Top U Street Dining Spots in Washington DC

A Dining Guide for the U Street Corridor

1. Introduction

2. Restaurants list

Fact checked by

Michelai Graham

Over the last decade, the historic U Street Corridor of Washington DC has steadily increased in popularity as a top destination for dining and nightlife. Along U Street, 14th Street, and the surrounding area, you will find a wide selection of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. Here is an alphabetical guide to U Street restaurants.

& Pizza

Address: 1250 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-609-0629

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The restaurant offers pizza, salads, and dessert in a casual atmosphere.

Al Crostino

Address: 1926 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

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Phone: +1 202-797-0523

The intimate Italian restaurant located in the U Street Corridor offers an excellent selection of homemade pasta and Italian wines.

Alero Restaurant

Address: 1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009-7588, USA

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Phone: +1 202-462-2322

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The upscale Mexican restaurant has two locations in Washington DC: U Street and Dupont Circle. The restaurants are known for authentic cuisine and great margaritas.

Bar Pilar

Address: 1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4475, USA

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Phone: +1 202-265-1751

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The popular U Street restaurant and bar offers Tapas/Small Plates and Modern American cuisine.

Ben’s Chili Bowl – Ben’s Next Door

Address: 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-667-0909

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The landmark restaurant is the most well-known U Street restaurant and home to the famous “chili dogs and half‑smokes”. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a DC institution that dates back to 1958 and brings visitors from around the world to the U Street Corridor. The red 1950s-style bar stools and Formica counters take visitors back in time to the era that the neighborhood was known as “Black Broadway”. Ben’s Next Door opened in 2008 to expand on the popularity of the eatery and offers an inviting space to dine with a 53-foot full bar and flat screen TVs.

Bistro Bohem

Address: 600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

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Phone: +1 202-735-5895

The restaurant is located in the U Street/Shaw neighborhood and offers Central European cuisine in a casual and comfortable setting.

Busboys and Poets

Address: 2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-387-7638

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Busboys and Poets is a community gathering place with additional locations. The restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner and host special events such as music performances.

Café Saint-Ex Restaurant & Bar

Address: 1847 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-265-7839

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The popular neighborhood restaurant is named after Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the famous French aviator and author of “The Little Prince”. The decor is aviation-themed and the menu features locally sourced dishes.

Cork

Address: 1805 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4425, USA

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Phone: +1 202-265-2675

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Located just south of the U Street Corridor, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are meant to be shared and paired with wines. Cork offers more than 50 wines by the glass and 160 bottles from small producers around the world.

Dukem Restaurant

Address: 1114-1118 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4441, USA

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Phone: +1 202-667-8735

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The Ethiopian restaurant offers authentic food with an extensive vegetarian menu and live Ethiopian musical entertainment on weekends.

El Centro D.F.

Address: 1819 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4425, USA

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Phone: +1 202-328-3131

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The upscale restaurant offers authentic Mexican fare and an extensive tequila selection. It spans three floors, providing varied atmospheres.

Jojo Restaurant & Bar

Address: 1518 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-319-9350

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JoJo features a menu of classic American cuisine and live music (including jazz and R&B) nightly on two levels.

Lost Society DC

Address: 2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-618-8868

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Lost Society offers an American-inspired menu blending market-fresh produce with certified Angus beef and regional seafood dishes. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor bars.

Marvin

Address: 2007 14th St. NW, Washington, DC (202) 797-7171. The Bistro features cuisine that combines Belgian and American Southern-style cooking. On the rooftop is an outdoor beer garden.

Masa 14

Address: 1825 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4425, USA

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The restaurant features Latin-Asian small plates along with items from a wood-fired brick oven.

Matchbox Restaurant

Address: 1901 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-328-0369

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The Matchbox Restaurants specialize in wood-fired pizzas and also serve salads, sandwiches, and pub-style food.

Nellie’s Sports Bar

Address: 900 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001-4048, USA

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Phone: +1 202-332-6355

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Located on U Street, this gay sports bar features traditional American fare and a vibrant atmosphere for happy hour and sports viewings.

Policy

Address: 1904 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

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Phone: +1 202-387-7654

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This lively restaurant and lounge serves contemporary American cuisine and is popular for happy hour and late-night dining.

Oohh’s & Aahh’s

Address: 1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

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Phone: +1 202-667-7142

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This Soul Food restaurant, recognized for its “Best Macaroni and Cheese,” is popular for late-night dining, staying open until 4 a.m.

Vinoteca Wine Bar and Bistro

Address: 1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001-4114, USA

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Phone: +1 202-332-9463

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Vinoteca is a neighborhood favorite bar and restaurant, offering a menu of small plates and a welcoming outdoor courtyard.

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