Fodor's Expert Review Little Uncle

On a busy arterial near the southeastern edge of Capitol Hill, this tiny storefront is small but mighty: its owners could work—and, in fact, have worked—the line in far more luxurious kitchens. Wiley Frank (formerly of Lark) and his wife Poncharee Kounpungchart ("PK") toured PK's native Thailand for a year, soaking up street food recipes, before founding this haven for exceptional pad thai made with local tofu, tender morsels of braised beef cheek stuffed into steamed buns, and other fresh, spicy specials. Seating is minimal, so most take it to go, wrapped in wax paper.

Order ahead via phone or text and give them a pickup time; it'll be ready when you arrive.