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Pasta studded with pepper flakes and cherry tomatoes.
Bucatini with anchovy and tomato from Reveler’s Hour.
Reveler’s Hour

19 Places to Eat and Drink in Adams Morgan

The bar-heavy neighborhood is known for some of the city’s most creative cooking

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Bucatini with anchovy and tomato from Reveler’s Hour.
| Reveler’s Hour

Once known as a bar-hopping zone, Adams Morgan has stepped up its game in recent years. This is a neighborhood where critically acclaimed spots like Tail Up Goat and sister restaurant Reveler’s Hour sit alongside standbys like Julia’s Empanadas, Lucky Buns, and Donburi. The blocks along 18th Street are destinations for everything from Mexican street food to Korean fried chicken or Middle Eastern cocktails. Some things haven’t changed, however — this is still where late-night partiers can find gigantic pieces of Jumbo Slice pizza (it’s not quite map-worthy, but Duccini’s is the best of the bunch there).

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Federalist Pig (Multiple locations)

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Pitmaster Rob Sonderman made it to Netflix fame after his restaurant was name-dropped in the sixth and final season of House of Cards. The Federalist Pig dish in question happened to be the pork ribs: other dishes include smoky goods like pork shoulder, sliced brisket, fried Brussels spouts, and stunt-y sandwiches.

A barbecue platter from Federalist Pig.
Federalist Pig excels at brisket, sausage, and ribs.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Reveler's Hour

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The team at Mediterranean-minded Tail Up Goat branched out with this (slightly) more casual spot, which is all about excellent wine, pasta, grilled entrees, and comforting fare like garlic knots or gelato.

Bucatini with anchovy and tomato from Reveler’s Hour.
Bucatini with anchovy and tomato from Reveler’s Hour.
Reveler’s Hour

Mama Ayesha's

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As a pioneer of Middle Eastern cuisine in D.C., Mama Ayesha Abraham opened this restaurant in the 1960s. Since then, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite and an icon for its famous presidential mural that features leaders since Dwight D. Eisenhower — minus President Donald Trump — painted on its exterior wall.

Tail Up Goat

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D.C. diners (and Michelin guide inspectors) love the Mediterranean flavors at this relaxed fine dining spot. Menu items change daily, but an order of toast is always a smart move. Dishes could range from a slice of seaweed sourdough with foie gras-roasted foraged mushrooms and Carolina gold rice pudding for dessert.

A busy restaurant scene.
Inside Tail Up Goat.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

No Goodbyes

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Chef Opie Crooks took charge at The Line back in 2021, debuting hotel restaurant No Goodbyes with a thorough focus on flavors and products from the Chesapeake region. That means homemade potato chips dusted in the restaurant’s own crab spice or a bacon steak with pork from Virginia farms. There are also biscuit sandwiches and carrot cake oatmeal for breakfast.

A charcuterie “salthouse board” at No Goodbyes comes with black pepper biscuits, homemade pickles, and jam.
A charcuterie “salthouse board” at No Goodbyes.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Taqueria Al Lado

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A lot of care goes into the tortillas at Taqueria Al Lado, where blue and white corn is sourced from Mexico and put through the process of boiling, drying, and grinding in-house. The restaurant devoted to Mexican street food opened in March 2021 from a chef and partner of trusty neighborhood spot Osteria al Volo next-door.

A large front window airs out the space at Taqueria al Lado.
The open front window at Taqueria al Lado.
Evan Caplan/Eater D.C.

Sharbat

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At Azerbaijani bakery Sharbat, the sweets are labor-intensive: pakhlava involves 15 sheets of stacked, super-thin dough. There are cheese- and meat-filled snacks, but cakes are the most popular choice, with flavors including honey, apricot, and raspberry. Owner Ilhama Safarova opened the shop in 2020 to share the flavors of her homeland.

A slice of Sharbat’s honey cake shows of airy layers mixed with a light milk cream whipped on the stove.
Sharbat’s honey cake is a signature item.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Perry's Restaurant

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Perry’s has long been an under-the-radar reliable spot for sushi, and is home to the city’s most popular drag brunch. It recently got an exciting boost from new chef Masako Morishita, recently of Maxwell Park.

