Five Dining Options on 14th Street NW
As with any city in the midst of an economic boom period, big business comes to town in a major way and completely changes the landscape. For Washington, DC, this has affected two major areas, food and entertainment. Insofar as entertainment, new options are popping up all over town, and in the suburbs, too. However, as far as food, there may be no finer area at-present than traveling down Northwest DC’s 14th Street strip. If preparing for a night on the town anywhere in DC, 14th Street is a great central location to consider taking a date or friends, and enjoying an incredible meal before an exciting evening in the Nation’s Capital. Unsure of where to head? Well, here’s a list of five of 14th Street’s best options.
1610 14th St. NW
202-803-2389
An Italian Gastro pub, Ghibellina features Tuscan-style cuisine, which basically amounts to classy Italian takes on pizza, pasta, vegetable dishes and desserts. If looking for &Pizza or Olive Garden, this is a clear step above. Upon entering the restaurant, you’re greeted by the bar and a bar-style seating area facing directly out onto 14th Street. That, alongside the exposed brick and beams, plus the candlelit atmosphere gives the space a warm, inviting ambience. Food is best ordered here to be shared by the entire table (like pizza) or in a manner similar to tapas, meaning that smaller plates that can be conveniently shared, too.
Worth ordering: Quattro Formaggi – A pizza featuring buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, grana padano and pecorino romano cheese, as well as pickled hot peppers, garlic, basil, oregano.
1819 14th St. NW
(202) 328-3131
Let’s say it’s your roommate’s birthday, and instead of having a DC nightlife evening of heading to a bar and requesting her favorite song over and over again (and the DJ not even appearing to pay attention), you want something more. Let me suggest the Tequileria at El Centro as an idea. In the restaurant’s underground space, mixologists craft Latin cocktails and can pour from 200 tequilas and mezcals in doing so. While tasting rare alcoholic beverages, also enjoy a dining menu including traditional fare like tacos and enchiladas, but also a native Mexican menu that is wide a deep, with both vegetarian and meat-based dishes.
Worth ordering: Jalisco Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas – Outside of the obvious, the enchiladas come topped with oaxaca cheese, corn and crema fresca, plus are served with fresh plantains and cilantro rice.
1818 14th St NW
(202) 265-8337
So, you’re a little bit older, and your parents are in town, but your friends are still are coming out with you for the evening. Yes, 14th Street even has options for you, too. Ted’s Bulletin blends art-deco décor with a menu that is equal parts delicious and ridiculous. Traditional American with a twist is the key here, with beer-battered fish, steaks, breakfast all day, and yes, homemade pop tarts as well. If looking for a quality meal that is tasty and top-notch without the bells and whistles of other 14th Street locations, Ted’s is ideal.
Worth ordering: “The Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito” – Sirloin steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar cheese and green chile sauce, served with hash browns.
1601 14th St NW
(202) 332-3333
Possibly one of the most physically attractive restaurants along 14th Street, French dining option Le Diplomate features an extraordinarily simple, yet well-delivered take on French cuisine. Appetizers include roasted sweetbreads, onion soup au gratin, steak tartare and and escargots, while entrees include steak frites, trout amandine, beef bourguignon and duck leg and breast confit. With multiple specialty cocktails featured on the menu as well, this is quite possibly one of the few locales in the area that has Euro-centric cuisine delivered without too much innovation.
Worth ordering: Steak Frites – Pan roasted hanger steak served with maître d’ butter and a side of pommes frites.
1608 14th St NW
(202) 234-2400
For as many newly opened restaurants continue to reach the 14th Street area, “fine Thai” cuisine space Rice continues to deliver quality food, excellent indoor and outdoor atmosphere and a diverse menu that offers a unique dining experience. Pumpkin empanadas at a “Thai” restaurant? Absolutely, and they’re crisp, moist and unforgettable. The menu is separated into “Rice specialties, (aka newly invented Thai fusion cuisine)” as well as “Authentic Thai” and “Healthy Green.” If headed out with a crew with diverse tastes, dietary restrictions or just adventurous eaters, this is a quality choice.
Worth ordering: Spicy duck, stir-fried with Thai herbs and crispy wild ginger
