Guidebook for Washington

Lisa
Guidebook for Washington

My Favorite Restaurants

The only restaurants that make this list are ones that I have eaten at several times and have never had a bad meal.
French Ex-Pats recommend this place and the croissants and pastries are the next best thing to being in France!
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Le Caprice DC Café Bakery
3456 14th St NW
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French Ex-Pats recommend this place and the croissants and pastries are the next best thing to being in France!
We have gone here for special occasions as well as a quick night out. My favorites—escargot egg rolls, the whole chicken with root vegetables (enough to feed four), and duck. Tucked away in the Shaw neighborhood, it is 3 metro stops from the apartment.
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Convivial
801 O St NW
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We have gone here for special occasions as well as a quick night out. My favorites—escargot egg rolls, the whole chicken with root vegetables (enough to feed four), and duck. Tucked away in the Shaw neighborhood, it is 3 metro stops from the apartment.
I never eat in this place because it is small. But I go here at least once a week to buy bagels and carry out. They have the best bagels in the city and are the best I have had outside of New York. My order? The Shyne (Pastrami, egg, cheese, honey on a Za’taar bagel; A mixed bag of a dozen bagels, potato latkes, and The Greenberg (pastrami and brisket “steak and cheese” style).
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Call Your Mother
3301 Georgia Ave NW
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I never eat in this place because it is small. But I go here at least once a week to buy bagels and carry out. They have the best bagels in the city and are the best I have had outside of New York. My order? The Shyne (Pastrami, egg, cheese, honey on a Za’taar bagel; A mixed bag of a dozen bagels, potato latkes, and The Greenberg (pastrami and brisket “steak and cheese” style).
The best vegan baked goods and sweets in the city! Doran is a two-time winner of Cupcake Wars and its shows. My faves—any cupcake, Cowvin cookie, or Little Devil. They also have a coffee cake to die for! They have Wi-Fi and coffee so if you need somewhere to hang for an hour or two after checkout, I highly recommend this spot. Also, if you or your guests are vegan, Sticky Fingers has a sister restaurant, Fare Well, in the H Street corridor.
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Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats
1370 Park Rd NW
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The best vegan baked goods and sweets in the city! Doran is a two-time winner of Cupcake Wars and its shows. My faves—any cupcake, Cowvin cookie, or Little Devil. They also have a coffee cake to die for! They have Wi-Fi and coffee so if you need somewhere to hang for an hour or two after checkout, I highly recommend this spot. Also, if you or your guests are vegan, Sticky Fingers has a sister restaurant, Fare Well, in the H Street corridor.
Another place I go to in the neighborhood at least 2-3 times a week. Eat in or carry out. My faves—Pho Ga (chicken w/vermicelli noodles); vegetarian spring rolls, and green papaya salad. All fresh ingredients!
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Pho 14
1436 Park Rd NW
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Another place I go to in the neighborhood at least 2-3 times a week. Eat in or carry out. My faves—Pho Ga (chicken w/vermicelli noodles); vegetarian spring rolls, and green papaya salad. All fresh ingredients!
Mediterranean small plates made with the finest ingredients. One of Jose Andres’s restaurants, it will not disappoint. I love everything on the menu, but if I had to choose one thing it would be the tzatziki. The yogurt and dill are so fresh it’s almost as if they made it at the table.
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Zaytinya
701 9th St NW
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Mediterranean small plates made with the finest ingredients. One of Jose Andres’s restaurants, it will not disappoint. I love everything on the menu, but if I had to choose one thing it would be the tzatziki. The yogurt and dill are so fresh it’s almost as if they made it at the table.
After 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays there is definitely a 45 minute to 1 hour wait. It is soooo worth it! Outside of traditional diner breakfast, they have great burgers and sandwiches. My favorite is the chicken-fried steak. On the sweet side they have adult milkshakes, and homemade “pop tarts” and Snowballs (yes the chocolate cake smothered in gooey marshmallows and topped with pink flakey coconut). In certain locations they run old movies.
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Ted's Bulletin
505 8th St SE
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After 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays there is definitely a 45 minute to 1 hour wait. It is soooo worth it! Outside of traditional diner breakfast, they have great burgers and sandwiches. My favorite is the chicken-fried steak. On the sweet side they have adult milkshakes, and homemade “pop tarts” and Snowballs (yes the chocolate cake smothered in gooey marshmallows and topped with pink flakey coconut). In certain locations they run old movies.
If you are lucky, you may get to see a "pasta mama" making their freshly made pastas in the window. Everything is fresh and made on the premises. Best calamari and pasta outside of Italy. Dinner comes with complimentary Sambuca and Amaretto. For best value, go for lunch while shopping in Georgetown.
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Filomena Ristorante
1063 Wisconsin Ave NW
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If you are lucky, you may get to see a "pasta mama" making their freshly made pastas in the window. Everything is fresh and made on the premises. Best calamari and pasta outside of Italy. Dinner comes with complimentary Sambuca and Amaretto. For best value, go for lunch while shopping in Georgetown.
I am a carnivore, but the Fancy Radish serves up a plant-based menu that can satisfy all. The menu is seasonal, but my favorites are the pastrami carrots and the Peruvian potatoes.
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Fancy Radish