Julia's Empanadas

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One of D.C.’s most beloved spots for late-night snacks, Julia’s Empanadas began in Adams Morgan. Revelers enjoy coming here until 4 a.m. for empanadas stuffed with chorizo, or served Jamaican or Chilean style, or even filled with fruit.

Zenebech Restaurant

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Decades-old Ethiopian restaurant Zenebech jumped neighborhoods in 2017 to land in Adams Morgan, serving up classics like kitfo (raw beef) and doro wot (chicken stew) and fresh injera.

Little piles of dishes like greens, lentils, tomato salad, etc. atop injera.
A vegetarian combo plate from Zenebech.
Zenebech

Lapis Afghan Bistro

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Expect to feast on dumplings, sauteed pumpkin with garlic yogurt, baked eggplant, and standout kebabs at this charming Afghan restaurant serving home-style dishes and halal meats.

Four entrees atop a decorative table.
Four dishes from Lapis.
Lapis Afghan Bistro

The Grill From Ipanema

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This Adams Morgan mainstay is one of D.C.’s few dedicated Brazilian restaurants; it’s also a favorite for cocktails and caiprinhas.

The Game Sports Pub/Tiki on 18th

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Longtime D.C. bartender Jo-Jo Valenzuela and business partner Oscar Guardado replaced Ventnor Sports Cafe with a Filipino-influenced sports bar that serves satisfying lumpia, sizzling pork sisig, adobo chicken wings, funky sandwiches, and more. Tiki on 18th, the sister tropical bar upstairs, also sends frozen drinks out to the patio on the street; options at both neighboring restaurants often overlap.

A pork belly sandwich from the Game
A pork belly sandwich from the Game
The Game

Grand Duchess

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This low-key cocktail bar that opened in 2017 recently tacked on a menu full of pastas and seafood dishes from a Fiola Mare alum. A vintage jukebox, comfy couch, and candle-lit fireplace pay homage to the space’s former life as a row house. Its Negroni continues to be a top seller.

Shibuya Eatery

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Chef Darren Norris, formerly of Kushi and Perry’s, rolled out a three-piece complex devoted to Japanese food and drinks through the course of the pandemic. At the bottom, Shibuya Eatery serves a takeout-friendly mix of sushi, sashimi, hot or cold noodle bowls, small plates, and grilled kushiyaki (skewers). There’s also Shabu Plus, a high-end option for hot pot and kaiseki-style dishes, and cocktail bar Death Punch on the top floor.

A variety of items from Shibuya.
Sushi balls from Shibuya.
Deb Lindsey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Green Zone

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This 18th Street bar serves up cocktails based around the flavors of various countries in the Middle East. Frozen minty lemonade is a must-order, spiked or not. The “Janissary Corps,” made with Green Hat gin, lemon, and pistachio, is another standby. Beyond drinks, find falafel, spicy fries, and DJ nights promising “the hottest Arabic and Middle Eastern jams west of Beirut.”

An almost neon green cocktail with Green Hat gin in the background.
A drink from the Green Zone.
The Green Zone

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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Whiskey reigns supreme at this local favorite, which boasts a high-end dining area and open-air terrace. The menu skews Southern, offering dishes like jalapeno hushpuppies with Crystal hot sauce mayo, whiskey wings, pork chops with sorghum mustard, and bourbon pecan tarts. The open-air terrace on top is heated, and there's also a seasonal tiki bar upstairs. The owners also own the nearby Imperial, which houses rebooted basement bar Dram & Grain.

People sit at the bar at Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Jack Rose’s bar boasts one of the most extensive whiskey collections in the country.
Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

El Tamarindo

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Since 1982, people have flocked to this Salvadoran-Mexican mainstay at the foot of Adams Morgan for late-night pupusas. But burritos are also a big draw, especially a twin platter that serves chicken and beef wraps smothered in green and red salsas. Regulars also flock here for tacos, bustling brunch service, tasty tequila cocktails, and happy hour that runs all day on Monday. Order online for pickup, with indoor and outdoor dining available too.

