For this week’s Friday Five, my series of five things I like right now in the area, I decided to do write about five places that I feel like are underrated — awesome spots that just aren’t as popular as I think they should be.
Heat da Spot Cafe, 3213 Georgia Ave NW
Heat da Spot is an awesome little coffee shop and cafe. It’s got a nice, homey vibe with good coffee and delicious sandwiches — I really like the spicy grilled chicken with cheese and veggies. The owners are super nice and they also have Ethiopian pastries most of the time and Ethiopian entrees on weekends. Definitely worth a visit or five.
The Airedale, 3605 14th Street NW
A fantastic European gastropub, the Airedale has the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten, as well as really good traditional German, Belgian, British and French food like schnitzel, currywurst, croques madame and monsieur, and the Mitraillette, which is a Belgian sandwich with a burger patty, fries, brat and onions (all on the sandwich!) Plus they have rye whiskey and Angostura bitters soft serve. Also a good spot for watching soccer.
Bravo Bar, 2917 Georgia Ave NW
Bravo is a really chill little neighborhood spot at Georgia and Hobart with tasty bar food and a great happy hour — $6 for a beer, shot and hot dog until 8 pm, then $6 for the beer and shot thereafter, as well as buy one, get one free. They also have really good pupusas.
El Tio, 3345 Georgia Ave NW
There are a lot of good Mexican options in the area, but sometimes you just want cheese Tex-Mex, and El Tio is a great spot for that. Lots of food, tasty margaritas and good service.
Salt and Pepper Grill, 2632 Georgia Ave NW
Salt and Pepper has a few locations around town serving Indian and Pakistani fare, and this one is my fave (also the closest.) They have a small dine-in and it’s popular as a take out or delivery spot too, and it’s really tasty. Spicy, herby, fresh and delicious.
Any places you’d recommend that should get more love?
