We love food in DC and it’s one thing we do really well here. There are so many delicious food options and iconic DC restaurants to choose from and sometimes it can get completely overwhelming on how to choose the best place to eat. We decided to map out a delicious restaurant road trip so you can have a day of delectable delights at Washington DC’s most famous and popular restaurants. (Side note: there’s only so much time in one day and only so much we can eat so we tried to limit this to a central area).
We’re going to start our culinary tour downtown where we can reminisce about presidents and eat waffles because what goes better together than waffles and Presidents? Split the famous waffle at Lincoln’s Waffle Shop and grab a cup of coffee to prepare for your day.
Advertisement
2. Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken - 1308 G Street NW
We’re still at breakfast but we’re moving into lunch now (think mid-morning), which is perfect because you can get both at Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken, which serves the most delicious - you guessed it - doughnuts and fried chicken!
It’s time for lunch and we couldn’t imagine a better place than Ben’s Chili Bowl. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a must-stop place in DC, known for it’s incredible chili and delicious half smokes. Stop there for a lunch and soak in some of the atmosphere!
When you’re done enjoying the chili, save room for some soul food at the iconic Florida Avenue Grill, which has been a Washington DC institution since 1944. If you’re still craving breakfast, order the famous hot cakes but if you’re moving toward lunch, we recommend the catfish. Be sure to order some collard greens too!
It should be early evening now, just in time for Le Diplomate to open! Le Diplomate is a favorite with the Washington elite and you can usually spot a senator or member of Congress hobnobbing over drinks here. Grab a drink and split the steak frites or wine and cheese, since it is a French themed spot.
You can’t skip out on Martin’s when you are road tripping the best restaurants in the city. Martin’s is a historic place where rumor has it John F. Kennedy Jr proposed to Jackie. Keep it light with one of their famous appetizer crab cakes. It’s a bustling spot and you will feel very in the DC know when dining there.
Since you’ve been eating all day, we figure you might want to keep sharing some food. Rose’s Luxury is DC’s newest favorite spot so make sure you snag a reservation before heading there. Small plates with big flavors and a unique twist on American classics.
You can’t miss out on dessert and chocolate lovers will rejoice as the night winds down at Coco Sala. Dim lit and chic, you’ll love any of their sweet creations.
Coming around full circle, we’re back in downtown with one last drink at Old Ebitt Grill, one of the most famous and iconic in the DC area. It’s one of the oldest spots in the city and just about everyone makes a stop there. Open until 2am, relax at their beautiful bar and cheers to a delicious day!
The road trip could continue since there are still so many must-eat places in DC but this will satisfy your cravings… for the day at least!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.