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$ | Shaw |
A trip to D.C. is not complete without tasting pupusas, the El Salvadoran tortillas filled with chorizo, cheese, and chicharrón. El Rinconcito Cafe, a fixture in Shaw for El Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine, specializes in pupusas and also serves quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas—all at affordable prices.
1129 11th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Pupusas
- Affordable meals
- Neighborhood spot for El Salvadoran food
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$ | The Mall |
After marveling at the masterpieces in the National Gallery West Building, sit down in a lovely open courtyard, complete with a fountain. The Garden Café features a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and snacks, and it is also an excellent spot for a coffee with its perfectly crafted lattes.
6th and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- High-end coffee beverages
- A lovely setting
- Fast casual sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Dupont Circle |
Vegans and carnivores alike will rejoice over HipCityVeg's creative, plant-based, fast-casual menu. The Philadelphia-born company serves a popular vegan cheesesteak, accompanied by sweet potato fries, of course.
1300 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Vegan Philly cheesesteak
- Vegan milkshakes
- One of the few plant-based fast-food spots in the city
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$ | Chinatown |
Crispy Chick’n, juicy burgers, creamy shakes, and legendary sweet potato fries—HipCityVeg makes it easy for people to eat plant-based by presenting it in a way they already know and love. Created by Latina plant-based powerhouse Nicole Marquis, HipCityVeg is a 100% plant-based, fast-casual restaurant serving American Classics. Don't be intimidated by the line, it moves pretty fast. Make sure to order one of their decadent milkshakes. You will forget they're vegan!
712 7th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Vegan Philly cheesesteak
- Rare vegan fast food option
- Vegan milkshakes
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$ | Capitol Hill |
Known for its boisterous owner and throngs of talkative regulars, this family-owned D.C. institution is tucked into the first floor of an old row house only five blocks from the Capitol. Enjoy favorites like light-and-fluffy waffles served with a solid slice of bacon and an egg. Expect the unexpected in terms of clientele, and don't forget to play by the rules (that is, no substitutions, cash only, and as few questions for the staff as possible).
501 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Classic greasy-spoon atmosphere
- Breakfast combos like grits and scrapple
- Absolutely no substitutions and cash only
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Adams Morgan |
The Washington, D.C., metro area is home to one of the largest Eritrean populations in the United States, and many in the community get their taste of home at this well-established restaurant. Try the shiro, an aromatic Eritrean chickpea stew served in a clay pot along with spongy injera bread. Keren is also a popular neighborhood breakfast spot, offering classic American egg sandwiches; if, however, you're up for a virtual trip, try the ful, a dish made with mashed fava beans. The restaurant is small and simple but big in flavor and history.
1780 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Eritrean food
- American and Eritrean breakfast
- Late-night dining
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$$ | Dupont Circle |
From early morning until well into the evening, you'll find chatty diners at this bookstore café. Breakfast fare is popular, with crab cake benedict one of the top choices. A few vegan and gluten-free dishes are also offered. If you're dining alone, the bar is your best bet as staff can be reluctant to give single diners one of the coveted outside or window tables.
1517 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Crave-worthy desserts
- Full bar
- Popular patio
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$ | Dupont Circle |
For those craving the flavors of Israel, Little Sesame is the place. This fast-casual spot in the Golden Triangle serves bowls of creamy hummus topped with colorful veggies and savory proteins. The changing menu also offers pita sandwiches with falafel, chicken shawarma, and roasted cauliflower. Save room for dessert—the vanilla tahini soft-serve is beloved.
1828 L St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Hummus bowls
- Vanilla tahini soft serve
- Israeli cuisine
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$ | Columbia Heights |
The owners of Los Hermanos (meaning "brothers" in Spanish), which was initially a bodega, began offering home cooked–style Dominican food after customers began asking about the smells that were coming from the back of the store. A must-order is mangú, the national dish of the Dominican Republic made with mashed plantains and accompanied by salami, fried cheese, and egg. Save room for a batido (milk shake) made with papaya, soursop, or mango.
1428 Park Rd. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20010, USA
Known For
- Authentic Dominican food
- Affordable prices
- Casual neighborhood restaurant
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$$$ | Downtown |
Visitors and employees from surrounding offices flock here to drink at the several bars, which seem to go on for miles, and enjoy well-prepared buffalo wings, hamburgers, and hearty sandwiches (the Reuben is a must). Old Ebbitt also has one of Washington's best-known raw bars, a 160-year-old institution (it claims Teddy Roosevelt may have "bagged animal heads" at the main bar). Pasta is homemade, and the late-night menu runs from hummus to tacos until 1 am seven days a week. Despite the crowds, the restaurant never feels cramped, thanks to its well-spaced, comfortable booths. Nevertheless, service can be slow at lunch and during happy hour when the oysters are half-price.
675 15th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
Known For
- One of D.C.'s oldest bars
- Standard bar menu, including great oysters
- An institution that shouldn't be missed
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$ | Downtown |
This Parisian-style café is fast and casual yet sophisticated. The puff of its cheese gougeres, the heft of its salty-sweet croque monsieur sandwiches, and the delicate crunch of its almond-flour macaron cookies will leave you craving more. Although there can be lengthy lines, when you compare the prices and quality here to other Downtown lunch options, nothing else comes close.
