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The light-filled dining area at Fox Loves Taco.
Fox Loves Taco/Facebook

Where to Eat and Drink in Brookland

Find everything from vegetarian tacos and locally made beers to Neapolitan pies

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The light-filled dining area at Fox Loves Taco.
| Fox Loves Taco/Facebook

This slice of Northeast continues to come into its own in terms of dining options. Though change has been less dramatic than in other parts of the city, Brookland residents are now able to pull up a chair at venerable diners, funky wine bars, Neapolitan pizzerias, and more.

And the growth spurt is far from over. New food hall Tastemakers is working on cultivating the next generation of restaurateurs. And health-focused Calabash is opening its second teahouse in the area soon.

The featured bars and restaurants are not ranked. They are arranged geographically from north to south.

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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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Craving restorative soups or cool refreshing beverages? This Vietnamese eatery prepares nearly two dozen protein-packed dishes (from meatballs and brisket on down to tripe and soft tendon) flanked by all the fixins (fresh basil, sliced jalapenos, juicy limes), assorted vermicelli dishes, and thirst-quenching bubble teas.

A bowl of herb-laced soup at Pho 12.
Pho 12 [Official photo]

Askale Cafe

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This Ethiopian restaurant covers all the greatest hits (doro wot, beef tibs, injera) during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those in search of a real eye-opener need look no further than their traditional coffee service, a by-request production featuring raw beans roasted on the spot.

An Ethiopian meal at Askale Cafe.
Askale Cafe/Facebook

Smith Public Trust

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The cozy, performance spacey-y yin to sibling Smith Commons’ glossy wood-paneled yang, Smith Public Trust invites everyone to just savor the moment. Beers are typically local — Atlas Brew Works and 3 Stars are well represented — the food eclectic (from pupusas with curtido to ginger miso ramen) and the vibe relaxed.

Assorted offerings at Smith Public Trust.
Smith Public Trust/Facebook

Murry & Paul's Restaurant

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A communal time capsule dating back to the Johnson administration, this old school diner keeps the rickety booths and wobbly stools filled by serving up home cooked eats. Pancake specials (accompanied by two eggs and choice of meat), custom omelettes (paired with home fries or grits and toast) and assorted sandwiches (everything from tuna salad to cheeseburger subs) provide a little something for everyone.

A breakfast plate at Murry & Paul’s.
Tracy N./Yelp

Fox Loves Taco

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This all-day taqueria from the founders of Chevy Chase cafe Little Red Fox features mostly vegetarian tacos (there is a pork-filled offering) laced with everything from smoked tofu and zesty cauliflower to poached eggs and pureed sweet potatoes. Java junkies can partake in free weekly coffee cuppings each Sunday.

Assorted offerings at Fox Loves Taco.
Fox Loves Taco/Facebook

Brookland Pint

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Like its sibling in Columbia Heights, Brookland Pint is all about craft brews and gourmet eats. Wash down specialty burgers — topped with the likes of caramelized onions, guacamole or cheddar rarebit sauce — and savory brunch options (curry tofu scramble, anyone?) with frosty pours from around the country.

A flight of beers at Brookland Pint.
Brookland Pint/Facebook

Busboys and Poets (Multiple locations)

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Community activism requires energy. Andy Shallal’s progressive hangout aims to fill that need with discounted food (50 percent off) — ranging from vegan “beef” sliders and sweet potato hash laced with kale to traditional mezze and shrimp cakes bolstered by Cajun cream sauce — weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Shrimp and grits at Busboys and Poets in Brookland.
Busboys and Poets/Facebook

Masala Story

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This family-run restaurant offers a variety of Indian food including assorted biryani (bolstered by vegetables, chicken, or lamb), vegetarian fare (stewed mushroom and peas; eggplant; zesty spinach and potato), and meat dishes (butter chicken, curry goat, ground lamb). It also boasts a lively bar scene, pouring locally produced brews alongside mango lassis and chai teas.

Customers dining at Masala Story.
Masala Story/Facebook

Brookland's Finest

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The lovechild of Pug owner Tony Tomeldon and Solly’s owner John Solomon, Brookland’s Finest dishes out comfort food with regional flair (think: pork roll-topped Benedicts, Baltimore-style pit beef sandwiches and Chesapeake Bay shrimp and grits.) Goods from local breweries flow from most of the taps and kiddies are welcome anytime.

Steak and bacon-wrapped shrimp at Brookland’s Finest.
Brookland’s Finest/Facebook

Primrose

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Hospitality vets Sebastian Zutant and Nathan Beauchamp are putting their stamp on French dining with this neighborhood wine bar. Zutant courts drink lovers with cult wines and classic cocktails, while Beauchamp spins out dishes ranging from pate and coq au vin to beefy “secret” burgers. Primrose recently added weekend lunch service to the mix.

