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All Rights Reserved Skip to content Bob’s Shanghai 66A&JDama Restaurant and CafeFish in the NeighborhoodFull KeyElephant JumpsHuong VietMandalayHaute Dogs & FriesLos HermanosMi Cuba CafePassage to IndiaRavi Kabob HouseShamshiryVaceGom Ba WooTaco Bamba Bob’s Shanghai 66A&JDama Restaurant and CafeFish in the NeighborhoodFull KeyElephant JumpsHuong VietMandalayHaute Dogs & FriesLos HermanosMi Cuba CafePassage to IndiaRavi Kabob HouseShamshiryVaceGom Ba WooTaco Bamba * Menu 17 CLASSIC DC-AREA RESTAURANTS SERVING UP CHEAP AND DELICIOUS DISHES LONG-RUNNING FAVORITES THAT ARE EASY ON THE WALLET—AND AS STRONG AS EVER Written by Ann Limpert , Jessica Sidman and Cynthia Hacinli | Published on August 17, 2023 Tweet Share Bring a crowd and sample widely at Bob's Shanghai 66. Photograph by Scott Suchman . 17 CLASSIC DC-AREA RESTAURANTS SERVING UP CHEAP AND DELICIOUS DISHES LONG-RUNNING FAVORITES THAT ARE EASY ON THE WALLET—AND AS STRONG AS EVER Written by Ann Limpert , Jessica Sidman and Cynthia Hacinli | Published on August 17, 2023 Tweet Share CONTENTS 1. Bob’s Shanghai 66 2. A&J 3. Dama Restaurant and Cafe 4. Fish in the Neighborhood 5. Full Key 6. Elephant Jumps 7. Huong Viet 8. Mandalay 9. Haute Dogs & Fries 10. Los Hermanos 11. Mi Cuba Cafe 12. Passage to India 13. Ravi Kabob House 14. Shamshiry 15. Vace 16. Gom Ba Woo 17. Taco Bamba BOB’S SHANGHAI 66 location_on 305 N. WASHINGTON ST., ROCKVILLE language WEBSITE Dumplings at Bob’s Shanghai 66. Photograph by Scott Suchman . We’re going to go ahead and say it: These are the best xiao long bao (soup dumplings) in the area. The plump, juicy morsels come in several varieties, but the pork and crab-and-pork XLB are essentials (watch them being stuffed and folded through a window into the kitchen). The lengthy menu can be overwhelming, but dishes marked with yellow stars—including shrimp cruller wraps and garlicky Taiwanese cucumbers—are hits. Back to Top A&J location_on 1319 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE; 4316 MARKHAM ST., ANNANDALE language WEBSITE Spicy beef noodle soup. Photograph by Scott Suchman . These northern Chinese dim sum spots are destinations for rustic handmade noodles and dumplings. Particularly worth a journey: pan-fried pork pot stickers and wide ribbons slicked with hot-and-sour sauce. The multi-page menu has no wrong choices, but garlicky cucumbers, thousand-layer pancake, and beef-tendon soup deserve extra credit. Back to Top DAMA RESTAURANT AND CAFE location_on 1503 AND 1505 COLUMBIA PIKE, ARLINGTON language WEBSITE Photograph courtesy of Dama Restaurant and Cafe. This family-run Ethiopian enterprise dishes up soulful stews and sautés in the dining room, sells Ethiopian lentils and breads in the shop, and serves pastries and coffee in the cafe. Everything has a cooked-by-Grandma quality, whether turmeric-scented lamb alicha, chili-stoked doro wat, tenderloin tibs with jalapeños, or kifto, the raw ground-beef dish that’s ever so slightly warmed with spiced butter—Ethiopia’s answer to steak tartare. Back to Top FISH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD location_on 3601 GEORGIA AVE., NW language WEBSITE Photograph by Scott Suchman . This longstanding seafood carryout in Park View has been operating from a small sidewalk window since the pandemic. But newbies and regulars alike will still experience the neighborly hospitality of owner Bill White, who always seems ready with a joke or a fist bump. Come for the fried cornmeal-crusted fish and shrimp, and don’t skimp on soulful sides like hush puppies, collard greens, and seafood-mac salad. And always go for extra mango sauce. Back to Top FULL KEY location_on 2227 UNIVERSITY BLVD. W., WHEATON language WEBSITE Cantonese-style roast duck. Photograph by Scott Suchman . Roast duck with crackling mahogany skin is as succulent as ever. So are soy-sauce chicken and tender pork. And while roast meats are the draw at this 31-year-old mecca of Hong Kong cuisine, there are other