Find Out Where to Go for the Good Grub in Mount Pleasant
Washington, DC is one of the best places to live on the East Coast, but why? Well, a lot of it has to do with the food! No matter which neighborhood you live in or what type of cuisine you prefer, there’s something for everyone to do, you could even go to the National Zoo.
We’ve done the hard work for you and uncovered the best bars, coffee shops, and restaurants around the city.
Hispanic and South American Food in DC
First on the list has to be Taqueria Los Compadres. Washington DC has a ton of Spanish and South American food options. If you’re looking for authentic South American food, this is the right place to come. This sweet little spot serves Mexican food and has a serious crowd of regulars that rave about it. You can read about the Mexican traditions they preserve with intention and care. While you are always welcome at this restaurant, they are more of a breakfast place. And yes, they absolutely do cater. Whether you’re looking for traditional food for the office or you need them at your wedding, they’ve got you covered. As long as you visit between the hours of 10 am and 10 pm, you’ll find the doors open and ready to serve delicious food.
Don Juan is more of a fun-times, slightly rowdy spot that sometimes has DJs. They serve big plates of Hispanic and Mexican food (people love the pupusas), have great service, and are a casual hang out spot.
If you’re looking for a place to go to have a good time, Don Juan is an excellent choice. They not only offer in-house meals, however. They also have takeout! Even if you need a night on the couch, you can pick up delicious meals from Don Juan.
They’re open seven days a week so you don’t need to worry about showing up when they’re closed, either!
Dos Gringos opened in December, 1999, so it’s not a terribly old establishment. However, it didn’t take long for it to become a neighborhood favorite. Locals love the weekend breakfast feasts, but that’s not all they offer. Dos Gringos is home fabulous breakfasts, scrumptious lunches, and delicious dinners. They also have snack options if you’re looking for lighter fare. One of the great things about Dos Gringos is that they don’t just serve food, they serve culture too.
They host “Intercambios” every Saturday where international students and native English speakers can get together and practice their language skills. They also sell local artwork and sponsor community events.
Looking for a lunch or a language exchange? Head over and join in the fun at Dos Gringos!
Asian Food in Mount Pleasant
If you love Asian cuisine, Purple Patch has delicious Filipino options for you! Not only do they offer delicious dinners, there are also brunch options available to you. You can also find plenty of vegetarian options at Purple Patch.
What’s sweet about this restaurant is that it was started by a woman named Patrice. She moved from the Phillippines to the United States and found herself with no Filipino friends around for her to talk to. She began to cook traditional food as a way of expressing herself.
It wasn’t long after that Patrice realized she could share her love for cooking with those around her. She opened Purple Patch in 2015 and was quickly named as one of the top 9 Filipino restaurants in America.
If you’re looking for something other than Filipino cuisine, Beau Thai is a great place to check out! This little restaurant has locations in both the Shaw and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods of DC, making it close by to our homes at DARO Apartments.
Beau Thai’s founder, Aschara Vigsittaboot, grew up cooking with her mom in Thailand. Her love for cooking followed her to adulthood, when she chose to open her own restaurant right here in DC.
Today, she not only helps run the restaurant and cook the delicious meals we love, she’s also passionate about the community. The restaurant has donated and sponsored countless businesses and events in the neighborhood.
American Eats
The Raven Grill is home to cheap beer, a jukebox, and comfortable bar stools. While this spot is more of a bar, they also have a great kitchen.
What’s fun about the Raven is that it’s one of the oldest bars in the city. It’s a casual place, but it’s not rowdy either, making it a little more high end than most dive bars around town.
You can also play some of the board games they have around the bar if you’re looking for something to do! Combined with the comfy booths, that makes for a pretty great evening on the town.
Tonic restaurant is another fun bar to head to for a quick bite to eat or a fun happy hour. It’s been around since 1891, when it operated as a pharmacy serving local students. In 1974 the pharmacy was converted into the bar we know and love today.
Tonic not only offers drinks and food, they also offer community events! You can check out their happy hours or join in on Trivia night! Both events have discounted drinks and appetizers for you to whet your palate with.
No matter what type of food you’re looking for, there’s sure to be something for you in the city. DC living sure is tasty!
Hop on the metro and head to Dupont circle to explore their realms of cuisine.
