12 Hole-In-The-Wall Washington D.C. Food Spots That Locals Keep Quiet About
Washington, D.C. residents have “mastered” the art of keeping their favorite food spots to themselves.
While teeming tourists flock to chic downtown restaurants, wise locals slip out to tiny counters, alley storefronts, and cafeteria-style joints that serve up great food minus the crush.
These hidden culinary treasures give authentic flavors and generous portions at fairly low prices. These fantastic spots surely won’t disappoint you!
1. Oohh’s & Aahh’s – Soul Food Paradise on U Street
Picture this: you’re walking down U Street at 11 PM, stomach growling, and suddenly you spot a tiny counter still serving up steaming platters of comfort food.
That’s Oohh’s & Aahh’s for you – a no-frills soul food joint that keeps late hours on weekends when most places have already closed.
The turkey chops here are legendary, and their shrimp and grits will make you question every other version you’ve ever tried. Don’t expect fancy seating – most folks grab their mac and greens combo and head out the door.
Counter space is practically nonexistent, so plan on taking your feast to go.
2. The Well Dressed Burrito – Dupont’s Best Kept Secret
Finding this place is like a treasure hunt – you literally have to walk down an alley to discover it. Tucked away at 1220 19th Street NW, this burrito spot has been serving Dupont Circle workers for years without any flashy signage or street-facing windows.
Their marinated grilled burrito is a masterpiece of flavor, and the fish tacos are surprisingly fresh for a place hidden in an alley. I stumbled upon this gem during a lunch break three years ago and haven’t found a better burrito in the city since.
Open seven days a week, it’s become my go-to whenever I need a quick, satisfying meal.
3. El Rinconcito Cafe – Salvadoran-Peruvian Fusion Downtown
Compact doesn’t begin to describe this place – El Rinconcito Cafe fits more flavor per square foot than restaurants ten times its size.
Located at 1129 11th Street NW on the edge of Shaw, this family-run spot serves up an unlikely but delicious combination of Salvadoran and Peruvian specialties.
The pupusas revueltas are handmade perfection, stuffed with cheese, beans, and pork, while the lomo saltado brings authentic Peruvian stir-fry to your plate.
Open daily (generally 10 AM–11 PM; 10 AM–10 PM on Sunday and Monday), it’s reliable when you need something hearty and authentic.
Prices remain surprisingly reasonable despite the downtown location.
4. Habesha Market & Carry-out – Ethiopian Cafeteria Style
Walking into Habesha Market feels like entering someone’s home kitchen – if that kitchen happened to serve some of the best Ethiopian food in the city. This combination market and cafeteria at 1919 9th Street NW operates with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.
The vegetarian combo platter showcases multiple dishes over warm, spongy injera bread, while the tibs (sautéed meat) adds protein for heartier appetites. Don’t skip the market side – grab fresh injera to take home along with authentic spices.
Operating from early morning to late evening daily, it’s perfect for both quick lunches and dinner takeout.
5. A. Litteri – Italian Grocery’s Secret Sub Counter
Most people drive right past this old-school Italian grocery in Ivy City without realizing they’re missing one of D.C.’s best-kept sandwich secrets.
A. Litteri has been serving the Italian-American community since 1932, but their sub counter remains virtually unknown outside neighborhood circles.
The classic Italian cold-cut sandwich comes loaded with imported meats, aged provolone, and all the traditional fixings on crusty bread. Here’s the catch – they stop making subs at 5:45 PM sharp, so don’t show up fashionably late.
Located at 517 Morse Street NE, this place rewards those who plan ahead and arrive early.
6. Vace Italian Deli – Cleveland Park’s Pizza Secret
This shoebox-sized Italian deli on Connecticut Avenue NW has been a Cleveland Park institution for decades, yet somehow remains under the radar of most D.C. food lovers. Vace specializes in take-and-bake pizzas that put most delivery chains to shame.
