Hidden Gems: Amazing DC Restaurants You Should Know About
Did you know there are nearly 12,000 places to grab food and drinks in DC? Because we just found out. And if you are a perpetually indecisive diner (not unlike ourselves), that makes life so much more complicated. We’ve gone ahead and done you a huge favor and listed the best of DC’s hidden gems. The 1 in a million 12,000 kind of establishment worth going a little out of your way for.
Fast Gourmet
Where: 1400 W St NW
Why: The phrase “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” comes to mind. This little gas station (yes: gas station) has an insane menu consisting of everything from classic sandwiches and plates (chili dogs, burgers) to latin-infused meals (plantains, empanadas). Crawling out of the bar at closing time with a craving for fries and fish tacos? Fear not! These champions are open until 5:30am on the weekends.
How much: $5-$17 depending on how hungry you are and what you feel like eating.
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Lupo Verde
Where: 1401 T St NW
Why: Their charcuterie and antipasto apps are unmatched. Located in the fabulously hip 14th Street corridor, Lupo Verde offers great brunch, dinner, and dessert menus in addition to extensive meat and cheese plate options. Definitely go if you’re into authentic Italian, but want a more casual atmosphere.
How much: Could be upwards of $30-$40 a person depending on what you order (and how much), but it’s completely worth it. And if you have any questions, their staff is supremely knowledgeable and will help you make any food and drink decisions.
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Panda Gourmet
Where: 2700 New York Ave NE
Why: This unassuming Szechuan restaurant has repeatedly been named the best in the district by Instagram foodies and Zagat raters alike. Don’t be fooled by its location or lack of official website, this gem is hailed as the most authentic Szechuan cuisine the city has to offer. Try the lamb with cumin or the double cooked pork: you will not be disappointed. In fact, you will probably definitely be hooked.
How much: The same as any run-of-the-mill Chinese take-out restaurant, but this one is the best and is amazing. Totally worth it.
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Barcode
Where: 1101 17th St NW
Why: This little lounge packs a big punch: not only does it host great late-night parties, but its constantly-changing menu with fresh, daily prepared ingredients will keep any foodie happy. “But do they have drinks?” you ask. Why yes, they do! Their drink menu is larger than their food menu: it consists of 12 beers on tap, 25+ beers in a bottle or can, a seasonal rotating cocktail menu, and a list of over 50 wines available by the bottle or glass.
How much: Relatively inexpensive for a restaurant of this caliber. Definitely call ahead and reserve a table, they fill up fast for dinner.
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Filomena
Where: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW
Why: If the rolled-in-front-of-you pastas aren’t enough, then go because the founder is a sweet woman who wants you to enjoy some great food at “a place where dinner [is] more than just a meal and a trip home.” The menu is full of old favorites and creative new dishes and the place is decorated with a heartwarming, homey flair.
How much: Pretty pricey, but you can taste the 33 years of tradition and experience in every bite.
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Perry’s Restaurant
Where: 1811 Columbia Rd NW
Why: Rooftop happy hour sushi. End of argument.
How much: About what you’d expect of any Japanese restaurant, but you can get really good deals on drinks and sushi during their happy hours. We suggest you go while the weather allows you to fully appreciate the chic rooftop atmosphere they’ve cultivated.
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Sixth Engine
Where:438 Massachusetts Ave NW
Why: It’s great food with awesome specials and a cool history. Engine Company No. 6 is one of only 11 buildings left in DC that were built in the late 19th century. According to their website, “The kind of fires we’re putting out have changed a bit, but the original helmet still hangs above our door.”
How much: Freshly purchased and prepared appetizers, sandwiches, and cocktails are around $7-$15, bigger plates and meals are $19-$27. Bonus: they have happy hours with even better deals if you go on the right day.
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Georgia Brown’s
Where:950 15th St NW
Why: It’s classic southern comfort with an upscale twist. Georgia Brown’s has homemade ice cream, fried chicken that “will compete with your grandma’s”, the best peach cobbler you may ever taste, and a Kentucky Lemonade that is dangerously delicious.
How much: This one will cost you (upwards of $40 per person), but if you are down to splurge a bit then go for it.
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The Carving Room
Where:300 Massachusetts Ave NW
Why: If the name isn’t enough of a hint as to why this place is amazing, let us enlighten you: not only do they hand carve all their meats for sandwiches and plates fresh everyday, but they also make their own pickled in-season veggies, their own sauces, rotating side options, and offer an insane brunch menu that includes outdoor curbside cornhole (if you choose to play).
How much: $6-$15.
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Thai X-ing
Where: 515 Florida Ave (no alcohol) | 2020 9th St (bar or BYOWine with a $5 corkage fee)
Why: If you aren’t normally someone who tries new things (but want to be) and aren’t sure what the best items to try are, this is the place for you. Thai X-ing takes the guess work out of ordering adventurous food with a pre-fixed chef-selected menu every night consisting of 5-7 “home-style Thai” courses including dessert.
How much: Generally around $30 per person, but prices vary with the menu so call ahead to be sure. If you plan on going with a bigger group, you should note that usually the price goes up per person to accommodate.
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Sakuramen
Where: 2441 18th St SW
Why: The best ramen in the city, hands down. Right in the middle of Adams Morgan’s biggest collection of other amazing bars and restaurants, it’s situated in the basement of a shop under a catwalk with a small sign, so it’s easy to walk past. Those who know about it and have been there can attest to their delicious options, great appetizers, and “fireball” bowls. Our advice? Get there before or after the dinner rush, it’s a small place and it fills up fast.
How much: Ramen bowls are $11-$15, appetizers are $7-$8.
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Not sure about you, but we’re going to break for lunch now.
