Washington DC's Best Food and Drink For 2018: Popular Website

WASHINGTON, DC — While politics may be especially partisan in the nation's capital these days, foodies can likely agree that the city boasts myriad fine food and drink spots. But which restaurant serves up the most inspired menu? And what other foods should you explore? The popular food site The Daily Meal has answers for you.

The website has provided what it considers the "complete" guide of the best food and drink in Washington, D.C., for 2018. With 2017 coming to a close, the Daily Meal says it rounded up venues in the District that showcase seafood, steaks and much more.

Food in the capital never disappoints. "The city’s ever-changing food scene has enough hype to drown out the noise of everyone always arguing about politics — and once you dig in, politics won’t even seem to matter. ... The real sights to see are served to you on a plate," the website says.

With its relatively close proximity to the ocean and thriving food culture, the authors say chefs from all over flock to DC a new neighborhoods become the place to go for tourists and other travelers. "DC is setting trends by serving small plates and big steaks," the Daily Meal says.

Here are the District's top bars and eateries in each category, and The Daily Meal's justification for distinguishing them:

• Bar: The Old Ebbitt Grill has been in operation since 1856, and it remains a classy and upscale spot for some oysters and a good glass of wine or whiskey
• Best Chinese Restaurant: China Boy is a tiny Chinatown hole in the wall that’s attracted droves of loyal devotees thanks to one thing: its authentic Chinese noodles
• Best French Fries: The fries at Blue Duck Tavern are first boiled, then fried in oil, then finally fried one more time in duck fat before being tossed with salt and herbs
• Best Mexican Restaurant: Legendary Spanish chef José Andrés spent time in Mexico before opening Oyamel in 2004, and the results are spectacular
• Best Sandwich: Since 2008, MGM has been serving some of the finest roast beef sandwiches you’ll find anywhere, slow-roasted and hand-carved.

Best Bar: Old Ebbitt Grill

Given DC's history, it's a must to check out the oldest saloon in the city. Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill has served most presidents since Ulysses S. Grant and is located less than a block from the White House itself. "Old Ebbitt Grill bartenders can make nearly any cocktail, but there are a dozen seasonal cocktails on offer, too, like the signature Bloody Maryland."

Best Beer: DC Brau Brewing Co.’s On the Wings of Armageddon

"DC Brau Brewing Co.’s On the Wings of Armageddon is a world-class imperial IPA. This single-hopped beer has a marvelous mellow bitterness that does not give way to its weighty 9.2 percent ABV."

Best Burger: Ben's Chili Cheeseburger at Ben's Chili Bowl

"The continuous lines out the door show the restaurant's chili cheese burgers and dogs are some of the best in the country. When you order the quarter-pound beef chili burger, you get a never-frozen all-beef patty that they suggest you top with chili, lettuce, and mayo. ... Celebrities are all welcome as long as they're willing to stand in line like everybody else — though the President eats for free."

Best Fried Chicken: Birch & Barley

"The real treat is the fried chicken and waffles with buttered pecans and maple-chicken jus served during brunch. Food & Wine rated it as some of the best fried chicken in the nation, and named chef Kyle Bailey the People’s Best New Chef Mid-Atlantic."

Best Italian Restaurant: Fiola

"Chef Fabio Trabocchi and his upscale Penn Quarter trattoria Fiola have both many awards (including a 2017 Michelin star), and the reason is the menu, which changes daily based on what’s fresh and in-season. Sample menu items include beef cheek tortellini with bone marrow agrodolce, black garlic, and brodo; spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino with Santa Barbara abalone, razor clams, and ‘nduja; and Canary Island branzino with prosecco zabaglione, leeks, and osetra caviar."

Best Mexican Restaurant: Oyamel

"Spanish chef José Andrés is renowned for his dedication to learning other cultures’ cuisines. He spent time in Mexico before opening Oyamel in 2004. Meals start with complimentary salsa and chips, made fresh and fried daily. Continue with antojitos (“the little dishes from the streets”), papas al mole, and tacos with handmade tortillas, especially chapulines — the Oaxacan specialty of sautéed grasshoppers."

Best Restaurant: Minibar

"It’s also the most expensive restaurant in D.C.! They really have tried to make it easier on everyone, but getting into Minibar, where protean chef José Andrés channels Spanish avant-garde cuisine, is still difficult. The restaurant now accepts reservations on a seasonal basis (in three-month periods), with each season opening one month in advance. ... Even with a price tag of $275 for 25 to 30 (mini) courses, it's a steal of a deal. The imaginative cuisine displayed at minibar scored chef José Andrés a 2011 James Beard Outstanding Chef Award.”

Complete List: The Best Food and Drink in Washington, D.C. 2018

Read the whole report here.

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