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The facade at Chercher on Ninth Street NW

Where to Eat and Drink in Shaw

One of D.C.’s top dining neighborhoods, Shaw boasts options for French, Ethiopian, pizza, and so much more

by Tierney Plumb and Tim Ebner Updated Aug 8, 2023, 9:14am EDT

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The facade at Chercher on Ninth Street NW

| Rey Lopez/Eater DC

by Tierney Plumb and Tim Ebner Updated Aug 8, 2023, 9:14am EDT

A surge of high-rise apartments, retail, and hotel developments in recent years have added to the hustle and bustle of Shaw, the historic Northwest neighborhood that lures locals, visitors, and nearby students from Howard University.

Anchored by longstanding Ethiopian establishments along 9th Street NW, the booming area is now home to a steady stream of reliable bars, Michelin-rated restaurants, and live music venues like 9:30 Club and its new Atlantis sibling.

Here are 21 places to dine and drink in Shaw.

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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.

Capo Italian Deli

The home of the original Fauci Pouchy is also famous for its Italian combo subs absolutely stuffed with sliced meats and a high-energy speakeasy hidden past a refrigerator door that draws scene-y crowds on weekends. A Western Market food hall stall joins a Northern Virginia location in Tysons Corner.

715A Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Gogi Yogi

One of the only Korean barbecue joints with tabletop grilling in D.C., Gogi Yogi stands out with unconventional meats like New Zealand lamb and spicy baby octopus. Try the “hangover soup,” traditionally called muguk, with turnips, scallions, and ribeye beef.

1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, DC 20001

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Quattro Osteria

Tucked past 18th-century double doors, Shaw’s stylish staple that turns two in August resembles a chic sidewalk cafe in Italy. Standout pasta dishes include duck ravioli; pappardelle with a meaty ragu of beef short ribs, pork collar, and Italian sausage; black truffle-topped gnocchi; and decadent lobster linguine. The a la carte menu is joined by multi-course tasting options. Co-owner Louie Hankins also runs El Techo, a tropical rooftop perch next door slinging spicy margs and tacos.

600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

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A post shared by Quattro Osteria (@quattroosteriadc)

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Where to Find Top-Notch Pasta Around D.C.

600 T St NW

This unassuming, underground cocktail lair that started out as a word-of-mouth destination in 2017 has risen as a reliable date-night destination for well thought-out cocktails and live jazz on Thursday nights. Drinks carry simplistic names like “Mezcal,” which adds passion fruit, carrots, sage, citrus, and ancho chili to the agave spirit. A cozy interior framed with fireplaces and a lived-in look joins a newer back patio full of polished wood and colorful graffiti.

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600 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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The Royal

This neighborhood cafe and bar has a wood-burning grill and a Latin-leaning menu that offers empanadas, arepas, and huevos rancheros throughout the day. Don’t skip the guava pastries.

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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The coffee bar at the Royal

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Doro Soul Food

For his sophomore project in D.C., Eater DC’s 2021 Chef of the Year Elias Taddesse remixes American soul food with East African spices at a tiny new carryout counter. The anticipated follow-up to the Ethiopian chef’s acclaimed burger bar Mélange swings open with fiery pieces of fried or char-grilled chicken, black cumin cornbread, doro wat-spiced macaroni and cheese, and turmeric-tinged coleslaw, mashed potatoes drizzled with timiz peppercorn gravy, and collard greens braised with smoked turkey and Ethiopian spices. Open for takeout and delivery at 11:30 a.m. (closed Mondays).

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1819 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Also featured in:

The 38 Essential Restaurants Around D.C.

Electric Cool-Aid

This outdoor bar and parking spot for a rotating group of food trucks opened in the gravel lot that used to house the Mr. P’s Ribs and Fish bus. The QR code-enabled menu features spiked slushees and craft beers alongside canned wine, seltzer, and cocktails like a strawberry-topped pina colada Miami Vice.

