When you think of Petworth and Park View, food and drinks probably come to mind first. That's because this Northwest neighborhood is famous for its standout eateries.
When one thinks of Petworth and Park View, food and drinks are likely the top two things that come to mind. That’s because this Northwest neighborhood is known for landmark eateries like Hitching Post, Slash Run, and Timber Pizza Company.
But there is also more than comfort food, burgers, and pizza here. Petworth is packed with neighborhood-friendly restaurants and dive bars that make Washingtonians feel right at home. Here are the best bets in the neighborhood if you’re hungry or thirsty.
Cheeseburgers and waffle fries at Slash Run.
Slash Run
Half-price burgers on Monday. Tuesday Trivia. Whiskey Wednesday. And bottomless brunch on weekends. What’s not to love about restaurateur Jackie Greenbaum’s metal-themed burger bar? It also happens to have an amazing jukebox filled with skull-rattling Metallica songs.
San Matteo
The latest opening on Upshur Street is this new Italian restaurant with classic Italian dishes from arancini balls and fritto misto for starters to homemade pastas like cacio e pepe, veal ragu, and lasagna. The bar has a wine list filled with Italian wine and course spritz cocktails. San Matteo is also home to Soleluna, a daytime cafe with French pastries and Ecuadorian coffee.
Lulabelle's Sweet Shop
From cupcakes to candy and ice cream sandwiches, this sweet shop on Upshur Street has something to satisfy a sweet tooth. They also sell Frederick, Maryland’s Taharka Bros. ice cream by the pint.
A spinach-topped pie at Timber Pizza Company.
Timber Pizza Company
This essential pizza parlor regularly cooks pizzas to the season, but it also has a few standout specials like the “green monster” with pesto, mozzarella, feta, sliced zucchini and kale.
Honeymoon Chicken
It may be the best fried chicken in all of Washington. While many gravitate to the bucket of fried chicken with a side of honey butter rolls, you definitely don’t want to sleep on the sandwich options. The top pick is the honey garlic chicken banh mi with comeback sauce.
Hitching Post
Before Upshur Street blew up with new restaurants, there was always Hitching Post — a reliable destination for happy hour Manhattans and delicious fried chicken with a choice of two sides (get the mac and cheese). The storied space, open since 1967, sits right across from President Abraham Lincoln’s cottage.
Vegetarian ramen at Menya Hosaki.
Anne D. Kim/For Menya Hosaki
Menya Hosaki
This ramen shop makes their own noodles and offers a “triple threat” bowl built with pork, chicken, and smoked fish broths. Owner Eric Yoo focuses on styles not common in this city, including a brothless, Taiwanese-style ramen called mazesoba.
Cinder BBQ
Smoked meats and a wide selection of whiskey are available to sample at Cinder BBQ. Pitmaster Bill Coleman is usually the one watching over the smoker, and his attention to detail pays off in fatty brisket and succulent pulled pork that’s finger-licking good.
Little Food Studio’s sausage roll pastry is cut in half to reveal a filling of pork, chicken, fennel, and sage.
Little Food Studio
For satisfying sandwiches and pastries, Little Food Studios from chef Danielle Harris hits the spot. A popular favorite is the sausage roll, a meat-stuffed pastry more commonly found in the U.K., and sandwich names honor family members like mom, grandma and Harris’s aunties. Harris just relocated across the street in October into the old Little Vietnam space.
Spice
This is the place to experience Caribbean food, including jerk chicken and other island favorites. Dishes are prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients available to make must-order items like its curry chicken platter and Jamaican beef patties.
A latte at Qualia Coffee.
Qualia Coffee/official photo
Qualia Coffee (Multiple locations)
This homegrown coffee company is the place where locals gather each morning for fresh-brewed coffee and pastries. Owner Joe Finkelstein has since added an additional D.C. location in Eckington.
Seared scallops with mushrooms at Little Coco’s.
Little Coco's
This Italian-style restaurant serves bruschetta, half-orders of pasta, and fried pizzas. It’s kid friendly, and there’s also a massive New York strip steak for two.
Classic cocktails at Reliable Tavern.
Reliable Tavern
This hardware store-turned-neighborhood watering hole is popular for its well-made daiquiris and $6 drafts, along with trivia on Wednesdays and live comedy on Thursdays. Customers can order in falafels and gyros from Shawarma Hut next door.
Beers and shots go hand-in-hand at Looking Glass Lounge.
Looking Glass Lounge
Looking for a combo deal (beer and a shot) or a locals-friendly dive where the home teams are sure to be on TV? Welcome home. Head downstairs to find a surprisingly spacious bar and wood-lined patio. Sadly this standby bar has announced it will close by the end of the year.
The sprawling outdoor patio at St. Vincent.
Photo: Rey Lopez/Eater DC
St. Vincent Wine
While technically in Park View, it’s worth the walk a few blocks south to this wine lovers’ oasis. The expansive backyard is heated year round and the prices are kept reasonable — for a bottle of wine and a charcuterie tray you can expect to pay about $40. There is also a rotating schedule of live music.