Eater writers and editors always get the same question. Friends, family, acquaintances, and randos all want to know, “Where should I eat right now?” That’s where the Eater Heatmap enters the conversation, pointing diners toward the most intriguing or otherwise buzzworthy new restaurants in the D.C. area. This list considers restaurants that have been open for six months or less. For our map of the D.C. area’s 38 essential restaurants, go here.
New to the map this month: St. James, for modern Caribbean fare on 14th Street NW; Boogy and Peel, for ‘Big Mac’ pizzas in Dupont; Taqueria Al Lado II, for top-tier tortillas off H Street; Rania, for a luxe Indian reboot in Penn Quarter; and Sura, for Bangkok street foods and cocktails in Dupont.
Leaving the list: Eko House, Mariscos 1133, Nighthawk, and Sticx
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