Their white pizza, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, becomes pure magic after a few minutes in your home oven. The Italian subs are equally impressive, packed with quality cold cuts and fresh ingredients.
Everything here is strictly grab-and-go, so don’t expect table service or lingering, just excellent Italian-American food at neighborhood prices.
7. Greek Deli & Catering – Downtown’s Hidden Greek Counter
Squeezed between downtown office buildings, this narrow lunch counter serves up some of the most authentic Greek food in the city to a loyal following of government workers and locals in the know.
The pastitsio here rivals anything you’d find in Astoria, with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel that achieve perfect harmony.
Daily specials like roast lamb with lemon potatoes showcase traditional Greek home cooking at its finest. Lines move surprisingly fast despite the popularity, and they accept cards (and cash).
Always check their hours before making the trip – they’re not always consistent.
8. Taqueria Xochi – U Street’s Birria Headquarters
Birria has taken D.C. by storm, but Taqueria Xochi was serving this Jalisco specialty long before it became trendy. This compact U Street taqueria operates from a small storefront that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
The quesabirria here is pure perfection – crispy tortillas stuffed with tender beef and cheese, served alongside rich consommé for dipping. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that justify any wait you might encounter.
Multiple small locations exist around the city, but the U Street spot remains the most central and accessible for most visitors seeking authentic Mexican comfort food.
9. Los Hermanos – Dominican Cafeteria in Columbia Heights
Steam tables loaded with Dominican specialties greet you at Los Hermanos, a low-key cafeteria-style restaurant that serves the Columbia Heights community with authentic island flavors.
Located at 1426 Park Road NW, this spot feels more like a neighborhood gathering place than a typical restaurant.
La Bandera platter showcases the Dominican flag colors through rice, beans, and meat, while the pernil (roasted pork) falls apart at the touch of a fork. Weekend mornings bring Dominican breakfast with mangu – mashed plantains that comfort the soul.
Hours vary by day, so calling ahead saves disappointment.
10. Jam Doung Style – Jamaican Flavors on N. Capitol
Reggae music drifts from this tiny Jamaican carry-out on N. Capitol Street, where the jerk chicken arrives with enough spice to transport you straight to Kingston. Jam Doung Style keeps things simple – authentic Jamaican flavors without any fuss or fancy presentation.
The jerk chicken comes perfectly charred and fiery, balanced by cooling cabbage and creamy mac and cheese. Don’t overlook the beef patties – golden pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef that make perfect snacks.
Located at 1726 N Capitol Street NW, this takeout-focused spot maintains steady hours and consistent quality that keeps locals coming back regularly.
11. Fish in the Neighborhood – Park View’s Fried Fish Institution
Operating just four days a week from Wednesday through Saturday, Fish in the Neighborhood has earned cult status among D.C. fried fish enthusiasts.
This old-school counter at 3601 Georgia Avenue NW specializes in perfectly seasoned catfish, whiting, and red snapper that arrives golden and crispy every single time.
The fried catfish here sets the standard – flaky inside with a seasoned cornmeal crust that provides satisfying crunch. Hush puppies on the side add sweetness to balance the savory fish.
Limited afternoon and early evening hours mean timing your visit correctly, but the reward is some of the city’s finest fried seafood.
12. Mangialardo’s – Capitol Hill’s G-Man Sandwich Legend
Bare walls, no seating, and weekday-lunch-only hours might sound off-putting, but Mangialardo’s on Pennsylvania Avenue SE has built a devoted following around one legendary sandwich – the G-Man.
This no-nonsense Italian sub shop focuses entirely on takeout, perfecting their craft without any dining room distractions.
The G-Man sandwich layers Italian cold cuts and provolone with traditional fixings on a soft roll that holds everything together perfectly. Each component shines individually while contributing to sandwich harmony.
Located at 1317 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, this Capitol Hill institution proves that sometimes the simplest approach yields the most satisfying results.