Murky Coffee
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003

Julie H. writes: Know this: I am not a morning person. I'm not the type who wakes up cheerfully, goes to the gym before work, or has time to make breakfast. Given the options I'll hit snooze and grab an extra five, thanks.

Murky gets me up early.

I used to live on…

Sparky's Espresso Cafe
Neighborhood: Logan Circle

1720 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009

Aaron A. writes: The only thing run down in this outstanding java joint is the furniture, which stands as testament to the popularity of this neighborhood watering hole.  Honestly pleasent service (no one went through Starbucks "Star Service" training here - they…

The Saloon
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor

1205 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

heather m. writes: I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the Saloon.  I love the…

Moby Dick House of Kabob
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1300 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036

Chang W. writes: Moby Dick's kabobs, while tasty, may not be the best choice of food to eat before a night out. You'll be burping up dat sh*t all night.  

"How you doin', my name....[BURP]."  Not fresh.

If you don't mind scaring away the ladies, go for the fish combo.…

Sento Alberto's Pisa
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

2010 P St NW
Washington, DC 20036

Zack S. writes: Dear Italian Store elitists:
I understand. I, too, once thought that the Italian Store was the only pizza around worth putting in my mouth. I admit, I was wrong. You are, too. Yes, the Italian Store is very good. And I know it is very hip to like the…

Potbelly Sandwich Works
Neighborhood: Chinatown

726 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20050

Kathleen M. writes: When a bunch of drunk and hungry Yelpers pile in to your store at closing time, demanding milkshakes and pickles, and you're still as friendly as can be while meeting their needs, you get 5 stars. It's that easy.

And that was one hell of an Oreo…

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041

Chang W. writes: The only thing you should order here is the duck
All the other dishes are overpriced and they suck

Tip #1 - Take the leftover duck home. It's great for a soup.
Tip #2 - Put a little cilantro in that soup. POW!

Rio Grande Cafe

1827 Library St
Reston, VA 20190

Allan H. writes: So it seems like an overwhelming majority of the review on Rio Grande are extremely positive.  Well, that's cuz the place is awesome.  But, you don't have to take my word for it.  I'll tell you a little story about Jeremy, the Yelp guy.  So, he's got…

El Manantial Restaurant

12050 N Shore Dr
Reston, VA 20190

David W. writes: The have a cozy atmosphere with nice murals on the wall. The service is excellent and the waiters are quite willing to discuss the ingredients of the food and to make  wine suggestions. Be sure to ask for the Tapas menu. One interesting aspect is…

Carpool

4000 Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203

alexis g. writes: A friend of mine met a very cute guy here on a random weekend night. Now they are a divinely happy married couple and have an adorable little daughter, a golden Labrador, and a house in Oakton, Va. Dreams CAN happen -- even at a pool hall in…

Julia's Empanadas
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

2452 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Chris K. writes: They've never served me an empanada that wasn't absolutely amazing.  If I ever meet the right girl, I want Julia to cater my wedding.

Bonus points:  the guy who works the weekend late shift looks exactly like my dad.  Makes me feel at home.

Moby Dick House of Kabab

6854 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22101

Toro E. writes: I love their kabobs here, for it's taste and price.  Sure, there are far more luxurious kabob places, but for a quick quality fast food alternative, this is a useful place to know.

Kramer Books & Afterwords Cafe
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1517 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

Hywel J. writes: While it's become normal for every bookstore to have a little cafe attached, only Kramer's has a bar. This is marketing genius, as drunken browsing leads to all kinds of reckless behavior....You suddenly realize that now is exactly the moment to…

Pacific Rim Cuisine

46240 Potomac Run Plz
Sterling, VA 20164

Joanna C. writes: So I go to this place for special family gatherings because they offer a wide variety of dishes and the atmosphere is a lot of fun for the out-of-towners. Yes, the food is far from authentic, but that isn't to say that it isn't tasty (hmmm... too…

TenPenh
Neighborhood: Federal Triangle

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004

Kevin L. writes: Of the four restaurants that I tried this Restaurant Week, TenPenh is at the top of the list for where I would jump at an opportunity to return for another meal.  Everything about our experience was top notch, from the ambiance to the service to the…

Cafe Atlantico
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter

405 8th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

Laura V. writes: This place is pretty darn good, I must say.  Recently had holiday dinner with GVBF here and enjoyed every minute.  We sort of ended up doing our own "small plates" tasting dinner, but it was all quite wonderful.  Oh, and that passion fruit martini -…

Rosemary's Thyme Bistro
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1801 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

MiRIAM w. writes: There are not a whole lot of things that could make you feel luckier about your life on a pleasantly warm Friday night  than a half-price pitcher of margaritas, a Caesar salad and a plate of nachos shared on an outdoor patio with someone you love.…

Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant

501 N Randolph St
Arlington, VA 22203

Gayle G. writes: Even though there is "Italian" in the name, don't overlook the Bolivian lunch options on weekends here. However, Tutto is one of my fave places for Italian in this particular hood.

As far as Italian options go I can recommend the mussels and clams…

Habana Village
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

1834 Columbia Road, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Stef W. writes: Oh, Habana Village!  I knew you when...

