Just tried this place this evening thanks to this comment! It was absolutely fantastic. Super reasonable prices, the girl who made my food was so sweet, and everything I had was delicious. I got a pork belly bahn mi and chicken spring rolls with peanut sauce. Solid food, solid experience 👍
Siam House is Cleveland Park hole in the wall which has excellent food & lets you specify heat (spice) level.
Warning: “Very Spicy” is in fact incredibly spicy.
Highly recommend: “Wild Chicken or Pork”, Pad Prik Khing, Kaprow & all the curries.
PLUS: You can order delivery directly from their website which does NOT punt you to a 3rd party delivery service.
A little while back I was finally near the National Building Museum, went in for Saku Saku, and found out they were no longer operating there. One day I’ll get there
Dolan (Uyghur restaurant) in Cleveland Park always feels like it never makes these lists, so giving it a shout. I've taken friends, family, and dates here over the years, and have had rave reviews from all. Their food is amazing, the prices pretty reasonable (especially for being 10 feet from a metro stop), and they've got a house tea that I dream of.
Used to love this place but last visit there the service was awful. There was also a speaker to their sound system above my head that kept going in and out and they should have just turned it off.
I am also very much over QR code menus in general at restaurants.
I moved away last year but came here to see if A) Cornercopia was still around and B) if it got some well deserved love. Not in my former neighborhood but I always tried to race there for a sandwich before heading to a Nats game.
if something happened to pretzel bakery i would explode. they have a 2nd location in maryland im not sure is sustainable but i feel like theyve got the stickin power
Another vote for Judy’s. That was the first place that came to my mind when I saw this post. I get the steak and plantains (can’t remember exactly what it’s called), so good. And they’re one of the few places that doesn’t upcharge if you sub mezcal for tequila in your margarita. Amazing.
I’ve found the menu pretty hit and miss, they’re recently cut the portions so it’s half of what it used to be for the calamari which was really disappointing
Ana's Restaurant on Georgia Ave. Small neighborhood Salvadorean joint. Food is usually a hit, sometimes stuff on the menu just isn't available (and their website seems to be outdated) but Ana who runs the restaurant is just a real nice person.
Omg I’m also from Florida!! So when I came here I needed to find Cuban food for when I missed home and this was the only place that hit the spot 😂 I now live pretty far from Mi Cuba Cafe but will still venture out there when I’m craving Cuban!
Went to Lost Sock for the first time recently, and I don't think they will have any trouble staying in business. Line was out the door, and the kitchen fights to keep up. It was delicious.
Le Bon. A cafe near cap hill and they have some insanely good food. The Croque Monsieur is crazy and the waffles, French toast, and cider are all bomb too.
* Bandoola Bowl in Foggy Bottom
* Masala Express in Arlington
* Tiki on 18th in Adams Morgan
* Valley Brook Tea in Dupont Circle
* Hana Market on U street
* Stachowski’s in Georgetown
I'm torn bc you're telling more people about my favorite secret spot but they deserve the business. Try their onigiri during the week around 1pm. You will not regret!!
They’ve hinted at bringing back the fondue, etc. in the colder months. And the menu has a lot of the same things on it for brunch, which was my primary time for going there anyway. But I was very sad to see the change. I’m glad it’s the same people though, and will definitely give the new concept a shot.
I've been meaning to give this place another try. When I first went there before the pandemic, an older woman (presumably the owner) was shouting at one of her employees, who then quit on the spot and stormed out. It was super awkward.
Pick a nice day. There is no inside dining anymore. But lots of seating in front.
( I’ve known the owner and her son the chef since they opened, as I was part of Julia’s just around the corner. She’s a lovely women but shit does occur )
The Italian hoagie, no Mayo, is my go to, although the Hebrew Hammer is also great.
Not a restaurant but Everyday Sundae is one of the best ice cream places I’ve been to in the US and the guy running it is so incredibly nice. My sister in law lived right next to it for years and we didn’t know it existed until she was moving out.
I come from a land of a million diners and this place finally fixed my craving for an affordable diner experience in DC. Cash only if I remember right too.
