The nations capital is not only a beautiful city for history and tourism, but it’s also full of many delicious eats. When my sister moved to the city two years ago I started making the hour trip much more often and since we have discovered many delicious healthy and indulgent restaurants. My idea of a perfect weekend includes some type of fitness class and then dining out, which you can usually find as part of my weekend highlights. I thought this would be a great place to recommend and record all of my favorite places to eat in Washington DC.
Brunch
Bethesda Bagels
Giant and delicious handmade bagels. I recommend ordering a half or dozen with spread and getting a breakfast sandwich while you’re at it.
Bullfrog Bagels
Sometimes you just need all the carbs a bagel has to offer. With a variety of bagels and sandwiches you can stop for breakfast or lunch. They are also working on a soup and ramen menu.
Busboys and Poets
This restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner and was initially started as a community gathering place. They have a bookstore you can browse if waiting but they have a large bar and indoor/outdoor seating. I have been several times and love trying different items on the menu.
Chicken Omelet with Potatoes
Sweet Potato Hash with brown rice, kale, and a poached egg
Commissary DC
Commissary actual uses local ingredients from a farm not too far from my house, which I thought was really neat. They also have lunch/dinner and drink menus. This was by far one of my favorite brunch spots, not just because of the delicious food, but they also had PEAR mimosas, YUM!
Open Faced Pesto Arugula Sandwich and Potatoes
Founding Farmers
A great spot for any meal as their restaurant is owned and sourced by farmers all around the US. And the BEST bacon I’ve ever had!
Waffle, Bacon, Mushroom Omelet and Leak Hash
Glen’s Garden Market
Selling and serving locally sourced items with a grocery and deli. I love the little grocery market where you can purchase any essentials and then grab a bite to eat. From a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches, I can’t wait to go back and try more that’s on the menu. It’s great to come across a deli that can cater to many needs, especially if they have the equipment to pull it off, from meat slicers to grills, people can get a whole range of produce.
Veggie Egg Sandwich, add bacon (because BACON!)
Hawk ‘n’ Dove
Go for the all you can eat waffle bar and made to order omelets
Jrink Juicery
A variety of fresh juices, seasonal items, warm beverages, vegan pastries, and acai bowls. I love these juices post workout or when needing a little cleanse.
Seasonal Pumpkin blend of almond milk, pumpkin, and spices
Virtue Feed & Grain
I love the rustic décor and feel of Virtue, located in Alexandria, VA a short distance from DC. They have a great brunch and lunch/dinner/drinks selection with fresh and local meats and produce.
Giant delicious Vegetable Frittata with a side salad
Lunch/Dinner
Bluejacket
A brewery that makes their own beer located near Nationals Park is always a must stop when I have visitors in town or before a baseball game. I have somehow currently have no pictures of their food, but have never been disappointed with any of their menu items. I suggest the Brussels sprouts, tater tots, and chicken sandwich, they will not disappoint!
Buredo
Sushi in a burrito, yes please! I am that person that hates putting a whole slice of sushi in my mouth, I like to eat little bites so these burritos are perfect for me! You can eat them just like a traditional burrito and they stay together really well. My favorite is the Beatrix.
The Burger Joint
Typical burger menu, and they will wrap your burger in lettuce upon request, also a must try the sweet potato fries!
Triple D (burger, egg, bacon, cheese, jalapenos) wrapped in lettuce with sweet potato fries
Cava
Build your own Mediterranean bowls and the BEST hummus. If you like spicy food you MUST try the harissa and always, always get crazy feta.
Variety of build your own bowls with pita bread
Chopt Salad
I used to always build my own salad, but then discovered Chopt has rotating menus featuring themed salad bowls from around the world. Now I always want to try them all before the end of the season. Once you create your bowl they then chop everything up making every bite the perfect size.
Variety of build your own salads with pita bread
Good Stuff Eatery
One of the best burgers I’ve had in DC. Made from grass fed beef and local fresh produce. President Obama even has his own burger named after him!
Before the election, the Trump (left) and Hilary (right) with hand cut fries
Chart House
Great spot for a date night featuring quality steaks and seafood and gorgeous views of the water from their locations.
Rockfish with Crab, rice, and vegetables, charcuterie board, prime rib with mashed potatoes
The Little Beet
From salads, bowls, to sushi burritos one of my favorite healthy spots where it’s easy to build your own meal from their variety of delicious sides or order a signature dish. And the spicy broccoli, YUM!
The Little Beet Bowl, Build your own with wild rice, chicken, broccoli, and Salmon Poke Roll. I always use a little beet coupon whenever I go!
Modern Market
Another of my favorite healthy lunch spots where you can mix and match soups, salads, sandwiches or order pizza. They also feature homestyle sides which makes for a perfect quick ‘home like’ dinner. And seriously look at the size of that salad!
Wintergreen Salad and Basil Chicken Sandwich
Orange Anchor
Great Happy Hour and brunch specials, located right by the water in Georgetown. Here is where I sipped on my first frose (frozen rose wine, YUM!).
Fish Tacos
Red Rocks
Neapolitan style pizzas with a great beer and wine menu. This crust was so good because it’s cooked in a hot wood oven.
Mottz, pepperoni, red pepper
Shophouse
Southeast Asian food in a build your own bowl. Create a delicious dish that’s spicy, savory, or sweet.
Sweetgreen
Even if you’re not a salad person you will enjoy creating your own or a seasonal bowl at Sweetgreen. Many of their ingredients are locally sourced, so every location may have different menu items. I highly suggest ordering from the seasonal menu, as those items only last a few months or going for the harvest bowl. The mushrooms and spicy broccoli are my favorite toppings. So many delicious combinations!
Seasonal Pesto Portobello
Shroomami pictured above
Takorean
A Korean taco grill and the BEST kimchi I’ve ever had.
Half and half bowl with brown rice, chicken, kimchi, and salsa roja
Union Market
Think FANCY dining hall or foot court. You and and a crowd could each get your own meal/cuisine and then sit down and enjoy together. So far I’m tried the Dosa’s, Waffles, Bagels, Mediterranean, and ice cream, none of with disappoint.
Sweet Waffle, Dosa, and Kombucha on tap
Dessert
Baked and Wired
Fresh baked goods and coffee, but I suggest going for the variety of individually wrapped cupcakes and most amazing frosting!
Bayou Bakery
My first ever beignet that I still dream about! They also have other pastries and light food items for breakfast or lunch.
District Doughnut
Doughnuts baked fresh everyday. I have pre ordered mine before to make sure I get the certain flavors. With a rotating seasonal menu I always recommend trying those items. But a classic browned butter or vanilla glaze are always some of my favorites as well.
Fractured Prune Doughnuts
This shop has such a variety of toppings. You order a specialty or create your own and then they are glazed and topped right in front of you.
Ice Cream Jubilee
Ice Cream is my favorite dessert no matter what season. Ice Cream Jubilee uses milk and cream from local farms and only quality ingredients in their flavors.
Chocolate Chocolate and Caramel Corn
Sugar Shack Donuts
These donuts are hand rolled and cut throughout the day. We have only visited late at night when their menu is limited and I look forward to an early morning coffee and doughnut experience.
Salted Caramel, Peppermint, Chocolate Chocolate
I wish my stomach/appetite was bigger for the ongoing list of new places I’m eager to try. Feel free to personally reach out for any suggestions or if you’re restaurant/business is interested in being featured in this list and a post. Will work for food 😉 sweetandstrongblog@gmail.com