Del Frisco’s Grille: Choice Cuts in DC

One of the most well-regarded chain steakhouses in is Del Frisco’s, and the DC incarnation maintains the appeal. Del Frisco’s has expanded to find success all over the country with spectacular food served in a classy, comfortable ambience that makes a perfect atmosphere for the delightful New American cuisine on its menu. On it you'll find an array of delectable salads, flatbread sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and more — including tasty favorites like Del Frisco's Veal Meatloaf, its Ahi Tuna Steak, its Chicken Schnitzel, and its Rock Shrimp Tacos. If it all sounds delightful, diners agree… which is why this might be one of Washington, D.C.'s most popular chain restaurants.

Del Frisco's Grille
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 450-4686
http://www.yelp.com/biz/del-friscos-grille-washington-3
 

Marcel’s: Fine French Cuisine in Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital has no shortage of incredible restaurants, but one of the city’s most dependable upscale eateries is Marcel’s. Chef and owner Robert Wiedmaier opened the doors of Marcel’s in 1999 to share his obsession with exquisite whole-animal butchery and traditional French cuisine, and regulars rave about the incredible food and service present at every meal. Chef Robert sources much of his meat from local ranches, including having 30 Randall Lineback calves raised exclusively for his restaurant each year at Chapel Hill Farm in Berryville. The cuisine here is incredibly labor-intensive, but worth all the effort. The way to go here is with the tasting menus, which can be 3, 4, 5, or 7 courses. Truly adventurous diners go for the 7 course dinner, which incorporates an incredible array of flavors and textures. If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal to celebrate a special occasion, Marcel’s is one of the best choices in Washington, D.C.

Marcel’s
2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 296-1166
http://www.yelp.com/biz/marcels-washington

Shake Shack: Dupont Circle’s Best Burger?

Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack can be credited for bringing comfort food back into the hearts of New Yorkers in a fun and innovative way. When the first Shack opened in 2004, it was an instant success, and since then it's spread to other big cities including an outpost in Washington, D.C.'s Dupont Cicle. The burgers here are entirely spectacular, with a great, toothsome bite and serious toppings. If you’re not in a burger mood, the Shack’s hot dogs—made with Vienna all-beef hot dogs in the Chicago style—are as good as any in the city. For a side, you don’t have any choice but French fries made from 100% Yukon Gold potatoes. If you have a sweet tooth, the trademark “concretes,” an incredibly dense concoction of frozen custard that’s been whipped with stuff like hot fudge, caramel or cookie dough will bust your gut with caloric pleasure. The lines can be notoriously long, but they move fast.

Shake Shack
1216 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 683-9922
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shake-shack-washington


 

Seasonal Pantry: Farm Fresh

This exceptional food business was founded by a pair of D.C. chefs who saw a need for a local food market providing high-quality charcuterie, meats and fresh pastas. They teamed up to open the doors of Seasonal Pantry and the place has won raves from local foodies. In addition to excellent ingredients, Seasonal Pantry also produces pre-made food that is on a whole new level. Their chicken pot pie redefines the classic comfort dish, bursting with flavor and freshness. They also offer sweet treats from some of the city’s best artisan bakers. In addition, Seasonal Pantry hosts a weekly supper club on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. This very exclusive event lets the two chefs really show off their talents with a six-course meal that changes regularly. People who have attended come away raving about the incredible skill and creativity evident in every plate. It’s a can’t-miss experience for Washington gourmands.

Seasonal Pantry
1314 1/2 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 713-9866
http://www.yelp.com/biz/seasonal-pantry-washington

Chatman’s D’vine Bakery and Café: Divine Tastes

There are plenty of places in Washington, D.C. to get yourself a pulled pork sandwich, where can you get one along with a banana cupcake? Chatman’s D'vine Bakery and Café is a local institution that has been bringing the art of South Carolina baking to appreciative eaters for years, and one meal here will make you a fan. Walking into this place is a truly transcendent experience, as the sweet, comforting smell of the bakery will make you feel welcome at once. Chatman's menu offers a bounty of deliciousness to sample. Sandwiches are absolutely amazing, with slow-cooked beef brisket or pulled pork on fresh-baked bread, seasoned expertly and served in a generous portion. Sweets are also very good, with some favorites including the banana pudding cupcake, frosted with lush vanilla frosting and crumbled-up vanilla wafers!

