Tropical cocktails, global flavors and mocktails highlight the hottest food and drink crazes across the city.
DC is the place to be if you crave unique foodie experiences. From Union Market to weekend farmers’ markets to mouthwatering dishes served by celebrity chefs, check out the food crazes that color the city's dining scene.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Whether a New Year’s resolution, Dry January challenge or an ongoing lifestyle, toast to high spirits with spirit-free libations. Both Spark Social House and Binge Bar offer an exclusively alcohol-free bar experience, complete with community events and innovative zero-proof beverages. Enjoy fruity, bold and flavorful concoctions that feature non-alcoholic spirits at Old Ebbitt Grill, Clyde’s, The Hamilton and 1789 Restaurant. Sip on a variety of selections at The Red Hen and Wild Days. Resident’s Café and Ted’s Bulletin also offer mocktails in addition to their extensive bar menus.
Tiki Bars
Relax and unwind on tiki time! Escape to the tropics and sip on fruity cocktails without leaving the DC area. Coupled with Thrasher’s Rum Distillery, Tiki TNT features a lengthy menu including authentic Mai Tais and Pain Killers, not-so-classic cocktails and flavorful bites like spam musubi, crab rangoon pretzel bites and tiki tots topped with ‘tiki de gallo’ and 'tnt sauce'. Tiki on 18th transports you to an Instagrammable island complete with funky glassware. For an immersive experience, you can enjoy games, cabana rentals and more among Throw Social’s vibrant venue, or bring the party to the river with Potomac Paddle Club’s tiki booze cruise.
Food Halls
DC’s food halls are redefining the casual dining experience with crave-worthy variety and chef-driven flair. Since its 2012 revival, Union Market has become a city staple, with a mix of trendy food stalls, restaurant institutions and quaint boutiques. Nearby, La Cosecha celebrates Latin American culture, cuisine and conversation. The Roost offers craft brews, specialty pizza pies and Italian classics in Capitol Hill, while Western Market features a variety of global flavors and local favorites in Foggy Bottom. The Square elevates the neighborhood with a slate of sought-after offerings and tech-savvy newcomer Wonder brings over 25 concepts to 14th Street, dishing out everything from barbecue and tacos to Bobby Flay Steak. Don't miss out on steamy soup dumplings and creative French-Asian baked goods at Luna Hall.
Lunch at the Farmer's Market
Sure, we all know a trip to the local farmers’ market means loads of fresh produce. But what if you’re craving a little something more? Luckily, DC farmers’ markets have got you covered. Tuck into a personal pizza from the award-winning Timber Pizza at the FRESHFARM CityCenterDC market on Tuesdays, or a bagel breakfast sandwich from its sister restaurant Call Your Mother at Sunday’s Dupont FRESHFARM Market (get there early - these sell out fast). With more than 10 different markets running Tuesday through Sunday, you can explore flavors from all over the globe, including falafel sandwiches from Hilana Falafel, empanadas from DMV Empanadas and Taiwanese-style steamed buns from Bun'd Up.
Heritage Cooking
Immigrants are taking their family recipes and sharing them with the world through their kitchen. Immigrant Food by Chef Enrique Limardo brings together a mash-up of foods from some of America's largest immigrant groups including Mumbai Mariachi, a mix of spice-rubbed steak, spinach, assorted vegetables, feta cheese and smokey Chipotle dressing, inspired by immigrants from Mexico and India. Besides food, Immigrant Food works to bring together volunteers to help with a wide array of duties with local NGOs to help immigrants in the community. Fava Pot delivers authentic, home-style Egyptian cuisine like Koshary, a bowl full of lentils, rice, pasta, spicy tomato sauce and topped with chickpeas and sweet caramelized onions. At Dōgon, renowned Chef Kwame Onwuachi reimagines Afro-Caribbean cuisine, inspired by DC’s history and his Nigerian, Jamaican and Creole roots.
Gourmet Sandwiches
DC’s sandwich game is stacked – literally – from Colada Shop’s RAMMY award-winning handhelds to the fan-favorite Crunchy Boi at Compliments Only. Dig into Italian classics at A. Litteri, chow down on creative mashups at Your Only Friend, savor diverse selections at Uncle Chip's or find overstuffed creations at Capo Deli, Taylor Gourmet and The Best Sandwich Place (don’t skip the famous Caesar wrap) and Grazie Grazie. Go no-frills at Mangialardo’s, a multi-generational sub shop down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Ice Cream & Soft Serve
From a summer treat to beat the heat to a year-round indulgence, the ice cream craze is here to stay. Cool down with unexpected flavors like saffron pistachio at Malai, boozy creations from Tipsy Scoop, small-batch selections from Gemini x Happy Ice Cream or classic confections at Here’s the Scoop. Plus, get your soft serve fix at Love, Makoto; Dolcezza (H Street); Fat Fish and Street Pizza.
Dirty Martinis
The martini renaissance is upon us and DC bars are shaking (and stirring) up bold and briny takes worth sipping. At Grazie Nonna, the Nonna Martini packs a punch with pickled pepper brine, while Lobby Bar leans into the viral “Girl Dinner” with its own take: a Caesar salad, McLobby Nuggets, truffle parmesan fries and not one, but two dirty martinis. Cucina Morini's daily Martini Hour hits just right with $7 pours in a swanky downtown setting. Choose your own adventure through spirit, garnish and level of filth with The Grill's “Martini Your Way” menu. And for the full dramatic effect, Silver Lyan delivers with its Silver Service Martini, accompanied by an oyster, pickled onions and lemon.
Matcha
Originating in China and with roots in centuries-old Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha was once reserved for quiet rituals and mindful moments. Today, the green tea variety has taken on new life in cafes across DC. Standout sips range from floral to citrusy to sweet, with flavors like lychee at Spot of Tea, pandan from the Jane Coffee and Matcha pop-up, banana bread at Dolphin Cafe and matcha lemonade at Little Hat Coffee.