Bad Saint DC is a twenty seat Filipino restaurant that you’ll have to wait in line for. You should absolutely wait in line for it.

Head out to Falls Church for some of the best tacos around.

One of DC’s best spots for pizza and small plates.

The Ferris Bueller of DC restaurants, The Royal is cool without trying too hard. Come for great Colombian food and cocktails.

All-Purpose is a neighborhood spot in Shaw with excellent Italian antipasti and some good pizza.

Sushi Taro in DC can be as casual or as fancy as you need it to be. Have a low-key dinner at the bar, or do the omakase for a special occasion.

A casual and cheap Mexican spot with excellent tacos, corn, and drinks.

Even if you don’t live in Petworth, Ruta Del Vino is worth coming to, especially with a date. Post up and order food at the big bar, or grab a table.

Estadio’s tapas will be familiar if you’re used to eating Spanish food, but it will be better. Use Estadio to woo sources, dates, or anyone else.

There are plenty of places to get ramen in DC, but Haikan is doing it a bit differently. Try it for a casual dinner next time you're in Shaw.

A no-fuss Mexican joint where you can wash down great food with impressive drinks.

Rasa is a fast-casual Indian spot next to Nats Park that’ll make you reevaluate your go-to stadium meal.

Chicken + Whiskey’s name says it all: it’s a casual Peruvian chicken spot in the front, and a vinyl bar with 100 varieties of whiskey in the back.

Lucky Buns in Adams Morgan is a versatile, open-late burger spot with unique toppings that’s perfect for when Jumbo Slice just won’t cut it.

Chiko is a fast-casual spot near Eastern Market that serves a mix of Chinese and Korean food, with a $50 reservation-only tasting menu.

A classic diner that’s been around since the 1940s, Florida Avenue Grill is still a reliable spot for breakfast in Columbia Heights.