2. District Taco
7.9
1309 F St. NW (at 13th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Taco Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 165 tips and reviews
Juan Castruita: Mexican Coca Cola in the glass bottle..
Anna John: Breakfast burrito = good. Basic tacos = FLAWLESS. I crave them. Also wonderful? Mexican coke, the smoky "hot" salsa and the bright, fresh guacamole. The nachos, however, are a crushing disappointment.
Anna John: Basic taco is flawless. Burrito bowl > burritos. Mexican coke, an excellent salsa bar (truly spicy!) and addictive guacamole are all wonderful, too. Nachos are the only disappointment, but who cares?
4. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
8.7
401 7th St NW (at D St NW), Washington, D.C.
Mexican Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 324 tips and reviews
Catherine Ventura: Delicious Mexican Coke
Stefanie Spatola: Best dishes: tuna cheviche, brussels sprouts, camarones (shrimp), braised short ribs, chile en nogada (pablano stuffed pepper) and for dessert... de tres leches (amazing). Also get the fresh gauc.
Washington Post: This Mexican playground from creator Jose Andres is a trailblazer. Thanks to recent expansion next door, it's also more comfortable than ever.
Victoria Nauta: Baked wings. Mambo sauce. OFF THE HOOK! Beer, chili cheese fries, Italian sausage. Good food, good fun, good vibes. Eat here!
Les Tyner: The best place for a good drink and exceptional wings
Joanna Poe: Stan's is a national treasure. Ask to sit it Jonis's section. If you're new to ordering the cocktails, the alcohol is what's on ice. Mix before drinking.
8. Daikaya
8.6
705 6th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Ramen Restaurant · Chinatown · 284 tips and reviews
Pablo Ramos: get the spicy ramen with butter, they have free iced water pitchers but try the Mexican coke
Lucille Fisher: Daikaya Izakaya is my favorite Japanese restaurant in DC. Never fails to please, amaze & satisfy. Reservations recommended.
Philip Soriano: High-5 the manager Eddie for wearing a Hugh & Crye shirt.
10. China Chilcano
8.7
418 7th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Peruvian Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 76 tips and reviews
Washington Post: The long waits are worth it: Try out the terrific dim sum, a first-class pisco sour and the house signature seviche, Clásico la Mar. Read more.
Washington Post: I’ve yet to meet a dumpling here I haven’t liked. Get the trio of juicy lamb pot stickers hiding beneath a lacy cover fried to a golden crisp. - Sietsema Read more.
Allison Kasic: The desserts look better than they taste.
12. Luke's Lobster
7.8
624 E St NW (btwn 6th & 7th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Seafood Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 69 tips and reviews
borysSNORC: Second best lobster bisque I've had in my entire life... gotta go a long way to find better - Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand.
LivingSocial: Go for the Taste of Maine with a Sarsaparilla soda. Don't forget to put Sriracha in your cocktail sauce. If you want to eat like a king, finish your meal with one of their "baby blue pies". Perfect!
Behrad Eats: Lobster Schooner combo is great. Just the right amount of butter and mayo on the bun complement the lobster perfectly. Go with the sarsaparilla root soda as well!
13. CHOPT
7.6
618 12th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Salad Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 59 tips and reviews
Bethany L.: Their seasonal salads and palm beach are my favorites. The spa dressing options always taste great without making me feel guilty. If this is your first time here, try a classic to keep cost down.
Sveen Þorskur 바이트 aus Schwelm: Put some Kebab Cobb in your face. It will thank you. That's a scientific fact.
Julia: Keep an eye on your salad and move with it if it is passed down the line. This will ensure you don't look like a noob and get yelled at.
14. Jaleo
8.4
480 7th St NW (at E St NW), Washington, D.C.
Tapas Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 256 tips and reviews
Devin Embil: The Arroz de pato 'Jean-Louis Palladin' and the Dátiles con tocino 'como hace todo el mundo' as far as drinks, the Cava sangria is a winner. A different taste with Cava and sparkling white wine.
Washingtonian Magazine: Tapas we’ve been loving for years include goat-cheese-stuffed red peppers, crusty bread rubbed with tomatoes & layered with thinly sliced Manchego, a textbook gazpacho, & warm dates wrapped in bacon.
Washington Post: 3 star rating in Tom Sietsema's Fall Dining Guide 2011. "No two visits are ever the same," writes Tom. http://wapo.st/nRBQvw