Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Washington DC

Old Ebbitt Grill is always solid. Service is usually solid (as compared to most DC proper restaurants) and the food is always great. Their raw bar is incredible (be sure to visit during oyster HH, everyday 3pm-6pm), the mix drinks are always tasty, and their menu/selection is always rotating and improving. Their management is clearly receptive to metrics and I appreciate this restaurant.

The atmosphere is so warm and inviting; the staff is always so friendly; and, of course, the food is superb.

I’d suggest you make a reservation as it was a full house at 2pm on a Thursday. We were greeted promptly by our server and she checked on us regularly. The food came out timely and it was delicious. We each had alcoholic beverages, salads, an entree, cappuccinos and dessert. The bill was about $200 and I felt that was a fair price and worth it.

Our recent visit to Founding Farmers was exceptional, offering a delightful culinary journey that pleased the entire family. We began by sharing the Buttermilk Biscuits and a medley of autumn vegetables. The biscuits were impressively large, featuring a crunchy exterior that gave way to a soft, fluffy center—truly a perfect start to our meal. For the main courses: •Youngest Son: Opted for the Sirloin Chili, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The chili boasted a balanced spiciness, making it both flavorful and approachable. •Mom: Chose the Goat Cheese Ravioli & Chicken Cutlet, a dish accompanied by butternut squash purée and pecan praline butter. The combination was exquisite, earning a solid 9.7/10 for its harmonious flavors and presentation.  •Dad: Selected the Farmhouse Platter, which included fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, baby cheeseburgers, street corn, and coleslaw. He cleared his plate, a testament to the meal’s excellence.  •Teenager: Enjoyed the Meatloaf & Gravy, served with mashed potatoes and green beans. He expressed high praise for the dish, noting its rich flavor and satisfying portion.  Even the house-made sodas were delightful, adding a refreshing touch to our dining experience. Our waiter, Anthony, provided outstanding service, enhancing our meal with his attentive and friendly demeanor. The food was so impressive that we decided to purchase the restaurant’s cookbook to recreate some of the dishes at home. Founding Farmers offers a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a dining experience we highly recommend and look forward to repeating.

Our server SJ was so good! Food was great as usual. French toast was a hit. Drinks were good and just as SJ recommended.