Duck a l’orange and crepes at Primrose.
Primrose/Facebook

Menomalé

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Carb lovers never had it so good. Menomale’s wood-fired oven turns out authentic Neapolitan pies (scorched bottom, bubbly crust), artisan panuozzos (sandwiches wrapped in pizza dough) and ooey, gooey calzones. The bar follows suit with craft cocktails and handpicked brews that often wander into deliciously citrusy/sour/funky territory.

Assorted offerings at Menomale.
Menomale/Facebook

Pho 12

Craving restorative soups or cool refreshing beverages? This Vietnamese eatery prepares nearly two dozen protein-packed dishes (from meatballs and brisket on down to tripe and soft tendon) flanked by all the fixins (fresh basil, sliced jalapenos, juicy limes), assorted vermicelli dishes, and thirst-quenching bubble teas.

A bowl of herb-laced soup at Pho 12.
Pho 12 [Official photo]

Askale Cafe

This Ethiopian restaurant covers all the greatest hits (doro wot, beef tibs, injera) during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those in search of a real eye-opener need look no further than their traditional coffee service, a by-request production featuring raw beans roasted on the spot.

An Ethiopian meal at Askale Cafe.
Askale Cafe/Facebook

Smith Public Trust

The cozy, performance spacey-y yin to sibling Smith Commons’ glossy wood-paneled yang, Smith Public Trust invites everyone to just savor the moment. Beers are typically local — Atlas Brew Works and 3 Stars are well represented — the food eclectic (from pupusas with curtido to ginger miso ramen) and the vibe relaxed.

Assorted offerings at Smith Public Trust.
Smith Public Trust/Facebook

Murry & Paul's Restaurant

A communal time capsule dating back to the Johnson administration, this old school diner keeps the rickety booths and wobbly stools filled by serving up home cooked eats. Pancake specials (accompanied by two eggs and choice of meat), custom omelettes (paired with home fries or grits and toast) and assorted sandwiches (everything from tuna salad to cheeseburger subs) provide a little something for everyone.

A breakfast plate at Murry & Paul’s.
Tracy N./Yelp

Fox Loves Taco

This all-day taqueria from the founders of Chevy Chase cafe Little Red Fox features mostly vegetarian tacos (there is a pork-filled offering) laced with everything from smoked tofu and zesty cauliflower to poached eggs and pureed sweet potatoes. Java junkies can partake in free weekly coffee cuppings each Sunday.

Assorted offerings at Fox Loves Taco.
Fox Loves Taco/Facebook

Brookland Pint

Like its sibling in Columbia Heights, Brookland Pint is all about craft brews and gourmet eats. Wash down specialty burgers — topped with the likes of caramelized onions, guacamole or cheddar rarebit sauce — and savory brunch options (curry tofu scramble, anyone?) with frosty pours from around the country.

A flight of beers at Brookland Pint.
Brookland Pint/Facebook

Busboys and Poets (Multiple locations)

Community activism requires energy. Andy Shallal’s progressive hangout aims to fill that need with discounted food (50 percent off) — ranging from vegan “beef” sliders and sweet potato hash laced with kale to traditional mezze and shrimp cakes bolstered by Cajun cream sauce — weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Shrimp and grits at Busboys and Poets in Brookland.
Busboys and Poets/Facebook

Masala Story

This family-run restaurant offers a variety of Indian food including assorted biryani (bolstered by vegetables, chicken, or lamb), vegetarian fare (stewed mushroom and peas; eggplant; zesty spinach and potato), and meat dishes (butter chicken, curry goat, ground lamb). It also boasts a lively bar scene, pouring locally produced brews alongside mango lassis and chai teas.

Customers dining at Masala Story.
Masala Story/Facebook

Brookland's Finest

The lovechild of Pug owner Tony Tomeldon and Solly’s owner John Solomon, Brookland’s Finest dishes out comfort food with regional flair (think: pork roll-topped Benedicts, Baltimore-style pit beef sandwiches and Chesapeake Bay shrimp and grits.) Goods from local breweries flow from most of the taps and kiddies are welcome anytime.

Steak and bacon-wrapped shrimp at Brookland’s Finest.
Brookland’s Finest/Facebook

Primrose

Hospitality vets Sebastian Zutant and Nathan Beauchamp are putting their stamp on French dining with this neighborhood wine bar. Zutant courts drink lovers with cult wines and classic cocktails, while Beauchamp spins out dishes ranging from pate and coq au vin to beefy “secret” burgers. Primrose recently added weekend lunch service to the mix.

Duck a l’orange and crepes at Primrose.
Primrose/Facebook

Menomalé

Carb lovers never had it so good. Menomale’s wood-fired oven turns out authentic Neapolitan pies (scorched bottom, bubbly crust), artisan panuozzos (sandwiches wrapped in pizza dough) and ooey, gooey calzones. The bar follows suit with craft cocktails and handpicked brews that often wander into deliciously citrusy/sour/funky territory.

Assorted offerings at Menomale.
Menomale/Facebook

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