The Best Places to Eat on U Street

Colada Shop, a Cuban cafe-bar hybrid is packed with pastel hues, good vibes and bold bites that bring to life diverse flavors best paired with a bold Cuban coffee by day or a cocktail by night.

At the low-key Doro Soul Food, Michelin-starred chef Elias Taddesse adds an Ethiopian flair to traditional American soul food: fried chicken, a special spin on mac ‘n’ cheese and vegan crispy tenders.

@maydandc

Just beyond 14th Street is Maydan, set in the back alley of a 19th century brick building and marked only by a heavy wooden door. Here, fiery flavors and eclectic decor tell the story of the restaurant team’s travels across the Middle East and North Africa. Diners are greeted by the sizzling of turmeric-spiced whole chicken and chermoula sauce-marinated sardines roasting over the crackling oak-fired hearth. 

At chef Ryan Ratino’s Michelin-starred Bresca, discover a bright-yet-earthy decor and inventive menu that melds tantalizing flavors. Think pastrami beets served with whipped feta and dill on rye, foie gras made into “PB&J” and sea urchin linguini with truffles and chili.

Paying homage to Trinidadian and wider Caribbean cuisines, the sleek St. James (alongside its street food spot Cane on H Street) serves up colorful courses ranging from Callaloo soup to 12-hour-marinated jerk brisket.
 

Lulu’s Winegarden

If you’re looking for a casual, communal, bottle-driven wine garden (think: beer garden-style service, but with wine), with three lush garden patios, reimagined dinner party fare and a fun and affordable wine list, check out Lulu’s Winegarden.

If you’re looking for snacks and creative cocktails at any hour, then head to Service Bar. A rotating list of seasonal cocktails and affordable drinks will keep everyone in your group happy.

For more quality eats and nightlife hustle and bustle, head over to 14th Street.