Due South, founded by the creative talents behind DC's New Orleans restaurant Bayou, brings the spice, the sips, the sweets, and the savor of the south to the Capitol Riverfront. Due South offers creative cuisine inspired by the Southern states with an emphasis on in-house smoked meats, locally sourced seafood and farm fresh produce. Due South's head chef Rusty Holman has expressed his brand of Southern-inspired food in the DC area since 2007, beginning at Bayou. Rusty’s open kitchen concept combines subtle international flavors with many classics that produce sophisticated Southern cuisine. Due South is what you’d expect from a chef who has been cooking Southern recipes since he could reach his grandmother’s kitchen counter in North Carolina.

How would you describe the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood to friends/visitors?

This neighborhood is a very inviting place for people to bring their families; and it’s a fun place for people to dine, drink, and enjoy amazing views of the river. I like that the neighborhood is so close to Nationals Park and convenient to Capitol Hill.

What is your favorite place in the neighborhood?

I’d have to say Osteria Morini—great cuisine and really nice staff.

Due South is now fully open—serving lunch and dinner daily and brunch on weekends. Tell us about your favorite dish (or two) to make at the restaurant.

I love our squash puppies—a different take on the traditionally Southern dish hush puppies, made with summer squash. The jalapeno dipping sauce really kicks the dish up a notch. The Due South brisket platter, a 12-hour smoked brisket served with grits and stewed curry okra and tomatoes has also been quite popular among myself and customers.

We know your specialty is in the kitchen, but the bar at Due South serves some pretty tasty southern-inspired libations. What’s your beverage go-to?

I’m a big fan of margaritas so the Rusty Rita is very tasty to me—it’s got a pretty cool name too.

It’s starting to feel like fall in the District! What’s your favorite fall/winter dish to make at Due South?

We like to change up the menu here at Due South based on the season, so guests can expect dishes such as braised lamb shank and chicken & dumplings.

Can you tell us about current specials at Due South?

Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. During that time, we have $2 off drafts, $5 house wines, and $6 rail drinks. We also have a $14 bottomless mimosa deal during our Saturday & Sunday brunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.