The one thing that’s harder than getting into certain restaurants in DC… is finding restaurants where there’s no wait! There is no doubt that we are something of a foodie town and round the block lines don’t phase us! However when you are starving and really do not feel like dealing with the long wait times and never-ending lines, you need to find some go-to spots without a wait. Here are seven restaurants in DC where you don’t need a reservation.
- DC Noodles
Facebook/DC Noodles
Yelp/Claire B. For a town that loves noodles, it might be surprising that one of our no-wait places is DC Noodles. But this place is a hidden gem that never feels crowded and always serves up delicious ramen.
1412 U St NW
- Kellari Taverna
Facebook/Kellari DC
Yelp/Jenny T. If you love seafood, then you definitely need to visit Kellari Taverna. They serve mouthwatering seafood, authentic Greek food in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. If you can, stop by for brunch and you won’t be disappointed!
1700 K St NW
- Stoney’s on L
Yelp/Stoney’s On L
Yelp/Stacy P. A low key Foggy Bottom restaurant, Stoney’s is known to have a thriving bar scene and fantastic grilled cheeses. While it can be a bit full in the bar area around happy hour, the staff at Stoney’s keeps things moving and there is very rarely a wait.
2101 L St NW
- Beau Thai
Yelp/Deena H.
Yelp/Deena H. Beau Thai is a Shaw neighborhood favorite among locals. DC doesn’t have too many Thai restaurants and Beau Thai is a stand out and luckily it’s still under the radar so you can find a seat as soon as you walk in.
1550 7th St NW
- Proper 21
Yelp/Proper 21
Yelp/Elizabeth M. Washingtonians love visiting Proper 21 because it’s a new twist on sports bars and you won’t have to wait an hour for a table like many of its surrounding neighbors. They do classic American food like delicious burgers, sandwiches, fantastic truffle fries and great crab dip.
1319 F St NW
- Bantam King
Yelp/Norry H.
Yelp/Alice W. Here’s a fun fact about Bantam King, it used to be a Burger King and it still nicknamed BK. But they are also a fantastic alternative to the busier ramen shops in the Chinatown area. Walk right into this colorful shop and you’ll be dining in no time!
501 G St NW
- Cedar
Yelp/A.R.P.
Yelp/Tara L. Even though Cedar is not a huge place, it almost never seems crowded and you rarely have to wait to grab a table. Located in a basement, it’s quite cozy and intimate. They have a wide menu offerings, including an entire vegan section.
822 E St NW
If you love the idea of avoiding crowds while you dine, be sure to visit the 9 best restaurants you didn’t know existed in DC!
Facebook/DC Noodles
Yelp/Claire B.
For a town that loves noodles, it might be surprising that one of our no-wait places is DC Noodles. But this place is a hidden gem that never feels crowded and always serves up delicious ramen.
1412 U St NW
Facebook/Kellari DC
Yelp/Jenny T.
If you love seafood, then you definitely need to visit Kellari Taverna. They serve mouthwatering seafood, authentic Greek food in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. If you can, stop by for brunch and you won’t be disappointed!
1700 K St NW
Yelp/Stoney’s On L
Yelp/Stacy P.
A low key Foggy Bottom restaurant, Stoney’s is known to have a thriving bar scene and fantastic grilled cheeses. While it can be a bit full in the bar area around happy hour, the staff at Stoney’s keeps things moving and there is very rarely a wait.
2101 L St NW
Yelp/Deena H.
Beau Thai is a Shaw neighborhood favorite among locals. DC doesn’t have too many Thai restaurants and Beau Thai is a stand out and luckily it’s still under the radar so you can find a seat as soon as you walk in.
1550 7th St NW
Yelp/Proper 21
Yelp/Elizabeth M.
Washingtonians love visiting Proper 21 because it’s a new twist on sports bars and you won’t have to wait an hour for a table like many of its surrounding neighbors. They do classic American food like delicious burgers, sandwiches, fantastic truffle fries and great crab dip.
1319 F St NW
Yelp/Norry H.
Yelp/Alice W.
Here’s a fun fact about Bantam King, it used to be a Burger King and it still nicknamed BK. But they are also a fantastic alternative to the busier ramen shops in the Chinatown area. Walk right into this colorful shop and you’ll be dining in no time!
501 G St NW
Yelp/A.R.P.
Yelp/Tara L.
Even though Cedar is not a huge place, it almost never seems crowded and you rarely have to wait to grab a table. Located in a basement, it’s quite cozy and intimate. They have a wide menu offerings, including an entire vegan section.
822 E St NW
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