801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 2004, USA
Known For
- Parisian-style, fast-casual chain
- Huge pastry selection
- Big crowds during lunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Downtown |
For those craving authentic Italian pizza, head to Stellina Pizzeria. The latest outpost of this locally owned company is the work of native Italians Antonio Matarazzo and chef Matteo Venini. Start your meal with Italian starters like arancini (fried rice balls) and fried artichokes. The pizzas based on Italian classics such as cacio e pepe and amatriciana are always in demand. Try to grab a seat at the lively bar for more intimate service and a closer look at the bar and kitchen.
508 K St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Happy hour specials
- Wood-fired pizzas
- Long list of Italian wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
The inn is historical, with its fireplaces and antique furnishings, but the restaurant's culinary sensibilities are thoroughly modern. The menu changes seasonally but consistently offers excellent seafood and vegetarian options. If you come for brunch, you can dine in the ivy-draped patio surrounded by eclectic sculptures. If you come for dinner, make time for a nightcap—perhaps a craft cocktail or a straightforward glass of whiskey—in the intimate lounge.
1739 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- D.C. landmark where movers and shakers sometimes breakfast
- Great brunch (complete with homemade doughnuts)
- Attractive patio
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$ | Dupont Circle |
One of the newest additions to the trendy brunch scene beloved especially of young professionals in D.C., Tatte in Dupont Circle sits in the triangular point of a building, with windows on both sides—ideal for letting in the right light for the Instagram pictures you'll be inspired to take in this aesthetically pleasing café. From biscuit-and-egg sandwiches to quiche to the North African poached-egg dish, shakshuka, there's something here for every palate.
1301 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options
- Baked goods that look as good as they taste
- Great coffee
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$ | Dupont Circle |
The imposing exterior belies the spare yet serene two-story space offering breakfast specialties, healthy Japanese and Thai-style entrées that make for great comfort food and desserts. Don't sleep on the homemade cookies! There's a lovely street view from the second level.
2009 R St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Large variety of teas
- Japanese bento boxes
- Salty oat cookies
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$ | Downtown |
This informal teahouse stocks more than 50 imported teas (black, white, and green) and also serves light and delicious Japanese, Indian, and Thai food. You can mix small dishes—like udon noodle salad and grilled avocado—to create meals or snacks. There's also a Korean brisket sandwich or the winter-beating ochazuke, hot green tea poured over seasoned rice with a protein. Save room for tea-friendly sweets like the locally famous chocolate salty oat cookies. The smaller Connecticut Avenue branch, tucked neatly on a corner adjacent to Lafayette Park and the White House, is a perfect spot to grab lunch after touring the nation's power center. Another outpost, in Dupont Circle, caters to locals looking for a quick bite.
400 8th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
Known For
- Impressive selection of teas
- Lunch dishes spanning several Asian cuisines
- Chocolate salty oat cookies
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$ | Eastern Market |
Digging into a hefty pile of pancakes from this casual counter in Eastern Market makes for the perfect end to a stroll around the Capitol. Morning favorites include not only pancakes but also shrimp and grits; crab cakes, fried oysters, and fresh fish are popular at lunch. Plan to be in line by noon on Saturday to ensure the availability of every dish, and prepare to pay extra for real maple syrup.
Follow convention and order quickly, eat, and give up your seat for the next customer.
225 7th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Blueberry buckwheat pancakes
- Long lines and lots of kids
- Cash-only policy
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
The Pembroke at the Dupont Circle Hotel is one of the most beautifully designed D.C. hotel restaurants, and it's not unusual to see an influencer posing in the newly renovated space. A wraparound porch allows for tons of natural light, and a coral leather booth is the perfect place to be seen while eating a colorful salad, hearty steak, or delicate seafood dish from the American-focused menu.
1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Instagram-worthy setting
- Steak and seafood dishes
- Incredible key lime pie
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$ | Shaw |
The Royal is both a Michelin-recognized Bib Gourmand restaurant and a well-priced, local favorite for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just for a matcha latte while working on your laptop at the bar. The second concept by owner Paul Carlson is a celebration of his family’s international roots, with a strong emphasis on vegetarian and gluten-free options. Stepping inside is like walking into a Colombian coffee shop or full restaurant, depending on the time of day. In the morning, grab a homemade fried-chicken biscuit with your cold brew; for lunch or dinner, enjoy the famous grilled avocado or a Bird Dog (chicken and poblano sausage). If you’re looking for something stronger than coffee, have a classic Aperol spritz or a house cocktail with fun, unusual Latin flavors.
501 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Colombian-inspired food
- Small plates and homemade cocktails
- Neighborhood favorite
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$$ | Downtown |
Bright, loud, raucous, and fun, with a brightly lit bar and long, communal tables, this branch of the New York City original makes it hard not to meet people. An "American" brasserie, it's an ample space with an even bigger menu. Bright hanging chandeliers and smoked mirrors accent the dining room. High ceilings and tile everywhere raise the decibel level, but this is not the spot you come to for a quiet, intimate conversation. The dinner menu is ravenously eclectic, offering everything from a skirt steak to pastas to Korean bibimbap to a lobster roll. It's also open for breakfast at 8 am daily.
901 F St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
Known For
- Great bar scene
- Eclectic international menu
- All-day breakfast