Alice DC

There’s a lot going on at Alice DC on U St., but that’s what makes it wonderful. There’s a fast-casual pho restaurant on the bottom floor, arcade games on the second, and a club playing hip hop R&B on the third. The theme, as you might have guessed, is an ode to Alice in Wonderland and the venue has curated a loopy, surreal experience to match. There are crystal chandeliers, beaming lights and a hallway mural painted in neon colors.

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

But if you don’t care about any of that and are really just here for the food, it’s great. The pho is crafted from a cherished family recipe passed down from the owner's mother, who also happens to be a cook in the kitchen. And the chinito wings, tossed in a sweet sesame and scallion marinade, are a hit.

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo