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A beef stir-fry dish at critically acclaimed Thip Khao.

Where to Eat and Drink in Columbia Heights and Mt. Pleasant

Find everything from tacos (so many) and funky vegetarian dishes to unbelievable Laotian and Filipino cuisine

by Jamie Liu Updated Jul 2, 2018, 11:35am EDT

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A beef stir-fry dish at critically acclaimed Thip Khao.

| Thip Khao/Facebook

by Jamie Liu Updated Jul 2, 2018, 11:35am EDT

Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant were both dramatically affected by the riots that raged across the nation's capital in 1968 following the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Many of the homes in the area became neglected over time, paving the way for immigrants from El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam to put down roots in the area.

New Columbia Heights blogger Andrew Wiseman, who has lived in the neighborhood for roughly a decade, notes, "The restaurant scene has really exploded since I moved here in 2007. It was at first mostly only a few chain places and a few (tasty) small spots that catered mostly to Latin Americans, clustered on 14th, Park and a bit on Georgia, but since then it's really blown up. To me it got moving after Wonderland [Ballroom], Red Rocks and Room 11 opened, and it's just grown since — The New York Times noticed it back in 2011, which to me says something. Now you've got all kinds of food and people still line up in the late afternoon to get into Bad Saint."

Both Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant remain some of the most ethnically diverse parts of the city, and that is reflected in the available cuisines. From Cuban to Dominican to Mexican to Vietnamese, there's a world of dining options to explore.

— Updated by Adele O’Donnell

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Little Coco's

For neighborhood Italian, Little Coco's is a little more ambitious than the usual red sauce joint. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes as well as deep fried and Neapolitan-style thin crust pizzas. There’s a new rooftop beach bar this summer too, dubbed “Coco Beach.”

3907 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

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Gourmet pizza at Little Coco’s.

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Lyman's Tavern

Pinball wizards can head to Lyman's Tavern to play games and grab a few drinks. Food offerings include hot dogs, sliders, various grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, and pupusas.

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

The bar at Lyman’s Tavern.

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Red Derby

This cash-only beer bar is a favorite neighborhood hangout with a selection of board games to enjoy as well as a much-loved roof deck. Fried foods like chicken tenders, fried mac and cheese, and onion rings are available to accompany the beers.

3718 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Canned beers, in branded coozies, at Red Derby.

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Taqueria Habanero

There are multiple taquerias in Columbia Heights, but Taqueria Habanero remains a neighborhood favorite. Freshly made flour tortillas and incendiary fresh hot sauces partner brilliantly with moist chicken and crisp carnitas. Don't miss the rotating agua frescas and top shelf tequilas and mezcals.

3710 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Taqueria habanero — Assorted offerings at Taqueria Habanero.

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Pho Viet

There are three pho restaurants to choose from in Columbia Heights, but Pho Viet is worth seeking out. It seems like everyone who eats there is a regular, or gets treated like one. Be sure to try the spicy lemongrass pho with an adjustable heat level for an extra fragrant pho.

Open in Google Maps

3513 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Thip Khao

Pioneering chef Seng Luangrath excited the residents of Columbia Heights and the District proper by announcing that she would be bringing a Laotian restaurant to the area (in addition to Bangkok Golden in Falls Church, Va.). Her arrival in D.C. ushered in a number of accolades, including a James Beard Foundation Award nomination. Go for the watercress salad with mango, tapioca balls, and larb, or be adventurous with the jungle menu.

3462 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

A curried soft shell crab creation at Thip Khao.

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Le Caprice

This bakery is beloved for its gourmet breads and pastries. Find regular, chocolate, and almond croissants as well as macarons and hearty breads. And be sure to head over for tiger bread, known to some as Dutch crunch, which features a rice flour paste on top that produces a crackly exterior.

3460 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Le Caprice

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The Good Silver

Looking for breakfast at a non-breakfast hour? The Good Silver, which replaced predecessor Kangaroo Boxing Club last year, now serves reuben hash, and egg and cheese sandwiches as well as burgers and cocktails on tap.

Open in Google Maps

2006, 3410 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

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Customers drinking at neighborhood bar the Good Silver.

Meridian Pint

This nearly decade-old neighborhood watering hole is one of the top beer bars in D.C., featuring a wide selection of specialty beers and hosting friendly tap takeovers. The menu also offers a good selection of vegan menu items making it easy for people with a variety of dietary preferences to find something appealing. Next up: expanding to Virginia with Dominion Pint.

3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

A flight of beers at Meridian Pint.

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Ellē

This bakery, bar, and restaurant from the team behind Bad Saint and Room 11 scored rave reviews since it opened this year. Try to score a table for artistic dishes like kimchi toast or marinated feta.

3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Visit Website

An artful dish at Elle.

Also featured in:

Taqueria Los Compadres

Though the taco joint has been through a few name changes, most recently Lezo's, one thing hasn't changed. Doña Rosa, who ran a clandestine "apartment taqueria", is still making the tacos, tortas, tamales, and rich stews served at this neighborhood standby.

Open in Google Maps

3213 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Mole chicken at Taqueria Los Compadres.

El Chucho

While there are plenty of good taco places in the neighborhood, the Mexican street-style corn with mayo and cheese, and frozen margaritas are what makes people return to El Chucho.

3313 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Assorted tacos at El Chucho.

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Room 11

Room 11 has a reputation for being a cozy neighborhood wine bar. But more than that it has a great outdoor patio where patrons camp out all year-round with seasonally inspired drinks and over-the-top baked goods. There’s also meaty charcuterie plates, vegan risottos, and more.

3234 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Bar staff mixing a drink at Room 11.

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Mi Cuba Cafe

Mi Cuba has been open in Columbia Heights over a decade. Owners Ariel Valladares and Jacqueline Castro-Lopez serve Cubano sandwiches, papas rellenos, ropa vieja, and vaca frita. Find sides of fried green and sweet plantains as well as yuca. Stop by at breakfast for Cubana toast and cafe bombon — espresso with condensed milk.

1424 Park Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Caribbean cuisine at Mi Cuba.

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Bad Saint

Stellar reviews and limited seating mean lines form as early as 3:30 p.m. (it opens at 5:30 p.m.) at this neighborhood gem. Its sophisticated approach to Filipino food elevates a cuisine that has captured the attention of local diners.

3326 11th St NW, Washington, D.C.

Visit Website

Soft shell crab ukoy at Bad Saint.

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Letena

Need tibs, kitfo, doro wat and other Ethiopian favorites? Letena has many varieties incorporating various meats, as well as plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. More than that they focus on brewing Ethiopian coffee roasted by Counter Culture Coffee, and host an Ethiopian coffee ceremony on Sundays.

Open in Google Maps

3100 14th St NW Ste 121, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Letena

Beau Thai (Multiple locations)

Beau Thai offers great Thai food during the week, including standard noodle dishes and curries. The weekend brunch offers diners the opportunity to try some traditional dishes not typically found on most Thai menus, such as kanom krok, savory fried bananas, and Thai doughnuts.

Open in Google Maps

3162 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Wonderland Ballroom

Wonderland Ballroom is a Columbia Heights mainstay, where it has been for over a decade. The bar is known for its trivia nights, dance nights, bottomless mimosas at brunch, and plethora of vegetarian options.

1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

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Customers having brunch on Wonderland Ballroom’s patio.

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Raven Grill

The Raven has built up a reputation as one of the few "true" dive bars in D.C. with its jukebox, cash-only policies, and offering only bags of chips to fill patrons' bellies. But that means getting to pick up food from any of the nearby Latin, Caribbean or Asian restaurants.

3125 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

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The venerable Raven Grill.

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Haydee's (Multiple locations)

Haydee's is a fixture for those in the neighborhood, rather than a destination spot. But it's beloved for its pupusas, fajitas, margaritas, and karaoke night.

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3102 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

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Haydee’s — A hearty dish at Haydee’s.

Bar Roubaix

Cyclists have a new hangout in Bar Roubaix, a sporty spot from nightlife vets Ian and Eric Hilton that opened in Columbia Heights at the end of 2017. Find bike tire chandeliers, a bike maintenance station, a pool table, and even a cycling arcade simulation game inside.

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1400 Irving St NW #109, Washington, DC 20010

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Customers seated on the patio at Bar Roubaix.

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Little Coco's

3907 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

For neighborhood Italian, Little Coco's is a little more ambitious than the usual red sauce joint. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes as well as deep fried and Neapolitan-style thin crust pizzas. There’s a new rooftop beach bar this summer too, dubbed “Coco Beach.”

3907 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

Visit Website

Gourmet pizza at Little Coco’s.

Lyman's Tavern

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Pinball wizards can head to Lyman's Tavern to play games and grab a few drinks. Food offerings include hot dogs, sliders, various grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, and pupusas.

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

The bar at Lyman’s Tavern.

Red Derby

3718 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

This cash-only beer bar is a favorite neighborhood hangout with a selection of board games to enjoy as well as a much-loved roof deck. Fried foods like chicken tenders, fried mac and cheese, and onion rings are available to accompany the beers.

3718 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Canned beers, in branded coozies, at Red Derby.

Taqueria Habanero

3710 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

There are multiple taquerias in Columbia Heights, but Taqueria Habanero remains a neighborhood favorite. Freshly made flour tortillas and incendiary fresh hot sauces partner brilliantly with moist chicken and crisp carnitas. Don't miss the rotating agua frescas and top shelf tequilas and mezcals.

3710 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Taqueria habanero — Assorted offerings at Taqueria Habanero.