pleasures, including flavorful shrimp-dumpling soup, deep-fried anything with spicy salt (shell-on shrimp and bean curd are our faves), eggplant in hot garlic sauce, and bright stir-fried Chinese cress or snow-pea leaves. Back to Top ELEPHANT JUMPS location_on 8110 ARLINGTON BLVD., FALLS CHURCH language WEBSITE A whole red snapper with green mango. Photograph by Scott Suchman . Banana-blossom salad usually gets top billing on the chalkboard specials menu for good reason. One of chef Songtham Pinyolaksana’s signature Thai specialties combines shrimp, chicken, and fried shallots in a memorable spicy lime/coconut-milk sauce. The kitchen further excels at all things fried, whether crispy pork belly showered in frizzled basil, a tempura-style papaya salad, or whole rockfish topped with slivers of green mango and cashews. Back to Top HUONG VIET location_on 6785 WILSON BLVD., FALLS CHURCH language WEBSITE Photograph by Scott Suchman . The crispy, oversize crepe at this cash-only Vietnamese dining room in the Eden Center is arguably the best in the area: gossamer-thin, studded with shrimp and pork, and meant to be wrapped in lettuce leaves with fresh mint and basil. Caramelized dishes are also rave-worthy, including pork, fish, or a chicken version amped up with crunchy bits of ginger. Shrimp with Chinese broccoli sounds same-old but surprises with a hit of chili, and the rice noodles with marinated pork, raw vegetables, and a spring roll could easily feed two. Back to Top MANDALAY location_on 930 BONIFANT ST., SILVER SPRING language WEBSITE Photograph by Andrew Propp. One of the region’s only Burmese restaurants made a surprise return last summer, after declaring an end to its two-decade run months earlier. What it lacks in ambience—most of the tables and chairs are foldups—it makes up for with punchy flavors and heat. A good intro is the section of chef’s specialties, such as beef simmered in an onion-based curry or tofu with pickled-mango curry. Crunchy cabbage salads are another must-try, including a favorite with fresh shredded ginger and fried garlic. Back to Top HAUTE DOGS & FRIES location_on 2910 N. SYCAMORE ST., ARLINGTON; 610 MONTGOMERY ST., ALEXANDRIA language WEBSITE Hot dogs inspired by flavors from around the world. Photograph of hot dogs by Scott Suchman . Despite these fast-casual spots’ name, there’s nothing all that fancy about the hot dogs here. Yes, they’re well griddled and have a nice, toasty bun, but what makes them stand out is their spin-the-globe creativity. A bánh mì dog is brilliantly accessorized just like the Vietnamese sub, with jalapeño, cilantro, and pickled carrot and daikon. We’re equally enamored with the Peking-duck-inspired version, the classic Chicago dog, and the DC homage, which sports blue cheese, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles. Back to Top LOS HERMANOS location_on 1428 PARK RD., NW language WEBSITE Photograph courtesy of Aris Compres. This Columbia Heights cafeteria is known for its groaning plates of rib-sticking Dominican food. Meat is the thing here, so go for the oxtail stew, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, stewed goat, or Flintstone-size fried beef ribs. Black beans, red beans, and a variety of rices are the traditional sides, and they are good, but don’t overlook the mashed plantains. They won’t win any beauty contests but really are the bomb. Back to Top MI CUBA CAFE location_on 1424 PARK RD., NW language WEBSITE Ropa vieja (shredded beef) with plantains and beans. Photograph of ropa vieja by Evy Mages . A fun vibe, top-notch Cuban fare, and tasty mojitos keep this Columbia Heights eatery humming. Happily, a newish second-floor space has eased waits for tables. The draws? Lechon asado, or roast pork, at once crispy and juicy; beef picadillo studded with olives; pressed pan con lechon and Cuban sandwiches; curvy plantain chips; and elegant empanadas. Back to Top PASSAGE TO INDIA location_on 4931 CORDELL AVE., BETHESDA language WEBSITE Cheese and fig dumplings, paneer anjeer kofta from