Diners have flocked to Satellite Room for everything from huevos rancheros to buttermilk pancakes. Though the Brixton's still hopping, this is the newest addition to the Hilton Bros. empire, and is perfect for a post 9:30 club stop-off.

Nothing like a 24-hour, non-chain diner to get the attention of Columbia Heights diners. This restaurant from the team behind Open City and The Diner has convinced the crowds to sample dishes such as frogs legs buffalo wings and a pad thai omelet, not to mention more than 50 different wines.

Aaron Gordon's Drafting Table is a relaxed bar with interesting food choices like a "sexy egg sandwich" and duck confit. Soccer fans can catch games on the TV screens, while vegetarians can snack on options such as falafel.

Beloved farmers' market staple Pleasant Pops expanded into their very first retail store and cafe in mid-September. Beyond a selection of their popular paleta popsicles, Pleasant Pops is offering a small and fully vegetarian menu of salads and sandwiches — such as the peanut butter and Nutella sandwich with local preserves.

The long-awaited Union Market finally made its epic debut in early September and while several of the vendors have yet to open up shop, it has been a high-buzz go-to spot for a meal. The Rappahannock Oyster Bar is the Union Market's first restaurant space and has been receiving high marks from fellow chefs and everyday diners alike.

Beloved Arlington food truck Tacos El Chilango expanded out to a brick-and-mortar space in the U Street Corridor. Still slinging the cheap and delicious tacos for which they became known, Tacos El Chilango offers al pastor, chicken with pork sausage and several new meatless varieties of tacos. This is the latest in a spate of taco-centric arrivals and some suspect it is one of the best.

Right next door to Tacos El Chilango is another newcomer that has lots of people talking. Izakaya Seki quietly opened at the end of July, but has steadily since grabbed the attention of Washingtonians — including local critics — with its Japanese menu that goes well beyond sushi and sashimi. Early diners have filed raves for the Mero grilled with miso, octopus, tuna and more.

Columbia Heights scored a big win at the end of June when Silver Spring restaurateur Jackie Greenbaum made her DC inroads with the debut of El Chucho. It's been in the works for years, resulting in a taqueria inspired by Mexican street food with margaritas on tap, loads of tacos and traditional dishes like the torta ahogada.