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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