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A poke bowl at Abunai Poke.
Abunai Poke [Official photo]

The 13 Hottest New Grab-and-Go D.C. Restaurants to Try Right Now

Find everything from sushi burritos and vegan sandwiches to shrimp tortas at these quick-serve eateries

by Travis Mitchell Updated
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A poke bowl at Abunai Poke.
| Abunai Poke [Official photo]
by Travis Mitchell Updated

Finding a quality grab-and-go meal in D.C. has never been easier. The city offers an impressive roster of fast-casual eateries, each dishing out their particular twists on grain bowls, salads, burritos, and other meals favored by hurried or budget-conscious diners.

Fast-casual menus tap into cuisines around the globe, such as the Indian flavors at Rasa or Spice 6 or the Mexican fare from Taco Bamba or Butterfly. Many of these restaurants also serve beer, wine, and cocktails making them as suitable for an on-the-go lunch as they are for a low-key dinner with friends. Meanwhile, wildly successful local companies such as Cava, Sweetgreen, &pizza, and Taylor Gourmet continue their respective paths to world domination while still keeping hometown fans well fed.

Here are 13 fast-casual restaurants redefining the D.C. dining scene.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Sound off in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

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Chicken + Whiskey

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Rotisserie chicken is the main attraction at this South American-style eatery, which also serves arepa sandwiches. The back of the restaurant houses a well-stocked whiskey bar for any post-meal drinks. It’s also a late-night dining spot along the busy 14th Street corridor; the kitchen is open until 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-2456
(202) 667-2456
Customers ordering food at Chicken + Whiskey.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Tiki Taco

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A mix of island-influenced dishes come together at area newcomer Tiki Taco in Dupont Circle. Featured fillings include jerk chicken, fish, and crispy sesame tofu; and each offering can also be turned into a taco salad. Customers can also dig into spicy or soy poke variations, or cool off with rotating flavors of Hawaiian shave ice.

2010 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 986-2121
(202) 986-2121
A trio of tacos at Tiki Taco.
Warren Rojas/Eater DC

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Shouk (Multiple locations)

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Vegan restaurant Shouk has expanded to a second location near Union Market. The menu features the same Israeli-inspired pitas and bowls as the original, featuring ingredients such as cauliflower, mushrooms, fennel, and chickpeas. Shouk also serves a popular veggie burger, and faux egg-filled  breakfast pita.

395 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 313-7671
(202) 313-7671
A vegetable-filled pita at Shouk.
Shouk/Facebook

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Falafel Inc

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This soon-to-be chain is one of the best fast-casual bets around, both in price and in its mission. A basic pita with falafel and vegetables at Falafel Inc. runs $3 with hummus an additional $1. The za’atar fries make a solid accompaniment, as do all the complimentary sauces on hand for dipping and topping. Each meal purchased goes towards helping feed refugees in need.

1210 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-4265
(202) 333-4265
Assorted offerings at Falafel Inc.
Eugina N./Yelp

Abunai Poke

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Food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant Abunai keeps its Hawaiian-style poke simple. Bowls begin with one or two proteins, such as tuna or salmon, before getting tossed with ingredients such as onion, garlic, cucumbers or Hawaiian sea asparagus. Complete the dish with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of toppings.

1920 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 838-9718
(202) 838-9718
Assorted offerings at Abunai Poke.
Ashley D./Yelp

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Taco Bamba (Multiple locations)

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Following years of growth in the surrounding suburbs, restaurateur Victor Albisu’s imaginative takes on Mexican taquerias can finally be enjoyed in D.C. proper. Order classic options like chicken tinga or al pastor, or get adventurous with proteins like kung pao shrimp or duck carnitas. The menu also includes nachos, tortas, beer, and specialty cocktails.

777 I St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-7377
(202) 289-7377
The boricua taco at Taco Bamba.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Farmbird

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Farmbird serves flavorful chicken enhanced by a range of spices and sauces. Spice fans can up the ante with roasted fresno chile sauce, while barbecue ranch and avocado basil cater to those who prefer milder accompaniments. Trays of meat are rounded out by a base of brown basmati rice (other grains are available) and sides like macaroni and cheese or roasted bok choy.