512 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A can of sparkling frose from Electric Cool-Aid

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Dacha Beer Garden

Even without stepping foot in the place, Dacha Beer Garden feels familiar, thanks to an iconic mural of Elizabeth Taylor painted alongside the building. Just as memorable on the inside, the beer garden features pours from near (the District) and far (Belgium and Germany). German fare includes traditional schnitzel and big pretzels, with Bullfrog bagels and avocado toast during weekend brunch. A “puppy provisions” menu caters to its devoted dog clientele with drinkable beers and treats.

1600 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Customers at beer garden Dacha leave every other table empty

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Zeppelin

In the mood for some late-night karaoke and sushi? Zeppelin is the spot to belt a tune and take down tuna rolls. The downstairs bar, equipped with highball machines, is also a quieter respite for cocktail lovers. The owners also operate busy ramen bar Chaplin’s around the corner.

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Zeppelin sushi

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Ivy and Coney

This upstairs dive bar is a home away from home for Midwesterners, welcoming in people with Chicago and Detroit ties for baseball games and Jeppson’s Malört shots. Regulars return for cheap beers and hot dog deals, which can be loaded up Chicago- or Coney-style. Don’t sleep on the Detroit-style pizza, either.

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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ivy-and-coney-bar

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Oyster Oyster

Chef Rob Rubba puts vegetables on a pedestal, so Oyster Oyster’s presence in Shaw is somewhat ideal for diners who don’t eat meat but still want to enjoy an avant-garde tasting menu with a Michelin star. Crowned best chef in America at the 2023 James Beard Awards, Rubba prioritizes sustainability with a dedication to sourcing from hyperlocal farms and mills. A $60 selected wine pairing goes with a $95 meal. Reservations are available here. For a more accessible taste, head to its new walk-in garage bar next door for oysters, natural wines, and square-shaped pies topped with peak produce.

1440 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Also featured in:

Convivial

Chef Cedric Maupillier’s French cafe started out as a modern American interpretation of Gallic cuisine, but in the past year it has reverted to a more traditional country approach. That means customers will find steamed leeks in mustard vinaigrette, escargot, cassoulet, bouillabaisse, and gruyere omelets for dinner. Brunch includes almond croissants, hefty cinnamon buns, and pancakes with maple creme fraiche and speculoos cookie crumble.

801 O St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Rabbit terrine from Convivial

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Maxwell Park (Multiple locations)

This cozy, casual wine bar features more than 50 options by the glass. Each month a different irreverent theme highlights various regions and styles.

1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Nina May

Chef and co-owner Colin McClimans opened Nina May just before the pandemic, introducing a stretch of 11th Street NW to an eclectic American menu that prioritizes Chesapeake-area products. An ambitious dinner menu and a busy brunch is available in its cute cottage-style interior, streetside patio, and rooftop deck.

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Nina May chef-owner Colin McClimans stirs a pot

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Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

This rowhouse hideaway for Ethiopian food boasts a Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin that speaks to standout vegetarian platters and owner Alemayehu “Alex” Abebe’s discerning standards for beef.

1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The facade at Chercher on Ninth Street NW

Also featured in:

16 D.C. Restaurants That Serve Warming, Cozy Dishes for a Cold Winter Night

All-Purpose (Multiple locations)

The name might sound a bit generic, but a menu that includes shareable crocks of baked eggplant Parm, garlic knots in a Parmesan fonduta sauce, and Jersey-style pizzas drizzled in Calabrian chile honey make up for it. Splurge on extra dipping sauces like feta ranch, and wash it all down with an Aperol spritz.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Tom’s first bite review of All-Purpose for June 1

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TallBoy

As advertised, this small neighborhood bar serves a selection of tallboy beers alongside a short menu of wings and Mexican fare. Happy hour featuring $3 tacos, $4 beers, and $6 margs runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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TallBoy wings — Bone-in (or boneless) wings come slathered in all sorts of sauces and dry rubs.

