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Surfside tacos

The Vox DC Lunch and Happy Hour Map

Where to eat near the office

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Feb 8, 2015, 10:48am EST

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Surfside tacos

| Surfside/Facebook

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Feb 8, 2015, 10:48am EST

Workers in the Vox D.C. office may find themselves thinking, “Where should I go for lunch today that isn’t Chop’t?” or alternately, “Where can I get a quick drink after work that isn’t the Vox kitchen?” Eater editors and Vox staffers have cobbled together some solid lunch choices and fun drinks places near the office, for both employees to remember and visitors to our offices in D.C. to keep in mind. Have another favorite? Email missy@eater.com about getting it added to the map.

Updated March 2018.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Bistrot Du Coin

An option for a glass of French wine during happy hour. Find mussel pots and other French classics.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Bistro du Coin

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Mission

Two draws here: a happy hour with a roster of specials (discounted beers, tequila shots, guacamole, margaritas, etc.) and a spacious patio.

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1606 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Mission

Hank's Oyster Bar

A favorite for oysters, lobster rolls, and more, this is great for a nice sit-down lunch or a place for happy hour drinks.

1624 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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hanks — Hank’s

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Beefsteak

Jose Andres’ first fast-casual restaurant is great for vegetarians.

1528 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Beefsteak

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Sweetgreen

The DC-based salad chain that is now taking over the world. Sweetgreen emphasizes local ingredients — expect a fancier and slightly more expensive salad than at nearby Chop’t.

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1512 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Sweetgreen

Duke's Grocery

This casual, London-influenced restaurant and bar is a place for a sit-down lunch or drink after work. The burger is among the city’s most-praised.

6230, 1513 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Duke’s Grocery burger — Duke’s Grocery

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Sushi Taro

Lunch specials, while not dirt-cheap, are a more affordable way to experience this destination sushi restaurant. Happy Hour can draw lines before 5:30 p.m. There’s a reason for that: it’s half priced sushi and drinks until 7, and there are only 11 seats at the bar.

1503 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Sushi Taro

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Urbana

This Italian-leaning Kimpton restaurant has a terrific happy hour and a cute, if small, patio.

2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037

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Urbana

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Nazca Mochica

Where to go for a pisco sour after work. Happy hour runs 5-7 p.m.

1633 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Nazca Mochica

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Pizzeria Paradiso

DC’s pizza scene has exploded since, but Pizzeria Paradiso was one of the originals for Neapolitan-style pies. The Atomica remains a great choice. But this location of the restaurant really stands out for its creative beer list.

2003 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Pizza from Pizzeria Paradiso

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The Big Hunt

Big Hunt is insane on the weekend, but the owners here do take beer seriously so it’s a great place for a weeknight drink. They’ve got a bunch of local beer on tap here, too.

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1345 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

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The Big Hunt

Galley Cafe

A holdover favorite for those who worked in the office before the current one, this is a haunt for sandwiches and bibimbap. Ask slackbot about it.

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1625 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Galley Cafe

Firefly

Perhaps a little bit of a hike for lunch purposes, but Firefly is a nice spot for a post-work cocktail. Find comfort food bar snacks and discounts at happy hour.

1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Firefly

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Tabard Inn

This restaurant isn’t what it used to be in its glory days, but visitors here can still find a classy happy hour, a beautiful patio, and some well-made classic cocktails.

1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Tabard Inn [Photo: Facebook] — Tabard Inn

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Surfside

Another regular haunt of the Slack lunch room, this taco stand is open 24-hours (seating is minimal and all outdoors, as a note).

1800 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Surfside tacos

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Iron Gate Restaurant

One of the most beautiful restaurants in the city has classy cocktails, a gorgeous patio, an interesting wine list, and Greek and Italian-influenced dishes during lunch.

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1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Iron Gate

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CF Folks Restaurant

This restaurant has been serving up specials and sandwiches downtown for decades, and won a James Beard American Classics award in 2013.

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1225 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Reuben at CF Folks

Cava Grill

Those who hover in the Vox DC lunch Slack room will see Cava mentioned perhaps more frequently than any other lunch choice. Find fast-casual, sometimes-healthy Mediterranean options here, courtesy of this rapidly-expanding local concept.

