Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself, whether you’re celebrating a success or seeking comfort after a tough time. The D.C. area has plenty of spots for indulging in delicious food whenever you feel like it.
Morning Pastries at Petite Cerise:
At Petite Cerise, located at 1027 Seventh St. NW, the day begins with freshly baked pastries that are hard to resist. The French bistro, created by Dabney founder Jeremiah Langhorne, offers a “coffee counter” service from 8 to 11 a.m. on weekdays. Here, you’ll find a variety of treats, including stuffed croissants, seasonal muffins, danishes, sugary crullers, and spicy brioche sandwiches. Pastry chef Carmelo Gil’s pain au chocolat is a standout, with its buttery, laminated crust and bittersweet chocolate filling. The cinnamon rolls, topped with cream-cheese frosting, are another favorite. If you’re looking for something heartier, try the ham-and-cheese croissant sprinkled with everything-bagel seasoning, which pairs sweet ham and nutty cheese with a tasty sauce.
Lunch at Little Chicken:
If you’re a fried chicken fan, Little Chicken at 11 Pearl St. SW is the place to go. Co-founder Casey Patten wanted to create a spot that feels like a backyard barbecue with friends. The restaurant serves hefty chicken strips, brined overnight and seasoned with a secret mix, along with crispy curly fries and nine custom dipping sauces. The Boatload o’ Tendies, a popular menu item, is a must-try. The chicken is juicy, with a crispy crust that pairs perfectly with sauces like the tangy-sweet palumbo sauce, zesty Alabama white sauce, and chunky blue cheese.
Afternoon Indulgence at Apéro:
Apéro, located at 2622 P St. NW, offers a midweek treat with its caviar and bubbly specials. Owner Elli Benchimol introduced the caviar service, available from 3 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays. You can enjoy 10 grams of osetra caviar with two glasses of sparkling wine for $44, or 20 grams of caviar with a bottle of brut champagne for $128. Each order includes kettle-style potato chips, capers, diced eggs, chives, red onions, and tangy crème fraîche. If you prefer drinks with a kick, try their martini service, which comes with a caviar-topped chip, olives, and an oyster in honey-kissed foam.
Dinner at Lucky Buns:
Lucky Buns, with locations at 2000 18th St. NW, 1309 Fifth St. NE, 675 Wharf St. SW, and Reagan National Airport, is known for its messy, flavorful burgers. Founder Alex McCoy’s creations are not for the faint-hearted, as they require napkins and perhaps even a quick shower afterward. The Alfie’s burger, featuring double patties, grilled pineapple, pickled beetroot, runny eggs, and grilled onions, is a fan favorite despite its hefty size. Other popular options include the Bogan Bun, a bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions and XO jam, and the El Jefe, a spicy burger with cotija cheese, mustard, and pepper relish.
Late-Night Happy Hour at the Salt Line:
The Salt Line, located at 7284 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, offers a late-night happy hour from 9:30 p.m. until closing. The menu features discounted signature cocktails and shareable dishes like local oysters, bubbling crab dip, and boozy tiki drinks. Founding chef Kyle Bailey’s pimento crab dip, made with jumbo lump crab and pepper-laced cheese, is a crowd favorite. Other popular items include the peekytoe crab roll and the North Shore roast beef sandwich.
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These are just a few of the culinary delights you can enjoy in the D.C. area when you’re in the mood to treat yourself. Whether it’s morning pastries, fried chicken for lunch, an afternoon of caviar, or a late-night snack, there’s something for everyone.
