It looks like just another street in Adams Morgan, packed with a lot of restaurants. 18th Street and Columbia Road NW has one of the widest variety of international cuisine all on one street. From West African, to Arabic and Korean food are all in a walking distance away from each other. Most foreign food restaurants are Americanized in some way, so finding the ones that provide food closest to home is difficult. Adams Morgan restaurants are one everyone should. Of course what is an American dining experience without a fast food place and a Chinese food, they are also present. But if you are looking for a place to indulge your taste-buds 18th Street and Columbia is the place to be. Here are some of the places to try.
Johnny Pistolas
LA style tacos from Johnny Pistolas.
A Mexican Taqueria Bar, that provides an atmosphere for everyone. Young people hanging out by the bar and families sitting by the tables. The main food is tacos and there are no fajitas or enchiladas. “Try the chicken taquitos,” says Chef Tino. But if you want all that Pistolas has to offer, “Come to brunch on the weekend it is off the hook,” says Reginald Chandler. Large groups can order taco trays that will have different kinds of tacos. Or else stop by on Tuesdays for taco nights, which are $2 throughout the evening. And what is a Mexican restaurant without Tequila, Tequila and more Tequila. This coming Cinco De Mayo there will be a live DJ and Salsa Dancers.
2333 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 817-3255
http://www.johnnypistolas.com/
Julia Empanadas
Jamaican style Empanadas from Julia’s Empanadas.
Chilean Empanadas are the main attracting at Julia’s Empanadas. The tiny shop smells like a bakery. The staffed pastry is baked or fried. Filled with anything from rice, black beans, chopped beef and chicken. The Chilean style beef is filled with ground and chopped beef, hard-boiled eggs, calamata olive, raisins and onions. Try a crowd favorite of Jamaican Style filled with ground and chopped beef, onion, potatoes, green peppers and curry. There are vegetarian options and fruit empanadas. There are homemade soups served.
2452 18th Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20009 202-328-6232
http://www.juliasempanadas.com/
Bul
O-dari is a crispy fried squid legs from Bul.
When people think of Korean food they think Kimchi but this restaurant offers Korean street food. This is not the street’s of Seoul but you can find, Pork belly and bibimbap. There is a hangover soup for those who need it. Korean barbecue including bulgogi and kalbi are present. What Bul promises it has that no one else has is O-Dari is crispy fried squid legs. Lightly battered and seasoned with wasabi aloli on the side for spice.
2431 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 733-3921
Bukom Café
Bukom Cafe menu, posted on a glass wall infront of the restaurant.
When you walk into Bukom Café get ready to wash your hands and eat, since most African foods are best eaten with hands. For a treat on West African cuisine try some fufu (pounded cassava mixed with plantain) with Nkatikwan (peanut soup). Fried plantains, wache (rice and beans) goes best with tomatoes sauce. For a little more spice try pepper soup. Kenkey and fried fish with hot sauce. For dessert try a meat pie, a dough filled with vegetables and ground meat. There is a live ban on the weekends.
2442 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-4600
Shawarama Spot
A worker at Shawarama Spot slicing some beef.
For a taste of Middle Eastern food try a Shawarma Platter. The meat, which is placed on a spit, is constantly being grilled. The meat chicken, beef and lamb is the main item on the menu. It can be served with a sandwich, on a salad or a plater with assorted vegetables.
2418 18th Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20009 202-332-1111
http://shawarmaspotwashington.com/
Shenanigan
The daily special board infront of Shenanigan.
Want some Guinness and other Irish beers . A great place to be on game day. It is not hard to miss, the building is painted in green and yellow. The daily specials is what you come for.
2450 18th St. NW Washington, DC 20009 202-588-7405
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