Lucky Buns

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Burgers are the raison d’être for Lucky Buns, where diners can top their patties with everything from hatch green chile to pickled beet relish or tonkatsu sauce. There are plenty of chicken sandwich options, too. Don’t skip an order of curry-flavored fries.

A double burger from Lucky Buns.
A double burger from Lucky Buns.
Lucky Buns

Federalist Pig (Multiple locations)

Pitmaster Rob Sonderman made it to Netflix fame after his restaurant was name-dropped in the sixth and final season of House of Cards. The Federalist Pig dish in question happened to be the pork ribs: other dishes include smoky goods like pork shoulder, sliced brisket, fried Brussels spouts, and stunt-y sandwiches.

A barbecue platter from Federalist Pig.
Federalist Pig excels at brisket, sausage, and ribs.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Reveler's Hour

The team at Mediterranean-minded Tail Up Goat branched out with this (slightly) more casual spot, which is all about excellent wine, pasta, grilled entrees, and comforting fare like garlic knots or gelato.

Bucatini with anchovy and tomato from Reveler’s Hour.
Bucatini with anchovy and tomato from Reveler’s Hour.
Reveler’s Hour

Mama Ayesha's

As a pioneer of Middle Eastern cuisine in D.C., Mama Ayesha Abraham opened this restaurant in the 1960s. Since then, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite and an icon for its famous presidential mural that features leaders since Dwight D. Eisenhower — minus President Donald Trump — painted on its exterior wall.

Tail Up Goat

D.C. diners (and Michelin guide inspectors) love the Mediterranean flavors at this relaxed fine dining spot. Menu items change daily, but an order of toast is always a smart move. Dishes could range from a slice of seaweed sourdough with foie gras-roasted foraged mushrooms and Carolina gold rice pudding for dessert.

A busy restaurant scene.
Inside Tail Up Goat.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

No Goodbyes

Chef Opie Crooks took charge at The Line back in 2021, debuting hotel restaurant No Goodbyes with a thorough focus on flavors and products from the Chesapeake region. That means homemade potato chips dusted in the restaurant’s own crab spice or a bacon steak with pork from Virginia farms. There are also biscuit sandwiches and carrot cake oatmeal for breakfast.

A charcuterie “salthouse board” at No Goodbyes comes with black pepper biscuits, homemade pickles, and jam.
A charcuterie “salthouse board” at No Goodbyes.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Taqueria Al Lado

A lot of care goes into the tortillas at Taqueria Al Lado, where blue and white corn is sourced from Mexico and put through the process of boiling, drying, and grinding in-house. The restaurant devoted to Mexican street food opened in March 2021 from a chef and partner of trusty neighborhood spot Osteria al Volo next-door.

A large front window airs out the space at Taqueria al Lado.
The open front window at Taqueria al Lado.
Evan Caplan/Eater D.C.

Sharbat

At Azerbaijani bakery Sharbat, the sweets are labor-intensive: pakhlava involves 15 sheets of stacked, super-thin dough. There are cheese- and meat-filled snacks, but cakes are the most popular choice, with flavors including honey, apricot, and raspberry. Owner Ilhama Safarova opened the shop in 2020 to share the flavors of her homeland.

A slice of Sharbat’s honey cake shows of airy layers mixed with a light milk cream whipped on the stove.
Sharbat’s honey cake is a signature item.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Perry's Restaurant

Perry’s has long been an under-the-radar reliable spot for sushi, and is home to the city’s most popular drag brunch. It recently got an exciting boost from new chef Masako Morishita, recently of Maxwell Park.

Julia's Empanadas

One of D.C.’s most beloved spots for late-night snacks, Julia’s Empanadas began in Adams Morgan. Revelers enjoy coming here until 4 a.m. for empanadas stuffed with chorizo, or served Jamaican or Chilean style, or even filled with fruit.