Also featured in:

Tiger Fork

Blagden Alley’s stylish ode to Hong Kong nightlife just tapped Simon Lam as its new executive chef. The Chang Chang alum sends out creative dishes like a vegan miso Caesar, crispy fish buns, and ever-changing “This Week from the Kitchen” specials. Think: a bluefin tuna crudo collab with next-door neighbor Carlos Delgado, who ages whole tuna, and Lam takes the loin and belly to combine akami and chu toro in the dish.

922 N St. NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Grandma’s shrimp and pork dumplings featuring a spicy numbing garlicky tobanjan and pickled seasonal vegetables to tame the heat.

Also featured in:

Eighteenth Street Lounge

The legendary Dupont Circle nightclub that closed during the pandemic after 25 years in business reopened in a new Northwest neighborhood last fall. Lovingly known as “ESL” by regulars, owner Farid Nouri’s two-level, 5,000-square-foot comeback in Shaw is about half the size of the dearly missed original. Similarities include an airy rooftop deck, full-service bars on each level, and the ability to host multiple live acts at once. Many of the same resident DJs and eclectic jazz, funk, reggae and Latin acts are back, too.

Open in Google Maps

1230 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

18 Espresso Martinis to Try in D.C. Right Now

Causa/ Amazonia

Causa named for Peru’s iconic national dish, sailed into Blagden Alley last summer with an ambitious, prix-fixe format that aims to capture the bounty of the South American country in one sitting. The anticipated fine-dining venture trailed Amazonia, its color-soaked, more casual upstairs counterpart with one of the biggest pisco collections around. At Causa, six-course menus ($85) send diners on a seafaring voyage along the Peruvian coastline and into the Andes Mountains. The intimate space with just 22 seats lends itself to an immersive, personalized experience led by Peruvian-born chef and co-owner Carlos Delgado.

920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The 38 Essential Restaurants Around D.C.

The Dabney

James Beard Award-wining chef Jeremiah Langhorne remains committed to the Shaw neighborhood with a Michelin-starred restaurant that deploys an open-hearth, wood-fired grill to showcase the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic region. The menu changes frequently, but a side order of cornbread is a must. The team expanded in Shaw this spring with the opening of all-day French cafe and bistro Petite Cerise.

122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The Dabney

Also featured in:

Unconventional Diner

Mom’s meatloaf may have just met its match. As the restaurant’s name implies, Unconventional Diner dishes out homey staples with a dose of haute cuisine, like Sriracha-glazed slices of ground meat served with mashed potatoes in a morel gravy. Brunch is also served daily until 3:45 p.m. French chef David Deshaies got his start cooking American comfort food at Central.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A meatloaf dinner with all the fixings from Unconventional Diner

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Capo Italian Deli

715A Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

The home of the original Fauci Pouchy is also famous for its Italian combo subs absolutely stuffed with sliced meats and a high-energy speakeasy hidden past a refrigerator door that draws scene-y crowds on weekends. A Western Market food hall stall joins a Northern Virginia location in Tysons Corner.

715A Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Capo Deli (@capoitaliandeli)

Gogi Yogi

1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, DC 20001

One of the only Korean barbecue joints with tabletop grilling in D.C., Gogi Yogi stands out with unconventional meats like New Zealand lamb and spicy baby octopus. Try the “hangover soup,” traditionally called muguk, with turnips, scallions, and ribeye beef.

1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Quattro Osteria

600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Tucked past 18th-century double doors, Shaw’s stylish staple that turns two in August resembles a chic sidewalk cafe in Italy. Standout pasta dishes include duck ravioli; pappardelle with a meaty ragu of beef short ribs, pork collar, and Italian sausage; black truffle-topped gnocchi; and decadent lobster linguine. The a la carte menu is joined by multi-course tasting options. Co-owner Louie Hankins also runs El Techo, a tropical rooftop perch next door slinging spicy margs and tacos.

