Favorites, new spots, and spontaneous stops this is a compilation of thoughts, descriptions and suggestions for restaurants in DC
Currently I plan to maintain the list in chronological order. Adding entries as I go to them. As more restaurants are added to the list, I will potentially add additional categorization by restaurant type.
March 2026:
- Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003. This has been our go to Chinese take out place for the last five years in DC. Reliable, reasonably priced, traditional Chinese takeout. If you are in the mood for this specific style of Chinese that you find across the country, this is a great spot. It has a nice dinning room, but we have never actually eaten here in person!
- Jacobs Coffee, 401 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20002. A local coffee joint that we have frequented for years as we walk Derby through the neighborhood. It is fine to good, depending on what you get. But you can’t beat proximity when all you need is a quick cup of coffee or a breakfast sandwich. I also fell in love with now my regular coffee shop order from Jacobs, a chi latte with two shots of espresso, so good.
- Sala Thai @ Park Kennedy, 1901 C St SE Suite A, Washington, DC 20003. Our new go to Thai takeout spot. Really good food, and has some Japanese options which drew us to the location over other Thai spots. When you want a Miso soup for an appetizer and drunken noodles for the entree only so many places can accommodate you. The curry is also excellent, and we always end up satisfied after eating here.
- Della Barbra Pizza, 1382 East Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20003. Go to Chicago or Detroit style pizza place. I think other spots have better NY slices, but if you are craving a thicker style of pizza in DC they cannot be beat. The sauce and toppings are top notch, and they always place the perfect dough to topping consistency. Love it as a pizza indulgence.
- Little Engine, 250 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003. Got to try this chicken joint the inaugural week at their location at Eastern Market. I thought it was delicious. The rotisserie chicken was really well done, with multiple rub and sauce options that they would prepare it with. We tried a family style option, with all the sides being tasty, but the hush puppies stealing the show. The quesadilla was also great, showing the versatility of deliciously cooked chicken and how it goes well on its own or part of something else.
- Ocean Shack, 2163 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207. Went out with friends to feast on an all you can eat sea food boil. On a Friday evening the restaurant was chaotic and crowded, but we eventually got seated and the food come out fast after that. For $58, you can definitely get your moneys worth. Heaping trays of seafood and sides roll out until you stop. The sauce was especially delicious, and paired well with the shrimp and crabs.
- Rocklands BBQ, 3471 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201. Tasty BBQ, but for DC standards. I know it may not hold up against true southern BBQ, but if you are hankering for some smoked meats and traditional sides it will scratch your itch. Fun spot to go with friends and the platters and menu is easy to share.
- Union Street Public House, 121 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314. Went for drinks after the St. Patrick’s day parade, so can not comment on the food. While not an Irish pub, it had similar vibe, and that means the atmosphere was fun, people lively, and the drinks flowed easily. Good selection and quick service as well.
- Moxies, 1111 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036. Went for happy hour after work, so no food ordered. The bar area was spacious and lively, with space for big groups. Is very new, and has a similar corporate downtown feel as other bars, but the happy hour deals were reasonable for downtown DC. They had a ton of TVs which could lead it to be a good place to watch games, but not sure if they are targeting sports fandom clientele.