend performances under certain guidelines released yesterday by the county. Audiences will be limited to 50 attendees, who must buy tickets in advance and will have to maintain social distancing (at least six feet) from those who are not part of the same household.
All Set Restaurant & Bar owners Ed Reavis and Jennifer Meltzer have launched Money Muscle BBQ, a barbecue food truck with takeout and delivery options.
A new business opened, and an established one reopened with new features, in Old Takoma. Nikki Lugo, a tattoo artist with more than 17 years of experience, opened Lucky Duck Tattoo, an appointment-only parlor, on the second floor of 7006 Carroll Ave. In the meantime, Takoma Station Tavern has reopened after being closed for three months during the pandemic.
County venues including indoor and outdoor restaurants are now permitted to include live performances, with restrictions, County Executive Marc Elrich announced on Friday. Customers will still be required to wear masks at all times other than when seated and eating or drinking. They will not be allowed to gather in front of performers, whether dancing or just watching.
The county’s Board of License Commissioners will hold a hearing on a liquor license application for a new bar/restaurant in the former location of Pennyworth Thrift Shop at 949 Bonifant St. The applicant, Kaleb Tadele, has applied for a “Class B, Beer, Wine, and Liquor License, On Sale Only” license. The license permits alcohol sales from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day, each day including Sunday, and on Friday and Saturday to 3 a.m.