600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quattro Osteria (@quattroosteriadc)

600 T St NW

600 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This unassuming, underground cocktail lair that started out as a word-of-mouth destination in 2017 has risen as a reliable date-night destination for well thought-out cocktails and live jazz on Thursday nights. Drinks carry simplistic names like “Mezcal,” which adds passion fruit, carrots, sage, citrus, and ancho chili to the agave spirit. A cozy interior framed with fireplaces and a lived-in look joins a newer back patio full of polished wood and colorful graffiti.

Open in Google Maps

600 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 600 T (@600tcocktails)

The Royal

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

This neighborhood cafe and bar has a wood-burning grill and a Latin-leaning menu that offers empanadas, arepas, and huevos rancheros throughout the day. Don’t skip the guava pastries.

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

The coffee bar at the Royal

Doro Soul Food

1819 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

For his sophomore project in D.C., Eater DC’s 2021 Chef of the Year Elias Taddesse remixes American soul food with East African spices at a tiny new carryout counter. The anticipated follow-up to the Ethiopian chef’s acclaimed burger bar Mélange swings open with fiery pieces of fried or char-grilled chicken, black cumin cornbread, doro wat-spiced macaroni and cheese, and turmeric-tinged coleslaw, mashed potatoes drizzled with timiz peppercorn gravy, and collard greens braised with smoked turkey and Ethiopian spices. Open for takeout and delivery at 11:30 a.m. (closed Mondays).

Open in Google Maps

1819 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Electric Cool-Aid

512 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

This outdoor bar and parking spot for a rotating group of food trucks opened in the gravel lot that used to house the Mr. P’s Ribs and Fish bus. The QR code-enabled menu features spiked slushees and craft beers alongside canned wine, seltzer, and cocktails like a strawberry-topped pina colada Miami Vice.

512 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A can of sparkling frose from Electric Cool-Aid

Dacha Beer Garden

1600 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Even without stepping foot in the place, Dacha Beer Garden feels familiar, thanks to an iconic mural of Elizabeth Taylor painted alongside the building. Just as memorable on the inside, the beer garden features pours from near (the District) and far (Belgium and Germany). German fare includes traditional schnitzel and big pretzels, with Bullfrog bagels and avocado toast during weekend brunch. A “puppy provisions” menu caters to its devoted dog clientele with drinkable beers and treats.

1600 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Customers at beer garden Dacha leave every other table empty

Zeppelin

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

In the mood for some late-night karaoke and sushi? Zeppelin is the spot to belt a tune and take down tuna rolls. The downstairs bar, equipped with highball machines, is also a quieter respite for cocktail lovers. The owners also operate busy ramen bar Chaplin’s around the corner.

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Zeppelin sushi

Ivy and Coney

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This upstairs dive bar is a home away from home for Midwesterners, welcoming in people with Chicago and Detroit ties for baseball games and Jeppson’s Malört shots. Regulars return for cheap beers and hot dog deals, which can be loaded up Chicago- or Coney-style. Don’t sleep on the Detroit-style pizza, either.

1537 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

ivy-and-coney-bar

Oyster Oyster

1440 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Chef Rob Rubba puts vegetables on a pedestal, so Oyster Oyster’s presence in Shaw is somewhat ideal for diners who don’t eat meat but still want to enjoy an avant-garde tasting menu with a Michelin star. Crowned best chef in America at the 2023 James Beard Awards, Rubba prioritizes sustainability with a dedication to sourcing from hyperlocal farms and mills. A $60 selected wine pairing goes with a $95 meal. Reservations are available here. For a more accessible taste, head to its new walk-in garage bar next door for oysters, natural wines, and square-shaped pies topped with peak produce.

1440 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Convivial

801 O St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Chef Cedric Maupillier’s French cafe started out as a modern American interpretation of Gallic cuisine, but in the past year it has reverted to a more traditional country approach. That means customers will find steamed leeks in mustard vinaigrette, escargot, cassoulet, bouillabaisse, and gruyere omelets for dinner. Brunch includes almond croissants, hefty cinnamon buns, and pancakes with maple creme fraiche and speculoos cookie crumble.

801 O St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Rabbit terrine from Convivial

Maxwell Park (Multiple locations)

1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This cozy, casual wine bar features more than 50 options by the glass. Each month a different irreverent theme highlights various regions and styles.