600 H St NE
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I am a carnivore, but the Fancy Radish serves up a plant-based menu that can satisfy all. The menu is seasonal, but my favorites are the pastrami carrots and the Peruvian potatoes.
Best damn fried chicken sandwich you will ever eat. My fav is the Dirty Bird. So good there is usually a line around the block when it opens at 5:00 pm (please check with the restaurant, some are still operating on COVID time). Also, try the London-style curry chips, but be careful not to eat the fresh ginger! The place is small so you may be seated close to the party next to you. Limited outdoor seating available.
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Lucky Buns
2000 18th St NW
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Best damn fried chicken sandwich you will ever eat. My fav is the Dirty Bird. So good there is usually a line around the block when it opens at 5:00 pm (please check with the restaurant, some are still operating on COVID time). Also, try the London-style curry chips, but be careful not to eat the fresh ginger! The place is small so you may be seated close to the party next to you. Limited outdoor seating available.
Chicken and waffles, collard greens, cornbread --stick to your ribs (and they have those too!) food. The ambience of this restaurant is phenomenal. Succotash is located in a renovated turn of the century bank. Stop by after going to the National Portrait Gallery, Madam Tussaud's, or Ford's Theatre (just one block away).
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SUCCOTASH
186 Waterfront St
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Chicken and waffles, collard greens, cornbread --stick to your ribs (and they have those too!) food. The ambience of this restaurant is phenomenal. Succotash is located in a renovated turn of the century bank. Stop by after going to the National Portrait Gallery, Madam Tussaud's, or Ford's Theatre (just one block away).
Just down the street from the apartment, this is the best Indian carry out. My faves are the samosas and I have yet to have a bad curry.
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Bombay Street Food
1413 Park Rd NW
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Just down the street from the apartment, this is the best Indian carry out. My faves are the samosas and I have yet to have a bad curry.
The menu changes quite often, but what I love about this place is the food is fresh and it accommodates all the various diets I my family-vegan, vegetarian, plant/based, carnivores. Located at he DC convention center, if you are one of my convention guests, this would be a great lunch or dinner option.
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Unconventional Diner
1207 9th St NW
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The menu changes quite often, but what I love about this place is the food is fresh and it accommodates all the various diets I my family-vegan, vegetarian, plant/based, carnivores. Located at he DC convention center, if you are one of my convention guests, this would be a great lunch or dinner option.
This LA based chain keeps it simple-its all about the chicken. No worries if you do not like spicy chicken they have regular chicken. Mild in my opinion is pretty hot and I love spicy food. For those of you who want a challenge, order The Reaper. Note you will have to sign an injury waiver and all the staff will scream “Reaper!” when you order. Milk shakes are available in basic flavors, but may be necessary depending on the heat level of your chicken. The line can get long but it is worth the wait.
Dave's Hot Chicken
This LA based chain keeps it simple-its all about the chicken. No worries if you do not like spicy chicken they have regular chicken. Mild in my opinion is pretty hot and I love spicy food. For those of you who want a challenge, order The Reaper. Note you will have to sign an injury waiver and all the staff will scream “Reaper!” when you order. Milk shakes are available in basic flavors, but may be necessary depending on the heat level of your chicken. The line can get long but it is worth the wait.
Authentic Italian that also makes their pasta and desserts on the premises. I have never had a bad meal here and service is impeccable.
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Lupo Verde
1401 T St NW
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Authentic Italian that also makes their pasta and desserts on the premises. I have never had a bad meal here and service is impeccable.
Another Washington institution. Located in Adams Morgan it touts the best Margaritas, chips and salsa in the city. Chips, salsa, and tortillas are hand made on the premises. Great for large parties, but they do not take reservations so show up early. Their standard Tex-Mex fare is great, but check out their specials-if paella is on the menu you are in for a treat. Reasonably priced with generous portions.
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Lauriol Plaza
1835 18th St NW
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Another Washington institution. Located in Adams Morgan it touts the best Margaritas, chips and salsa in the city. Chips, salsa, and tortillas are hand made on the premises. Great for large parties, but they do not take reservations so show up early. Their standard Tex-Mex fare is great, but check out their specials-if paella is on the menu you are in for a treat. Reasonably priced with generous portions.
If you are in the Union Station/H Street Corridor area, check out The Pie Shop (formerly Dangerously Delicious Pies). It looks like a Haight Street dive, but the pies are phenomenal and they have live music. The sweet pies will not give you a toothache. My faves are the key lime and pecan pies. They also have savory pies like the SMOG (Steak, Mushroom, Onion, and Gruyère) which is my favorite.
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Pie Shop
1339 H St NE
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If you are in the Union Station/H Street Corridor area, check out The Pie Shop (formerly Dangerously Delicious Pies). It looks like a Haight Street dive, but the pies are phenomenal and they have live music. The sweet pies will not give you a toothache. My faves are the key lime and pecan pies. They also have savory pies like the SMOG (Steak, Mushroom, Onion, and Gruyère) which is my favorite.

