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Quesadillas from Cielo Rojo
Quesadillas from Cielo Rojo
The Washington Post via Getty Images

Where to Eat and Drink in Takoma Park

Keeping things local is crucial

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Quesadillas from Cielo Rojo
| The Washington Post via Getty Images

Nowhere in the greater D.C. area cares about local more than Takoma Park, Maryland. The town’s status as an early haven for Seventh-day adventists, its reputation for eco-friendly activism, and its status as a desirable landing spot for young families makes it destination for vegetarians. The same strong community has kept most chain restaurants from moving into the main drag.

Some folks in the know go so far as to call Takoma Park the “Berkeley of the East Coast.” With its mom-and-pop restaurants, co-op grocery, and free citywide composting, it has a funky, eclectic flair. There aren’t a ton of restaurants in this tiny town, but classics like Mark’s Kitchen and newcomers like Cielo Rojo and the Girl and the Vine have made a name for themselves.

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Seoul Food D.C.

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With a host of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, Seoul Food serves Korean flavors while catering to nearly every dietary restriction. Dumplings, bibimbap bowls, and Korean tacos are on the menu. All can be paired with Charm City mead, ciders, and beers. The well-decorated space is just as Insta-worthy as the food.

The front door at Seoul Food in Takoma Park
The front door at Seoul Food in Takoma Park
Seoul Food [official]

Spring Mill Bread Company

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This local chain has five locations in the area and one in Pennsylvania. From challah to toasted onion dill bread, they have a huge variety of some of the best loaves in the city. Stop in for a sandwich — the black bean patty is delicious — and take home a loaf for later. There are also sweets galore.

The Girl and The Vine

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The Girl and the Vine took over the old Capital City Cheesecake space, transforming it to a retail wine venue that features more than 100 organic wines and small production craft beers. They have menus for breakfast and brunch but serve sandwiches, salads, and snacks until 10 p.m. Like many other venues in Takoma Park that strive to bring the community together, The Girl and the Vine hosts weekly wine and beer tastings.

Girl & the Vine cafe
The bar and cafe at the Girl & the Cine
Albert Ting/For Eater D.C.

Cielo Rojo Restaurant

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Opened in January 2018, this counter-service Mexican restaurant quickly established itself as one of the top taquerias in the D.C. area. Husband-and-wife owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless make marble-colored tortillas from heirloom Mexican corn. Perez’s beer-braised carnitas go great in tacos or quesadillas. Vegetarian options span from a farmers market salad to nopales (cactus paddles) and drunken mushrooms. There are several mezcals on the shelf and plenty of wines from Chile and Mexico. —Gabe Hiatt

Roscoe's Neapolitan Pizzeria

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Roscoe’s saves Neapolitan lovers in this neck of the woods a trip to D.C. standard-bearers like 2 Amys. The family-friendly menu includes pizzas, crostinis, paninis, salad, and the house specialty: tiramisu. —Rebecca Gale

The facade at Roscoe’s
The facade at Roscoe’s
Roscoe’s [official]

Mark's Kitchen

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This Korean-American diner has something for everyone. From standard breakfast fare — pancakes, eggs and bacon — to Korean home cooking including jap chae noodles, kimchi, and the famous mung bean pancakes. An extensive juice list caters to the health food crowd.

Soupergirl

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Soupergirl, also known as Sara Polon, has been preparing gourmet soups in the D.C. area since 2008, and Takoma Park is her first brick-and-mortar location with in-house seating. Commuters who can’t make it into this particular store are welcome to order online and pick up requested items at the Dupont Circle location. Popular soups include the Indian-style mulligatawny, and the summer beet-, watermelon- and tomato gazpacho. —Rebecca Gale

Trattoria da Lina

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This kid-friendly Italian restaurant has roots in the old country. Owner Marcello Minna’s mother ran the first Trattoria da Lina in Puglia, Italy, but closed it when he moved to America to study. He opened in Takoma Park in 2017.

Republic

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Black Restaurant Group (Blacksalt, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace) brought Takoma Park a local-sourcing restaurant with an interior that’s just as eclectic as the town itself. The menu skews a little crunchy, but it’s not all vegetarian. Regulars love the Smith Meadows Farm burger and the Maryland rockfish. The chorizo is also a favorite. Republic does it’s part to aid in community togetherness, hosting paint nights on Tuesdays and open mic on Sunday.

The entrance to Republic.
The entrance to Republic.
Rey Lopez for Eater DC

This neighborhood Thai and sushi spot shines with signature rolls and a la carte nigiri options like tamago, unagi, and hamachi. It also offers free delivery.