Passage to India. Photograph by Scott Suchman . Sudhir Seth, once one of the area’s top Indian chefs and the owner of this serene Bethesda dining room, died in 2021. It’s a testament to his skill that the place is still going very strong. Many Indian restaurants in the States specialize in the meaty, yogurt-rich Northern Indian strain of the country’s many-faceted cuisine. And while you can grab a bang-up chicken makhni to go (or at lunchtime, discounted), this is the place to sample Southern Indian specialties like eggplant in vegan sesame-peanut gravy, a Western lamb stew with apricots, or a mint-and-cilantro-scented chicken curry with Yemeni roots. Back to Top RAVI KABOB HOUSE location_on 305 N. GLEBE RD., ARLINGTON language WEBSITE The enchanting smell of spiced grilled and stewed meats hits as soon as you enter this Pakistani carryout. Next, your eyes will home in on the display case packed with long metal spears of marinated meats. The Ravi Kabob special, with boneless chicken and ground-beef skewers, is truly a feast, complete with fresh tandoori-baked bread, rice, salad, and chutney. You can also order from adjoining Ravi Chatkhara, which specializes in lamb and chicken karahi, a spicy tomato-based curry. Back to Top SHAMSHIRY location_on 8607 WESTWOOD CENTER DR., VIENNA language WEBSITE Persian kebabs with blistery tomatoes. Photograph of kebabs by Scott Suchman . Families pack this Persian favorite all day for heaping plates of rice and kebabs. The kubideh, spiced ground beef, is a standout, and it’s worth a few bucks extra to swap plain basmati for rice studded with tart barberries or perfumed by candied orange peel, pistachios, and almonds. Fill whatever table space remains with yogurt dips, salads, pickles, and herbs—plus a pitcher of doogh, a cooling yogurt drink. Back to Top VACE location_on 3315 CONNECTICUT AVE., NW; 4705 MILLER AVE., BETHESDA language WEBSITE Grab pizza by the slice or a whole pie. Photograph of pizza courtesy of Vace. These Italian American (with a dash of Argentinean) carryouts have been churning out their unique take on pizza for more than four decades. The not-too-thin, not-too-thick pies are crisp on the bottom, layered with mozzarella that’s baked right into the crust, and finished with ladles of bright-red sauce. At a time when a whole pizza can run you nearly $30, the ones here are a delicious steal. (The focaccia sandwiches and Italian cold-cut subs are, too.) While you’re there, pick up Italian imports, frozen pasta, and an empanada or two. Back to Top GOM BA WOO location_on 7133 COLUMBIA PIKE, ANNANDALE language WEBSITE Pan-fried dumplings. Photograph by Scott Suchman . Show up early and you might catch the staff at this homey Korean restaurant sitting in the corner folding up plump dumplings. You’re definitely going to want the bountiful plate of these pork-stuffed specialties, either steamed or pan-fried. Equally generous are jam-packed seafood-scallion pancakes, sizzling bibimbap, and hearty stews, such as a bubbling cauldron of kimchi, pork, and tofu. Back to Top TACO BAMBA location_on MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND SOON DC language WEBSITE Taco al pastor. Photograph by Scott Suchman . What happens when a former fine-dining chef opens a chain of popular taco joints? Solid al pastor and barbacoa, sure, but also some creative, globally inspired creations. Think Thai-accented shrimp-and-chorizo larb with herbs and chilies or “Peruvian-ish” chicken with green-chili purée and aji amarillo aïoli. Cocktails, such as a wood-fired-pineapple-and-mezcal margarita, are a notch above your typical fast-casual options. This article appears in the August 2023 issue of Washingtonian. More: FeaturesCheap EatsClassic restaurantsDining Deals 2023 Join the conversation! Share Tweet Ann Limpert Executive Food Editor/Critic Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Logan Circle. Jessica Sidman Food Editor Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad. Cynthia Hacinli LONGREADS Perfect for your commute THE ABORTION BATTLE ON VIRGINIA’S BORDER DC’S FOOD INFLUENCER SCENE IS BOOMING. IT’S ALSO A HOT MESS. INSIDE DC’S ABSURDLY CONFUSING RECREATIONAL WEED MARKET CAN WAYNE ROONEY REBUILD DC UNITED? by Taboolaby Taboola Sponsored LinksSponsored Links Promoted LinksPromoted Links You May Like Driver Updater Most Computer Owners Don't Know This. 