The Resy Guide to Dining in D.C.’s Shaw Neighborhood

The pitch: Award-winning plant-based fare

Not all neighborhoods have an upscale plant-based dining establishment like Oyster Oyster, and that is one of the many thingss that sets Shaw apart from other neighborhoods in D.C. Chef Rob Rubba, a James Beard award finalist for 2023, has taken plant-based dining to a new level at his charming restaurant, named for both traditional oysters and oyster mushrooms. His highly creative seasonal menu changes regularly, but you are guaranteed a bread course with housemade butter, oysters, and a whimsical dessert. Wine pairings and zero proof pairings are available too.

The pitch: Sample all the street food, Asian-style

The venue is loud, moody, and trendy, the perfect backdrop for some seriously electric street food dishes from Hong Kong. Upon arrival, start your dining experience with one of the dynamic cocktails infused with Asian ingredients. The Small Medicine is a good choice, with blended Asian whiskeys, lapsang, baijiu, peppercorn honey, and lemon, as is the F.I.L.T.H. with gin, ginger liqueur, black tea, lemon, and chili oil. The seemingly endless array of dishes to sample spans delicate dumplings and curry crab buns to tofu fried rice and mushroom cakes.

The pitch: A glass of wine with a side of a vibe

The beautifully curated wine list, cozy patio, a fun playlist, and playful small plates are just a few of the reasons Maxwell Park is one of D.C.’s quintessential wine bars. The wine list features a monthly themed section, with unique and unusual wines by the glass and bottle, and a lengthy bottle list from around the world. Sip at the bar or on the patio under twinkling lights while perusing the menu. The truffle grilled cheese is heady and decadent, with two kinds of cheese, mayo, and truffle sauce, while the miso togashari peanuts are the ultimate bar bite. The menu also includes a seasonal dumpling, chips and dip, and salty chocolate chip cookies. This is not your average wine bar.

The pitch: To satisfy the ultimate ramen craving

The Daikaya Group, formed a decade ago by chef Katsuya Fukushima and restaurant owner Daisuke Utagawa, started off with one ramen shop, which has now expanded to five restaurants around the city. Haikan is the name of their Shaw ramen shop, and is well-known as a local favorite. The venue features the most comforting bowls of ramen, composed of fragrant broths made in-house and simmered for 16 hours, and noodles that are custom-made by the Nishiyama Seiman company in Sapporo, Japan. The complex stock combines with the light, chewy noodles and heaps of scallions, garlic, nori, and bean sprouts for a dish that is brimming with umami. Spice-lovers should ask for a spice bomb to be added to their ramen, and don’t skip out on tasty small plates like fried shishito peppers and grilled avocado.

Call 202-299-1000 for reservations.

The pitch: A classic American pizzeria experience

D.C. has lots of pizzerias, but none are quite like All Purpose. With its cheerful atmosphere, boisterous pizzas, and addictive small plates, it’s the pizzeria you will want to go to every week. From the classic marinara pie with tomatoes, garlic, pecorino, oregano, and olive oil, to the super decadent Sedwick with four different kinds of cheese and black truffle honey, there is something to satisfy everyone, whether your pizza preferences are traditional or more adventurous.

The pitch: A cold beer on D.C.’s most puppy-friendly patio

At Dacha, you will come for the beer and stay for the food and fun. The patio is always crowded with people and puppies, and the food is great for sharing. Choose from fried pickles, warm baked pretzels served with beer cheese, currywurst, tacos, mussels, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, or even apple pie for something sweet. The beer menu is extensive; try the IPA or hazy lager. And don’t worry about your pup — there’s a beverage and treat menu for your four-legged friend.

The Pitch: A trip to the South, without leaving D.C.

We all have a hankering for Southern fare sometimes. Shaw’s Tavern is a great spot for grabbing a group of friends and treating yourself to the best dishes from the south, including fried green tomatoes, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, mac ‘n’ cheese, and jambalaya. Pro tip: Come for brunch, where bottomless mimosas are $21 and brunch dishes like breakfast sandwiches, skillets (both veg and non-veg), biscuits and gravy, and battered French toast are sure to satisfy.

The pitch: D.C.’s first K-BBQ experience

D.C.’s first Korean barbecue spot features tabletop grills for grilling your entrée, and as well as a host of tasty Korean small plates for sharing. Highlights include super crispy onion rings; pajeon, which are crispy seafood and vegetable pancakes; bibimbap; japchae; and mandu, Korean dumplings.

The pitch: A margarita with a view

With a variety of margaritas (prickly pear, anyone?), nachos, tacos and a gorgeous rooftop patio, you have everything you need for an excellent evening at El Techo. The rooftop is festooned with hanging green plants and bright lights, creating the perfect atmosphere for your enjoying your food and drinks. Pro tip: Cocktails are $11 at happy hour, and food specials include chips served with a trifecta of dips: queso, salsa, and guacamole.

The pitch: Especially creative Thai food

From the team behind Beau Thai, which also has a location in Shaw, BKK Bookshop offers both classic and lesser-known Thai dishes. BKK has a comfy interior, a charming patio, and Thai-inspired cocktails like the Bangkok Mule with Thai chile vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Kick off your meal with a green mango salad or son-in-law-eggs, where deep-fried eggs are drizzled with sweet and sour tamarind sauce. Next, dive into a yellow curry coconut noodle soup or spicy Thai basil rice. To finish, polish off an order of Thai donuts, served with condensed milk.