Totally Unique Restaurants in Washington, DC
Looking for something different to do in Washington, DC? Well then you need to check out its collection of thematic restaurants offering unique flavor by the forkful, eyeful, and beyond! The common theme is that the food is as amazing as the experience when visiting these out-of-the-ordinary eateries. Check out 10 unique restaurants in Washington, DC.
1. The Bazaar
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC, 20004
(202) 868-5088
Adding to the whimsy and sophistication of this José Andrés restaurant is the fact that it’s housed within the atrium of the glamorous Waldorf Hotel located between the White House and the U.S. Capitol. It doesn’t get much more special than that.The thing to know about The Bazaar is that this is technically a tapas restaurant. That means that every elegant, elevated menu item is intended to be savored. One suggestion is to have your server point out which tapas are intended for either sharing or individuals. One of the menu highlights is a mojito poured over a cloud of cotton candy before being served!
2. Immigrant Food
925 13th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005
(202) 888-0760
The intimate, bohemian atmosphere inside Immigrant Food adds to the feeling that you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure. Make room on the table for Indian samosas, Belgian truffle fries, and Asian BBQ chicken wings because this menu represents selections from around the world. Most impressive of all is a cocktail menu featuring international spirits and flavors.
3. Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20006
(202) 822-8783
What makes Founding Farmers so unique is the way it does Americana so well! Let’s skip right to the point by stating that this is the home of the famed Virginia Peanut Butter Mousse Pie! There’s actually a full dessert menu of equally decadent treats that are great for sharing. The list of all-American classics on the food menu includes burgers, steak and fries, mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, Chesapeake wild catfish, and much more. In fact, the menu here is as vast as the towering mountains and fruited plains that make up the United States of America! Come for breakfast/brunch, lunch, or dinner.
4. The Setting
2512 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20037
(202) 558-6330
Proving that setting really is everything, this restaurant gets 10 out of 10 stars for presentation! Of course, the title here might refer to the unique table setting experienced at this restaurant. Nearly everything served is delivered as a “bite” that can be eaten with your hands. Guests can enjoy 10 courses of elegant fare inspired by street foods from around the world. The only downside is that some of the creations here look too beautiful to eat! The Setting offers a whimsical atmosphere where guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails and seasonal entrée selections that are always carefully explained by chefs and servers.
5. Spin Washington DC
1332 F Street NW Washington, DC, 20045
(202) 517-1170
Ping pong, games table, and trivia night keep things spinning every night of the week at Spin Washington DC. This fun restaurant combines elements of a sports bar, pub, and clubhouse to create one of the best places to loosen up. The good mood that seems to permeate Spin starts with its friendly, knowledgeable staff. There’s also a great menu of bar foods done up to be a little fancier than anything you’d get at a typical bar. Share a plate of drunken wings, crispy mushrooms, Southwest hummus, or Korean hot fries while greedily keeping every single sip of your That’s Bananas or Chilly Pepper cocktail to yourself. Reserving a table ahead of time is highly recommended!
6. Stable DC
1324 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 733-4604
While you may have heard of farm to table, you might be new to the concept of farm to stable. Stable DC offers unique dining experiences inside private indoor dining chalets with room for six. There’s also a traditional patio for dining. Stable merges the experience of dining among the rolling hills and majestic mountains of Switzerland with ultra-fresh ingredients from cattle ranches in the United States. The juicy, smoky lamb is a signature dish at this eatery. For sharing, nothing tops the cheese board! You can also do a traditional Swiss fondue pot. The menu also has some amazing Swiss pastries for dessert.
7. Swingers Crazy Golf (Dupont Circle)
1330 19th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036
(202) 968-1080
The intention behind Swingers Crazy Golf is to combine crazy golf from the 1920s British seaside with incredible food. The result? An amazing mini-golf adventure where everyone is swinging with a handsome craft cocktail in one hand. This fun spot also has live DJs creating a great flow as you go from hole to hole. Guests can dine at several mini restaurants within the venue.
8. Tiger Fork
922 North Street NW (Blagden Alley), Washington, DC, 20001
(202) 733-1152
Tiger Fork offers a playful, modern spin on Hong Kong street food. This is a great place to bring a group because the emphasis is on communal dining with shared plates that give you a little taste of everything. Dig into rice and noodles, crispy pork belly, cumin lamb racks, and soy-ginger pork ribs. There’s also a full-page drink list with its own traditional Chinese medicine cocktails designed to cure whatever ails the body or soul!
9. Unconventional Diner
1207 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0122
This spot offers the best elevated diner experience in Washington, DC. While you’ll see all of your favorite comfort foods on the menu, you won’t have to deal with that greasy or uninspired vibe that you get at many conventional diners. Service is also fast and friendly! The Caribbean shrimp and grits served with pineapple-habanero sauce, chicken sausage, and plantain is a standout menu item. You’ll also find cheeseburgers, meatloaf, buttermilk biscuits served with bacon jam or orange marmalade, and gourmet bagels with lox.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Washington, DC city page!
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