Dukem

Image: Platter of Veggies. Last Updated: October 2022 Current Status: Open for sit-down and carry out seven days a week. Overview:   Dukem remains reliably good.  The long-time stalwart of Ethiopian dining has a menu anchored by classics, spicy meats and fresh servings of lentils, potatoes and other vegetable options. The tibs, cubes of sauteed […]

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Annie’s Paramount Steak House

Image: Nurturing community; feeding the community. Last Updated: July 2022 Current Status:  It is a deceptively large space inside, and post-2020, they have gone big on the outdoor seating.  In addition to sit-down, they also offer take-out.  Delivery is available via several apps. Overview: Though it calls itself a steakhouse, Annie’s has a menu closer […]

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Panda Gourmet

Image: Bok Choy and Mushrooms Last Updated: July 2023 Overview: Every once in a while, Panda Gourmet pops up on the D.C. food world radar.  In between those moments, it quietly serves up some of the best Chinese food, arguably some of the best food period, in the District out of the Days Inn on […]

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I Ricchi

Image: Rigatoni from another time Last Updated: February 2021 Current Status: I Ricchi keeps chugging along.  Now in its fourth decade, the hearty Tuscan cuisine paired with slightly kitschy décor remains a standard-bearer.  They have used the large open space in front of the restaurant to create a heated, covered seating area.  Chef/Owner Christianne Ricchi […]

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Central

Image: Winner, winner…. Last Updated: March 2026 Overview: A great politician appeals to multiple audiences while retaining a core sense of identity.  Central is located between the White House and the Capitol and pulls off a similar feat.  It pleases tourists, expense accounts, and sophisticates at the same time – the burger and fried chicken […]

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Bread Furst

Image: So many options, but two lines. Last Updated: 5/31/2021 Before Times Review: Furst Visit: November 2019 Mark Furstenberg is one of the great bakers in the United States.  This is his shop.  You should pay them a visit. The shop sells bread, pastries, cakes and related items for sale.  They also serve breakfast/brunch options […]

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