Image: Sunny on the inside.
Last Updated: November 2025
Overview:
Bucking the downtown is doomed trend, The Square opened a set of counter-service spots plus a bar and a proper sitdown restaurant spread out across the giant atrium in the International Square building. The two guys behind the project are chefs Richie Brandenburg, who does work with Edens (think Union Market), and Rubén García, who started at minibar. The choices are plentiful and good and different from the normal. On the ground floor, it is located in a bit of a no-mans-land, but it is not far from many D.C. attractions, including the White House and the Mall.
Here is the current lineup (in addition to the bar in the middle of the space), with the caveat that even in the first year places have come and gone:
Brasa: (Website) One of three Spanish-centric spots from Garcia, Brasa does meat and veggies from the open fire grill in three different ways. “Burger” variations of beef, pork, or eggplant; “hot dog” options with sausages; or “parrillada” of grilled meat with three grilled vegetable sides or just five veggies. The sausages are a three kinds of Spanish: Catalonian butifarra, Basque txistorra, and chorizo. The meat and veggie plates are a decent-sized amount of food, but not overwhelming and a good way to break up lunch patterns with something fresh. Like all the counter spots at The Square, drinks are somewhat limited. For more on the butifarra, check out this Signature Dish episode.
Jamón Jamón: (Website) A stand for Spanish ham, cheese and bread combinations, including sandwiches and gazpacho. And a hat tip to Spanish cinema.
Taqueria Xochi: (Website) The little take-out window spot on U Street gets a full counter and seating to do its very good thing.
Flora Pizzeria: (Website) Pretty good pizza by the slice. They also do sandwiches and have a tie to the excellent Pluma bakery.
Nuli: Sushi may be gone but this Nigerian fast casual spot moved in next door and has become a hit. They do bowls, salads or wraps. The options derive from West African and North African cooking – think jollof rice and couscous. Small (but still substantial) or large sizes available.
KIYOMI Sushi by Uchi: This was a great lunchtime omakase option. Sadly they have moved out. The good news is that they are getting their own space. Look for Mirai sushi to backfill early 2026.
Las Hermanas Coffee Shop: Elements of the team that ran the previous coffee spot picked up and kept going with this one. With a breakfast burrito and house-made pastries. Eat DC gives thumbs up.
Brindle Boxer Kombucha: (Website) Get a glass to have with lunch, or a growler to go from a rotating list of options on tap. Owner Tanya Maynigo has placed her kombucha in some of the better restaurants in D.C., including nearby Casa Teresa. The style leans toward drier, less sweet and for our money is some of the best kombucha to pair with food we have found (They occasionally do dinners with KIYOMI).
Junge’s: Churros and soft serve to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are also selling the fabulous Donisima Donuts!
Casa Teresa: Off the food court is the one full-service restaurant from Garcia, doing classic Spanish cuisine. It is also has a long bar to hang out and snack on tapas.
Summary:
Cuisine: Food Hall
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 1850 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Website: https://www.dcthesquare.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
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