1222 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

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A Cava Grill bowl [Photo: Official] — A Cava Grill bowl

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The Lucky Bar

Lucky Bar is, well, your average bar. But it draws in sports fans and Vox staffers alike, particularly because of its uber-proximity to the office. Soccer fans can find a home here.

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1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Lucky Bar

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar

This bar has a great happy hour deal: on weekdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., get $10 mussels and frites, half price wings/onion rings and $1 off drafts.

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1827 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Mussels at St. Arnold’s

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11 Succulent Mussel Dishes to Try Right Now

The Well Dressed Burrito

Well Dressed is a hole in the wall, located in a nondescript alley. When it comes to the food, don’t miss their enchiladas, cinnamon chips or their daily specials. The prices are very reasonable, too -- though it’s only open from 11:45 to 2:15 on weekdays, so the lines can be long.

1220 19th St NW, Washington, DC 22036

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Well Dressed Burrito burrito

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Sauf Haus Bier Hall

Sauf Haus is a destination for German beer fans and those who love indoor/outdoor patios (theirs is upstairs).

1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Sauf Haus [Photo: Facebook] — Sauf Haus

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Shake Shack - Dupont Circle

It’s Shake Shack. Right across the street. No more details needed.

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1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Shake Shack

Nando's Peri-Peri

This South African Peruvian chicken chain chose DC as its point of invasion when it expanded to the United States. The chicken is pretty good! An option for take-out or dine-in (there are sangria specials at happy hour).

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1210 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Nando’s

Taylor Gourmet

Taylor Gourmet is the place for Philly-style hoagies, with a ton of varieties from which to choose.

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1200 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Taylor Cheesesteaks

Yafa Grille

One Vox staffer describes this place as follows: “It’s way more satisfying than Cava -- with shorter lines! The garlic cream spread and shata are like crack, honestly.”

1205 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Yafa Grille

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20 Salads Around D.C. That Don’t Feel Like a Chore to Eat

Bub and Pop's

Sandwiches with high-quality ingredients, nice soups, homey atmosphere. They serve breakfast, too.

1815 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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A Bub and Pop’s sandwich

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Tredici Enoteca

This hotel recently renovated its restaurant with a fancy new patio.

2033 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Tredici

OKI Bowl DC & Sake

There is ramen within walking distance of the office. These guys tend to play with more unusual ramens vs traditional.

1817 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Oki Bowl

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Boqueria

Boqueria doesn’t get the attention that competitors Jaleo and Estadio get (doesn’t help that it’s a a New York transplant) but it really is a good choice for authentic tapas. There’s also a cheap (and busy) happy hour and a $15-for-three-tapas lunch deal.

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1837 M Street, N.W, Washington, DC 20036

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District Taco- Dupont

A nice, quick and convenient addition to the neighborhood. Plus, they serve breakfast tacos.

1919 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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District Taco

Greek Deli & Catering

Greek Deli has been around since 1990, and its chicken-lemon avegolemono soup is stuff of legend. Greek Deli also has a hot breakfast, souvlaki, falafel, and gyro sandwiches, and Greek specialties such as moussaka and spanakopita.

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1120 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Greek Deli

Wawa

The Jersey convenience store chain now has an outpost in DC and crowds have flocked there for hoagies and soft pretzels.

1111 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Wawa

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Recessions Bar and Grill

It takes a certain type of sensibility to love Recessions, which visitors reach by going downstairs and walking down a creepy hallway. The bar has carpet, for one thing. But the dive also has cheap drinks, karaoke, and a weird vibe all its own.

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1823 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Recessions

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These D.C. Bars Were Made for Day-Drinking

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Bistrot Du Coin

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

An option for a glass of French wine during happy hour. Find mussel pots and other French classics.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Bistro du Coin

Mission

1606 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Two draws here: a happy hour with a roster of specials (discounted beers, tequila shots, guacamole, margaritas, etc.) and a spacious patio.

Open in Google Maps

1606 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Mission

Hank's Oyster Bar

1624 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009

A favorite for oysters, lobster rolls, and more, this is great for a nice sit-down lunch or a place for happy hour drinks.

1624 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

hanks — Hank’s

Beefsteak

1528 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036

Jose Andres’ first fast-casual restaurant is great for vegetarians.

1528 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website