Your guide to the best restaurants along the District’s late night hot spot
The Atlas Performing Arts Center anchors the H Street NE corridor and is credited with kicking off the area’s renewal. However, the neighborhood known for its late night bar and club scene is quietly making a name for itself among informed foodies. Stretching from Ethiopic on 4th and H to Lydia on H just off of 15th, you’ll find plenty of places to sample the diverse culinary capabilities of H Street NE.
If you're wondering how to fill the time between meals, explore exciting things to see and do in the area.
Hiraya
With a name that translates to “the fruit of one’s hopes, dreams and aspirations,” hot new addition Hiraya honors the flavors and hospitality of the Philippines across two venue experiences. The café dining room on the first floor doles out modern takes on classic Filipino dishes while the upstairs restaurant includes a chef’s counter, a bar and a dining room. The chef’s tasting menu takes you through eight courses; an a la carte menu is also available. Expect a welcoming and familial atmosphere at this comforting new abode on H Street NE.
For a memorable vegan or vegetarian option, visit Sticky Rice, which boasts a fresh sushi bar with creative rolls like the G.I. Jane, plus buckets of tater tots for nostalgia’s sake.
Next door, Toki Underground serves Taiwanese ramen, dumplings and cocktails surrounded by spray painted walls and a line of eager diners waiting on the stairs for a table to become available.
Just down the street is Maketto, a dining-retail-coffeeshop triumvirate featuring more Taiwanese fare, as well as Cambodian dishes. The minimalist, two-story space also offers a curated collection of international clothing, accessories, books and magazines
Get a taste of the Caribbean at Cane, offering jerk wings, tender oxtail, glazed Trin-Chinese chicken and other street food staples.
Jump continents and check out African-influenced spots Lydia on H and Bronze, which serve modern takes on traditional dishes. The western-most edge of the H Street corridor also features a piece of DC's Ethiopian community with authentic flavors from Ethiopic.
H Street favorite Mozzeria sets the bar high for ensuring not only that everyone has a seat at the table, but that they have a full (and, of course, filling) experience. First a food truck in the Bay Area, which you can still visit, the old-world, stone-fired Neapolitan pizzeria is the first restaurant in DC that is entirely Deaf-owned and Deaf-operated.
If you don’t know any ASL, have no fear – Mozzeria encourages gesturing of all sorts and provides ink-free doodle pads, too. Another way that the pizza spot ensures an inclusive environment for all is through its menu offerings: in addition to pizzeria staples, there is an equally festive selection of mocktails and an intentional assortment of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menu items.
Go for dinner and a show and elevate your date night with traditional Swiss fondue and raclette at Stable or opt for an intimate wine bar experience at Irregardless. Head to Granville Moore’s, which calls itself "a cozy tavern with a healthy Belgian fetish," where you’ll find an extensive list of Belgian beers and nourishing bowls of mussels. Purl offers American comfort food among a vibrant setting.
For after dinner drinks, the Haymaker Bar serves up craft cocktails and whiskeys with a surprise bartender every Thursday. DC's first zero-proof establishment Binge Bar mixes up innovative, non-alcoholic libations. Locals also love Copycat Co., a dumpling shop and cocktail bar that stays open late (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), and Hill Prince, where customers can sip top-notch cocktails in the refurbished townhome's living room, back patio or paper lantern-lit carriage house.
For a late-night bite, visit the outpost location of U Street institution Ben’s Chili Bowl, which is strategically placed to cater to meandering nighttime crowds.
If you're in need of another carb-forward option in the morning, grab a traditional New York-style bagel from Bullfrog or a hearty brunch at Milk & Honey.
Make sure to check out other places to eat and drink all over the District.