Back when you were just a small, one floor joint on Columbia Road.  Back when you didn't have a real kitchen.  Back when you didn't have all this great press, proclaiming that you alone brought salsa to DC!…

Brickskeller

1523 22nd St NW
Washington, DC 20037

Bucky K. writes: You know how you can tell I'm from the Midwest? For my Dad's B-day , I bought him a black shirt with the "beer-iodic" table on the front in shiny gold print from Brickseller. You know how you can tell my Dad is from the Midwest?? He will absolutely…

Delhi Dhaba

2424 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

Jennifer S. writes: I adore Indian food and have made several attempts at learning how to cook it myself, but with lots of spices that I still have left to purchase (asafoetida powder anyone?) it's cheaper and (key word) easier to run up the street and grab some from…

Silver Diner Restaurant

3200 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

alexis g. writes: This place has basically pulled me from the edge of death several times -- once at about 7:30 in the morning on a Saturday. I am so thankful there are places in this world that will give me a huge plate of cheese fries, a milkshake and a big old Diet…

Chief Ike's Mambo Room
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

1725 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC 20009

alexis g. writes: Who knew I wanted to hear O.P.P. at 2 in the morning? The DJ at Chief Ike's, that's who.

I can't wait to come here again!

Moby Dick's House of Kabob
Neighborhood: Georgetown

1070 31st St NW
Washington, DC 20007

MiRIAM w. writes: Never again will you hear me say, "All the decent food in this town is priced for fat cat lobbyists and their enormous expense accounts!" (Okay, NEVER is a strong word but expect to hear this sentiment uttered by me less).

At long last, awesomely…

Madam's Organ
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

2461 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Keri M. writes: Why I love Madam's Organ:

-live music every night after 9pm.  No cover if you get in before 9.  Music spans from blues to pop to salsa.

-weeknights you can dance your arse off in front of the band

-there's always room on the second floor.  No matter…

Whole Foods Market
Neighborhood: Logan Circle

1440 P St NW
Washington, DC 20001

MiRIAM w. writes: On my first visit to this Whole Foods I was taken aback with how friendly the employees were. As I stood in line with an item in each hand, daydreaming, I felt fingers gingerly wrap around my wrist and gently tug me. I looked up to find a Whole Foods…

B Smith's

50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002

Gracie B. writes: The only thing not perfect about B. Smith's is the brunch...for that head up to georgia browns (if you can get a table) otherwise, this place is wonderful.  This was my turn to place for out of towners when I lived in DC.  The fried green tomatoes…

Ceiba Restaurant

701 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20005

Merrill F. writes: I wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't great. This place has the best mojitos in DC.  Now, I'm an incredibly picky eater, but the steak I had was phenomenal. Spicy, but not offensively so, and the butter I put on it complimented it perfectly. And…

Miss Saigon Restaurant
Neighborhood: Georgetown

3057 M St NW
Washington, DC 20007

Lydia P. writes: I love having lunch here!
My favorite will be the Salmon with black pepper or the Quail with herbal wine!

Thanks for the owner recommendation!
After all, I am, as an Asian woman that have a taste for all those yummy Asian food!

Ella's Pizza
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter

901 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

Clint U. writes: We arrived just past noon and found out we could only get Operation Spy tickets for the 5:35 pm showing.  I needed to think of some places to burn time before it started.....
"We're HUNGRY!!!" my kids yelled out in unison.   I turned to one of the…

Bistrot Du Coin

1738 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009

Brian H. writes: (I'm breaking my Yelp cherry here, so be kind!)

My awesome DC-based friend arranged a 'surprise birthday dinner' at Bistrot Du Coin, and it didn't disappoint.

There was a group of 9 of us and the place was perfect for a group of this size.  What made…

Cafe Tirolo

4001 Fairfax Dr Ste 16
Arlington, VA 22203

Rowena E. writes: A small local restaurant with some outdoor seating, a few tables inside, and funky hours. Owners and staff are really friendly. Recommend the wiener schnitzel, grilled italian sausage, and anything on the specials menu by the register. Definitely ask…

Iota Club & Cafe

2832 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

alexis g. writes: This place is really cute, but it can get pretty crowded sometimes. I don't mind though, because they have two bars in one room. I've seen some excellent people here, like Lou Barlow! They book a lot of up & coming bands, local bands, and some of my…

El Charrito Caminante

2710 Washington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

Michele D. writes: Holy f'in COW!!!  Now THIS is close to So Cal for me!

Wow, so I started out trying to eat at Pho 75, but they were closed (on a Thursday?) and I needed somewhere else to go.  I decided to give ECC a try, since it was on the way back to the office.

I…

Matchbox
Neighborhood: Chinatown

713 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Kevin L. writes: My posse planned to meet up with more classmates from college after our day of tourism in the city, and we promised to bring over some dinner.  I had planned ahead by printing out the online menu for Matchbox, and armed with a suggestion by Richard…

Georgia Brown's Restaurant

950 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005

Stef W. writes: Survival Tips for Brunch at Georgia Brown's:

1. Make a reservation for Sunday brunch at least a week in advance.  Georgia Brown's is always named on the lists of best brunches in DC so it's a popular place;
2. Do not eat or drink a lot the night before…

Palena
Neighborhood: Cleveland Park

3529 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008

MiRIAM w. writes: A thirty to forty-five minute wait for a table in the cafe on a Saturday night seemed reasonable, especially given the fact that the hostess said she would call my mobile when our table was ready.

Forty-five minutes later, after a drink at Bardeo, we…

National Building Museum

401 F St NW Ste 215
Washington, DC 20001

Jennifer S. writes: Sometimes I am reminded of how lucky we are to live in this great city. The Building Museum, though not a common museum to visit, is a prime example of this. How many cities in other states have such obscure, yet fantastic museums for people of all…