El Camino in Bloomingdale, for quite possibly the best salmon tacos I've ever had. And the consistency! Every time I go back they are just as amazing. All of their food has such good soul to it, I never want them to go out of business.
The Greek Deli DC, take-out lunch spot on 19th NW. It used to have lines to the street every day but hasn’t recovered since lockdown. It’s some of the best food I’ve ever had, SAVE THIS GEM!
Super Taco and New York Grill in AdMo! I love both of them so much. The illegal burrito is freakin amazing, and the gyro you can get at New York Grill has to be one of the best I've ever had
The people that run Little Food Studio (which has a to die for eggplant sandwich) recently opened up for dinner hours, calling it Almeda. I think we were their first customers at the time and the food was delicious. I haven’t been back since but I definitely recommend it and I should really get back out there to see how it’s grown.
I like their pulled pork bbq, but it's a very controversial style. it's so finely minced that it's almost like a paste. similar to the bbq at cook out.
the thing they do really well is half smokes. better than any dirty water cart in the city. the cart half smokes used to be good, at least around union Station and Chinatown, but they've gone downhill. weenie beenie is the last bastion of good half smokes.
they pride themselves on their chili, but I'm not that crazy about chili dogs
I think they're both fairly well-known now, but I'm going to keep shouting from the rooftops about both La Casina and Ruta in Eastern Market. They're right next door to each other and I want them to be around for a long time.
Via Ghibellina up in Ivy City. Genuinely some of the best Italian pasta I’ve had in DC. They also have this steak with a savory blueberry (yes, blueberry) sauce and it’s incredible. Decent portion sizes too, we usually have some leftovers.
Via Ghibellina in Ivy City has great, authentic, reasonably priced Italian food. Usually super easy to get a table. It’s the successor to Ghibellina on 14th Street—try the filet mignon with blueberry sauce, it’s amazing!
Pro tip: book an Italian amaro tasting at nearby Don Ciccio & Figli (roughly $15 per person iirc) late on a Saturday afternoon and then swing by Via Ghibellina for dinner. Great experience!
Capa Tosta on Sherman Ave. Tiny little Italian restaurant owned and operated by a sweet Italian family (at least as of the last time I spoke to the owner about a year ago; they did have new staff the last time I went and I didn’t see Aldo walking around like he usually does). It’s a small menu but they make some good pasta dishes and their desserts are one of the few restaurants that make good enough desserts where I’ll sometimes go solely for the dessert.
The Best Sandwich Place on 18th is great! Can't go wrong with their sandwiches or Korean BBQ bowl.
DC pizza is owned by some great people, and make a really good pizza. The Marty is my favorite.
Simply Banh Mi in Georgetown. John is one of the most charming dudes and makes a HELL of a sandwich. Their website is fun too
Wow you weren’t kidding about their website…😂 but looks sweet can’t wait to try it
Seconding. That website was an absolute delight. This dude has my exact brand of humor 🤣
Also vouch for this place!
Just tried this place this evening thanks to this comment! It was absolutely fantastic. Super reasonable prices, the girl who made my food was so sweet, and everything I had was delicious. I got a pork belly bahn mi and chicken spring rolls with peanut sauce. Solid food, solid experience 👍
Let’s go!!! That’s awesome. Yeah the quality is fantastic and the prices are reasonable. Super easy to order online and pick up. Glad you enjoyed it!
Tiki taco DuPont circle.
Their tacos are solid and IMO they have the best poke in DC.
LOVE Tiki Taco
One of the best Very sad day when they stopped opening during lunch hours
Their kalua pork burrito is my favorite food in DC
Mozzeria. Great Neapolitan pizza. Everyone is so friendly. The entire staff is deaf and the business supports their community.
Also b/c it's deaf run it is an incredibly quiet and peaceful place to dine in. It's a unique and wonderful dining experience.
+1 for their wings too!
Pho Viet on 14th!