Takoma Beverage Co.

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Great for groups or intimate coffee dates, Takoma Beverage has a full coffee menu, bakery, and options for entrees. There are comfy couches to lounge on or tables open for a work session. Don’t be surprised if there are toddlers crawling under the tables while their parents lunch or dogs tied up out front while owners grab an iced coffee. The loaded avocado toast is a favorite, as is the pain au chocolat.

The main counter at Takoma Beverage Co.
Photo by Sasha Lezhnev

Seoul Food D.C.

With a host of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, Seoul Food serves Korean flavors while catering to nearly every dietary restriction. Dumplings, bibimbap bowls, and Korean tacos are on the menu. All can be paired with Charm City mead, ciders, and beers. The well-decorated space is just as Insta-worthy as the food.

The front door at Seoul Food in Takoma Park
The front door at Seoul Food in Takoma Park
Seoul Food [official]

Spring Mill Bread Company

This local chain has five locations in the area and one in Pennsylvania. From challah to toasted onion dill bread, they have a huge variety of some of the best loaves in the city. Stop in for a sandwich — the black bean patty is delicious — and take home a loaf for later. There are also sweets galore.

The Girl and The Vine

The Girl and the Vine took over the old Capital City Cheesecake space, transforming it to a retail wine venue that features more than 100 organic wines and small production craft beers. They have menus for breakfast and brunch but serve sandwiches, salads, and snacks until 10 p.m. Like many other venues in Takoma Park that strive to bring the community together, The Girl and the Vine hosts weekly wine and beer tastings.

Girl & the Vine cafe
The bar and cafe at the Girl & the Cine
Albert Ting/For Eater D.C.

Cielo Rojo Restaurant

Opened in January 2018, this counter-service Mexican restaurant quickly established itself as one of the top taquerias in the D.C. area. Husband-and-wife owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless make marble-colored tortillas from heirloom Mexican corn. Perez’s beer-braised carnitas go great in tacos or quesadillas. Vegetarian options span from a farmers market salad to nopales (cactus paddles) and drunken mushrooms. There are several mezcals on the shelf and plenty of wines from Chile and Mexico. —Gabe Hiatt

Roscoe's Neapolitan Pizzeria

Roscoe’s saves Neapolitan lovers in this neck of the woods a trip to D.C. standard-bearers like 2 Amys. The family-friendly menu includes pizzas, crostinis, paninis, salad, and the house specialty: tiramisu. —Rebecca Gale

The facade at Roscoe’s
The facade at Roscoe’s
Roscoe’s [official]

Mark's Kitchen

This Korean-American diner has something for everyone. From standard breakfast fare — pancakes, eggs and bacon — to Korean home cooking including jap chae noodles, kimchi, and the famous mung bean pancakes. An extensive juice list caters to the health food crowd.

Soupergirl

Soupergirl, also known as Sara Polon, has been preparing gourmet soups in the D.C. area since 2008, and Takoma Park is her first brick-and-mortar location with in-house seating. Commuters who can’t make it into this particular store are welcome to order online and pick up requested items at the Dupont Circle location. Popular soups include the Indian-style mulligatawny, and the summer beet-, watermelon- and tomato gazpacho. —Rebecca Gale

Trattoria da Lina

This kid-friendly Italian restaurant has roots in the old country. Owner Marcello Minna’s mother ran the first Trattoria da Lina in Puglia, Italy, but closed it when he moved to America to study. He opened in Takoma Park in 2017.

Republic

Black Restaurant Group (Blacksalt, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace) brought Takoma Park a local-sourcing restaurant with an interior that’s just as eclectic as the town itself. The menu skews a little crunchy, but it’s not all vegetarian. Regulars love the Smith Meadows Farm burger and the Maryland rockfish. The chorizo is also a favorite. Republic does it’s part to aid in community togetherness, hosting paint nights on Tuesdays and open mic on Sunday.

The entrance to Republic.
The entrance to Republic.
Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Kin Da

This neighborhood Thai and sushi spot shines with signature rolls and a la carte nigiri options like tamago, unagi, and hamachi. It also offers free delivery.

Takoma Beverage Co.

Great for groups or intimate coffee dates, Takoma Beverage has a full coffee menu, bakery, and options for entrees. There are comfy couches to lounge on or tables open for a work session. Don’t be surprised if there are toddlers crawling under the tables while their parents lunch or dogs tied up out front while owners grab an iced coffee. The loaded avocado toast is a favorite, as is the pain au chocolat.

The main counter at Takoma Beverage Co.
Photo by Sasha Lezhnev

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