Washington DC boasts a rich culinary scene where you can find almost any type of food you are craving on every corner. Some even do a culinary road trip in the city. If you’re craving a one of a kind experience though, you might need to look a little harder. These 10 unique restaurants in Washington DC will not only give you a delicious meal, but also an unforgettable experience.

1. Thai X-Ing
2020 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Yelp/Vincent M
Intimate and hard to reach, the original Thai X-ing is a DC staple known for its incredible Thai food and unique atmosphere. You will feel as if you stepped into a family or friend’s home for dinner. You’ll enjoy delicious unique Thai dishes in a cozy environment!
2. Ambar
523 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Yelp / Ambar
Not everyone craves Balkan food but for those who do or want to enjoy a unique experience, Ambar is the place to go in DC. Their menu is influenced by Greece, Turkey, Austria and Hungary and will give you the feeling of the Old Country right on Capitol Hill with its rustic ambiance and charm.
3. H Street Country Club
1335 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Yelp / Danny V
It’s not your grandmother’s country club! Mexican food, skeeball, a mini golf course, shuffleboard and margaritas? You get everything you need for a fun and memorable night out at H Street Country Club!
4. Daikaya's Ramen Shop
705 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Yelp / Yosi A
The cool kids ramen shop, Daikaya helped make ramen cool again. The first floor is a fast-paced ramen shop and the second floor offers a full menu of Japanese comfort food.
5. The Hamilton
600 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Yelp / Maureen H
Hamilton may be all the rage now but DC knows that The Hamilton has been a staple since 2011. One part late-night eatery and one part entertainment venue. The Hamilton showcases music from every genre in their downstairs venue, and upstairs resembles a hunt lodge and offers a huge menu that everyone can enjoy.

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6. CoCo Sala
929 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Yelp / Erica T
CoCo Sala in Penn Quarter is a chocolate lovers dream. A combination restaurant, bakery and lounge, CoCo Sala is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their menu is known for its sweet desserts but also has twists on savory meals and offers a great happy hour. (CoCo Sala has permanently closed)
7. Minibar by Jose Andres
855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Yelp / Ningxi X.
Imaginative cuisine including edible rubber duckies, black garlic leaves served in an actual section of rain gutter and a delightfully entertaining experience. Described as one part science demonstration and called by the Washington Post as one of the most original dinners staged in the country.
8. Rose's Luxury
717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Yelp / Cody Y
You might not notice Rose’s Luxury, the converted townhouse in Eastern Market, if it wasn’t for the long line that stretches around the corner almost every night. Designed to be a cozy and happy dining atmosphere, Rose’s Luxury specializes in tapas style plates in a "hip farmhouse atmosphere." Plan ahead though, Rose’s Luxury does not accept reservations!
9. Busboys and Poets
450 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Flickr/Tony Webster
More than a restuarant, Busboys and Poets is described as a community designed to combine art, culture, politics and strengthen cultural and racial connections. It is a restaurant, a theater, a bookstore and lounge in one. Busboys and Poets hosts events, live music and is focused on creating an environment of discussion, along with a huge menu featuring American and international dishes.
10. Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Flickr/Tim Sackton
Ben’s Chili Bowl is a Washington, DC landmark. Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has served chili dogs, half-smokes, milkshakes, and more comfort food design to satisfy and delight. Grab a spot at the counter or squeeze into one of the booth and take in the landmark that has survived the 1968 riots, hosted presidents and celebrities alike.

Washington DC is also home to plenty of tiny restaurants for further unique experiences. There’s plenty of restaurants and dining experiences to choose from in Washington DC. Did your favorite unique restaurant make the list?

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What are the most famous restaurants in Washington DC?

This is the place where some of the most famous restaurants in America reside. The Old Ebbitt Grill looks like a statehouse and serves up mouthwatering fare. It's the oldest restaurant in DC and considered of the highest quality. Founding Farmers is well known as a farm-to-table icon and uses only the freshest local ingredients for all of it's scrumptious fare. On the same list is Ben's Chili Bowl for cheap comfort food. Their chili dogs are basically a DC staple.

What are the oldest restaurants in Washington DC?

Washington DC is one of the oldest parts of the country and has many restaurants that have stood the test of time. Built in 1906, The Occidental Grill has had some of the most famous people on earth as its patrons and is certainly a bucket list restaurant to experience. The Florida Avenue Grill brings the soul food of the South to Washington DC and does it right. It's so good that during the riots of 1968, this place was left alone and one of the few places in the area left untouched. Go try their fried chicken, mac and cheese, and tasty greens and you'll find out why!

What are the best riverside restaurants in Washington DC?

With the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and C&O Canal in its environs, there's a lot of room for riverside dining in Washington DC. The Slip Inn has luscious barbecue and tater tots and on Fridays you can enjoy some summertime live music. For a more aerial view of the Potomac River, the Roof Terrace Restaurant will give you an eagle eye perspective while you enjoy an out of this world brunch right on top of the Kennedy Center. It's a treat for the eyes and the taste buds and one of the places that makes Washington DC such a wonderful destination.

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