Parks & Nature

Whether you want to ride your bike (or rent one across the street from the apartment), jog, or go for a leisurely walk, Rock Creek Park is the place to do it. The Park is closed to vehicle traffic on weekends and holidays. The rear entrance to the zoo is in Rock Creek Park. 1.3 miles away.
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Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Ln NW
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Whether you want to ride your bike (or rent one across the street from the apartment), jog, or go for a leisurely walk, Rock Creek Park is the place to do it. The Park is closed to vehicle traffic on weekends and holidays. The rear entrance to the zoo is in Rock Creek Park. 1.3 miles away.

Essentials

Who doesn't love Whole Foods especially if you are an Amazon Prime member? Remember there is a 5 cent bag tax in DC, but no worries, look in the apartment pantry to find a cold bag and extra reusable bags to get your shopping done! 1.7 miles away.
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Whole Foods Market
1440 P St NW
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Who doesn't love Whole Foods especially if you are an Amazon Prime member? Remember there is a 5 cent bag tax in DC, but no worries, look in the apartment pantry to find a cold bag and extra reusable bags to get your shopping done! 1.7 miles away.
See my recommendation for Whole Foods. TJ's is cheaper, but may not necessarily carry everything as Whole Foods. Both include wine and beer.
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Trader Joe's
1914 14th St NW
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See my recommendation for Whole Foods. TJ's is cheaper, but may not necessarily carry everything as Whole Foods. Both include wine and beer.
Don't laugh. If the sign were not out front, you would think this was an upscale gym. Sunrise yoga on the roof deck (maybe not in the Fall/winter) is my fave.
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Anthony Bowen Branch YMCA
1325 W St NW
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Don't laugh. If the sign were not out front, you would think this was an upscale gym. Sunrise yoga on the roof deck (maybe not in the Fall/winter) is my fave.
We have had several inquiries about allowing pets in our space. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets, but two blocks away we have a wonderful pet service that can kennel your pet during your stay. Our neighbors rave about Patrick’s services when they travel and often use his dog walking and grooming services.
Patrick's Pet Care - Columbia Heights
3303 11th Street Northwest
We have had several inquiries about allowing pets in our space. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets, but two blocks away we have a wonderful pet service that can kennel your pet during your stay. Our neighbors rave about Patrick’s services when they travel and often use his dog walking and grooming services.
Target, Best Buy, and Marshalls and need I say more? Everything you forgot to pack is likely in one of these four stores.
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DC USA
3100 14th St NW
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Target, Best Buy, and Marshalls and need I say more? Everything you forgot to pack is likely in one of these four stores.
You cannot get any better than a supermarket diagonally across the street from where you are staying. Stock up the fridge for your stay! Stays open until 10:00 pm with the exception of a few holidays.
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Giant Food
1345 Park Rd NW
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You cannot get any better than a supermarket diagonally across the street from where you are staying. Stock up the fridge for your stay! Stays open until 10:00 pm with the exception of a few holidays.
Lidl is another grocery option a block from the apartment. Find fresh baked goods, produce, wine, and other grocery items.
Lidl
Lidl is another grocery option a block from the apartment. Find fresh baked goods, produce, wine, and other grocery items.

