A culinary visionary is bringing a fresh burst of innovation to the Maryland dining scene in 2026. James Beard award-winning chef Spike Gjerde is opening his latest project, a tapas bar called Bar Dali, in the Mount Vernon area next year, and it promises to infuse the neighborhood with an air of sustainable and uniquely local cool, reports Eater Washington DC.
Gjerde’s newest creation will be opening at 909 Charles Street. While a precise opening date is not presently available, Communications Director Lisa Held confirmed to What Now DC that Bar Dalí is planning to be customer-ready by early 2026.
Bar Dalí will be a subterranean tapas bar, certain to delight even the most selective foodies. A press release provided to What Now DC offers this tantalizing hint as to what’s in store, bound to make local stomachs rumble: “Gjerde will bring his signature focus on empathetic hospitality and local sourcing to the menu and operations, while honoring the community spirit of the former Mount Vernon Stable & Saloon.”
Gjerde is the driving force behind the Ecco Project which “develops food and restaurant projects that support regenerative farms and local food systems by celebrating global cuisines.” The company launched French bistro La Jetée in Baltimore Harbor earlier this year.
Future Bar Dalí customers eager for updates can follow the restaurant’s Instagram account for updates on the eatery’s opening and progress.
