Willie’s Bar Opens Friendship Heights

Willie's Bar, via Embassy Suites

The hotel bar and restaurant part of a major renovation at a Friendship Heights hotel will open Tuesday.

Willie’s Bar, a new 2,000-square-foot bar and lounge named after admired hotel sous chef Wilfredo Benavides, will offer small plates and drinks inside the Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion (4300 Military Rd., NW D.C.).

Benavides died last year from Lou Gehrig’s disease. In his memory, 1 percent of all bar proceeds will go to the ALS Association.

Also part of the hotel’s overall $10.5 million renovation is the reworked Atrio Cafe and Lounge. Both places will be open from 4 p.m.-11 p.m. daily starting Tuesday.

“We plan to become the Friendship Height’s neighborhood go-to hotspot for hotel guests, professionals in the area and DC locals alike looking for delicious eats in a sophisticated, fun atmosphere,” hotel executive chef Margaret Fenaoui said in a press release.

Some of the seating in the Atrio Cafe and Lounge overlooks the Chevy Chase Pavilion atrium. The hotel portion of the renovation, which includes conversions of 198 suites, is set to be completed by Oct. 20.

Photo via Embassy Suites

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