Summer Must-Try: Betsy’s Backyard Oasis

Finding a go-to outdoor oasis is a summer ritual… and we may have just found the most unique farm to table experience in all of DC.

Betsy is the inspiration of Chef Bart Vandaele who also runs the popular Belga Cafe in Barracks Row.  The entrance is tucked away in an alley behind Belga Cafe, where guests can follow Betsy’s (Chef Vandaele’s favorite backyard chicken) footprints to find the hidden entrance.

A sampling of some of the most popular items on Betsy’s menu boasts an almost exclusive use of fresh ingredients picked from Chef Vandaele’s backyard garden. We especially loved the gazpacho, which was perfect on a hot and humid summer night.

Comfort foods like mac and cheese and pork belly will be gobbled up with gusto.  Buckets of mussels, a popular item at Belga Cafe, are also predicted to be among Betsy’s greatest hits.

Betsy’s intimate garden oasis has a cozy and warm atmosphere. All of the materials and decorations are repurposed or recycled materials – tables, chairs, pillows, candles.

But there one more thing that makes this garden to table rooftop even greater: Betsy’s gin and tonic bar. Not only is there a huge variety of options, but many of the herbs and spices from the backyard garden are used in the cocktails.  (Not a G&T fan?  Don’t worry, there’s a large wine menu and a good selection of American and European beers.)

We can’t wait to follow the henprints back to this hidden haven.  See you there for summer soup and sips!