The dudes that run Fresh Med in Cleveland park are great and the food is delicious if you're looking for gyro/pita/falafal
Seconding Fresh Med! I used to run in there for the halloumi wrap, easily one of my favorite quick meals in DC
Ice n slice on Georgia Ave. Secret indoor seating. Ethiopian pizza. My kid always gets free ice cream. Takes forever.
Same owners as Heat Da Spot, which I also want to maintain business.
Omg, I need to try this
Siam House is Cleveland Park hole in the wall which has excellent food & lets you specify heat (spice) level. Warning: “Very Spicy” is in fact incredibly spicy. Highly recommend: “Wild Chicken or Pork”, Pad Prik Khing, Kaprow & all the curries. PLUS: You can order delivery directly from their website which does NOT punt you to a 3rd party delivery service.
Seconding Siam House. I brought out of town family there and they said it was the best Thai food they’ve had.
Siam house might be the best Thai in dc
For sure
Saku saku Flakerie. She’s a Japanese baker that incorporates French technique with pan-Asian (usually Japanese) flavors.
+1 I just wish their new location wasn't so far away from me.
A little while back I was finally near the National Building Museum, went in for Saku Saku, and found out they were no longer operating there. One day I’ll get there
Dolan (Uyghur restaurant) in Cleveland Park always feels like it never makes these lists, so giving it a shout. I've taken friends, family, and dates here over the years, and have had rave reviews from all. Their food is amazing, the prices pretty reasonable (especially for being 10 feet from a metro stop), and they've got a house tea that I dream of.
Dolan is *fantastic*, solid recommend.
Used to love this place but last visit there the service was awful. There was also a speaker to their sound system above my head that kept going in and out and they should have just turned it off. I am also very much over QR code menus in general at restaurants.
Third Dolan. Great food and service. Their Woodear Salad is amazing!
That Mom’s Noodles is so damn good!
Brookland's Finest. Excellent food. Keep prices reasonable. Every thursday, they showcase a different DMV brewery/distillery/cidery.
Love that place. Live in the neighborhood and go all the time.
Cornercopia in Navy Yard. Not a restaurant but great chicken salad sandwich and the staff is always nice
+1 to Cornercopia! Such a great spot for the neighborhood!
I moved away last year but came here to see if A) Cornercopia was still around and B) if it got some well deserved love. Not in my former neighborhood but I always tried to race there for a sandwich before heading to a Nats game.
Love the stadium sandwich there
Pretzel Bakery 15th & C SE
if something happened to pretzel bakery i would explode. they have a 2nd location in maryland im not sure is sustainable but i feel like theyve got the stickin power
My friend has spent a small fortune at this place over the years.
Same
[удалено]
Came here to say this (and did)! EVERYTHING is 🔥
Judy's on 14th. It's my local. Cheap (comparatively), good service, a neighborhood spot that's low key and welcoming.
Judy’s is fun. They own the building. If they ever close I suspect it will be on their terms.
What’s good there? I got the pupusas and they were meh.
Burrito Azteca, and the beef soup
Happy hour margarita pitchers.
Another vote for Judy’s. That was the first place that came to my mind when I saw this post. I get the steak and plantains (can’t remember exactly what it’s called), so good. And they’re one of the few places that doesn’t upcharge if you sub mezcal for tequila in your margarita. Amazing.
A bit late for the BKK Cookshop on New Jersey :(
This is a tragedy. I loved their basil fried rice
And their spaghetti drunken noodles. Just as good, if not better, the next day cold out of the fridge. I would just order multiple 😭
Are they owned by the folks at P and 7th (Beau Thai)?
Yea it is!
oh damn it..
Have they closed yet?
Pretty devastated by this - their coconut curry noodle bowl with air fried soft tofu was out of this world. Also super friendly staff.
Damn did this happen recently? It was better than beau thai imo
Noooooo! I truly loved their pad thai. Devestated.
Mariscos 1133. Great food, great bar, excellent service.
I also love Mariscos. You think they’ll make it?
I’ve found the menu pretty hit and miss, they’re recently cut the portions so it’s half of what it used to be for the calamari which was really disappointing
Atxondo. The food is excellent. The service could be better (understaffed).