1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Nina May

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Chef and co-owner Colin McClimans opened Nina May just before the pandemic, introducing a stretch of 11th Street NW to an eclectic American menu that prioritizes Chesapeake-area products. An ambitious dinner menu and a busy brunch is available in its cute cottage-style interior, streetside patio, and rooftop deck.

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Nina May chef-owner Colin McClimans stirs a pot

Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This rowhouse hideaway for Ethiopian food boasts a Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin that speaks to standout vegetarian platters and owner Alemayehu “Alex” Abebe’s discerning standards for beef.

1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The facade at Chercher on Ninth Street NW

Related Maps

All-Purpose (Multiple locations)

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

The name might sound a bit generic, but a menu that includes shareable crocks of baked eggplant Parm, garlic knots in a Parmesan fonduta sauce, and Jersey-style pizzas drizzled in Calabrian chile honey make up for it. Splurge on extra dipping sauces like feta ranch, and wash it all down with an Aperol spritz.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Tom’s first bite review of All-Purpose for June 1

TallBoy

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

As advertised, this small neighborhood bar serves a selection of tallboy beers alongside a short menu of wings and Mexican fare. Happy hour featuring $3 tacos, $4 beers, and $6 margs runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

TallBoy wings — Bone-in (or boneless) wings come slathered in all sorts of sauces and dry rubs.

Tiger Fork

922 N St. NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Blagden Alley’s stylish ode to Hong Kong nightlife just tapped Simon Lam as its new executive chef. The Chang Chang alum sends out creative dishes like a vegan miso Caesar, crispy fish buns, and ever-changing “This Week from the Kitchen” specials. Think: a bluefin tuna crudo collab with next-door neighbor Carlos Delgado, who ages whole tuna, and Lam takes the loin and belly to combine akami and chu toro in the dish.

922 N St. NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Grandma’s shrimp and pork dumplings featuring a spicy numbing garlicky tobanjan and pickled seasonal vegetables to tame the heat.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

1230 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The legendary Dupont Circle nightclub that closed during the pandemic after 25 years in business reopened in a new Northwest neighborhood last fall. Lovingly known as “ESL” by regulars, owner Farid Nouri’s two-level, 5,000-square-foot comeback in Shaw is about half the size of the dearly missed original. Similarities include an airy rooftop deck, full-service bars on each level, and the ability to host multiple live acts at once. Many of the same resident DJs and eclectic jazz, funk, reggae and Latin acts are back, too.

Open in Google Maps

1230 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Causa/ Amazonia

920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Causa named for Peru’s iconic national dish, sailed into Blagden Alley last summer with an ambitious, prix-fixe format that aims to capture the bounty of the South American country in one sitting. The anticipated fine-dining venture trailed Amazonia, its color-soaked, more casual upstairs counterpart with one of the biggest pisco collections around. At Causa, six-course menus ($85) send diners on a seafaring voyage along the Peruvian coastline and into the Andes Mountains. The intimate space with just 22 seats lends itself to an immersive, personalized experience led by Peruvian-born chef and co-owner Carlos Delgado.

920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The Dabney

122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

James Beard Award-wining chef Jeremiah Langhorne remains committed to the Shaw neighborhood with a Michelin-starred restaurant that deploys an open-hearth, wood-fired grill to showcase the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic region. The menu changes frequently, but a side order of cornbread is a must. The team expanded in Shaw this spring with the opening of all-day French cafe and bistro Petite Cerise.

122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The Dabney

Unconventional Diner

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Mom’s meatloaf may have just met its match. As the restaurant’s name implies, Unconventional Diner dishes out homey staples with a dose of haute cuisine, like Sriracha-glazed slices of ground meat served with mashed potatoes in a morel gravy. Brunch is also served daily until 3:45 p.m. French chef David Deshaies got his start cooking American comfort food at Central.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A meatloaf dinner with all the fixings from Unconventional Diner

Related Maps