1. The Only Falafels You’ll Ever Need Are At Amsterdam Falafelshop
Amsterdam Falafelshop
2425 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-1969
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 1401 reviews
The folks who run Amsterdam Falafelshop don’t consider it just a place to get good falafels. They call it a falafel experience. And they’re right. Get them stuffed in pitas and packed with fresh veggies and creamy sauce. Or get them in a bowl and ask for an extra pita on the side. Don’t forget to get an order of their fries which are equally as scrumptious.
2. Rose’s Luxury Thinks Out Of The Box In An Upscale Way
Rose’s Luxury
717 8th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 580-8889
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 736 reviews
Rose’s Luxury is the gem of Capitol Hill with a menu so inventive, you’ll find yourself questioning whether or not it could possibly make sense. But oh, does it ever. Just a few highlights to try include the popcorn soup, grilled avocado, eggplant tartine, and the potato bread loaf which actually tastes like a baked potato complete with butter and chives.
3. Bring Eastern Africa To Your Plate At Keren Ethiopian
Keren Restaurant and Coffee Shop
1780 Florida Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-5764
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 387 reviews
If you love ethnic food and you haven’t tried Keren’s yet, you’re in for the meal of your life. Amazing flavors and dishes with seriously affordable price tags and unbeatable service make this place something truly special in
Washington, D.C. If you’re new to Eastern African cuisine, start off with the chicken tibsi with injera or try the veggie combo plate for two.
4. &pizza Delivers On Their Pizza And More
&pizza
1118 H St NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 733-1285
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 468 reviews
&pizza is one of those awesome little pizza shops where everything you order is exactly what you wanted, not like the soggy stuff other places put on the stable. From their savory sandwiches to their specialty pizzas, everything is made to perfection, which is why they will undoubtedly end up as one of your favorite go-to spots in
DC.
5. Bub & Pop’s Sandwich Is The President Of DC Sandwich Shops
Bub & Pop’s Sandwich
1815 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 457-1111
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 335 reviews
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best sandwich in DC, look no further than Bub & Pop’s Sandwich. Loaded to the brim with delicious cuts of fresh meats and veggies, they have something for everyone. Try the Real Obama for a killer sandwich packed with Italian beef, house made jardinier and shaved provolone. Or just stick with a traditional Italian which just might end up being the best you’ve ever had. If you don’t believe me, give it a try.
6. Rasika Writes The Law On Indian Cuisine
Rasika
633 D St NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 637-1222
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 1756 reviews
Rasika is much more upscale than you’d think if you judged by their prices. Their food is delicious, plated beautifully, and the atmosphere is just classy enough to bring a little luxury to your meal without overpowering it. Don’t leave without trying the crispy spinach, the palak chaat salad, and the green masala. The garlic naan is also pretty incredible, freshly baked and the perfect way to start off a delicious Indian meal.
7. Simply Banh Mi Gets Outstandingly Complex With Their Fries
Simply Banh Mi
1624 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-5726
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 176 reviews
Yes, their décor is super clean, simplistic and modern. And yes, this is a strictly Vietnamese restaurant. But that’s all that is simple at Simply Banh Mi. Highlights include the banh mi (obviously), the pork belly, bubble tea, and yogurt balls. But you can not come here without trying the banh mi fries which are like nothing else you’ll find in DC.
8. Find The Best Veggie Burger At Woodland’s Vegan Bistro
Woodland’s Vegan Bistro
2928 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 232-1700
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 404 reviews
I probably had every vegan at “best veggie burger.” But don’t worry, the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. It’s not always a breeze being vegan in a city like DC, but thanks to outstanding places like Woodland’s, it’s a lot easier and infinitely more satisfying. The burgers are a major highlight but you also must try their mock fried chicken sandwich as well as their garlic kale. Grab a fresh juice to wash it all down and be sure to keep coming back to keep gems like this alive in the city.
9. When Nowhere Feels Upscale Enough, It’s Marcels To The Rescue
Marcel’s
2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 296-1166
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 293 reviews
Maybe you’re looking to pop the question, need to impress a client, or you’re just looking for a really nice night out with amazing food. Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier is the first place you should consider. The bill won’t be cheap but you get every bit of what you pay for here, with amazing cuisine that almost makes you feel like royalty in a quiet atmosphere which can be a bit of luxury in DC.
10. Habanero’s Taqueria Makes Taco Tuesday A National Holiday
Habaneros Taqueria
3710 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 722-7700
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 115 reviews
Don’t assume that just because this is a no-frills Mexican joint that you’re going to be getting the Taco Bell or Chi-Chi’s treatment. Along with all the traditional staples, cooked with fresh ingredients and packed full of flavor, you’ll also find gems like the grilled steak tacos and huaraches. Plenty of grilled shrimp, chicken, and vegetable options are also available for anyone looking to keep their diet beef or meat-free.
11. Fish In The Hood Deep Fries Southern Goodness To Impress
Fish in the Hood
3601 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 545-6974
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 156 reviews
As is the case with most cities, it’s usually the most inconspicuous places that truly impress. And Fish in the Hood is no exception. Fried catfish is their specialty and even if you don’t think you’d like it, trust me, it’s something you have to try to truly judge. The sides of mac n’ cheese and yams are always on point, too, bringing a little southern love and flavor to DC.
12. Find The Perfectly Traditional Pizza At Wiseguy’s
Wiseguy
300 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 400 reviews
Sometimes all you want is some pizza. That’s why Wiseguy should be on your speed dial. Traditional pies with crusts that made Manhattan famous and a variety of topping selections is what you’ll get, which is everything a pizza joint should be. Make sure to grab an order of their garlic knots while you’re at it, you won’t regret it.
13. Zaytinya Brings The Mediterranean Alive In DC
Zaytinya
701 9th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 638-0800
Yelp: 4 stars, 2677 reviews
Be warned. Once you make a visit to Zaytinya, you might have trouble eating anything other than Lebanese cuisine for a while after. The atmosphere is hip and modern and the food is delicious, making it one of the best places to enjoy and evening with friends or a date. And that’s not a bad thing. When it’s warm, make sure to get a seat at their outdoor patio.
14. Get Your Fingers Ready For Licking At DCity Smokehouse
DCity Smokehouse
8 Florida Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 733-1919
Yelp: 4 stars, 304 reviews
Great barbecue is much closer than you think. It’s right in your backyard, actually. DCity Smokehouse has all the classic barbecue staples better than you’ll find anywhere else in the city. Your food comes in paper trays and you’ll need a stack of napkins to get you through your meal, and that’s exactly the way good barbeque is supposed to be.
15. The CakeRoom Bakery Makes DC So Much Sweeter
The CakeRoom
2006 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 450-4462
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 245 reviews
Good desserts never need a sales pitch. But places like The CakeRoom Bakery are so great, you can’t help but gush over them. You’ll find an assortment of every kind of pastry you can imagine, with gems like cappuccino cookies, hummingbird cake, chocolate chip date squares, and baklava cupcakes. But two of the must tries are the coconut cake and the Nutella cookie. Come for a whole meal here to indulge in a myriad of flavors at one of their bistro tables and always leave with a smile on your face.
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