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
Phone: +1 202-609-0629
The restaurant offers pizza, salads, and dessert in a casual atmosphere.
Al Crostino
Address: 1926 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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
Phone: +1 202-462-2322
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
Phone: +1 202-265-1751
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
Phone: +1 202-667-0909
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
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
Phone: +1 202-387-7638
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
Phone: +1 202-265-7839
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
Phone: +1 202-265-2675
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
Phone: +1 202-667-8735
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
Phone: +1 202-328-3131
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
Phone: +1 202-319-9350
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
Phone: +1 202-618-8868
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
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
Phone: +1 202-328-0369
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
Phone: +1 202-332-6355
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
Phone: +1 202-387-7654
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
Phone: +1 202-667-7142
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
Phone: +1 202-332-9463
Vinoteca is a neighborhood favorite bar and restaurant, offering a menu of small plates and a welcoming outdoor courtyard.
