Dine at D.C.’s Best Kept Secrets

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Washington, D.C. hasn’t always been known as a culinary hotspot, but lately some pretty great places have sprung up to eat. Here are some of D.C.’s best-kept secrets when it comes to delicious eateries.

C.F. Folks Restaurant

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant harkens back to the days when people frequented diners with lunch counters and waitresses served meals on wheels. They don’t do that anymore, but you can chat with the grouchy old guy that owns the place here — and you can still grab a seat at the lunch counter. Try the crab cakes; they’re the best in the city.

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When someone says hidden gem, they don’t usually mean hidden literally, but this little sandwich shop is hard to find. The entrance is located in an alley in the Shaw district, so you might have to search a bit before you find it. And you’ll find it packed when you do. The Istanbul and Kingston sandwiches are both can’t-miss.

Keren Restaurant

If you’re craving Eritrean food in D.C., Keren offers the most bang for your buck. The beef tibsi is enough to feed at least two people and the owners are charming and love to chat you up during your meal. Good luck getting a seat, though.

Thai X-ing

Thai X-ing is located in a walk-up house and didn’t have any sign indicating it’s existence last time we visited. The menu is fixed price, meaning you get what the chef wants to give you, and it’s designed to be eaten family style. There are few tables and it fills up quickly, so try to get a reservation at least a week in advance.

Taqueria Juquilita

It doesn’t get any more hidden than being run out of someone’s living room. Yep, you won’t find any neon signs, tacky Mexican décor or, really, anything indicating this taco shop even exists. Call ahead before you get here, because the apartment is either a really small one-bedroom or a studio, no one is quite sure, but there aren’t many seats to go around. Everything on the menu is a winner.