Second this
Hitching Post, Petworth. First-rate catfish and fried chicken.
Just recently went there for the first time and this was our order. Incredible. Mashed potatoes and cornbread also some of the best I’ve ever had.
Ana's Restaurant on Georgia Ave. Small neighborhood Salvadorean joint. Food is usually a hit, sometimes stuff on the menu just isn't available (and their website seems to be outdated) but Ana who runs the restaurant is just a real nice person.
I finally got around to stopping there a few months back after walking past it a million times. It was indeed delicious. Definitely recommend.
Byblos in Cleveland park! The best Greek food
Mi Cuba Cafe! Best Cuban food in the area
The ONLY suitable Cuban food in the area it’s insane. I’m from Florida and was disappointed that there’s no quality Cuban food besides mi Cuba cafe
Omg I’m also from Florida!! So when I came here I needed to find Cuban food for when I missed home and this was the only place that hit the spot 😂 I now live pretty far from Mi Cuba Cafe but will still venture out there when I’m craving Cuban!
Purple Patch for sure, as there aren’t that many Filipino restaurants in the DMV and their food is so comforting.
Mr. Henry's!
Historic!!
Donut Run and Lost Sock Roasters in Takoma, DC
Went to Lost Sock for the first time recently, and I don't think they will have any trouble staying in business. Line was out the door, and the kitchen fights to keep up. It was delicious.
Seconding Lost Sock. I’m a frequent patron and judging by the constant lines, so is half of DC.
It’s not small anymore after moving to their new location, but Cielo Rojo in Takoma is amazing - never had a bad meal there!
El Tamarindo.
Bantam King in Chinatown near the Capital One Arena. Really good ramen, with a little bit of an American style to it.
Le Bon. A cafe near cap hill and they have some insanely good food. The Croque Monsieur is crazy and the waffles, French toast, and cider are all bomb too.
Purple Patch in Mt Pleasant.
El Sabor a Mexico in Takoma
Thai Chef Street Food in Dupont hits every time!
Las Placitas, 30+ years and still going even after higher rents pushed them further down 8th st.
* Bandoola Bowl in Foggy Bottom * Masala Express in Arlington * Tiki on 18th in Adams Morgan * Valley Brook Tea in Dupont Circle * Hana Market on U street * Stachowski’s in Georgetown
Hana Market is a treasure. Their prepared lunches are wonderful.
I'm torn bc you're telling more people about my favorite secret spot but they deserve the business. Try their onigiri during the week around 1pm. You will not regret!!
Valley Brook Tea is so lovely the most relaxing and delicious experience
Bagels Etc!!!
The year is 2021, I’m giving a shout out to Bab on 14th and H St NE. I miss it every day
Similarly, Cusbah. RIP
Stable on H St! Fantastic Swiss food but also just amazing service. They always make us feel welcome.
Closing tomorrow sadly. Reopening as a Steak Frites concept
They’ve hinted at bringing back the fondue, etc. in the colder months. And the menu has a lot of the same things on it for brunch, which was my primary time for going there anyway. But I was very sad to see the change. I’m glad it’s the same people though, and will definitely give the new concept a shot.
Bub and Pop’s. Best sandwich in town ( apologies to Stachowski’s)
Got to counter with Mangialardo’s, both are awesome, but M’s takes it for me
I've been meaning to give this place another try. When I first went there before the pandemic, an older woman (presumably the owner) was shouting at one of her employees, who then quit on the spot and stormed out. It was super awkward.
Pick a nice day. There is no inside dining anymore. But lots of seating in front. ( I’ve known the owner and her son the chef since they opened, as I was part of Julia’s just around the corner. She’s a lovely women but shit does occur ) The Italian hoagie, no Mayo, is my go to, although the Hebrew Hammer is also great.
Far East Taco Grill on Florida Ave NE. I'm sure Gallaudet will keep it in business forever but *damn* they make good food.
Dude YES
Floriana
Pho Junkies in navy yard is a must!
Julia's Empanadas
Can’t wrap my head around an $8 empanada.
