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Adams Morgan
On a brisk Saturday morning, I escaped the confines of Georgetown and ventured into Adams Morgan, an area abounding with cultural vibrancy. Historically a hub for immigrants, Adams Morgan has grown into a diverse cultural center attracting both foreigners and young professionals. Thus, the neighborhood has become a curious combination of authentic ethnic culture and city chic. When walking down the streets of Adams Morgan, expect to see an empanada stand nestled next to a chic frozen yogurt café. From college students to young professionals, all types of people visit Adams Morgan seeking not only unique cuisine but also exciting night life.
In order to fully experience the distinctive character of Adams Morgan, try both the authentic ethnic and hip joints in the neighborhood. Adams Morgan is especially known for its activity after dark. One of the most popular spots for nightlife is Madams Organ, an Adams Morgan landmark where “beautiful people go to get ugly.” Offering jazz music on a nightly basis, Madams Organ serves soul inspired cuisine in a quirky, upbeat atmosphere.
A true Adams Morgan experience would not be complete without experiencing the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. From Ethiopian to Brazilian to Honduran, Adams Morgan features cuisine from all corners of the globe. My personal favorite is Julia’s Empanadas, a Latin American fast food joint. Serving dishes for under $4, Julia’s Empanadas offers unsurpassed authentic cuisine. The vegetarian, chicken, and strawberry-ricotta cheese empanadas are especially scrumptious.
Although the restaurants and nightclubs attract a variety of people to Adams Morgan, these spots do not define the neighborhood. Rather, the people you meet and the sights you see make your experience memorable. When I visited Adams Morgan, I remember admiring gorgeous Victorian homes on one street and eating an authentic Mexican empanada and talking with Hondurans on the next. While in the neighborhood, you can never anticipate who will you meet and what you will learn. Adams Morgan’s distinctive character cannot be replicated in any other Washington neighborhood and reminds its visitors of the beauty and vibrancy of cultural diversity.
Popular Adams Morgan spots:
2003 18th St., NW, Washington DC, (202) 667-5370
1834 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington, DC (202) 462-6310
2465 18th St. NW, Washington, DC (202) 387-3845
2327 18th St., NW Washington DC (202) 667-4355
2463 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC (202) 667-0088
Julia’s Empanadas
2452 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 328-6232
Meskerem Ethiopian
2434 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 462-4100
Himalayan Heritage
2305 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 483-9300
Jyoti Restaurant
2433 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 518-5892
Amsterdam Falafelshop
2425 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 234-1969
Sweet Green
No human being is meant to live off of chicken fingers, greasy fries, and creamy ice cream. As a college student dining primarily in a cafeteria, I am forced to eat unhealthy food on a daily basis not out of choice, but out of survival. However, when I am fed up with manufactured food and high fructose corn syrup, I find solace in the organic haven known as Sweet Green.
Founded by young, innovative Georgetown graduates, Sweet Green offers a variety of salads and wraps. Among my favorite salads is the Santorini, a bed of romaine topped with chick peas, feta cheese, grapes, shrimp, lemon, and mint tossed in a yogurt dressing. All Sweet Green products are organic and grown locally.
A true Sweet Green experience would not be complete without topping off your salad with Sweetflo, creamy frozen fat-free yogurt. Enjoy the guilt-free treat by choosing from a variety of tasty toppings ranging from fresh raspberries to crisp mint chips. My personal favorite is Sweetflo topped with strawberries and dark chocolate chips. When leaving SweetGreen, be sure to recycle everything from your fork to your dish since the restaurant prides its self on being completely environmentally friendly. What could be sweeter?
Cafe Bonaparte
On a crisp October night, my friends and I approached a tiny, quaint building looking for one thing and one thing only: crepes. That night we found exactly what we were looking for at Cafe Bonaparte. Situated on Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of Georgetown, Cafe Bonaparte specializes in crepes and French cuisine.
Upon entering the dainty restaurant playing trendy French music, we ordered a variety of crepes, including a spanich, feta, and ricotta crepe and a ham and cheese dish. 
Topped with warm cheddar cheese, the Wellington features black forest ham in a delectable mustard sauce. Equally delicious is the Santorini crepe which features fresh spinach, caramelized red onions, and ricotta and feta cheese.
Washington, DC 20007
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Brunch: Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00pm, Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 1:00am, Sunday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Ah, the Beauty of Burritos
Nothing beats the work week blues better than a steaming burrito dripping with melted cheese, ripe guacamole, and sour cream.
Every Monday at 5:30 pm, I find myself at Qdoba with a group of friends celebrating half price Mexican Monday, a weekly event offered to college students. Though I am not usually a fan of franchises, Qdoba is not your typical chain. From its fresh produce to its extensive menu, Qdoba offers a variety of salad, taco, and burrito options sure to please both health fanatics and cheese lovers alike.
Personally, I recommend the pulled pork burrito topped with black beans, guacamole, salsa, and corn. Other tasty options include the three cheese queso burrito and barbeque flavored ancho chile burrito. For health conscious diners, order your burrito “naked” without the shell or try the vegetarian salad. Whichever you chose, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. From its inexpensive menu to festive atmosphere, Qdoba is the ideal location to satisfy your burrito craving or Mexican munchies. ¡Vamos a comer!
3303 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
p: 202-342-3360
f: 202-342-3361
10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10:00 AM – 08:00 PM Sunday
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Oozing with cheese and beefy goodness, the half smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl is the American Dream on a warm toasted bun. A Washington D.C landmark and tourist phenomenon, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been visited by customers ranging from Bill Cosby to Barak Obama. After hearing about this famed spot, I decided to visit Ben’s chili bowl myself.
Situated in the historical African American neighborhood, Ben’s Chili bowl recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary and prides itself on being a Washington landmark. With its old fashioned red booths and humble exterior, Ben’s Chili Bowl is frequented by both tourists and locals. To have the ultimate Ben’s Chili Bowl experience, order chili cheese fries. At first I felt hesitant about pouring chili on cheese fries, but after the first bite I realized that the combination is genius. Nonetheless, a true Ben’s Chili Bowl experience is incomplete without indulging in the half smoke. A pork and beef frankfurter topped with chili, cheese, relish, and mustard, the half smoke remains the trademark of this classic D.C. spot. If the half smoke sounds like too much to handle, settle for a simple cup of beef or vegetarian chili chopped with cheddar cheese. Or, indulge in a juicy burger topped with chili. Regardless of your choice, visiting Ben’s Chili bowl will be a memorable experience. Your wallet will thank you, but your waist line will not.
