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Mumbai masala toast from Duke’s Grocery
Mumbai masala toast from Duke’s Grocery in Foggy Bottom
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Where to Eat and Drink Around George Washington University

Food for the college crowd and beyond

by Aparna Krishnamoorthy
View as Map
Mumbai masala toast from Duke’s Grocery in Foggy Bottom
| Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.
by Aparna Krishnamoorthy

Foggy Bottom may not be thought of as D.C.’s top dining destination, but the area does offer a growing variety of interesting options, especially to students and visitors at GWU.

Fast-casual spots like Roti, Beefsteak, and Sweetgreen are plentiful. So are food trucks that line the streets every day. There are plenty of options from casual burgers to elaborate tasting menus, with cuisines spanning from Indian to Italian, Peruvian, Japanese, and more.

Did we miss a favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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Blue Duck Tavern

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This longtime local favorite inside the Park Hyatt is a wonderful spot for celebrations or special occasion meals. The menu changes seasonally, but expect to find farm-sourced meals served in stylish settings. The bone marrow appetizer is especially legendary. Other classics include thick-cut fries and an apple pie for two.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 419-6755
(202) 419-6755

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Juniper

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The Juniper restaurant at the Fairmont hotel is an American brasserie with an idyllic courtyard garden that delivers herbs to the kitchen. Rooftop honey makes its way into various dishes, too. The Juniper gin and tonic comes with a  pair of scissors so people can cut their own herb garnishes. Start meals with the cast-iron cornbread and honey jalapeno butter. 

2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 457-5020
(202) 457-5020

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Casta's Rum Bar

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This somewhat hidden Cuban spot is best suited for happy hour snacks and drinks on their beautiful back patio. The mojitos, Cuban sandwiches, and ceviche are all on point. 

1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 660-1440
(202) 660-1440

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District Commons

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This huge spot serves classic American food, making it a safe choice for less adventurous eaters. Larger groups can graze on flatbreads and salads. The parent company also sells burgers and milkshakes (boozy or not) at Burger Tap and Shake next-door.

The Avenue, 2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 587-8277
(202) 587-8277

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KAZ Sushi Bistro

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Chef Kaz Okochi’s Foggy Bottom sushi spot has been around for over 20 years, and it’s still drawing crowds for high quality sushi and sashimi. The restaurant also offers hot and cold small plates, bento boxes, and omakase menus. Do not skip dessert here, particularly the green tea tiramisu.

1915 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 530-5500
(202) 530-5500
A plate of yellowtail crudo from Kaz Sushi Bistro
Yellowtail crudo from Kaz Sushi Bistro
Kaz Sushi Bistro [official]

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Flower Child

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This wellness-centric chain comes from the same group that brought D.C. its first North Italia. The colorful shop features soups, grain bowls, salads, and wraps with a variety of vegetables and proteins. Expect all-natural chicken, sustainable salmon, grass-fed steak, organic non-GMO tofu, and seasonal produce. Organic wine, local beer, kombucha, and flavored lemonades round out the menu.

2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 101, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 919-3646
(202) 919-3646
Flower Child [Official]

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North Italia

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The first DC outpost of this national chain brings house made pastas, pizzas, and large format cocktails to the neighborhood. The space is sleek, the food is solid, portion sizes are generous, and it’s open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and brunch. 

2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 102 Suite 102, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 803-8051
(202) 803-8051
The dining room at North Italia
The dining room at North Italia
Clarissa Villondo/Karlin Villondo Photography

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El Chalan

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One of the longest standing Peruvian restaurants in D.C., El Chalan has a menu of Peruvian classics including ceviches, aji de gallina (chicken stew), lomo saltado, and drinks including chicha morada made with purple corn. 

1924 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 293-2765
(202) 293-2765
View this post on Instagram

D.C. Food: 10/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Would return? Yes Tucked near GWU and the National Mall, El Chalan serves some of the city’s best Peruvian food. The restaurant was extremely cute and intimate. The walls were covered with radial mirrors and nice portraits which gave off a romantic and inviting environment. Recommendations from the menu led us to start with the shrimp chowder. It had a light broth and was filled with rice, Peruvian corn, shrimp, and a poached egg. For a poached egg, it was over cooked and harder than any poached egg I’ve ever had but overall the chowder was delicious. The Lomo saltado was easily the best dish there. There was fragrant and juicy cuts of filet mignon cooked with notable spices. The meat complimented the seasoned rice and bed of vegetables perfectly. Although the filet was an upgrade from their usual beef Lomo saltado, it was absolutely worth it. Finally, the Peruvian paella was a dynamic dish that was flavorful and exciting. It had so many different cuts of seafood including white fish, calamari, mussels, scallops chicken and shrimp that added to the seafood rice dish. Each bite was well adorned with spices and seafood, so it was worth its price. The rice contained so much flavor and it was cooked perfectly. Each bite of rice was soft and soaked up the juices from the sauce and seafood cooked into it. The vegetables were a balanced addition to the other components of the dish. Overall, the dining experience was fantastic. The minor dislikes I had in the dishes were easily overlooked by the quality and effort of everything else. . . . . . . . . #food #foodie #foodies #foodie_anony #foodporn #eaterdc #dcfoodie #dcfoodies #dc #washingtondc #spoonuniversity #thrillistdc #elchalan #peruvian #peruvianfood #friesbeforeguys #lomosaltado #lomosaltadoperuano #cornchowder #peruviancorn #peruvianpaella #paella #spanish #foodblog #foodblogger #foodreview #foodphotography #travel

