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Daikaya
Daikaya
R. Lopez

Where to Dine Near Verizon Center Without A Reservation

Didn't plan ahead before the Caps game? No problem.

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Daikaya
| R. Lopez

Tonight is the first Wizards' game, and dining out near Chinatown at the last minute can be a hassle, especially during peak times such as weekends before Verizon Center sporting events, concerts, or the downtown holiday market.

Tables at many of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants, like Rasika or Oyamel, can book up days or even weeks in advance; most of the additions in the new CityCenter development nearby require a reservation or fill up quickly as well. And while fast-casual options, from Taylor Gourmet to Luke's Lobster, are plentiful, they don't always fit the bill for a night out. Thankfully, there are a number of options for savvy diners who know where to look, ranging from quick and cheap to a more substantial meal.

From no reservation spots to more off-the-radar locations, here are some good bets for getting a table in and around this busy neighborhood without too much hassle or waiting around. This map has been updated with some new choices, especially in the ramen department. We've also highlighted a few of the better fast-casual options, from Nando's Peri-Peri (good happy hour) to the newest &pizza (now with booze). Need another strategy? Try the bar and lounge areas at places like Hill Country, Penn Commons, Del Campo, The Source, or the new Dirty Habit (though they fill up quickly during peak happy hour times).

Have a favorite last-minute spot for when the neighborhood gets crowded? Share it in the comments.

—Updated by Missy Frederick and Tierney Plumb

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The latest joint from the hip pizza parlor team opened recently and has its most extensive bar yet.

Bantam King

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In Eater's experience, this new sister restaurant to Daikaya has proven to have even shorter lines than the neighborhood's original ramen haunt. Find fried chicken and chicken ramen here in a playful atmosphere.

Farrah Skeiky/Official

Beef N' Bread

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The team behind pizza experts Wiseguy turned its attention to sandwiches. These are Massachusetts-style beef sandwiches, mostly, and are worth a try for a quick bite.

Carmine's

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Carmine's takes reservations, but given it's one of the largest restaurants in D.C., the likelihood of getting a seat is pretty good. Plus, they've got a large bar area with a solid happy hour. Order some meatballs before the game, and they've even been known to "valet" your leftovers to you afterwards.

Daikaya Ramen Shop

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Reservations aren’t accepted here, so it’s a viable option for ramen lovers who don’t mind waiting in line for a quick, inexpensive meal. The upstairs izakaya is a possible spot to grab a drink (and even some food) in the meantime.

District of Pi

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The menu at this lively pizzeria centers around deep dish pies and an extensive list of rotating craft beers on draft. Try the Bucktown – a mix of mozzarella, roasted chicken, artichoke, red peppers, green olive, red onion, feta and sun-dried tomato. There are also thin-crust option for all the deep-dish skeptics. And don’t overlook appetizers, especially the pork and beef meatballs.

Official

Flight Wine Bar

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This restaurant is the place to go to spend a meal lingering over a wine flight and a menu featuring pastas and dishes from chef Brendan Mahon.

High Velocity

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This sleek sports bar inside the Marriott Marquis keeps 48 beers on tap and serves more upscale takes on pub food like sliders, wings, and sandwiches. They also have several varieties of Moscow Mules.

Official

HipCityVeg

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Vegetarians can try this new Philadelphia-based transplant and get some comfort food before a game.

Official

Nando's PERi-PERi

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Nandos is a reliable and quick option serving up succulent grilled chicken and a variety of tasty sides. The happy hour is an ideal pre-game meet up and includes discounted beers and sangria pitchers.

Official

New Big Wong

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Finding a solid Chinese restaurant in Chinatown can be a challenge, but this restaurant stays open late and is known for being a favorite hangout of chefs around town.

Red Apron Butchery

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Red Apron has some of the best sandwiches in town. Looking for something more substantial? Peek next door into the Partisan, which is connected to the restaurant, and see if there are seats available at the bar.