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Wir liefern alles optimal gekühlt bis zur Wohnungstür.REWE LieferserviceJetzt kaufen Undo Elektroautos | Gesponserte Links Völlig neues kleines Elektroauto für Senioren - der Preis könnte Sie überraschenElektroautos | Gesponserte Links Undo Hypersomnie | Suchanzeigen What Causes Excessive Daytime Sleepiness? Indicators You May Not KnowHypersomnie | SuchanzeigenSearch Now Undo Containerhäuser | Gesponserte Links Berlin: Unverkaufte Containerhäuser zum Verkauf für fast nichtsContainerhäuser | Gesponserte Links Undo RELATED 61 BEST DINING DEALS AROUND THE DC AREA 11 BEST NEW AFFORDABLE RESTAURANTS AROUND THE DC AREA 5 GREAT LUNCH DEALS AT UPSCALE RESTAURANTS AROUND DC UPGRADE YOUR LUNCH WITH THESE AFFORDABLE BENTO BOXES AROUND DC © 2023 Washingtonian Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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By signing up, you agree to our terms. * Subscribe * Manage My Subscription * Digital Edition * Shop * Contests * About Us * Advertising * Contact Us * Jobs Bob’s Shanghai 66A&JDama Restaurant and CafeFish in the NeighborhoodFull KeyElephant JumpsHuong VietMandalayHaute Dogs & FriesLos HermanosMi Cuba CafePassage to IndiaRavi Kabob HouseShamshiryVaceGom Ba WooTaco Bamba Bob’s Shanghai 66A&JDama Restaurant and CafeFish in the NeighborhoodFull KeyElephant JumpsHuong VietMandalayHaute Dogs & FriesLos HermanosMi Cuba CafePassage to IndiaRavi Kabob HouseShamshiryVaceGom Ba WooTaco Bamba * Menu More stories to check out before you go Keep on reading 8 Great Waterfront Airbnbs in the DC Area - WashingtonianThese waterfront Airbnbs near DC offer everything from kayaking and crabbing, to river tubing and sunset viewing—plus, they're available this summer.Washingtonian - The website that Washington lives by. 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Group 3 Undo ' ' ' ' ' ' Sadly, Dulles Is the Most Expensive Airport for Domestic TravelHere's some bad news for local travelers: Dulles was named the most expensive American airport to fly out of. Using Department of Transportation data, financial advice website FinanceBuzz found that domestic flights out of Dulles cost travelers an average of $494.78, which is the most expensive in tWashingtonian - The website that Washington lives by. Undo Driver Updater Most Computer Owners Don't Know This. Do It Today!This Could Be the Most Important Tip You Read This YearDriver Updater| SponsoredSponsored Learn More Undo All4newz Die 10 schnellsten Autos der WeltAll4newz| SponsoredSponsored Jetzt Anschauen Undo 5 Fabulous Happy Hour Deals Around the DC-AreaSome of the best deals in town happen around 5 o’clock. Down half-priced oysters, try caviar on a budget, and more happy hour deals.Washingtonian - The website that Washington lives by. 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Atlas Brew Works 1201 Half Street, SE The Navy Yard location of this brewery is throwing a party celebrating the release of its Marzen Lager FestbiWashingtonian - The website that Washington lives by. Undo Gevestor empfiehlt Anzeichen einer Superperformance AktieDas haben die stärksten Aktien der letzten 100 Jahre gemeinsamGevestor empfiehlt| SponsoredSponsored Undo Unverkaufte Möbel | Gesponserte Links Berlin Unverkaufte Möbel werden fast umsonst abgegebenUnverkaufte Möbel | Gesponserte Links| SponsoredSponsored Jetzt Suchen Undo Where to Find Apple Cider Doughnuts Around the DC AreaIt's the prime season for pumpkin patches and corn mazes. But mostly we're just excited about the apple cider doughnuts.Washingtonian - The website that Washington lives by. 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