Dining in D.C

Capitol Hill isn’t just home to America’s top decision-makers and most important buildings. The neighborhood also boasts some of the best DC restaurants, many of which sit within walking distance of the Capitol Hill Hotel. From classic Washington, DC steakhouses to Asian eateries to some of the nation’s most forward-thinking New American establishments, Capitol Hill has a wide variety of restaurants popular among locals and visitors alike. 

Hank’s Oyster Bar

This impeccably designed oyster bar serves some of the best seafood in Washington, DC, both from the raw bar and the kitchen. Chef and owner Jamie Leeds brings a taste of the American South to the menu, serving Fresh Corn Hush Puppies, Steamed Blue Bay Mussels, Hog Island-Style BBQ Oysters, and the classic casual delicacy: a Lobster Roll with Old Bay Fries.

Ted’s Bulletin

Part of Capitol Hill’s unofficial restaurant row on Eighth Street SE — dubbed Barracks Row — Ted’s Bulletin serves an updated take on good old American comfort food. The Capitol Hill location of Ted’s focuses on breakfast, supper and sides, with an extra emphasis on milkshakes. Ted’s shakes, including S’Mores, Heath Almond, Caramel Macchiato, are the stuff of legend on The Hill.

Boxcar Tavern

Don’t let the name fool you: the Boxcar Tavern is more than just a watering hole. This Capitol Hill gastropub puts fresh and flavorful spins on classic brunch and dinner favorites, including Orange Ginger Salmon with cauliflower puree and baby carrots and the Virginian: a black angus sandwich topped with ham, cheddar and barbecue sauce. Of course, it wouldn’t be a tavern without a drink menu, and the Boxcar’s is exquisite: red wine, white wine, bottled beer and drafts, all punctuated by the “big bottle” list, including hard-to-find varieties from Brooklyn Brewery and Allagash.

Market Lunch

There’s nothing fancy about this no-frills eatery in Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market shopping area. Residents and visitors alike flock to Market Lunch to enjoy what are reputed to be the best pancakes in DC (Blueberry Buckwheat is the restaurant’s signature style). This cash-only institution does serve other dishes aside from pancakes, including an array of breakfast sandwiches and classic Mid-Atlantic favorites like Fried Green Potatoes, Crab Cakes and Grits.

Good Stuff Eatery

With chef Spike Mendelsohn at the helm, this casual restaurant serves burgers, fries, shakes and salads in a friendly, laid-back environment. The restaurant’s most notable feature is its comprehensive burger menu, which features 13 unique riffs on the mini-chain’s signature Farmhouse Burger.