Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Restaurants

No one can deny that D.C. is a great place for eating out. Here’s a guide to where to get the best tastes the District has to offer.

Brunch Bites

Belga Café

$$$$
514 Eighth St. SE

Belga Café, conceptualized by native Belgian and award-winning chef Bart Vandaele, is modeled after the popular casual cafes of Brussels. This Capitol Hill establishment is known and lauded for its authentic cuisine and variety of craft beers. Brunch is only offered on weekends, and the extensive menu features waffles, sandwiches, egg dishes and traditional mussel pots. Order a bucket of bacon ($5.50) for the table — just because you can.

 

Kangaroo Boxing Club

$$$$
3410 11th St. NW

Kangaroo Boxing Club in Columbia Heights is not your average barbecue joint, but it is noted for those classic flavors just the same. A small space with big taste, the spot is a favorite among locals. The menu is hearty and fun, offering a selection of vegetarian options as well as meat dishes such as the aporkalypse ($11) and pastrami smashed potatoes ($10). As far as drinks go, KBC also offers very reasonably priced mimosas ($4), bloody Marys ($8) and Irish coffees ($7).

Foreign Fare

WANDERINGCHOPSTICKS Kintaro
WANDERINGCHOPSTICKS
Kintaro

Kintaro

$$$$
1039 33rd St. NW

While D.C. is certainly not lacking in sushi restaurants, quality is another question entirely. Kintaro, a small, hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant off of M Street impresses sushi fans with its fresh ingredients, extensive selection and beautiful presentation.  The establishment is also known for its delicious and affordable ramen bowls ($10), which continue to embody the authenticity, quality and attention to detail that marks Kintaro as a standout.

Zorba’s Cafe

$$$$
1612 20th St. NW

If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, look no further than the casual Greek restaurant, Zorba’s Café. Popular menu options include classic favorites such as the spanakopita ($7.45), baklava ($5.25), lamb gyros ($14.90), kebab plates (from $15.50) and hummus ($5.75). Opt for takeout or enjoy your meal on the patio — either option will leave you satisfied. The owner makes an effort to get to know the guests, and if you happen to become a regular, your presence will certainly be noted.

Best Burgers

MICHELLE XU/THE HOYA Desperados Burgers & Bar
MICHELLE XU/THE HOYA
Desperados Burgers & Bar

Desperados Burgers & Bar

$$$$
1342 U St. NW

Desperados Burgers & Bar is known for its casual atmosphere, Wild West motif and fantastic burgers. The menu boasts a wide variety, but patrons are more impressed with the solid flavors and perfect cooking than with any one specific item. You can order a plain hamburger ($8.45) or cheeseburger ($9.95) with any of the classic fixings or try something more adventurous like the Cajun burger ($9.95) or shrimp po’ boy sandwich ($10).

The Big Board

$$$$
421 H St. NE
The Big Board is the realized dream of three brothers and their best friend, who had long talked about opening an establishment that doubled as a neighborhood bar and a solid restaurant. The Big Board specializes in gourmet burgers that exhibit interesting flavor profiles. The Great Chicago Fire ($9) is a chipotle-dusted burger served with fire-roasted chili and mango salsa and the Port d’Amsterdam ($9) is a burger topped with sauteed crimini mushrooms, port reduction and aged Swiss cheese.

 

Mobile Munchies

Chatpat Truck

One of the most talked about trucks on the D.C. food scene, Chatpat markets itself as “curry in a hurry.” The truck is operated by the Shah family, with a legacy of almost 30 years of experience in the Indian vegetarian food industry in the area. Be sure to try the masala dosa, a fermented crepe made from rice batter and stuffed with a filling of potato, fried onions and spices. Chatpat can often be found on Connecticut Avenue near Dupont Circle.

BALTIMORESUN Rito Loco Truck
BALTIMORESUN
Rito Loco Truck

Rito Loco Truck

Winner of Washington City Paper’s “Best Food Truck 2013” poll, Rito Loco has already won over the notoriously picky diners of the D.C. Metro area. The truck offers a new take on a traditional Mexican comfort food, serving up burritos filled with unconventional ingredients, such as fruit and mint in addition to the more expected pico de gallo and seasoned meats. The signature component of Rito Loco dishes is its toasted tortilla — try one and you will quickly discover that the hype is well deserved. This is a truck constantly on the move, , so keep an eye on the website to find its next destination.

 

Sweet Spots

Sugar Daddy’s Bakery

$$$$
2006 18th St. NW

Georgetown has plenty of options for a dessert fix, but anyone looking to try something new should stray a little bit further to Sugar Daddy’s Bakery. Patrons rave about the cupcakes, which apparently boast the ideal cake-to-frosting ratio and come in all the classic flavors as well as fun ones like Cherry Garcia and date. A vast assortment of cheesecakes, pies, cookies, bars, cakes and cake balls can also be found behind the counter of this cute establishment.

MICHELLE XU/THE HOYA Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats
MICHELLE XU/THE HOYA
Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats

Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats

$$$$
1370 Park Road NW

Sticky Fingers is committed to producing delicious vegan treats that are healthier than their traditional counterparts. Its menu, which has expanded from the traditional bakery fare to a variety of cafe favorites, includes cookies, pastries, salads, sandwiches, shakes and more. Whatever you end up ordering, be sure to try a Sticky Fingers cupcake ($3). The shop won first place on an episode of the Food Network’s hit show “Cupcake Wars,” so you can be sure that these little treats have already been vetted.

 

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