Let’s Eat: Washington D.C. Edition
Washington D.C. is one of my favorite places to eat around. I grab a couple friends, find a rooftop and enjoy myself with good food, yummy drinks, and great friends.
Recently, I’ve been splitting my time between D.C. and Pittsburgh, visiting friends and family and going somewhere new with each visit.
D.C. is has such a variety of food that it’s hard to find something you won’t like. Every dish I’ve tried—no matter how nervous I am to try something new—I’ve ended up liking. Read: loving!
This city makes me crave like crazy! The food is so good, I’m thinking about it the next time I can eat it! I mean, this city practically started my obsession with giant bar pretzels and beer cheese. The District has opened me up to so many kinds of foods and made me so adventurous with my choices that I’m almost positive whatever I’ll try I will love.
Whether you’re planning to spend your entire weekend out exploring or just wanting to grab something quick after work, there’s a place for any and every kind of meal. And if you’re planning on making the District your next vacation, these are the restaurants and bars I suggest for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks in Washington D.C.
Brunch has been called Washington D.C.’s official sport. It’s a natural part of the weekend routine so that means that the city is full of amazing places to brunch. From delicious food to bottomless mimosas, there’s a reason brunch is the District’s favorite meal.
Located on U Street NW, this New American gastropub is the perfect place for a lowkey Sunday morning breakfast. With food options ranging from sweet to savory: think berry bowls and coffee cakes to burgers and a bodega sammy. And delicious drinks to top it all off, this restaurant is great if you want to grab a few friends, sit around, and chat.
What I Get: The French Toast
Going here with my friends always leads to giggles shared over plates of delicious food. Their bottomless brunch option has to be ordered by the entire party, but, trust me, it’s worth it! You get two hours to eat anything on the brunch menu as many times as you want. Everyone can try their own dishes or you can get a few for the table and pick off the main plate. However you do it, you’re bound to find something you love.
What I Get: The Chicken and Waffles & Cava Home Fries
This tapas restaurant is perfect if you’re a fan of small Spanish inspired plates, bottomless brunch, and sangria. Spend one of your weekend morning’s here and enjoy these dishes bottomless or a la carte. With authentic Spanish tapas and classic brunch foods with a Boqueria twist, there’s a dish on this menu you’ll want to order over and over. That is, if you’re not ordering everything three times at least.
What I Get: Soldaditos de Pollos, Torrija (pictured), & of course, Churros
D.C. is a walking city (or biking or scootering) and that can make you hungry, walking the streets like all day. And you’re going to want to stop in somewhere between your site seeing. No matter where you are, you can find somewhere good to eat, but these are my suggestions of where to go.
This international franchise has a few locations throughout D.C. but the one on the corner of 14th and K is the most stunning. Enjoy Belgian inspired food at this boulangerie in a gorgeous Art Deco building. This is a great place to stop in and relax at a table bathed in natural light or at at the bar of the open kitchen. Open faced sandwiches, soups, salads, and breakfast bowls are the staples of this lunch spot.
What I Get: Fresh Raspberry Lemonade & Grilled Chicken and Smoked Mozzarella Melt (pictured)
Do you ever just crave a really good burger? Like a “This is the best burger of my life!” kind of burger. If that’s the kind of burger you’re looking for, then I have the restaurant for you. Good Stuff Eatery features fresh, handmade burgers, including turkey, veggie, and chicken, and the most delicious sides to go along with them. This is one burger you’re going to be craving the second you’re finished!
What I Get: Nashville Hot Chicken & Sunny’s Handcut Fries
Located in one of my favorite neighborhoods to hang out, this Mellow Mushroom location is in Adams Morgan and is such a great place to get a quick bite of delicious pizza. I take my mom here and she gets excited just thinking about eating at this restaurant. If you’re walking through and want a quick, yummy, casual lunch, right here is the place!
What I Get: A plain cheese pizza, my mom: Pacific Rim
After a long day of site seeing, exploring, and taking in everything this capital city has to offer, you must be hungry. The sun starts to set and before you turn in for the night to do it all again, grab a bite to eat for dinner at just one of the city’s delicious spots. While the decision of where to eat might be hard, I’ll make it a little easier and narrow it down to my three favorites.
Okay, this restaurant is technically in Arlington, Virginia, but it’s about a half hour drive outside of D.C. Take an Uber, the metro, or if you’re really brave, drive yourself on the kind of chaotic D.C. streets. With amazing burgers, delicious apps, and an extensive collection of beers on tap, this restaurant is a great place to wind down your day with friends and family.
What I Get: Bavarian Pretzel (may start an obsession) & Buffalo Mac and Cheese Burger
Owned by farmers, this restaurant brings their customers fresh, delicious, rustic comfort food. Everything from burgers and sandwiches to handmade pastas to meatless options. And you’ve got to try their signature dishes. Near the White House in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, this restaurant is your go-to after a long day of seeing the monuments. But it’s popular, so reservations are recommended.
What I Get: Seven Cheese Macaroni
A modern Italian restaurant with delicious fresh pasta is a must for any city. And Alta Strada is the that place for the District. With their spin on classic dishes like lasagna, pizza, and fettuccine. They also have a happy hour as well as a wine and cocktail bar so this is the place to end your night.
What I Get: Chicken Parm
Whether it’s a quick one on a weekend night or how you’re spending your weekends, a bar to get drinks is as natural as going to brunch on a Saturday morning. Great happy hour features and signature drinks are staples for these bars. Head to one of these places for a couple of handmade cocktails, beers on tap, and an appetizer or two.
This hotel is beautiful in itself. Decorated in a modern art deco black and gold color scheme, you’ll feel chic the moment you walk in. Add the hotel’s bar and a rooftop patio, and this is your new go-to drink spot. With a rotating tap of local beers, classic cocktails and wines, your basic drinks are covered. Plus their specialties they call “The Hits”, there’s certainly a drink on this menu you’ll love.
What I Get: The Rum Punch & Vodka Lemonade
A great place to hang out and spend a Saturday night, Local 16 is located in the heart of U Street. Grab a drink and hang out at one of the two bars—downstairs and on the rooftop. Here, there’s a selection of seasonal cocktails as well as the classics. If you’re up for here, head to the dance floor and let loose to the music of a live DJ.
What I Get: A classic rum & coke
Here’s your post-work watering hole. A great bar for happy hour located on a rooftop. They feature an extensive beer menu available by the glass and by the pitcher. Cocktails on tap and signature drinks will also draw you in. Chill out and talk over a plate of apps and a couple glasses and enjoy a weeknight happy hour.
What I Get: Rosemary Parmesan Tots & Cortez Margarita
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