625 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 506-6778
(202) 506-6778
An adobo chicken sandwich at Farmbird.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Buredo (Multiple locations)

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Can’t decide between burritos and sushi? There’s no need to at Buredo. The local chain serves oversized rolls featuring everything from tempura shrimp and sashimi tuna to pulled pork and beef short ribs. Next up: opening in NoMa (111 K Street NE).

625 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 733-4411
(202) 733-4411
A salmon-filled roll at Buredo.
Buredo/Facebook

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Poke Papa

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Homegrown Poke Papa is not afraid to be creative with poke, providing diners with a wide range of ingredients to choose from. Build-your-own bowls come with two to four scoops of featured proteins — think: chicken larb and tofu — and the freedom to mix and match sauces, toppings, and garnishes. Poke Papa also has several preset combinations to make ordering easier.

806 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 393-7653
(202) 393-7653
A look at Poké Papa’s bowls.
Assorted offerings at Poke Papa.
Poke Papa/Facebook

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Spice 6 (Multiple locations)

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Local chain Spice 6 recently expanded to Penn Quarter. Its modern Indian menu offerings include naan pizzas, wrap, salads, rice bowl, dosas, and kebabs. Assorted chaat and desserts are also available.

3798, 740 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0508
(202) 847-0508
A dosa with assorted sauces at Spice 6.
Spice 6/Facebook

Thinkfoodlab

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Restaurateur José Andrés’ fast-casual dreams come to life at experimental Thinkfoodlab. The venue hosts rotating pop-ups from Andrés and his culinary team, acting as a proving ground for new ideas. It debuted with Spanish sandwich shop Pepe and currently features Butterfly, a taqueria and torta shop he’s installing at D.C. United’s new stadium.

701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
The shrimp torta at Butterfly.
Rey Lopez/Under a Bushel Photography

Badaro

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Prospective chain Badaro opened its first Lebanese restaurant in Arlington and plans to grow from there. Featured offerings include traditional shawarma, grilled kebabs, kefta, and falafel. Fill out an order with a side of spicy hummus or baba ganoush with pita or a fresh-squeezed juice.

933 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 348-7700
(703) 348-7700
Assorted offerings at Badaro.
Badaro/Facebook

Rasa

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Navy Yard newcomer Rasa gives Indian food a fast-casual makeover. Build-your-own bowls featuring a range of proteins and toppings – including everything from grilled lamb and marinated chicken to sweet potatoes and jackfruit – are complemented by add-ons including naan, mini samosas, and specialty cocktails.

1247 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 804-5678
(202) 804-5678
Assorted offerings at Rasa.
Rasa/Facebook

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Chicken + Whiskey

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Rotisserie chicken is the main attraction at this South American-style eatery, which also serves arepa sandwiches. The back of the restaurant houses a well-stocked whiskey bar for any post-meal drinks. It’s also a late-night dining spot along the busy 14th Street corridor; the kitchen is open until 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-2456
(202) 667-2456
Customers ordering food at Chicken + Whiskey.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Tiki Taco

2010 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036

A mix of island-influenced dishes come together at area newcomer Tiki Taco in Dupont Circle. Featured fillings include jerk chicken, fish, and crispy sesame tofu; and each offering can also be turned into a taco salad. Customers can also dig into spicy or soy poke variations, or cool off with rotating flavors of Hawaiian shave ice.

2010 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 986-2121
(202) 986-2121
A trio of tacos at Tiki Taco.
Warren Rojas/Eater DC

Shouk (Multiple locations)

395 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20001

Vegan restaurant Shouk has expanded to a second location near Union Market. The menu features the same Israeli-inspired pitas and bowls as the original, featuring ingredients such as cauliflower, mushrooms, fennel, and chickpeas. Shouk also serves a popular veggie burger, and faux egg-filled  breakfast pita.

395 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 313-7671
(202) 313-7671
A vegetable-filled pita at Shouk.
Shouk/Facebook

Falafel Inc

1210 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007

This soon-to-be chain is one of the best fast-casual bets around, both in price and in its mission. A basic pita with falafel and vegetables at Falafel Inc. runs $3 with hummus an additional $1. The za’atar fries make a solid accompaniment, as do all the complimentary sauces on hand for dipping and topping. Each meal purchased goes towards helping feed refugees in need.

