Navy Yard is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Anchored by Nationals Park and Audi Field along the Capitol Riverfront, the area has transformed from its industrial roots into a destination for sports fans, foodies, and anyone looking for a great night out in Southeast DC. And right in the middle of it all — on the corner of First and M Street SE — sit two of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants: CIRCA at Navy Yard and Él Bebe Tacos + Tequila.

Whether you’re looking for a spot before first pitch, a place to celebrate after the final out, or just a reason to spend an afternoon on a sunny patio in the Capitol Riverfront, these two side-by-side restaurants have you covered with completely different vibes under one roof. Here’s everything you need to know.

CIRCA at Navy Yard — The Neighborhood Bistro With Something for Everyone

CIRCA at Navy Yard is a modern American bistro that has become a staple of the Navy Yard dining scene. Located at 99 M St SE, Suite 100, it’s a short walk from the Navy Yard–Ballpark Metro station and just minutes on foot from Nationals Park and Audi Field.

What to Expect

CIRCA brings the energy of a neighborhood gathering spot with the menu depth of a destination restaurant. The space is warm and inviting — think a large bar area surrounded by high-tops, a comfortable main dining room, a private dining room that seats up to 20, and one of the best street-side patios in the neighborhood.

The menu rotates with the seasons but stays rooted in American bistro classics done right. Fan favorites include the Shotgun Shrimp (flash-fried with sweet chili sauce and jicama slaw), Tuna Poke Nachos, Wagyu Meatball Sliders, and the Blackened Atlantic Salmon with wilted kale and whole grain mustard sauce. The Short Rib Bolognese with fettuccine and whipped ricotta is a standout for pasta lovers, and the Brioche Bread Pudding with bourbon crème anglaise is the kind of dessert that gets talked about long after the check is paid.

Happy Hour

CIRCA’s happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3–7 PM and Fridays from 11 AM–7 PM in the bar area, and it’s one of the best deals in the neighborhood. You’ll get $2 off small plates and flatbreads, $5 draft beers, $8 house wines and cocktails, and $8 Open Road Distilling spirits — perfect for unwinding after work or warming up before a game. Pair the deals with the patio views, and you’ve got yourself a proper DC evening.

Weekend Brunch

Weekend brunch at CIRCA is a neighborhood tradition, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM. The menu puts creative spins on the classics — think the Southern Chicken Benedict with housemade biscuits and sausage gravy, Hot Honey Chicken & Waffles, and the Crab Cake Benedict with Old Bay hollandaise — alongside a full cocktail list with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Whether you’re fueling up before a Saturday afternoon game or just treating yourself, it’s worth the reservation.

Cocktails Worth Ordering

CIRCA’s seasonal cocktail menu features house-crafted drinks made with spirits from Open Road Distilling Co., MHG’s own distillery in Reston, Virginia. You’ll find Open Road’s American Gin, Eagle Eye Rye, and American Vodka featured across the cocktail list — a perk of being part of the same family. The wine list includes over 20 by-the-glass pours, plus a rotating selection of local craft beers.

Private Events

Planning a team outing, birthday dinner, or corporate event near the ballpark? CIRCA’s private dining room comfortably seats 20, and the full restaurant can accommodate buyouts of up to 70 seated or 80 standing. They offer pre-set banquet menus at multiple price points. Visit event.circabistros.com to inquire.

Él Bebe Tacos + Tequila — Navy Yard’s Go-To Taco Joint

Right next door at 99 M St SE, Suite 120, Él Bebe brings a completely different energy. The name translates to “he drinks,” and the vibe lives up to it — this is a high-energy taco and tequila bar built for pregaming, date nights, and everything in between.

The Vibe

Walk into Él Bebe and you immediately feel it. The walls are covered in bold, vibrant murals by Miami pop artist Miguel Paredes, the music is turned up, and the frozen margarita machines are running. With about 75 seats between the dining room and bar, the space is intimate and electric.

The Food

Él Bebe’s menu is built around bold, flavor-packed Mexican fare with creative twists. The taco lineup goes deep — from classic options like the Red Chili Braised Beef with chihuahua cheese and cilantro to fusion-style creations like Pork Belly Tacos with soy glaze and banh mi slaw, and Bulgogi Beef with gochujang mayo and napa cabbage.

Beyond tacos, the menu covers burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, and shareable plates like the famous queso fundido and chips with house-made salsa. Everything is designed for sharing, mixing, and matching — order a few plates for the table and let everyone dig in.

