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25 Places Eater Readers Like to Take Out-Of-Towners

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Last week's Open Thread asked readers where they like to take out of town guests. Many commenters offered some good insight. "Depends where they are coming from," said hahn74. "I'd never suggest a DC Asian place to someone from LA or SF, just like I'd never suggest an Italian place to someone from NJ." Inexpensive and neighborhood places were a hit, as well as restaurants that are uniquely Washington or are close to tourist-friendly sites. Here's a rundown of 25 places Eater Readers suggest for showing off the city.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

The Star and Shamrock

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The price and location of this restaurant made this a draw.

Jackie's Sidebar

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Those from Silver Spring and beyond can head to this cozy cocktail bar.

The Pig

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Brunch favorite The Pig draws some out-of-towners.

It's hard to get more iconic DC than Jaleo — multiple Eater readers mentioned it.

Those who plan ahead can get a reservation and take guests to Rasika (or its sister restaurant).

Georgia Brown's

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Georgia Brown's is a DC institution for soul food and jazz brunch.

Granville Moore's

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Granville Moore's offers mussels and beer in a small neighborhood setting.

Estadio

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Multiple readers bring friends and family to Estadio for buzz, cocktails and tapas.

2941 Restaurant

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Suburban readers who want something a little upscale and classy have 2941 as an option.

Toki Underground

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If you have visitors who don't mind a wait, Toki Underground's a fine choice to show off DC's current scene.

A trip to Volt requires some planning but is an obvious choice for those near Frederick.

The Passenger

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Show off DC's craft cocktail scene in a casual atmosphere at The Passenger.

J&G Steakhouse

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J&G's proximity to touristy sights make it a solid choice to bring out-of-towners who aren't on a budget.

Blue Duck Tavern

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Blue Duck Tavern's new menu and brunch options are points in its favor.

Tabard Inn

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Tabard Inn's brunch gets booked weeks in advance, and the restaurant's well-regarded cocktails make for another reason to bring visitors.

Ben's Chili Bowl

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For some, a trip to DC would not be complete without a late-night stop at Ben's.

Cantler's Riverside Inn

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Crabs are an iconic DC-area food, and Cantler's is worth the drive.

Standard

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In the warmer months, the barbecue and chill vibe of the Standard is a neighborhood favorite.

Ray's Hell Burger

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It's good enough for Obama — and it's good enough for out of town guests with a burger craving.

Oohh’s & Aahh’s

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For a taste of DC soul food, Oohh's and Aahhs is the place.

BonChon Chicken

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Out of town guests can become converts when it comes to BonChon's addictive chicken (multiple locations).

Ravi Kabob House

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Many consider these kabobs the best around.

Founding Farmers

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Fried chicken, cocktails and more bring in the crowds at Founding Farmers.

Ethiopic

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To really show off DC cuisine, Ethiopian food needs to be on the itinerary. Ethiopic is in the running for the city's best.

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The Star and Shamrock

The price and location of this restaurant made this a draw.

Jackie's Sidebar

Those from Silver Spring and beyond can head to this cozy cocktail bar.

The Pig

Brunch favorite The Pig draws some out-of-towners.

Jaleo

It's hard to get more iconic DC than Jaleo — multiple Eater readers mentioned it.

Rasika

Those who plan ahead can get a reservation and take guests to Rasika (or its sister restaurant).

Georgia Brown's

Georgia Brown's is a DC institution for soul food and jazz brunch.

Granville Moore's

Granville Moore's offers mussels and beer in a small neighborhood setting.

Estadio

Multiple readers bring friends and family to Estadio for buzz, cocktails and tapas.

2941 Restaurant

Suburban readers who want something a little upscale and classy have 2941 as an option.

Toki Underground

If you have visitors who don't mind a wait, Toki Underground's a fine choice to show off DC's current scene.

Volt

A trip to Volt requires some planning but is an obvious choice for those near Frederick.

The Passenger

Show off DC's craft cocktail scene in a casual atmosphere at The Passenger.

J&G Steakhouse

J&G's proximity to touristy sights make it a solid choice to bring out-of-towners who aren't on a budget.

Blue Duck Tavern

Blue Duck Tavern's new menu and brunch options are points in its favor.

Tabard Inn

Tabard Inn's brunch gets booked weeks in advance, and the restaurant's well-regarded cocktails make for another reason to bring visitors.

Related Maps

Ben's Chili Bowl

For some, a trip to DC would not be complete without a late-night stop at Ben's.

Cantler's Riverside Inn

Crabs are an iconic DC-area food, and Cantler's is worth the drive.

Standard

In the warmer months, the barbecue and chill vibe of the Standard is a neighborhood favorite.

Ray's Hell Burger

It's good enough for Obama — and it's good enough for out of town guests with a burger craving.

Oohh’s & Aahh’s

For a taste of DC soul food, Oohh's and Aahhs is the place.

BonChon Chicken

Out of town guests can become converts when it comes to BonChon's addictive chicken (multiple locations).

Ravi Kabob House

Many consider these kabobs the best around.