1210 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-4265
(202) 333-4265
Assorted offerings at Falafel Inc.
Eugina N./Yelp

Abunai Poke

1920 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant Abunai keeps its Hawaiian-style poke simple. Bowls begin with one or two proteins, such as tuna or salmon, before getting tossed with ingredients such as onion, garlic, cucumbers or Hawaiian sea asparagus. Complete the dish with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of toppings.

1920 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 838-9718
(202) 838-9718
Assorted offerings at Abunai Poke.
Ashley D./Yelp

Taco Bamba (Multiple locations)

777 I St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

Following years of growth in the surrounding suburbs, restaurateur Victor Albisu’s imaginative takes on Mexican taquerias can finally be enjoyed in D.C. proper. Order classic options like chicken tinga or al pastor, or get adventurous with proteins like kung pao shrimp or duck carnitas. The menu also includes nachos, tortas, beer, and specialty cocktails.

777 I St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-7377
(202) 289-7377
The boricua taco at Taco Bamba.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Farmbird

625 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Farmbird serves flavorful chicken enhanced by a range of spices and sauces. Spice fans can up the ante with roasted fresno chile sauce, while barbecue ranch and avocado basil cater to those who prefer milder accompaniments. Trays of meat are rounded out by a base of brown basmati rice (other grains are available) and sides like macaroni and cheese or roasted bok choy.

625 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 506-6778
(202) 506-6778
An adobo chicken sandwich at Farmbird.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Buredo (Multiple locations)

625 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Can’t decide between burritos and sushi? There’s no need to at Buredo. The local chain serves oversized rolls featuring everything from tempura shrimp and sashimi tuna to pulled pork and beef short ribs. Next up: opening in NoMa (111 K Street NE).

625 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 733-4411
(202) 733-4411
A salmon-filled roll at Buredo.
Buredo/Facebook

Poke Papa

806 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Homegrown Poke Papa is not afraid to be creative with poke, providing diners with a wide range of ingredients to choose from. Build-your-own bowls come with two to four scoops of featured proteins — think: chicken larb and tofu — and the freedom to mix and match sauces, toppings, and garnishes. Poke Papa also has several preset combinations to make ordering easier.

806 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 393-7653
(202) 393-7653
A look at Poké Papa’s bowls.
Assorted offerings at Poke Papa.
Poke Papa/Facebook

Spice 6 (Multiple locations)

3798, 740 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Local chain Spice 6 recently expanded to Penn Quarter. Its modern Indian menu offerings include naan pizzas, wrap, salads, rice bowl, dosas, and kebabs. Assorted chaat and desserts are also available.

3798, 740 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0508
(202) 847-0508
A dosa with assorted sauces at Spice 6.
Spice 6/Facebook

Thinkfoodlab

701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Restaurateur José Andrés’ fast-casual dreams come to life at experimental Thinkfoodlab. The venue hosts rotating pop-ups from Andrés and his culinary team, acting as a proving ground for new ideas. It debuted with Spanish sandwich shop Pepe and currently features Butterfly, a taqueria and torta shop he’s installing at D.C. United’s new stadium.

701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
The shrimp torta at Butterfly.
Rey Lopez/Under a Bushel Photography

Badaro

933 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203

Prospective chain Badaro opened its first Lebanese restaurant in Arlington and plans to grow from there. Featured offerings include traditional shawarma, grilled kebabs, kefta, and falafel. Fill out an order with a side of spicy hummus or baba ganoush with pita or a fresh-squeezed juice.

933 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 348-7700
(703) 348-7700
Assorted offerings at Badaro.
Badaro/Facebook

Rasa

1247 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Navy Yard newcomer Rasa gives Indian food a fast-casual makeover. Build-your-own bowls featuring a range of proteins and toppings – including everything from grilled lamb and marinated chicken to sweet potatoes and jackfruit – are complemented by add-ons including naan, mini samosas, and specialty cocktails.

1247 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 804-5678
(202) 804-5678
Assorted offerings at Rasa.
Rasa/Facebook

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