12 of the Best U Street D.C. Restaurants (2024)

When you’re visiting DC, you’ll see beautiful historic sites, breathtaking parks and walking trails, and a variety of award-winning restaurants. The district’s U Street is a trendy part of town that is home to innovative eateries that offer some of the best food in the area. Here are 12 of the best U Street DC restaurants to choose from when you’re dining in the district.

1. Alero

1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 462-2322

Alero is one of the best Mexican restaurants on U Street, and it’s the place to go when you’re in the mood for delicious seafood fajitas. Other popular dishes include the shrimp tacos in a crispy shell served with beans and rice and the Mexican salmon in a smoky, savory sauce. If you’re dining with friends, start your meal off with the queso dip, fried plantain, or nacho platter for the whole table to share. If you’d rather have a salad, you can pair lentil, black bean, or chicken soup with your salad for a light and satisfying meal. Alero also offers some of the tastiest Carne Asada in DC, or you can opt for the Alero pork ribs for a filling Mexican-inspired lunch or dinner. Finish your meal with a sweet treat such as tres leches cake, apple flautas, or sopapillas for a dining experience you won’t forget.

2. Ben’s Next Door

1211 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-8880

This casual restaurant and bar has all the comfort food you need for brunch, lunch, or a laidback dinner with friends which makes it one of the best U Street DC restaurants. Start your meal with sweet potato fries or fried calamari, or opt for the crispy tomato served with mozzarella and balsamic vinegar. The chicken and waffles are amazing, and the restaurant is also known for its flavorful shrimp and grits. You can also opt for the French toast served with candied bananas and pecans. You’ll also love barbecue ribs served with coleslaw, and the crabcakes are arguably the best on U Street. Ben’s Next Door also offers a soup and salad option, so you can order the house salad with crab soup or the Caesar with chicken noodle soup. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, try the Angus burger with crispy fries or the blackened chicken sandwich served on a hoagie roll. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can indulge in a mini chocolate bundt cake or New York-style cheesecake as the perfect finishing touch to your meal.

3. &pizza

1250 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 558-7549

Few things are more satisfying than a delicious pizza for lunch or dinner. &pizza is one of the best eateries on U Street to get a slice of your favorite pizza or a whole pie to share with friends and family. If you’re dining in, try the garlic knots served with tomato sauce and ranch while you wait for your pizza. If you love cured meats, the Maverick with salami, pepperoni, and Italian sausage is the perfect pizza for you. The American Honey is another popular menu item; this pizza is topped with goat cheese, pepperoni, hot honey, and red pepper flakes. You can also create your own pizza with all the veggies and meats you love. If you want to grab a little dessert to enjoy after eating your pizza, the eatery also offers chocolate chunk or oatmeal cookies.

4. London Curry House

1301 U Street NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 290-2205

London Curry House is the place to go for amazing Indian food. The interior is beautiful, London-themed with a red London photo booth. Some popular dishes are the madras fish curry and chicken tikka masala. The biryan is delicious with the option of chicken, goat or lamb served with basmati rice in spice and yogurt. They serve large portions of food so expect to have leftovers and is also great for group parties. Not sure what to get? Try their trio curry platter with the option of non-vegetarian or vegetarian option.

5. The Saloon

1205 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 462-2640

The Saloon is the place to go when you want to hang out with friends, enjoy delicious pub-style food, and try some of the restaurant’s authentic beers on tap. Snacks like fried mushrooms, potato skins, or onion rings taste great with the eatery’s Belgian beers or bottled beers such as black chocolate stout or Purple Haze. You can also order chicken strips or fried clam strips, and The Saloon offers several hoagie-style sandwiches served with cured meats and served with a side of crispy fries.

6. Sudhouse

1340 U St NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 525-4188

Looking for a great pub with amazing food? Look no further, Sudhouse is the place to go with their appetizers and main dishes. Sudhouse offers an all nite specials including Taco Tuesday and all-day happy house on Mondays! This is a great place to go with some friends on the weekend to enjoy some of their late nite bites such as mozzarella sticks and tater tots! Try their pulled pork sliders and chicken avocado wrap with a drink from the bar. Sudhouse also offers catering for any event with anyone their appetizing foods from their catering menu.

7. The Fainting Goat

1330 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 735-0344

This tavern-style restaurant offers a laidback atmosphere and decadent dishes that make dinner especially memorable. The roasted cauliflower in gravy is a tasty vegetarian entree and you’ll love the goat cheese fondue served with a side of fresh greens. The prawns with bean sprouts are a lovely choice if you prefer seafood. If you prefer steak, try the beef with roasted carrots and white beans. The Fainting Goat also offers an impressive selection of white and red wines, and you can finish off your meal with a tasty dessert such as cheesecake made from goat cheese and served with blueberries or chocolate pots de creme with fresh berries and whipped cream.

8. Taqueria Xochi

924 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 292-2859

This concept comes from Chef Teresa Padilla, who worked for the world famous Chef Jose Andres for 16 years before being furloughed due to COVID. She took advantage of the opportunity of being on her own to realize her long-time vision of bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the DC area.Taqueria Xochi doesn’t do dine-in, but their food is so good that you’ll enjoy it no matter how far you have to travel to eat it. Their Quesabirria tacos are absolutely remarkable, but you can’t go wrong with any of their tacos.

9. DC Noodles

1412 U St NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 232-8424

Noodles are delicious but DC Noodles create mind-blowing dishes full of noodles. With a variety of Asian foods on their menu, there is surely something there for everyone. Some of their most common dishes are pad thai, duck noodles, and red miso ramen. For any Asian dish that contains noodles, DC Noodles serves it. Their interior dinning is large enough for hosting large dinner parties or eating out with friends. The chef’s special dish of rice with grilled salmon is smokin’. Enjoy DC Noodles for both lunch and dinner neither one will disappoint!

10. El Secreto de Rosita

1624 U Street NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-8400

El Secreto de Rosita is a place you must try! It is a Latino-owned Peruvian restaurant and is a perfect place for a dinner date with its romantic vibe. Some amazing dishes are the arroz con marisco, lomo saltado and ceviche mixto. Executive Chef Cristian Granada combines both Peruvian and Japanese cuisine to make their dishes spectacular. Their Kamlu Wantan is a great representation of both cuisines becoming amazing dish. El Secreto de Rosita is a lovely place for a family brunch since they offer bottomless weekend brunch but only from 10:30 am to 3 pm therefore plan accordingly.

11. Oohh’s & Aahh’s

1005 U St NW Washington, DC 20001
(202) 667-7142

If you are craving some soul food, Oohh’s & Aahh’s is the place to go! Their fried wings and chicken breast are a must-try with any of their sides. Take advantage of their happy hour from 3 pm-7 pm every day for some of their mind-blowing dishes. Oohh’s & Aahh’s proves a welcoming atmosphere and is a black-owned restaurant. The teriyaki salmon is a must-try as well with their tangy and sweet sauce and a side of mac & cheese. Don’t forget to finish your meal with something sweet such as hummingbird cake.

12. Lost Society

2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 618-8868

Lost Society is a steakhouse at the corner of 14th St and U St. They have an amazing rooftop and open daily even on chilly days with the heaters on. Their signature dishes include mac and cheese and petite steak fries or pasta. Try their deal of two dishes and a drink for $20 with reasonable portions. Enjoy the rooftop during the day while eating brunch from their bottomless mimosas. You can never go wrong with their blackened bacon cheddar burger, beef empanadas, and lost wings, just do not get lost in their food!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published onApril 21, 2021and last updated onNovember 1, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.