Zenebech Restaurant

Decades-old Ethiopian restaurant Zenebech jumped neighborhoods in 2017 to land in Adams Morgan, serving up classics like kitfo (raw beef) and doro wot (chicken stew) and fresh injera.

Little piles of dishes like greens, lentils, tomato salad, etc. atop injera.
A vegetarian combo plate from Zenebech.
Zenebech

Lapis Afghan Bistro

Expect to feast on dumplings, sauteed pumpkin with garlic yogurt, baked eggplant, and standout kebabs at this charming Afghan restaurant serving home-style dishes and halal meats.

Four entrees atop a decorative table.
Four dishes from Lapis.
Lapis Afghan Bistro

The Grill From Ipanema

This Adams Morgan mainstay is one of D.C.’s few dedicated Brazilian restaurants; it’s also a favorite for cocktails and caiprinhas.

The Game Sports Pub/Tiki on 18th

Longtime D.C. bartender Jo-Jo Valenzuela and business partner Oscar Guardado replaced Ventnor Sports Cafe with a Filipino-influenced sports bar that serves satisfying lumpia, sizzling pork sisig, adobo chicken wings, funky sandwiches, and more. Tiki on 18th, the sister tropical bar upstairs, also sends frozen drinks out to the patio on the street; options at both neighboring restaurants often overlap.

A pork belly sandwich from the Game
A pork belly sandwich from the Game
The Game

Grand Duchess

This low-key cocktail bar that opened in 2017 recently tacked on a menu full of pastas and seafood dishes from a Fiola Mare alum. A vintage jukebox, comfy couch, and candle-lit fireplace pay homage to the space’s former life as a row house. Its Negroni continues to be a top seller.

Shibuya Eatery

Chef Darren Norris, formerly of Kushi and Perry’s, rolled out a three-piece complex devoted to Japanese food and drinks through the course of the pandemic. At the bottom, Shibuya Eatery serves a takeout-friendly mix of sushi, sashimi, hot or cold noodle bowls, small plates, and grilled kushiyaki (skewers). There’s also Shabu Plus, a high-end option for hot pot and kaiseki-style dishes, and cocktail bar Death Punch on the top floor.

A variety of items from Shibuya.
Sushi balls from Shibuya.
Deb Lindsey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Related Maps

The Green Zone

This 18th Street bar serves up cocktails based around the flavors of various countries in the Middle East. Frozen minty lemonade is a must-order, spiked or not. The “Janissary Corps,” made with Green Hat gin, lemon, and pistachio, is another standby. Beyond drinks, find falafel, spicy fries, and DJ nights promising “the hottest Arabic and Middle Eastern jams west of Beirut.”

An almost neon green cocktail with Green Hat gin in the background.
A drink from the Green Zone.
The Green Zone

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Whiskey reigns supreme at this local favorite, which boasts a high-end dining area and open-air terrace. The menu skews Southern, offering dishes like jalapeno hushpuppies with Crystal hot sauce mayo, whiskey wings, pork chops with sorghum mustard, and bourbon pecan tarts. The open-air terrace on top is heated, and there's also a seasonal tiki bar upstairs. The owners also own the nearby Imperial, which houses rebooted basement bar Dram & Grain.

People sit at the bar at Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Jack Rose’s bar boasts one of the most extensive whiskey collections in the country.
Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

El Tamarindo

Since 1982, people have flocked to this Salvadoran-Mexican mainstay at the foot of Adams Morgan for late-night pupusas. But burritos are also a big draw, especially a twin platter that serves chicken and beef wraps smothered in green and red salsas. Regulars also flock here for tacos, bustling brunch service, tasty tequila cocktails, and happy hour that runs all day on Monday. Order online for pickup, with indoor and outdoor dining available too.

Lucky Buns

Burgers are the raison d’être for Lucky Buns, where diners can top their patties with everything from hatch green chile to pickled beet relish or tonkatsu sauce. There are plenty of chicken sandwich options, too. Don’t skip an order of curry-flavored fries.

A double burger from Lucky Buns.
A double burger from Lucky Buns.
Lucky Buns

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