The city of Washington, D.C. is known for having amazing bars and restaurants. Although some of the restaurants did not survive the COVID pandemic, many of D.C.’s most cherished restaurants are still around and are finally beginning to regain some normalcy. Thankfully, more and more people are feeling comfortable enough to go out to eat again. Washington D.C. is home to many award-winning chefs who have opened their own Michelin restaurants. Although some of the most well-known restaurants in D.C. are quite expensive, there are definitely plenty of affordable restaurants to dine at as well. Below you will find my list of the best restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links.
Cheap Eats
WiseGuy Pizza
This restaurant opened in 2012 with rave reviews from The Washington Post and The Washingtonian. It also has high ratings on Yelp and TripAdvisor. The owner, Nuri, traveled the world and visited over 200 pizza places in New York, New Jersey, and Italy to make sure his pizza was authentic. WiseGuy currently has 4 locations but is planning to open more. The Washington Post said that WiseGuy Pizza is a “low-key spot that makes the best New York-Style pie in D.C.”
Amsterdam Falafelshop
The Amsterdam Falafelshop is a late-night quick-serve eatery that serves Middle Eastern salads and Belgian fries. Founders Scott and Arianne Bennet brought the exciting flavors of Europe and the Middle East to Washington D.C. The restaurant has been open for ten years and they pride themselves on being quick but still making delicious Middle-Eastern food.
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Moderately Priced Restaurants
Commissary DC
The Commissary is a casual neighborhood cafe in Logan Circle that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, the Commissary serves smoothies and house-made desserts. The Commissary focuses on keeping their menu simple and affordable with an emphasis on using local and sustainable ingredients.
Ambar Capitol Hill
The Ambar features a small plate menu of traditional Balkan dishes. They have regional spirits that are served in rustic-chic digs. This restaurant is highly awarded, receiving awards from TripAdvisor, Yelp, The Michelin Guide, & more. They offer “dining without limits” which includes over 40 small dishes that guests can savor for one flat price. They are also able to reorder their favorites without limitations. This dining approach transforms the traditional experience of ordering at restaurants to gathering around the table for a feast.
Old Ebbitt Grill
The old Ebbitt Grill is one of the top favorites on this what to eat & drink in Washington D.C. guide. It is an iconic tavern that was established in 1856 and offers American meals and popular oyster specials. The Ebbitt Grill is also Washington D.C.’s oldest saloon and is located just steps away from the White House. The interior features a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia while featuring a Victorian interior.
DCity Smokehouse
The DCity Smokehouse rounds up our Moderately Priced Restaurants in this “Where to Eat & Drink in Washington D.C. ” guide. This smokehouse serves some of the best barbecue in the city and sits at a very reasonable price point. The Washington Post said “The place is at the top of its game” in November of 2020. Dcity is proud to be a black owned business that has been serving their BBQ in a small DC “hole in the wall” since 2013.
Drinks
Barmini
Barmini by Jose Andres is a swanky craft-cocktail bar with innovative, technology-driven menus and white-on-white furnishings. This cocktail lab celebrates classic cocktails alongside distinctly modern creations. They offer a menu of more than 100 drinks in addition to experiential flights and inventive snacks. One review on TripAdvisor states that “Barmini has the best cocktails I have ever had in my life!”
Denson Liquor Bar
The Denson Liquor Bar is a hidden gem in Washington D.C. that serves old-school drinks and elevated food. A writer at the Washington City Paper said that this bar “looks like something out of The Great Gatsby.” This bar is located in the heart of Penn Quarter.
Vue Rooftop DC
The Vue is a chic rooftop lounge that draws a hip crowd and has amazing city views. It is located directly above Hotel Washington and offers unparalleled views of the White House and the Washington Monument. Vue serves up the freshest cuisine and amazing seasonal cocktails for you to enjoy while taking in the ambiance of the city around you. If you are looking for an event space, Vue offers a stunning event setting with beautiful views.
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
To round up the best drinks on this “Where to Eat & Drink in Washington D.C.” guide, we have Jack Rose Dining Saloon. This is a high-end bar that features Whiskey and an American food menu. They also offer an open air terrace that many enjoy. This establishment houses one of the largest Whiskey collections in the Western Hemisphere. They currently have 2,687 bottles of Whiskey on their wall for you to try. If you are a Whiskey lover, don’t miss out on Jack Rose!
Fine Dining Restaurants
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is an upscale steakhouse chain that offers American fare in a clubby, refined setting. They offer dry aged steaks, exquisite seafood and award winning wines. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients for their artfully prepared dishes. The Washington DC location has a stunning view down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Kinship
Kinship is a unique New American restaurant that emphasizes classic and indulgent dishes. This restaurant is owned by acclaimed Chef Eric Ziebold and partner Celia Laurent. It is located in a historic brick building that dates back to 1907. Kinship offers an a la carte menu celebrating the rich diversity of influences that have come to shape American Cuisine.
Minibar by Jose Andres
Minibar is a two Michelin-starred restaurant that only allows one seating of ten guests per evening. It is a multi-course dining experience that requires tickets that must be purchased in advance. This is not a typical restaurant – each bite of food is designed to thrill the senses by pushing the limits of what we have come to expect in food. This restaurant is the most expensive on the list of “Where to Eat & Drink in Washington D.C.” with the price coming to $295 per person.
Le Diplomate
This is an old-fashioned, French restaurant that serves French fare, brunch, and drinks. They offer outdoor seating and an indoor gathering place that is comfortable and versatile. The extensive menu features Gallic classics, such as onion soup gratinee, steak frites, and escargots. They also offer daily plates such as bouillabaisse and cassoulet. Every meal offers a sweeping sense of European drama.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this post about where to eat & drink in Washington, D.C. With family living in the area, I have visited many of these places and can agree that Washington has some of the best food that I have ever had. Be sure to take a look at my Top 20 Things to Do in Washington, D.C. .
Traveling solo? Be sure to read the following posts that include the best tips, tricks, and how to stay safe while you are alone.
The Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone
Solo Female Travel Destinations in the US
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