Adams Morgan may be a bit of a walk from the nearest metro station but the number of different restaurants and events in this hip neighborhood are worth the trek. From fine dining options to places that won’t break the bank, read ahead for our guide to the best places to eat in Adams Morgan, D.C.
Mama Ayesha's
Restaurant, Middle Eastern
This family-run restaurant serves savory Middle Eastern Cuisine to hungry customers. Guests can chose from a wide variety of traditional foods, such as Shish Taouk (a marinated chicken with rice) or Warak Inib (grape leaves stuffed with ground lamb and rice). While the restaurant is tiny, it accommodates groups well, and the red walls and gold decor make it an ideal place for a romantic dinner for two.
Perry’s
Welcoming locals and visitors for over 30 years, Perry’s is an iconic restaurant in Adams Morgan. Featuring tradition Japanese cuisine prepared by skilled chefs, patrons have their pick of sushi or hot entrees from the kitchen. The multi-level restaurant has a year-round rooftop bar. Address: 1811 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009 +1 (202) 234-6218
Bul
Restaurant, Korean
Bul is a Korean restaurant specializing in Korean comfort and street foods. Each item on the menu is made from scratch, from the grilled meat skewers and seafood pancakes, to the handy odengor ‘hangover’ soup. The restaurant has a selection of beer and sake that are guaranteed to pair well with any of the items on the menu, making for a complete and satisfying meal. While enjoying their meals, patrons can watch several Korean films that are being played on the TV in the upper level of the restaurant.
Southern Hospitality
Restaurant, American
A bi-level restaurant offering food upstairs and drinks downstairs as well as an outdoor patio, Southern Hospitality is a great place for Happy Hour or a simple dinner with good friends. With their Cajun style shrimp and grits, crunchy boneless fried chicken or Nutella waffles, this restaurant brings you back to your grandmother’s Southern kitchen.
Donburi
Restaurant, Japanese
Courtesy of Cashion's Eat Place
Donburi is an unassuming restaurant located on 18th Street where customers can sit at one of the few counter seats and watch as cooks prepare the Japanese rice bowls that give the restaurant its name. There are 12 types of Donburi offered, with styles ranging from fresh or raw to fried. Each bowl is prepared with skill and care and brings a rush of unique flavors with each bite.
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Cashion's Eat Place
Restaurant, American, Contemporary
Cashion’s Eat Place features a seasonal menu comprised of locally sourced dishes. Each day a new menu is planned and created, promising something different with each subsequent visit. The high ceilings promote an urban atmosphere, while the wood paneled walls and simple chairs provide a more intimate and quiet dining experience. During the warmer months, guests can enjoy their meal and drinks on the patio in front of the restaurant.
Smoke & Barrel
Restaurant, American, Puerto Rican
Specializing in barbecue and smoked meats, Smoke & Barrel is a meat lover’s dream. The restaurant serves pulled pork, brisket and ribs that can be paired with any of their sides, such as jalapeño-cheddar grits or sweet potato fries. The menu also has several vegetarian sides and entrees to choose from. For drinks, Smoke & Barrel offers an extensive list of beer, whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails that pair perfectly with the menu.
Mintwood Place
Restaurant, American, French
With rustic wood tables and innovative light fixtures, this American restaurant is a classy and cozy spot to go for an evening out on the town. The menu offers some unique options, like the escargot hush puppies or deviled pickled eggs, and at weekends, Mintwood Place hosts a traditional brunch complete with buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles and eggs.
Meze Restaurant
Restaurant, Turkish
With larger tables and a spacious dining room, Meze restaurant is the ideal location for larger groups but the counter seating also offers a great place to go with one or two friends. This business-casual restaurant features a Mediterranean menu of small dishes made to share and each dish is brought out as soon as it is ready, guaranteeing a delicious and fresh meal every time.
The Grill from Ipanema
Restaurant, Brazilian
This family-owned and operated restaurant is Adams Morgan’s sole haven of authentic Brazillian cuisine. They offer a wide range of items on their menu, from croquettes and fried yucca to steak and even alligator. The grill features a unique brunch, straying from the traditional pancakes and waffles and instead serving savory dishes, like black bean and sausage stew or grilled pork chops.
Riley is a recent graduate from the George Washington University with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Communication, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. An aspiring travel writer and editor, she has a passion for learning about cultures and loves food, rock climbing and cycling.