Local DC Restaurant Chains and “acceptable” food chains

The minute folks hear “chain” they think cookie cutter, simple food. These chains are solid, reasonably priced spots that can, for the most part, accommodate larger parties with varying tastes.
This is a Washington institution. Go here for a hearty lunch or dinner in an austere atmosphere, at low to moderate prices. The menu changes frequently, but its tried and true classics are the crab cakes, pan fried trout, and Maryland Crab soup. However, there is something for everyone here. Clyde’s has great burgers, salads and other “American” fare. Three metro stops away located at the Gallery Place Metro. Nearby attractions: National Portrait Gallery, the Capital One Arena, Chinatown, Penn Quarter.
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Clyde's
707 7th St NW
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This is a Washington institution. Go here for a hearty lunch or dinner in an austere atmosphere, at low to moderate prices. The menu changes frequently, but its tried and true classics are the crab cakes, pan fried trout, and Maryland Crab soup. However, there is something for everyone here. Clyde’s has great burgers, salads and other “American” fare. Three metro stops away located at the Gallery Place Metro. Nearby attractions: National Portrait Gallery, the Capital One Arena, Chinatown, Penn Quarter.
I can eat here anytime, but this place has a phenomenal buffet brunch for a decent price. They make their own beer and donuts are made to order. If you are not ordering the brunch, F&D has the best chicken and waffles outside of Roscoe’s in LA.
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Farmers & Distillers
600 Massachusetts Ave NW
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I can eat here anytime, but this place has a phenomenal buffet brunch for a decent price. They make their own beer and donuts are made to order. If you are not ordering the brunch, F&D has the best chicken and waffles outside of Roscoe’s in LA.
Wood-Fired Pizza at its best, but my fave are the sliders with onion strings. For dessert, the cinnamon donuts with Kailua dipping sauce will not disappoint.
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matchbox
521 8th St SE
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Wood-Fired Pizza at its best, but my fave are the sliders with onion strings. For dessert, the cinnamon donuts with Kailua dipping sauce will not disappoint.
B&P is one of my faves especially when I am with a group of people that have several dietary restrictions. There is something on the menu for everyone. My favorites are the nicoise salad and any breakfast item. All locations have a small bookstore and the original location ( 1 metro stop away at U Street/Cardozo or a 20-minute walk), has cozy chairs where you can just sip your coffee and check e-mail.
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Busboys and Poets
450 K St NW
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B&P is one of my faves especially when I am with a group of people that have several dietary restrictions. There is something on the menu for everyone. My favorites are the nicoise salad and any breakfast item. All locations have a small bookstore and the original location ( 1 metro stop away at U Street/Cardozo or a 20-minute walk), has cozy chairs where you can just sip your coffee and check e-mail.
Great for large parties. All the portions are HUGE so make sure you save room for one of their 50 varieties of cheesecake. Their carrot cake and their Godiva brownie sundae is also great. The menu is extensive so take a look on line before you go. I usually get flatbreads, salads, or pasta dishes. The H Street location is about two blocks from the White House. The stock footage shown is the Chevy Chase location.
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The Cheesecake Factory
5335 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest
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Great for large parties. All the portions are HUGE so make sure you save room for one of their 50 varieties of cheesecake. Their carrot cake and their Godiva brownie sundae is also great. The menu is extensive so take a look on line before you go. I usually get flatbreads, salads, or pasta dishes. The H Street location is about two blocks from the White House. The stock footage shown is the Chevy Chase location.
Fresh is the word to describe this Persian restaurant. My favorites are the watermelon salad and any grilled meat. House made hummus with pita starts each meal. It’s dimly lit which gives it a cozy feel. 1/2 block from the convention center it’s a great place to relax after a long day. Reservations should be made a few weeks in advance if possible.
Rumi's Kitchen - DC
Fresh is the word to describe this Persian restaurant. My favorites are the watermelon salad and any grilled meat. House made hummus with pita starts each meal. It’s dimly lit which gives it a cozy feel. 1/2 block from the convention center it’s a great place to relax after a long day. Reservations should be made a few weeks in advance if possible.

Food scene

For plant-based vegans, Bidwell is a moderately priced restaurant in the Sticky Fingers family.
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Bidwell Restaurant
1309 5th St NE
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For plant-based vegans, Bidwell is a moderately priced restaurant in the Sticky Fingers family.