Washingtonian’s Top 100 Restaurants issue just came out for the first time since right before the pandemic, 3 years ago. Without these (I used to do a massive spreadsheet to track those restaurants that made it and other spots, with tips on best ways to save money), Barred in DC may not have existed. I don’t have time to go through the top 100, but here are some ways (that 11-15 years ago) I would have used to more easily check off more on the list (yes, the “hack” term here is stupid)

Those in top 25 which have cheaper/easier ways to experience them:

• The Dabney
  • Eat at bar/patio a la carte (or $90 tasting)
• L’Ardente
  • Pizza and many pastas around $20
  • Delivery (major apps)
• Happy Gyro
  • Dinner for $14-20 takeout (order online)
  • Takeout/ Skip the Line
• Inferno Pizzeria
  • Dinner for under $20 possible
  • Phone order for carryout accepted at 3p, can be sold out before dinner
• Causa
  • Eat at Bar Amazonia for a la carte. Could get a meal for under $30
• Daru
  • Dinner for under $25 possible
  • Daily HH 5-6:30p at bar includes $10 cocktails and a $10 tikka masala/rice/garlic naan (possibly best value in DC. note the photo above includes more naan than included because a couple of us ordered this)
• The Duck and The Peach
  • $22 Duck Fat Burger only available at the bar
  • Brunch on wknds for under $20
• Anju
  • Dinner $25-30 possible 5-6p M-F HH on patio, lounge, bar on 1^st floor
  • Takeout + Delivery (major apps)
• elle
  • breakfast/lunch $10-17 (takeout available)HH 5:30-6:30p $10 cocktails/wine and a couple snacks
  • HH 5:30-6:30p $10 cocktails/wine and a couple snacks
• 2 Amy’s
  • Dinner under $25 possible (tip included)
  • Takeout
• Caruso’s Grocery
  • Dinner under $25 possible
  • Takeout
• Elephant Jumps
  • Dinner under $20 possible
• Convivial
  • HH 5-6p M-Th includes $5 beer, $8 cocktails, $7/10 wine and lot of snacksBrunch a bit cheaper
  • Takeout + delivery (UberEats, DoorDash)
• Fiola Mare
  
  • Lunch slightly cheaper ($58 3 course menu) $95 pre-theater menu 5-6:30 Tu-Sun
  • Sat/Sun brunch: $95 appetizer/brunch entree/dessert and pastry/bread basket including 75 minutes of bottomless prosecco or classic brunch cocktails
  • Takeout available
• 2fifty’s
  • Meals under $20 available
  • Takeout available
• Queen’s English
  • Meals under $20 available
  • “Natty HH” 5-7p daily includes a few $45 bottles of natural wine, $12 champagne cocktail
• Le Diplomate
  • Meals under $25 available Brunch some cheaper options
  • Takeout  + Delivery (Caviar/DoorDash)