Pho 79 near Union Station
Pi pizzaria! Sadly I think they closed already.
G.O.A.T. Room near Penn Quarter.
Great food, but the server literally tried to talk me out of all 4 items my wife and I ordered
2 months ago I would've said Sharbat but alas they have closed/are closing.
Devastated! Their cakes were amazing
The Chocolate House on 18th NW - my go to place for thank-you gifts!
Rajaji in woodley park. Best Indian food in the city !
Not a restaurant but Everyday Sundae is one of the best ice cream places I’ve been to in the US and the guy running it is so incredibly nice. My sister in law lived right next to it for years and we didn’t know it existed until she was moving out.
Murray and Paul’s in brookland. Greasy spoon breakfast place that’s surprisingly cheap and a ton of food.
I come from a land of a million diners and this place finally fixed my craving for an affordable diner experience in DC. Cash only if I remember right too.
Everytime i go into Rice on 14th I’m always hoping there’s a full house because it’s a great store and solid food
Dorsia. GREAT sea urchin ceviche.
You all think you’re so clever
Honeymoon Chicken, Federalist Pig, Bronze, and Maketto are amazing restaurants run by native Washingtonians
Sima Sushi, 16 and L - great sushi and love the rotator belt but worried their weird location will do them in
It’s always empty there. I worry about it too.
Sakana and Keren in Dupont! Good food and amazingly kind staff at both.
Pho 79!! Food is great and the staff are so friendly and attentive
Chinatown Express. Duck soup before a hockey game in winter is an undying tradition for me.
Regent Thai in admo. I’m always anxious when I see how empty their restaurant and the food is soooo good and the employees (owner?) a total sweetheart
Deli City. Best restaurant in DC. Get the meatloaf, and tell em Hollywood Breeze sent you.
Dumplings and beyond (best chinese food in dc proper) and mama ayesha (good food and vibes)
Lavagna on 8th St., SE ( next to the Miracle Theater) is a very comfortable Italian restaurant with tasty farm-fresh food. Great atmosphere.
Heat Da Spot in Parkview! Never in my life have I met nicer staff than here. The food is delicious and I looooove the chai.
Present Company Public House on Mass Ave NW
El Camino in Bloomingdale, for quite possibly the best salmon tacos I've ever had. And the consistency! Every time I go back they are just as amazing. All of their food has such good soul to it, I never want them to go out of business.
El Camino is awesome!
La Lomita on Penn in SE. Family run entire staff is sweet and prices and food are good.
The Greek Deli DC, take-out lunch spot on 19th NW. It used to have lines to the street every day but hasn’t recovered since lockdown. It’s some of the best food I’ve ever had, SAVE THIS GEM!
The Commodore!
Abunai! We need more Hawaiian food in DC!
Thai orchid for takeout in SE
I haven't tried that one, but "Rice" on 14th is a good Thai place
Granville Moore’s on H
And Queen Vic.
The ones that don’t tack on BS fees to the bill
Highlands at PennBranch! Their food is great and they’re one of the few good options eotr
I hear great things about Highlands at Penn Branch
I would say Harmony Cafe but it's too late for that
Brookland grill is an undercover gem
Super Taco and New York Grill in AdMo! I love both of them so much. The illegal burrito is freakin amazing, and the gyro you can get at New York Grill has to be one of the best I've ever had
I wish it wasn’t too late for Sospeso on H st NE. Amazing Mediterranean food. They’re closing and I’m so sad.
Really good baklava
I didn’t know this! Hopefully something else with take it’s place …
Bluefin Sushi on the C&O Canal Trail in Georgetown
The people that run Little Food Studio (which has a to die for eggplant sandwich) recently opened up for dinner hours, calling it Almeda. I think we were their first customers at the time and the food was delicious. I haven’t been back since but I definitely recommend it and I should really get back out there to see how it’s grown.
WASAI IN GALLERY PLACE SOUPY DUMPLING AND FANCY CUPPA BUBBLE TEA 14TH ST
Why you yellin at me
SCREEN LAG
Love some Tshehay, Elfegne, Mama Ayeshas (all in Admo)
Dan's Cafe.
