Whether you’re new to the area or just visiting one of the most historic places in the nation, Washington DC certainly makes you work up an appetite. Thankfully, it has plenty of casual eateries that can satisfy just about any craving. I’ve picked the top 10 best of Washington DC’s casual dining spots for your next meal, no matter what strikes your food mood!
1. Bansari Indian Cuisine
With a seemingly endless menu, Bansari brings together Punjabi, Indochinese, Rajasthani, and Kashmiri plates. Egg mania is a unique find that replicates the roadside vendor offerings from Gujarat, though if you’re looking for something more familiar, tandoor, curries, biryani, and fried rice will surely impress.
2750 Gallows Rd Suite H, Vienna, VA 22180-7137 | Website
| TripAdvisor Reviews
2. La Tejana
La Tejana is a pop-up taqueria that does something a bit different than the other taco places around town. It offers a breakfast taco, and if the only kind you’ve ever had is from a drive-thru, get ready to see the light. The tortillas here are house-made and reveal a rich, flaky texture that makes eating them a delight. Try the el frijolito with refried beans and cheese, a simple offering that is utterly sublime in flavor.
Pop-up, Check website for schedule | Website
3. Menya Hosaki
How about some ramen? Forget that cheap staple from the supermarket. Eric Yoo, the chef and owner, studied how to make it with his mentor, Keizo Shimamoto. Every noodle is made in-house, and as such, is best consumed on-site for the perfect mouthfeel in every slurp. Once you try this ramen, you will never buy another package of it from the store, and if you do, you’ll likely toss it out immediately and hurry back over to Menya Hosaki.
845 Upshur St NW, Washington DC, DC 20011-5836 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
4. Tosokchon
It’s a good thing Tosokchon offers a menu in both Korean and English, for this native place sticks to the traditional best of Korean cuisine. Succulent galbi tang, a short rib stew, is served with glass noodles, a winning delight. But if you really want a taste of in-house Korean-style food, try the soondubu jjigae, a stew filled with soft tofu and a spicy, umami broth. For those that may be less adventurous with new cuisine, the bulgogi, a dish of marinated and thinly-sliced beef, may be the perfect one to help you get acquainted with Korean cuisine.
7031 Little River Tpke, Annandale, VA 22003-5958 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
5. 2Fifty Texas BBQ
If you have a hankering for wood-smoked Texas-style BBQ, then this is the place. Meats are smoked in a massive 1,000-gallon indirect smoker, churning out succulent ribs, turkey, brisket, and more. The prime brisket sandwich is something you’ll dream about from here on out.
4700 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Park, MD 20737-1918 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
6. Ruthie’s All Day
Homey and cozy, Ruthie’s All Day is the kind of place with comfort food that matches its aesthetic. With menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll have everything you need. At breakfast, Mr. W’s biscuit features sausage and scrambled egg that you can top with cheddar or try something different by adding goat cheese. Messy burgers and smoked spare ribs are heartier options you’ll find later in the day that creates that home-cooked vibe. If you’re looking for brunch on the weekends, you’ll find it here. And should you be gluten-free, this is one restaurant that completely gets it with an ample menu that goes beyond salads for you.
3411 5th St S, Arlington, VA 22204-1719 | Website | TripAdvisor
7. Spanish Diner
Chef Jose Andres gives the American diner a Spanish twist. After converting his former tapas restaurant, Jaleo, Spanish Diner offers all-day breakfast with Chefs Nicolas Lopez and Daniel Lugo. Jamon and fried eggs are just a slice of what you’ll discover here with a peppy menu that has dishes abuela would make. In the mood for a sandwich? Expect a Spanish take on that with things like the Bikini Mixto, a famed pressed sandwich from Barcelona with ham and cheese. One last thing that sets this diner apart from its American counterparts is that you’ll find Spanish beers, wines, sangrias, and gin and tonics to enjoy with your meal.
7271 Woodmont Street, Bethesda, MD 20814-2959 | Website | TripAdvisor
8. Daru
Daru is a bit different when it comes to Indian cuisine. While there are classics like chicken tikka masala, you’ll find some unusual yet exceptional fusion fare. Such things include the blue cheese Reshmi kebab and chicken tikka tacos. The cocktails also dare to add an ethnic flair with spices that create bespoke beverages that elevate the experience.
1451 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | Website
9. Crazy Aunt Helen’s
If you grew up in the South, perhaps you’ll feel right at home at Crazy Aunt Helen’s. Exuding a slightly eccentric energy, the food is the kind that makes you feel like you’re having a home-cooked meal. Bega’s brisket should not be missed if you’re looking for a completely comforting meal. Vegans can rejoice though with the vegan-style crab cake. There’s plenty more too for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour too so be sure to stop by and start loving your new home away from home.
713 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003-2802 | Website | TripAdvisor
10. Boundary Stone
And finally, if you just want to go where nobody knows your name but you’ll feel like they do, Boundary Stone is that neighborhood bar that has you covered. With wings and burgers as the traditional staple, you can’t fail. But if you want to try something new, the honey hot chicken sandwich is going to be your jam. Come back for brunch while you’re in town and dig into house-made cinnamon rolls or the breakfast burger. This place definitely gets it with the kinds of foods that make you feel like you fit right in.
It seems Washington DC has food dialed in with an array of all sorts of cozy and chic casual places. These drool-worthy restaurants will help you hit the spot the next time your belly does those embarrassing whale noises in the middle of a hushed museum display.
116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-1633 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
I’ve picked the top 10 best of Washington DC’s casual dining spots for your next meal, no matter what strikes your food mood!
