1. Panda Gourmet
When you want great Szechuan food, look for the Days Inn on New York Avenue and from there you’ll see a small sign that says "Panda Gourmet." You might miss it but you should go back and look for it because they have a huge menu of absolutely delicious authentic Szechuan food.
2. Sakuramen
Ramen has been a popular food category for Washingtonians and Sakuramen delivers some of the best Ramen and asian food in the city.
3. El Rinconcito Cafe
This tiny, inexpensive, hole in the wall El Salvadoran restaurant in Mount Vernon near the convention center is worth a stop. El Rinconcito has some of the best pupusas in the city.
4. Jimmy T's Place
Jimmy T’s is an institution in Capitol Hill. They are a dive diner that still feels like its the 1970s on the inside. It’s unassuming but it has greasy diner food at its best.
5. Meats & Foods
This no frills sausage and hot dog spot is a favorite of locals in the Shaw neighborhood. High quality hot dogs, half smokes, and sausage sandwiches. It’s small but you can grab a picnic table outside.
6. Pimento Grill
Pimento is one of the best Jamaican restaurants in the DC area. This small take away place in Southeast serves flavorful caribbean style food that will impress you.
7. Well Dressed Burrito
Most people miss the Well Dressed Burrito because it is in an alleyway, south of N. Street on 19th Street. They have huge burritos and flavorful dishes for a great price. Most people grab takeaway because there is only 10-15 seats in the whole restaurant.
8. Greek Deli
Greek Deli is on 19th Street and has some of the best Greek food in the city. It’s a take away spot that often has a line at lunchtime but the line moves fast and gyros are worth the wait.
9. Granville Moore’s
The mussels are to die for for at Granville Moore’s, a Belgian style gastropub in the H Street Corridor. It’s a neighborhood favorite with a cool atmosphere, cold beer, and satisfying food. Look for the small stone looking row house with the wooden door and small sign.
10. Sumah’s
For the best African food, visit Sumah’s in Shaw and you will fall in love with the friendly owners, huge portions and delicious flavors. If you can’t decide what to order, try the sampler or ask the owner as he’ll help explain the entire menu to you.
11. Amsterdam Falafelshop
Delicious falafel, fresh fries, a DIY topping bar, Amsterdam Falafelshop strives to be just as delicious as the European falafel places and it hits the mark. This Adams Morgan gem is even open late night and is a great find for anyone who loves falafel.
12. Taqueria Habanero
Squeezed into a small strip of restaurants on 14th street, north of Columbia Heights Taqueria does 99% authentic Mexican and it lives up to its slogan. Cooked to perfection, tons of flavors, you might just drool over your meal in this cozy place.
13. Habesha Market & Carry Out
In a city that does Ethiopian really, really well, Habesha is one of the best, most low key spots to find a great meal. Their focus is all on the food so don’t expected to be overwhelmed by the ambiance. But don’t worry because the food over delivers. You’ll find food at a great price at this Shaw restaurant.
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