A post shared by Foodie Anonymous (@foodie_anony) on

Bindaas

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Stop in here for creative takes on Indian street food from the ownership group behind Rasika. The variety of small plates range from shareable snacks such as the cauliflower pakora to heartier dishes like the pao bhaji (stewed vegetable buns) and the cauliflower uttappam (pancakes). They also have a few curry plates on offer.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 516-4326
(202) 516-4326
The dining room at Bindaas
The dining room at Bindaas
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

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Captain Cookie & the Milk Man

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Eliminate that afternoon slump at this storefront for a former food truck by ordering from different cookies, ice creams, milkshakes, and cookie cakes.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 795-9184
(202) 795-9184
Captain Cookie’s facade
Captain Cookie
Official

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Duke's Grocery

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The East London-style pub that’s proven popular in Dupont opened its third local location in a historic rowhouse close to campus. Come for the proper burger, a deep list of cocktails, and eclectic bar food like fried duck wings with mussels or a masala-spiced potato toast. —Gabe Hiatt

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 733-3967
(202) 733-3967
Duke’s Grocery Foggy Bottom Bar
The bar at Duke’s in Foggy Bottom
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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GW Delicatessen

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This unassuming neighborhood sandwich spot for the masses has been around forever. The sandwiches are simple but delicious, the menu is extensive, and It’s known for generous heaps of crispy bacon. 

2133 G St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 331-9391
(202) 331-9391
View this post on Instagram

The reasons to come in are beginning to stack up.

A post shared by GW Delicatessen (@gwdelicatessen) on

Tonic At Quigley's

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This Foggy Bottom staple is known for its “— nachos made with tater tots. It’s a popular spot for bar food, happy hour, and hanging out on the bustling patio. 

2036 G St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-0211
(202) 296-0211
The patio at Tonic
The patio at Tonic
Tonic [official]

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Blue Duck Tavern

1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037

This longtime local favorite inside the Park Hyatt is a wonderful spot for celebrations or special occasion meals. The menu changes seasonally, but expect to find farm-sourced meals served in stylish settings. The bone marrow appetizer is especially legendary. Other classics include thick-cut fries and an apple pie for two.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 419-6755
(202) 419-6755

Juniper

2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037

The Juniper restaurant at the Fairmont hotel is an American brasserie with an idyllic courtyard garden that delivers herbs to the kitchen. Rooftop honey makes its way into various dishes, too. The Juniper gin and tonic comes with a  pair of scissors so people can cut their own herb garnishes. Start meals with the cast-iron cornbread and honey jalapeno butter. 

2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 457-5020
(202) 457-5020

Casta's Rum Bar

1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

This somewhat hidden Cuban spot is best suited for happy hour snacks and drinks on their beautiful back patio. The mojitos, Cuban sandwiches, and ceviche are all on point. 

1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 660-1440
(202) 660-1440

District Commons

The Avenue, 2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

This huge spot serves classic American food, making it a safe choice for less adventurous eaters. Larger groups can graze on flatbreads and salads. The parent company also sells burgers and milkshakes (boozy or not) at Burger Tap and Shake next-door.

The Avenue, 2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 587-8277
(202) 587-8277

KAZ Sushi Bistro

1915 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

Chef Kaz Okochi’s Foggy Bottom sushi spot has been around for over 20 years, and it’s still drawing crowds for high quality sushi and sashimi. The restaurant also offers hot and cold small plates, bento boxes, and omakase menus. Do not skip dessert here, particularly the green tea tiramisu.

1915 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 530-5500
(202) 530-5500
A plate of yellowtail crudo from Kaz Sushi Bistro
Yellowtail crudo from Kaz Sushi Bistro
Kaz Sushi Bistro [official]

Flower Child

2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 101, Washington, DC 20037

This wellness-centric chain comes from the same group that brought D.C. its first North Italia. The colorful shop features soups, grain bowls, salads, and wraps with a variety of vegetables and proteins. Expect all-natural chicken, sustainable salmon, grass-fed steak, organic non-GMO tofu, and seasonal produce. Organic wine, local beer, kombucha, and flavored lemonades round out the menu.