Chatman’s D’vine Bakery and Café
1239 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 290-3681
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chatmans-d-vine-bakery-and-cafe-washington

CityZen: D.C. Culinary Flair

Named one of the Hottest Restaurants in the World by Food & Wine Magazine, CityZen adds a sophisticated and inventive culinary flair to D.C.’s dining scene. Chef Eric Ziebold crafts a crowd pleasing menu of modern American food that includes dishes like Bone Marrow Bread Pudding, Phyllo-wrapped Veal Sweetbreads, and Duck Sausage Stew. Check into the bar and lounge to sample an artisanal martini served in a hand-blown glass or imbibe one of CityZen's 700 wine offerings. Expert service, elegant décor, and great food make this a supreme spot for a special night out. Reservations are recommended. CityZen's dress code is business casual, but no jeans are allowed in the restaurant. 

Mandarin Oriental
1330 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 787-6006
 

The Pretzel Bakery: Tasty Twists

How good can a pretzel be, really? That’s a question you’ll never ask yourself again after your first visit to The Pretzel Bakery. Producing hand-rolled, small batch Philly-style soft pretzels out of a small door in a tiny storefront, this local favorite has grown into a Washington, D.C. destination spot for hearty snackers. So what’s the big draw? Plain and simple, these are some of the best pretzels you’ve ever eaten. Soft and fluffy on the inside with the perfect amount of crust and salt on the outside, all you need to pair them with is a little mustard (which you dispense yourself) and you’ve got the snack of a century. You can also opt for fancier toppings like Nutella and caramel mustard for a buck. Considering pretzels are just $2 apiece (and cheaper if you buy in bulk), that’s quite a deal. The Pretzel Bakery also lets you quench your thirst with a variety of Pennsylvania regional soda pops.

The Pretzel Bakery
340 15th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 251-0953
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pretzel-bakery-washington

A Litteri: A Market Featuring Delightful Italian Fare

Chefs, foodies, and enthusiastic shoppers all converge on A Litteri for their amazing selection of imported goods that are essential to making great Italian cuisine. Since 1926, A Litteri has been serving the community with exceptional meats, cheeses, and more. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but the interior is packed floor to ceiling with goods. Shoppers are in awe at the enormous shelf of olive oils, sourced from all over Italy and pressed for a wide variety of uses. They also boast the largest selection of different pasta cuts in town from multiple companies – you’re sure to find the perfect noodle here. They also make fresh pastas in-house that are stellar. The deli counter features an impressive selection of fresh and cured meats, and they also make sandwiches that have locals raving. Their lasagna is a huge portion of perfectly-layered pasta, cheese, and sauce, and the Italian classic sub is one of the best lunches in the neighborhood.

A Litteri
517 Morse Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 544-0184
http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-litteri-washington

1789: Farm to Table Cuisine, Historic D.C. Setting

The name 1789 comes from the year the U.S. Constitution was adopted, but relax, you won’t have to recite the text while you’re dining in this Washington, D.C. treasure. This elegant restaurant is situated in a Federal-style house in historic Georgetown and is decorated in the style of the period. The menu features a seasonal farm to table focus with fresh, locally raised produce, sustainable seafood, and humanely raised meat and poultry. Pasta offerings might include Tagliatelle with fried oysters, mussels, and butternut squash. Other entrees include Beef Tenderloin, Carolina Black Grouper, Rack of Lamb, and Maryland Rockfish, paired with creatively prepared seasonal veggies. Prepare to be immensely satisfied — the food at 1789 is top notch, as is the service and ambiance.

1226 36th Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-1789
 

Crepes at the Market: Sweet and Savory

French crepes are one of the most versatile takes on the wrap concept, capable of lending themselves to both sweet and savory dishes with equal aplomb. If you’re looking to get a taste of a fresh, full crepe, Crepes at the Market might be one of the best spots. This local institution dispatches griddle carts to farmer’s markets all over the Washington D.C. area, most notably the bustling Eastern Market. Regulars rave about the great selection of fillings. Some of the most popular sweet choices include the Latin Lover, made with walnuts, apples, dulce du leche, and coconut, as well as the strawberry, banana, and chocolate. Basically anything with fresh fruit comes out wonderfully here. Savory crepes are just as good, with the breakfast special of scrambled eggs, spinach, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and melted Asiago cheese winning praise from hungry diners. Prices are reasonable but the payment system is a little change – you tally up your own bill and put your cash in jars on the counter, then use the honor system to calculate your change.

Crepes at the Market
7th Street SE and North Carolina Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crepes-at-the-market-eastern-market-washington