Pho Viet

3513 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

There are three pho restaurants to choose from in Columbia Heights, but Pho Viet is worth seeking out. It seems like everyone who eats there is a regular, or gets treated like one. Be sure to try the spicy lemongrass pho with an adjustable heat level for an extra fragrant pho.

Open in Google Maps

3513 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Thip Khao

3462 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Pioneering chef Seng Luangrath excited the residents of Columbia Heights and the District proper by announcing that she would be bringing a Laotian restaurant to the area (in addition to Bangkok Golden in Falls Church, Va.). Her arrival in D.C. ushered in a number of accolades, including a James Beard Foundation Award nomination. Go for the watercress salad with mango, tapioca balls, and larb, or be adventurous with the jungle menu.

3462 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

A curried soft shell crab creation at Thip Khao.

Le Caprice

3460 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

This bakery is beloved for its gourmet breads and pastries. Find regular, chocolate, and almond croissants as well as macarons and hearty breads. And be sure to head over for tiger bread, known to some as Dutch crunch, which features a rice flour paste on top that produces a crackly exterior.

3460 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Le Caprice

The Good Silver

2006, 3410 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Looking for breakfast at a non-breakfast hour? The Good Silver, which replaced predecessor Kangaroo Boxing Club last year, now serves reuben hash, and egg and cheese sandwiches as well as burgers and cocktails on tap.

Open in Google Maps

2006, 3410 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Visit Website

Customers drinking at neighborhood bar the Good Silver.

Meridian Pint

3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

This nearly decade-old neighborhood watering hole is one of the top beer bars in D.C., featuring a wide selection of specialty beers and hosting friendly tap takeovers. The menu also offers a good selection of vegan menu items making it easy for people with a variety of dietary preferences to find something appealing. Next up: expanding to Virginia with Dominion Pint.

3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

A flight of beers at Meridian Pint.

Ellē

3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

This bakery, bar, and restaurant from the team behind Bad Saint and Room 11 scored rave reviews since it opened this year. Try to score a table for artistic dishes like kimchi toast or marinated feta.

3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Visit Website

An artful dish at Elle.

Taqueria Los Compadres

3213 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Though the taco joint has been through a few name changes, most recently Lezo's, one thing hasn't changed. Doña Rosa, who ran a clandestine "apartment taqueria", is still making the tacos, tortas, tamales, and rich stews served at this neighborhood standby.

Open in Google Maps

3213 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Mole chicken at Taqueria Los Compadres.

El Chucho

3313 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

While there are plenty of good taco places in the neighborhood, the Mexican street-style corn with mayo and cheese, and frozen margaritas are what makes people return to El Chucho.

3313 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Assorted tacos at El Chucho.

Room 11

3234 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Room 11 has a reputation for being a cozy neighborhood wine bar. But more than that it has a great outdoor patio where patrons camp out all year-round with seasonally inspired drinks and over-the-top baked goods. There’s also meaty charcuterie plates, vegan risottos, and more.

3234 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Bar staff mixing a drink at Room 11.

Mi Cuba Cafe

1424 Park Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Mi Cuba has been open in Columbia Heights over a decade. Owners Ariel Valladares and Jacqueline Castro-Lopez serve Cubano sandwiches, papas rellenos, ropa vieja, and vaca frita. Find sides of fried green and sweet plantains as well as yuca. Stop by at breakfast for Cubana toast and cafe bombon — espresso with condensed milk.

1424 Park Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Caribbean cuisine at Mi Cuba.

Bad Saint

3326 11th St NW, Washington, D.C.

Stellar reviews and limited seating mean lines form as early as 3:30 p.m. (it opens at 5:30 p.m.) at this neighborhood gem. Its sophisticated approach to Filipino food elevates a cuisine that has captured the attention of local diners.

3326 11th St NW, Washington, D.C.

Visit Website

Soft shell crab ukoy at Bad Saint.

Related Maps

Letena

3100 14th St NW Ste 121, Washington, D.C. 20010

Need tibs, kitfo, doro wat and other Ethiopian favorites? Letena has many varieties incorporating various meats, as well as plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. More than that they focus on brewing Ethiopian coffee roasted by Counter Culture Coffee, and host an Ethiopian coffee ceremony on Sundays.

Open in Google Maps

3100 14th St NW Ste 121, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Letena

Beau Thai (Multiple locations)

3162 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Beau Thai offers great Thai food during the week, including standard noodle dishes and curries. The weekend brunch offers diners the opportunity to try some traditional dishes not typically found on most Thai menus, such as kanom krok, savory fried bananas, and Thai doughnuts.

Open in Google Maps

3162 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

Wonderland Ballroom

1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Wonderland Ballroom is a Columbia Heights mainstay, where it has been for over a decade. The bar is known for its trivia nights, dance nights, bottomless mimosas at brunch, and plethora of vegetarian options.

1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website