We teamed up with 10-year local (and my brother-in-law) Benjamin Pietrzyk to bring you DC's best food game. These aren't the flashy new spots in town. They're the places that stand the test of time, and they will not disappoint. Next time you're in the city, use this local Washington DC foodie guide to get your grub on!
Market Lunch
Located inside the south hall of Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. Weekend brunch menu includes the famous blue buck (blueberry buckwheat) pancakes. Grab a cup of coffee and walk the market full of cheeses, produce, crafts and seasonal items.
Shelly’s Back Room
The best cigar-friendly bar and restaurant in DC. Relax and enjoy your favorite stick in an armchair alone or join a group on one of the couches.
Tabard Inn Restaurant
Excellent old school-atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail in their lounge complete with fire place and leather couch. Also has a wonderful weekend brunch menu—don’t miss the famous house-made Tabard donuts!
2 Amy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria *note: at the time of publishing this post, 2 Amy's is closed temporarily due to a burst pipe
The best Neapolitan pizzeria in DC with an always changing sliced meats and cheese menu. The small bites and ice cream round out an excellent meal. Beat the crowds by arriving early or expect long wait times as no reservations are accepted.
Ba’an Thai
Hidden gem found upstairs from Thai Tanic. Try the green mango salad and Thai vermicelli in chili peanut sauce for a great cheap eats in DC.
The Dubliner
Best pint of Guinness outside of Ireland. Traditional Irish pub across from Union Station. Nightly live Irish music that cannot be missed.
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
If you enjoy brown liquor (Scotch, Bourbon and Whiskey) then this is the place for you. A selection of 2,800+ that will not disappoint. Also boasts a cigar-friendly roof deck.
Toki Underground & Granville Moore’s
Double dinner? Put you name on the list at Toki and pop in next door to Granville Moore’s. Enjoy an excellent beer selection and moules-frites while waiting for your call from Toki. Don’t miss the Bleu mussels and try the various sauces for the frites. Then head over to DC’s first authentic Japanese ramen shop to eat the best bowl of food in DC.
Rose’s Luxury
You will find this place on almost every DC list… BUT there is a reason. A thoroughly enjoyable meal from start to finish. The pork sausage, habanero & lychee salad is the most famous dish in DC because it is the perfect bite- heat, salt, sour, and sweet. Be ready to wait for a table no matter when you go.
Jessie Taylor Seafood & Captain White’s Seafood @ Southwest Waterfront Fish Wharf
One of a kind fish market on the water in DC. This hidden gem will have any seafood lover hungry from the moment you arrive. Enjoy raw oysters and clams on the half shell while you walk around. Have your Maryland blue crabs steamed with old bay to take with you or to enjoy looking out over the water.