Updating the Eater Heat Map: Where to Eat Right Now

Bagels, doughnuts and and Daniel Boulud are among the hot picks for October 2014.

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Oct 2, 2014, 1:00pm EDT

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by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Oct 2, 2014, 1:00pm EDT

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: "Where should I eat right now?" Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, where to sip the cocktail of the moment. And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change often to continually highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment.

This month, a whopping five new eateries made the list, courtesy of a busy fall: DBGB Kitchen + Bar, Boss Shepherd's, Pinea (plus the revamped POV upstairs), Bullfrog Bagels and District Doughnut.

Compass Rose

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The design is eye-catching, the service is friendly and the menu is interesting. One of the most anticipated opening to date for 2014, Compass Rose boasts a small but wide-ranging menu of international street foods. There's mussels with sofrito, an addictive pizza-like Khachapuri, lamb kabobs, grilled quail, chaat and more. The wine list pulls from such regions as Georgia and Hungary.

1346 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 506-4765

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Tico DC

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Michael Schlow's restaurant is a tribute to the Boston's chef's travels to Mexico and South America. There are non traditional tacos, plenty of vegetable dishes, a variety of margaritas and even some homey desserts like peanut butter sandwich cookies. It's all accented with street art-inspired decor.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 319-1400

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Rural Society

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One of several South American steakhouses to open recently in D.C., this is Jose Garces' first venture into the local market. Find plenty of beef, grappa, grilled items and pizzas.

1177 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 587-2629

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Denizens Brewing Co

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D.C.'s newest brewery is also the home to a food truck's first foray into the restaurant world. Denizens and BBQ Bus have teamed up for this Silver Spring location: find craft beer, a huge patio and bbq sandwiches

1115 E West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910

301-557-9818

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Ocopa

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Ocopa is putting out interesting, chef-driven takes on Peruvian food in the Atlas district. There's ceviche, chaufa, complimentary corn nuts and plenty of pisco at the newcomer.

1324 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 396-1814

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Pop's SeaBar

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This shore-inspired restaurant from the Cashion's Eat Place partner serves up seafood, pork roll and other Jersey and Florida favorites.

1817 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 534-3933

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Urbana

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Urbana looks like a whole new restaurant, courtesy of a $600,000 refresh. Menu items like gluten-free pastas and pizzas remain, but the bar area is now double in size, and the patio and private dining area have been given a stylish art deco look.

2121 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

(202) 956-6650

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DBGB Kitchen and Bar

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Daniel Boulud makes his mark on D.C. with this new addition to CityCenterDC in Penn Quarter. He's serving up brasserie fare, sausages, burgers and baked Alaska here.

931 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 695-7660

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Boss Shepherd's

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This new venture from longtime restaurateur Paul Cohn is getting early buzz for its fried chicken. High praise from critic Tom Sietsema has also been boosting the restaurant's profile.

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513 13th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20004

(202) 347-2677

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Pinea

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Barry Koslow, formerly of DGS Delicatessen, is working with European flavors at this revamp of the former J&G Steakhouse. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at the W. Guests are also flocking to the hotel courtesy of the renovated POV lounge on the roof.