Official

Reren Lamen & Bar

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See the Chinese version of ramen at this new addition to Chinatown.

Official

Shake Shack

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The tasty burgers and concretes at this NYC export have amassed quite a following, and this location has enough seating to accommodate the crowds. Beer and wine is available too.

The Penn Quarter location of this local teahouse and restaurant is an ideal place for a light meal. The Asian-inspired dishes include udon noodles, Indian palak paneer and a selection of bento boxes. As a bonus, the restaurant serves beer, wine and cocktails in addition to a large selection of teas.

Wiseguy NY Pizza

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The seating in Wiseguys is pretty barebones, but it's a great quick option. Plus, they have garlic knots and some of the best pizza by the slice in D.C.

Official

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&pizza

The latest joint from the hip pizza parlor team opened recently and has its most extensive bar yet.

Bantam King

In Eater's experience, this new sister restaurant to Daikaya has proven to have even shorter lines than the neighborhood's original ramen haunt. Find fried chicken and chicken ramen here in a playful atmosphere.

Farrah Skeiky/Official

Beef N' Bread

The team behind pizza experts Wiseguy turned its attention to sandwiches. These are Massachusetts-style beef sandwiches, mostly, and are worth a try for a quick bite.

Carmine's

Carmine's takes reservations, but given it's one of the largest restaurants in D.C., the likelihood of getting a seat is pretty good. Plus, they've got a large bar area with a solid happy hour. Order some meatballs before the game, and they've even been known to "valet" your leftovers to you afterwards.

Daikaya Ramen Shop

Reservations aren’t accepted here, so it’s a viable option for ramen lovers who don’t mind waiting in line for a quick, inexpensive meal. The upstairs izakaya is a possible spot to grab a drink (and even some food) in the meantime.

District of Pi

The menu at this lively pizzeria centers around deep dish pies and an extensive list of rotating craft beers on draft. Try the Bucktown – a mix of mozzarella, roasted chicken, artichoke, red peppers, green olive, red onion, feta and sun-dried tomato. There are also thin-crust option for all the deep-dish skeptics. And don’t overlook appetizers, especially the pork and beef meatballs.

Official

Flight Wine Bar

This restaurant is the place to go to spend a meal lingering over a wine flight and a menu featuring pastas and dishes from chef Brendan Mahon.

High Velocity

This sleek sports bar inside the Marriott Marquis keeps 48 beers on tap and serves more upscale takes on pub food like sliders, wings, and sandwiches. They also have several varieties of Moscow Mules.

Official

HipCityVeg

Vegetarians can try this new Philadelphia-based transplant and get some comfort food before a game.

Official

Nando's PERi-PERi

Nandos is a reliable and quick option serving up succulent grilled chicken and a variety of tasty sides. The happy hour is an ideal pre-game meet up and includes discounted beers and sangria pitchers.

Official

New Big Wong

Finding a solid Chinese restaurant in Chinatown can be a challenge, but this restaurant stays open late and is known for being a favorite hangout of chefs around town.

Red Apron Butchery

Red Apron has some of the best sandwiches in town. Looking for something more substantial? Peek next door into the Partisan, which is connected to the restaurant, and see if there are seats available at the bar.

Official

Reren Lamen & Bar

See the Chinese version of ramen at this new addition to Chinatown.

Official

Shake Shack

The tasty burgers and concretes at this NYC export have amassed quite a following, and this location has enough seating to accommodate the crowds. Beer and wine is available too.

Teaism

The Penn Quarter location of this local teahouse and restaurant is an ideal place for a light meal. The Asian-inspired dishes include udon noodles, Indian palak paneer and a selection of bento boxes. As a bonus, the restaurant serves beer, wine and cocktails in addition to a large selection of teas.

Related Maps

Wiseguy NY Pizza

The seating in Wiseguys is pretty barebones, but it's a great quick option. Plus, they have garlic knots and some of the best pizza by the slice in D.C.

Official

Related Maps