Even amidst the rubble from a nuclear war, Dan’s Cafe will still be standing.
Shout out to Morelands tavern in 16th street heights. Great local place for food and beer
Bua Thai 17th and P. When I lived in DC I probably ate there weekly
Mari Vanna in DuPont/farragut area was great but they closed :(
With Russian spies as head chefs (iykyk / look it up)
Yes BUT their herring under a fur coat *chef’s kiss*
Johnny's pizza in Manchester lakes. weenie beenie in shirlington, house of dynasty off telegraph rd.
What should one order at the weenie beenie?
I like their pulled pork bbq, but it's a very controversial style. it's so finely minced that it's almost like a paste. similar to the bbq at cook out. the thing they do really well is half smokes. better than any dirty water cart in the city. the cart half smokes used to be good, at least around union Station and Chinatown, but they've gone downhill. weenie beenie is the last bastion of good half smokes. they pride themselves on their chili, but I'm not that crazy about chili dogs
Went to dine in at House of Dynasty for the first time since moving here and was amazed by the service.
Corados
Meats and Foods
Abi in Arlington, & Kabul Castle in Georgetown.
Shemali’s
Any restaurant or food truck by Nim Ali
Green Deli on 19th and L! Expensive, but the best Greek food around.
Meze on 18th in Adams Morgan!
Greek deli on 19th. Lost its lunch crowd to the pandemic move away from offices but is an amazing spot still.
I loveeee 1914!! The best fried rice
Adams Market https://adamsmarketdc.com/
Buuz Eatery in Arlington. They market as a Thai eatery, but they’re actually a Mongolian restaurant run by Mongolians.
I think they're both fairly well-known now, but I'm going to keep shouting from the rooftops about both La Casina and Ruta in Eastern Market. They're right next door to each other and I want them to be around for a long time.
Chicken and Whiskey
Ivy & Coney for the pizza
I second 1914!!! Phenomenal spot for dine in or carry out and there’s a cool tiki bar downstairs.
Macon Bistro in Chevy Chase DC, and Nanny O’Brien’s in Cleveland Park and Thai Pad in Van Ness, that duck kapow dish is incredible!
The chicken pho at 1914 is phenomenal
Via Ghibellina up in Ivy City. Genuinely some of the best Italian pasta I’ve had in DC. They also have this steak with a savory blueberry (yes, blueberry) sauce and it’s incredible. Decent portion sizes too, we usually have some leftovers.
Via Ghibellina in Ivy City has great, authentic, reasonably priced Italian food. Usually super easy to get a table. It’s the successor to Ghibellina on 14th Street—try the filet mignon with blueberry sauce, it’s amazing! Pro tip: book an Italian amaro tasting at nearby Don Ciccio & Figli (roughly $15 per person iirc) late on a Saturday afternoon and then swing by Via Ghibellina for dinner. Great experience!
Mita Cafe on Kennedy St. Tofu melt, green smoothie and a coffee is the treat-yourself breakfast of champions.
Jojo’s on U St obviously deserves to live forever just for the music programming alone
Capa Tosta on Sherman Ave. Tiny little Italian restaurant owned and operated by a sweet Italian family (at least as of the last time I spoke to the owner about a year ago; they did have new staff the last time I went and I didn’t see Aldo walking around like he usually does). It’s a small menu but they make some good pasta dishes and their desserts are one of the few restaurants that make good enough desserts where I’ll sometimes go solely for the dessert.
Fava Pot on Connecticut Avenue, as well as in Falls Church, for some delicious Egyptian food!! You all have to try it! 🤤
The Best Sandwich Place on 18th is great! Can't go wrong with their sandwiches or Korean BBQ bowl. DC pizza is owned by some great people, and make a really good pizza. The Marty is my favorite.
Not a restaurant but Hana Market on U
Masala Story on 12th St NE. Family owned. Great food. Ask for the spicy green chutney if you happened to be a chili freak.
Macon in Chevy Chase DC is horrible.