Walking Tacos on Game Day

Here’s an insider tip: on Nationals game days, Él Bebe serves up Walking Tacos — a grab-and-go take on their signature flavors that’s perfect for fans headed to the ballpark. It’s the kind of pregame fuel that makes the walk to Nationals Park even better. Follow @elbebetacos on Instagram for game-day specials and Walking Taco announcements.

Frozen Margaritas & Tequila

Él Bebe takes its tequila seriously. The cocktail program revolves around an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals, with house margaritas that come with the signature Bebe rim. The frozen margarita lineup — Clasico, Fresa, Mango, and Blackberry — is essential on a hot DC summer day. For something with more kick, the Hasta La Vista blends chipotle-infused mezcal with reposado tequila, Cynar, agave, and fresh lime.

Cocktails also feature spirits from Open Road Distilling Co., including the Maple Old Fashioned made with Eagle Eye Rye and the Brisa Del Sol with Open Road Vodka, mezcal, Aperol, strawberry agave, and fresh grapefruit.

Taco Tuesday & Happy Hour

Taco Tuesday at Él Bebe means $12 mix-and-match taco platters — one of the best deals in Navy Yard. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3–7 PM and Fridays from 11 AM–7 PM with $3 chips and salsa, $5 draft beers, $2 off house margaritas, and $4 Tecate and Corona cans.

Weekend Brunch

Él Bebe’s weekend brunch runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 2:45 PM and puts a breakfast spin on the Mexican classics — think brunch quesadillas, enchiladas with egg, and huevos divorciados (eggs with both red and green salsas). Add bottomless mimosas and you’ve got the perfect way to start a weekend game day.

Two Restaurants, One Address — Why It Works

Here’s what makes this corner of Navy Yard special: CIRCA and Él Bebe share the same building at 99 M St SE, but they’re two completely different dining experiences. That means your group doesn’t have to compromise.

  • Want tacos and tequila before the game? Él Bebe.
  • Looking for a sit-down dinner with cocktails and wine after? CIRCA.
  • Pregaming with a big group and can’t agree? Split up, eat what you want, and meet at the ballpark.
  • Weekend brunch before a Saturday game? Both options are excellent — American classics at CIRCA or Mexican brunch at Él Bebe.

Both restaurants are part of Metropolitan Hospitality Group (MHG), a locally owned and operated restaurant group that’s been building neighborhood gathering spots across the DC and Northern Virginia area since 2005. That same local ownership is what keeps the food consistent, the cocktails creative, and the service dialed in.

Your Navy Yard Game-Day Playbook

Planning a day around a Nationals game? Here’s how to make the most of it:

Before the Game: Arrive early. Grab a table on the CIRCA patio or a seat at the Él Bebe bar. Happy hour runs until 7 PM (starting at 3 PM Monday–Thursday or 11 AM on Fridays), and both spots are a short walk to the Nationals Park gates. On game days, don’t miss Él Bebe’s Walking Tacos — grab one on your way to the ballpark.

After the Game: Skip the stadium rush and walk back to 99 M St. CIRCA is ideal for a postgame dinner — the dining room tends to be more relaxed after first pitch, so you’ll often find a table without a wait. Wind down with a cocktail made from Open Road Distilling Co. spirits and one of those legendary bread puddings.

No Game? No Problem: Navy Yard is worth a visit even when the Nats aren’t playing. Walk the Yards Park Boardwalk along the Anacostia River, rent a kayak from Ballpark Boathouse, explore the National Museum of the United States Navy, or just grab a seat on the patio and people-watch along M Street. The neighborhood has transformed into one of DC’s most walkable, livable destinations — and CIRCA and Él Bebe are right at the center of it.

Getting There

Address: 99 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003 (CIRCA is Suite 100, Él Bebe is Suite 120)

Metro: Navy Yard–Ballpark station (Green Line) — the restaurants are a short walk from the station exit.

Parking: Limited street parking and garage parking are available in the area. On game days, expect to pay for nearby lots. Metro is your best bet.

Reservations: Recommended for both restaurants, especially on game days and weekend evenings. Book CIRCA on OpenTable or Él Bebe on OpenTable. Walk-ins are welcome but waits of 20+ minutes are common on busy nights.

Make It a Night in Navy Yard

Whether you’re a die-hard Nats fan looking for the best pregame spot, a DC local exploring the Capitol Riverfront, or a visitor discovering the neighborhood for the first time, CIRCA and Él Bebe at Navy Yard deliver two distinct experiences in one convenient location — great food, great drinks, and the kind of energy that makes Navy Yard one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Ready to go? Make a reservation at CIRCA | Make a reservation at Él Bebe | Follow @elbebetacos on Instagram | Follow @circabistros on Instagram