10 DC restaurants you can’t miss
Washington, D.C., boasts a vibrant and diverse dining scene, offering a plethora of options that are upscale, family-friendly, hip, ethnic, unique, or all of the above—depending on what you’re looking for. Don’t miss the following 10 culinary hotspots while attending AVMA Convention 2025 and the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress this July.
- Ben’s Chili Bowl
Famous for its milkshakes and half-smokes—a hot dog topped with mustard, onion, and chili—Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving locals, legislators, and celebrities since the refurbished pool hall welcomed its first customers in 1958. Ben’s prides itself on never changing; the counter, booths, and stools are all original, and its homemade chili, half-smokes, and banana pudding are still made using the same recipes. Ben’s Chili Bowl has two restaurants in the D.C. area: the original, located at 1213 U St. NW, and a more modern venue at 1001 H St. NE. - El Secreto de Rosita
Dine on modern Peruvian and Pan-Latin dishes in a cozy Amazonian atmosphere that also boasts a full bar, live music, and outdoor dining. Located at 1624 U St. NW, El Secreto de Rosita offers a range of flavorful dishes from Chef Kike Espinoza, who learned the art of blending bold flavors from food carts on the streets of his native Lima, Peru. The restaurant is known for its soups and stews (aji de gallina), rice dishes (arroz con mariscos and arroz chaufa), seafood (jalea), and lomo saltado. - Busboys and Poets
More than a restaurant, Busboys and Poets is also a bar, bookstore, and cultural hub for artists, activists, and writers. Located at 2021 14th St. NW, Busboys and Poets bills itself as “a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted … a space for art, culture, and politics to intentionally collide.” No matter the time of day, Busboys and Poets has something to offer: Sip a mimosa while pounding a stack of buttermilk pancakes. Graze on a vegan burger with a Moroccan bean soup side during a poetry slam. Or enjoy lamb meatballs with signature cocktails at happy hour prices, available from 4-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. - Duke’s Grocery
Oy, mate. If you’re Hank Marvin (hungry) and need sorting (taken care of), get yourself down to Duke’s Grocery. This distinguished pub and supper spot inspired by the greasy spoons and avant-garde restaurants of London’s East End is home to the famous Proper Burger, voted D.C.’s best burger. (East End is where the Cockney rhyming slang originated.) The chalkboard menus at Duke’s Grocery are regularly updated depending on what’s seasonally available and fresh. Duke’s Grocery has locations in Foggy Bottom (2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) and DuPont Circle (1513 17th St. NW). - Le Diplomate
This charming French brasserie is possibly so often on people’s overrated list that it’s become underrated. Situated at 1601 14th St. NW, this restaurant offers an extensive menu in a vibrant Parisian-esque atmosphere popular among locals and visitors alike. Le Diplomate’s menu features classic Gallic cuisine, including onion soup gratinée, steak frites, beef bourguignon, and, of course, escargot. A thoughtfully curated wine list and specialty cocktail program complete the experience. Just don’t forget to make reservations, especially for dinner. - Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill has a rich history dating back to 1856, founded as a boarding house and boasting a presidential guest list, to become Washington, D.C.’s first known saloon. After numerous relocations, the historic bar and restaurant arrived at its current home at 675 15th St. NW. Sporting an antique clock and mahogany bar, the storied eatery’s Victorian interior harkens back to the D.C. saloons at the turn of the century. Old Ebbitt Grill offers a diverse menu, including locally sourced seafood, steaks, and pasta. - Lupo Verde
This intimate 100-seat restaurant spread over two floors specializes in rustic Italian fare. Located in Georgetown at 1401 T St. NW, Lupo Verde offers a variety of small plates, house-made breads and pastas, antipasti, pizzas al tegamino, and a premiere selection of cheeses and salumi. Seating options at Lupo Verde include a bar, gated outdoor patio, and a semi-private alcove. It offers a tantalizing social brunch deal on Saturdays and Sundays for about $35 per person (two-person minimum). That gets you an appetizer, two main dishes, one side dish, and one bottle of mimosa materials (prosecco and juice). - Rooster & Owl
A Michelin-starred restaurant established by a husband-and-wife duo, Yuan and Carey Tang, Rooster & Owl is known for its modern, edgy dishes that take inspiration from the Middle East and Mediterranean all the way to Asia. Customers build a four-course meal to be enjoyed with the table. The $105 dine-in menu can start with everything bagel beets, followed by fried Japanese yams, then roast quail, and finish strong with a slice of Maple cake. And because you get to mix and match menu items, the bar follows suit and tailors wine options to guests’ selections. Rooster & Owl is located at 2436 14th Street NW and opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. - Anju
Washingtonian Magazine named Anju the best restaurant in D.C. in 2020 for its sophisticated blend of traditional Korean flavors, modern cooking techniques, and hip yet intimate vibe. Anju (1805 18th St. NW) is a Korean term for food eaten while drinking, highlighting a range of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors with offerings such as beef and gruyere cheese dumplings in a doenjang broth with caramelized onions, confit duck leg, spicy braised pork ribs, and, of course, fried chicken. These can be paired with soju, house-infused makgeolli, and Korean wine as well as cocktails and mocktails. The strawberry lychee lemonade, pineapple turmeric soda, and the yogurt malt come highly recommended. - Ted’s Bulletin
Located at 1818 14th St. NW, this family-friendly eatery, best known for its grilled cheese and tomato soup, is the place to come for reimagined American classics and all-day breakfast. Ted’s menu offers something for everyone, from French toast, and chicken and waffles to Shiitake mushroom Bolognese and homestyle meatloaf. And don’t forget happy hour, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Convention registration available now
The wait is over. Registration for AVMA Convention 2025 and the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC) is now open. This year brings a unique opportunity with the WVAC happening at convention, bringing together the international veterinary community for high-quality education, exciting events, and the ability to network with colleagues from all over the world.
Early-bird registration is going on now, which allows attendees to save $100 if they register by June 10. Some of the special events happening at this year’s convention are:
- Alumni receptions for various veterinary colleges and organizations on July 18 at locations around Washington, D.C. New this year, there will also be an international reception for attendees to kick off AVMA Convention 2025 together.
- The World Veterinary Association and AVMA awards ceremony on July 19 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This special event is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Ceva Animal Health. Later that night, the Veterinary Technician Appreciation Event and Live Life, Love All will take place at Astro Beer Hall, and the Young Professionals Event is happening at the Puttery.
- On July 20, see Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor headlining the AVMA Concert at The Anthem. The concert is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Immediately following the concert, there will be a special closing ceremony to pass along the honor of hosting WVAC to Japan, which will do so next year.