3 Meals: Where to Eat in Washington DC

With some of the hottest restaurants in the country, a dizzying variety of cuisines and good food at every price point there has never been a better time for a foodie to visit Washington DC. One of the most frustrating things for visitors is matching up a tasty meal with sightseeing. Diners in DC are spoiled for choice but if hunger strikes after you’ve hiked the 2 miles of the National Mall it’s nice to know what’s tasty nearby. For this reason I’ve lined up some of my favorite wallet friendly and mid-range dining options in the district as well as including what major tourist sites are nearby. Check out some of my recommendations for where to eat in Washington DC.

Open City Cafe

In the leafy residential neighborhood of Woodley Park, Open City Cafe is the perfect place to stop for breakfast (which they serve all day) before visiting the National Cathedral or the National Zoo. Enjoy the views over Washington DC from their patio with a breakfast burrito (loaded with plenty of hash browns and chorizo) and a chai cappucino .

Close to: National Cathedral, National Zoo

Ted’s Bulletin

A few blocks from the Navy barracks Ted’s Bulletin is the next level diner we all wish we had in our neighborhood. Meatloaf and bbq ribs are comfort food classics but the real draw is all day breakfast with homemade pop tarts and boozy milkshakes.

Close to: Navy Barracks, Capitol Hill, Library of Congress

West End Bistro

Want to splash out at the Ritz Carlton but afraid of the price tag? Head to the West End Bistro for Sunday Brunch, where Chef Alvin Dela Cruz’s artful yet homey plates are an affordable splurge. With bottomless mimosas and specialties like Ernell’s Fried Chicken Benedict is there any better way to start a Sunday?

Close to: Georgetown, Dupont Circle

Hill Country BBQ

With a range of regional variations and styles no other cuisine may better represent the United States than barbecue and as far as I’m concerned no place does barbecue better than central Texas. A few blocks from the National Mall, Hill Country BBQ has brought a taste of Austin to the capital. Slow smoked brisket and jalapeno cheddar sausage served on butcher paper with a couple of slices of white bread immediately transport me to the barbecue pits of Texas Hill Country. Round out your meal with the homemade mac and cheese, skillet cornbread and a big ol’ glass of sweet tea.

Close to: International Spy Museum, Verizon Center, National Mall, National Building Museum, Chinatown

Union Market

In operation since 1871 the newest iteration of Union Market house over 35 of DC’s best food purveyors, chefs and artisans. Slurp up Virginia’s favorite bivalves at Rappahanock oysters or try falooda, an addicitive Burmese ice cream dessert, at Toli Moli. If cocktails are more your thing stroll a few blocks to Cotton and Reed, Washington DC’s first rum distillery for the best pina colada this side of the Caribbean.

Close to: located in the NoMa neighborhood away from the major tourist sites, a must visit destination for any visiting foodie.

Pizzeria Paradiso

Few things in life are as good as a wood-fired pizza and a great beer and luckily Pizzeria Paradiso has both covered. After an afternoon shopping in Dupont Circle or admiring the stately homes along Embassy Row I make a bee-line for what is widely considered some of the best pizza in the district. A well curated craft beer list compliments Pizzeria Paradiso’s concise menu of thin crust pizzas ( the Macelliao with pepperoni, mozzarella, housemade sausage, and red onions is a personal favorite) baked to perfection in their 650 degree wood burning oven.

Close To: Dupont Circle, Embassy Row

Jaleo

Chef Jose Andres is the man responsible for bringing Spanish tapas into America’s culinary fold and being that Spanish food is one of my favorite cuisines his flagship restaurant Jaleo is a place I’ve visited many times. Sip sangria alongside traditional tapas such as gambas al ajillo(shrimp with garlic and peppers) and all-too-addicitive croquettes or share a pan of Jaleo’s famous Paella Valencia.

Close to: International Spy Museum, Verizon Center, National Mall, National Building Museum, Chinatown

Good Stuff Eatery

Top Chef quality food doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag thanks to Spike Mendelsohn’s Good Stuff Eatery. At the original Capitol Hill counter (there are several locations throughout the DC metro as well as Chicago and even Saudi Arabia) people line  up for creative burgers, handcut fries and over-the-top milkshakes. Work up an appetite at the Capitol Building and Library of Congress then refuel the Coletti’s Smokehouse Burger(loaded with Vermont Cheddar, Vidalia onion rings and chipotle bbq sauce) and the sinfully good toasted marshmallow milkshake.

Carmine’s

You wouldn’t know it from the cozy family atmosphere but the Washington DC outpost of NYC favorite Carmine’s is the largest restaurant in Washington DC. Large portions of Italian comfort food classics are served family style making Carmine’s a great option for large groups and families. End your meal with the Titanic, a monstrous dessert with rich chocolate torte, 5 scoops of ice cream and an iceberg’s worth of fresh made whipped cream. It’s one dessert worth sinking your diet for.

Close to: International Spy Museum, Verizon Center, National Mall, National Building Museum, Chinatown

Mitsisam Cafe

The best food along the National Mall can be found at Mitsitam Cafe in the National Museum of the American Indian. A museum cafe you say? Here me out.  Mitsitam Cafe, featuring cuisine indigenous to the Americas with menu items ranging from wild salmon and forage mushrooms to bison chili and fry bread,  is one of DC’s most unique dining experiences .

Close to: Located inside the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, National Mall

Where are your favorite places to eat in Washington DC?

The restaurants featured are a mix of ones I’ve visited on my own as well as ones I have visited courtesy of Visit Washington DC. As always all opinions are my own.