2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 101, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 919-3646
(202) 919-3646
Flower Child [Official]

North Italia

2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 102 Suite 102, Washington, DC 20037

The first DC outpost of this national chain brings house made pastas, pizzas, and large format cocktails to the neighborhood. The space is sleek, the food is solid, portion sizes are generous, and it’s open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and brunch. 

2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 102 Suite 102, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 803-8051
(202) 803-8051
The dining room at North Italia
The dining room at North Italia
Clarissa Villondo/Karlin Villondo Photography

El Chalan

1924 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

One of the longest standing Peruvian restaurants in D.C., El Chalan has a menu of Peruvian classics including ceviches, aji de gallina (chicken stew), lomo saltado, and drinks including chicha morada made with purple corn. 

1924 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 293-2765
(202) 293-2765
View this post on Instagram

D.C. Food: 10/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Would return? Yes Tucked near GWU and the National Mall, El Chalan serves some of the city’s best Peruvian food. The restaurant was extremely cute and intimate. The walls were covered with radial mirrors and nice portraits which gave off a romantic and inviting environment. Recommendations from the menu led us to start with the shrimp chowder. It had a light broth and was filled with rice, Peruvian corn, shrimp, and a poached egg. For a poached egg, it was over cooked and harder than any poached egg I’ve ever had but overall the chowder was delicious. The Lomo saltado was easily the best dish there. There was fragrant and juicy cuts of filet mignon cooked with notable spices. The meat complimented the seasoned rice and bed of vegetables perfectly. Although the filet was an upgrade from their usual beef Lomo saltado, it was absolutely worth it. Finally, the Peruvian paella was a dynamic dish that was flavorful and exciting. It had so many different cuts of seafood including white fish, calamari, mussels, scallops chicken and shrimp that added to the seafood rice dish. Each bite was well adorned with spices and seafood, so it was worth its price. The rice contained so much flavor and it was cooked perfectly. Each bite of rice was soft and soaked up the juices from the sauce and seafood cooked into it. The vegetables were a balanced addition to the other components of the dish. Overall, the dining experience was fantastic. The minor dislikes I had in the dishes were easily overlooked by the quality and effort of everything else. . . . . . . . . #food #foodie #foodies #foodie_anony #foodporn #eaterdc #dcfoodie #dcfoodies #dc #washingtondc #spoonuniversity #thrillistdc #elchalan #peruvian #peruvianfood #friesbeforeguys #lomosaltado #lomosaltadoperuano #cornchowder #peruviancorn #peruvianpaella #paella #spanish #foodblog #foodblogger #foodreview #foodphotography #travel

A post shared by Foodie Anonymous (@foodie_anony) on

Bindaas

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Stop in here for creative takes on Indian street food from the ownership group behind Rasika. The variety of small plates range from shareable snacks such as the cauliflower pakora to heartier dishes like the pao bhaji (stewed vegetable buns) and the cauliflower uttappam (pancakes). They also have a few curry plates on offer.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 516-4326
(202) 516-4326
The dining room at Bindaas
The dining room at Bindaas
Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Captain Cookie & the Milk Man

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Eliminate that afternoon slump at this storefront for a former food truck by ordering from different cookies, ice creams, milkshakes, and cookie cakes.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 795-9184
(202) 795-9184
Captain Cookie’s facade
Captain Cookie
Official

Duke's Grocery

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

The East London-style pub that’s proven popular in Dupont opened its third local location in a historic rowhouse close to campus. Come for the proper burger, a deep list of cocktails, and eclectic bar food like fried duck wings with mussels or a masala-spiced potato toast. —Gabe Hiatt

2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 733-3967
(202) 733-3967
Duke’s Grocery Foggy Bottom Bar
The bar at Duke’s in Foggy Bottom
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

GW Delicatessen

2133 G St NW, Washington, DC 20037

This unassuming neighborhood sandwich spot for the masses has been around forever. The sandwiches are simple but delicious, the menu is extensive, and It’s known for generous heaps of crispy bacon. 

2133 G St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 331-9391
(202) 331-9391
View this post on Instagram

The reasons to come in are beginning to stack up.

A post shared by GW Delicatessen (@gwdelicatessen) on

Tonic At Quigley's

2036 G St NW, Washington, DC 20036

This Foggy Bottom staple is known for its “— nachos made with tater tots. It’s a popular spot for bar food, happy hour, and hanging out on the bustling patio. 

2036 G St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-0211
(202) 296-0211
The patio at Tonic
The patio at Tonic
Tonic [official]

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