Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Casual -DC

1. Ben's Chili Bowl

8.3
1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C.
Hot Dog Joint · U-Street · 386 tips and reviews

ToryBurchToryBurch: Tory loves to eat here for a casual lunch with her boys and we love the history behind this DC institution- everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to President Obama has dined here.

ChurchKey is one of Casual -DC.

2. ChurchKey

8.8
1337 14th St NW (at Rhode Island Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Beer Bar · Logan Circle - Shaw · 295 tips and reviews

3. Right Proper Brewing Company

8.5
624 T St NW (btwn Wiltberger & 7th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Brewery · U-Street · 95 tips and reviews

Alex O.Alex Orr: Excellent house made brews at a very nice price. Vaunted pork rinds were disappointing and their pimento cheese sucks...it's basically queso. Chick sandwich was very tasty bar grub.

Smoke & Barrel is one of Casual -DC.

4. Smoke & Barrel

2471 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
BBQ Joint · Adams Morgan · 121 tips and reviews

AskMenAskMen: The cuisine (Southern cookout) and decor (barrels, barn doors) might seem a little rustic here, we can assure you that the attention to detail is anything but. Read more.

Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe is one of Casual -DC.

5. Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe

2477 18th St NW (at Columbia Rd NW), Washington, D.C.
Café · Adams Morgan · 17 tips and reviews
Buredo is one of Casual -DC.

6. Buredo

825 14th St NW (at I St NW), Washington, D.C.
Sushi Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 29 tips and reviews

Behrad EatsBehrad Eats: Burrito-sized sushi may upset purists, but they're delicious nonetheless. Try the Beatrix Roll: yellowfin tuna & salmon sashimi, cucumber, pickled cabbage, green onion, tempura crunch, & unagi sauce.

Arepa Zone is one of Casual -DC.

7. Arepa Zone

8.3
Moving Target (Check Twitter for current location), Arlington, VA
Food Truck · 6 tips and reviews
Woodward Takeout Food is one of Casual -DC.

8. Woodward Takeout Food

1426 H St NW, Washington, D.C.
Sandwich Spot · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 12 tips and reviews

Andrew W.Andrew Wiseman: This place is incredible. The fried chicken sandwich and merguez sausage sandwich are two of my favorite sandwiches ever, and I love sandwiches.

9. Beefsteak

800 22nd St NW (at I St NW), Washington, D.C.
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant · George Washington University · 31 tips and reviews

OliviaOlivia: I always expect Jose Andrés will be overrated and I am always wrong. This place was great-large portions, tons of veggies, & exciting toppings.

Red Apron is one of Casual -DC.

10. Red Apron

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C.
Butcher · Ivy City · 26 tips and reviews

Behrad EatsBehrad Eats: The italian beef is amazing. The meat is great and the giardiniera is fantastic. Just the right amount of heat too! Don't forget to try the great beer selection too!

11. Bonchon Chicken

8.5
2209 N Pershing Dr Ste E, Arlington, VA
Korean Restaurant · Lyon Park · 50 tips and reviews

Alena C.Alena Callaghan: The double fried wings are tasty. The spicy sauce was a bit too spicy for me but just right for my bf who puts hot sauce on everything.

12. Sushi Taro

8.5
1503 17th St NW (btwn P & Church St NW), Washington, D.C.
Sushi Restaurant · Northwest Washington · 83 tips and reviews

Washingtonian MagazineWashingtonian Magazine: Sitting at the sushi bar and watching the chefs do their deft blade work on hulking slabs of fish, making edible art with Zen-like calm, provides some insight into what makes Sushi Taro special.