Eating Out in Washington, DC: A Foodie’s Guide to the Nation’s Capital

Washington, DC is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, and its culinary scene is no exception. With so many delicious options, it can be difficult to decide where to go for a great meal. To help narrow down your choices, here is an in-depth guide to the best restaurants in Washington, DC. Whether you are looking for a romantic night out, a casual lunch spot, or an unforgettable culinary experience, this guide will ensure you enjoy the best of what the nation’s capital has to offer!

Fine Dining

For those looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Washington, DC has some of the best fine-dining restaurants in the country. From classic French cuisine to innovative modern American fare, these establishments offer an unforgettable culinary journey. Here are a few of the top fine-dining restaurants in the city:

• The Source by Wolfgang Puck: Located in the Newseum, The Source offers an elegant setting and a modern American menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also boasts a large wine list and an impressive selection of craft cocktails.
• Minibar by José Andrés: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with creative, tasting-menu-only dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
• Kinship: This modern American restaurant is located in the heart of DC’s Shaw neighborhood. The menu features seasonal ingredients and creative takes on classic dishes, all served with a side of unparalleled hospitality.

Casual Dining

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, Washington, DC has plenty of options. From fast-casual eateries to cozy neighborhood bistros, these restaurants offer delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere. Here are a few of the top casual dining spots in the city:

• Shouk: This fast-casual Middle Eastern eatery is the perfect spot for a quick, delicious lunch. The menu features a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and meat-based dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Bad Saint: This Filipino restaurant has been named one of the best restaurants in the world by several publications. The menu features creative takes on classic dishes, as well as a few unique items you won’t find anywhere else.
• Ted’s Bulletin: This retro-style diner serves up classic comfort food with a modern twist. From burgers and milkshakes to mac and cheese and fried chicken, Ted’s offers something for everyone.

Brunch

Brunch is a popular weekend pastime in Washington, DC, and the city has plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a classic American brunch or something a little more unique, DC has it all. Here are a few of the top brunch spots in the city:

• The Dabney: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an upscale brunch experience with a menu of seasonal dishes inspired by the Mid-Atlantic region. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of craft cocktails and wines.
• Tail Up Goat: This cozy neighborhood bistro serves up an eclectic brunch menu that changes seasonally. Popular dishes include the goat cheese-stuffed French toast and the spicy shakshuka.
• Kingbird: Located in the historic Watergate Hotel, Kingbird offers an American-style brunch menu with a few French-inspired dishes. The restaurant also has an impressive selection of craft cocktails and wines.

Happy Hour

Washington, DC is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and it has plenty of great spots for happy hour. Whether you’re looking for cheap drinks or delicious bar bites, these restaurants have you covered. Here are a few of the top happy hour spots in the city:

• The Gryphon: This cozy bar and restaurant offers an extensive happy hour menu with discounted drinks and bar bites. Popular items include the truffle fries, pork belly sliders, and the classic cheeseburger.
• The Partisan: This modern American restaurant serves up a selection of creative small plates and craft cocktails. The happy hour menu features discounted drinks and delicious bar snacks.
• Bar Charley: This vibrant bar and restaurant offers a selection of classic cocktails and an extensive happy hour menu. Popular items include the fried pickles, bacon-wrapped dates, and the signature Charley Burger.

Late-Night Eats

Washington, DC has plenty of great late-night eateries for those looking for a delicious meal after dark. From classic diner fare to creative takes on classic dishes, these restaurants have something for everyone. Here are a few of the top late-night spots in the city:

• Duke’s Grocery: This neighborhood spot offers a delicious menu of British-inspired dishes, perfect for a late-night snack. Popular items include the fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and the classic bangers and mash.
• District Taco: This fast-casual Mexican eatery is open until 2am on weekdays and 3am on weekends. The menu features a variety of delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Good Stuff Eatery: This popular burger joint serves up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes until 2am on weekdays and 4am on weekends. Popular items include the signature Good Stuff Burger, Truffle Fries, and the famous Apple Pie milkshake.

Outdoor Dining

Washington, DC has plenty of great outdoor dining options for those looking to enjoy the city’s beautiful weather. From rooftop bars to outdoor patios, these restaurants offer the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Here are a few of the top outdoor dining spots in the city:

• The Observatory: This rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city and a menu of creative cocktails. The restaurant is open seasonally, so make sure to check the website for hours.
• Barrel: This cozy neighborhood restaurant has an outdoor patio perfect for al fresco dining. The menu features a variety of classic American dishes, all made with local, seasonal ingredients.
• Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.: This fast-casual restaurant is the perfect spot for a quick bite in the sunshine. The menu features a variety of delicious biscuits, sandwiches, and salads, all made with fresh ingredients.

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Washington, DC has plenty of great vegan and vegetarian restaurants for those looking for a delicious, meat-free meal. From fast-casual eateries to upscale restaurants, these establishments offer something for everyone. Here are a few of the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city:

• Shouk: This fast-casual Middle Eastern eatery offers an extensive menu of vegan, vegetarian, and meat-based dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Little Serow: This Thai restaurant offers a unique menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired by Northern Thai cuisine. The restaurant is open for dinner only, and reservations are highly recommended.
• Fare Well: This vegan diner serves up classic comfort food with a modern twist. The menu features everything from fried “chicken” sandwiches to vegan ice cream sundaes.

Cocktail Bars

Washington, DC is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the country. From classic speakeasies to modern mixology bars, these establishments offer an impressive selection of craft cocktails. Here are a few of the top cocktail bars in the city:

• The Gibson: This classic speakeasy is the perfect spot for a night out. The menu features a selection of classic and modern cocktails, all made with the highest quality ingredients.
• Lost & Found: This vibrant bar and restaurant serves up a selection of creative cocktails and bar snacks. The bar also has an extensive list of rare and vintage spirits.
• Columbia Room: This award-winning bar offers an intimate setting and an impressive selection of craft cocktails. The bar also features a selection of small plates, perfect for pairing with your favorite drink.

Coffee Shops

Washington, DC is home to some of the best coffee shops in the country. From cozy neighborhood cafes to bustling espresso bars, these establishments offer something for everyone. Here are a few of the top coffee shops in the city:

• Compass Coffee: This popular coffee shop serves up an impressive selection of espresso drinks, cold brews, and nitro coffee. The shop also has an extensive food menu, perfect for a quick bite.
• Filter: This cozy cafe serves up delicious coffees and teas as well as a selection of light breakfast and lunch items. The cafe also has an impressive selection of pastries and baked goods.
• Peregrine Espresso: This bustling espresso bar offers a selection of creative espresso drinks and pastries. The shop also has an extensive list of single-origin coffees, perfect for the coffee connoisseur.

Conclusion

Washington, DC is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, and its culinary scene is no exception. With so many delicious options, it can be difficult to decide where to go for a great meal. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out, a casual lunch spot, or an unforgettable culinary experience, this guide will ensure you enjoy the best of what the nation’s capital has to offer!