So you're hungry — and you're ready for some modern cuisine. Good news: we've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for New American food.
Brick Lane
517 Eighth St. SE, Capitol Hill
Brick Lane on Barracks Row is an outgrowth of the Dupont Circle New American restaurant of the same name.
It offers a dinner menu of elevated pub food. Look for sandwiches like the Atlantic salmon with cilantro aioli, or a Cajun chicken melt, each served with hand-cut fries. American entrees include steak, seared scallops and rosemary lemon chicken, but there are also international options, like paella and pad thai.
In addition to beer and wine, there is a small menu of signature cocktails, which are half price during happy hour.
Brick Lane is off to a strong start with a current Yelp rating of five stars out of nine reviews.
Yelper Nico L., who reviewed the eatery on Oct. 20, wrote, "If you're looking for a delicious, homey meal in a warm atmosphere, look no further. Our dinner was absolute perfection. The waitstaff was friendly, the ambiance was cozy, the background music was at just the right level. Our food came promptly, and it was absolutely scrumptious."
Kevin J. noted, "Exceptional service and well-crafted cocktails make happy hour an experience, not a time of day. Brick Lane does an excellent job of blending a sleek, upscale environment with casual bar food."
Brick Lane is open from 10 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
Choong Man Chicken Draft House
3115 14th St. NW, Columbia Heights
Choong Man Chicken Draft House is a fried chicken and beer joint in Columbia Heights.
Rather than Southern fried chicken or chicken wings, you'll find Korean-inspired flavors imparted by a soy garlic glaze, gochujang sauce or curry powder. The tikkudak chicken is both fried and roasted, ensuring it's dry to the touch. Note that spicy means spicy at Choong Man, a South Korea-based franchise.
In addition to chicken, there are pizzas, including chipotle chicken and barbecue bulgogi versions.
It's still early days for Choong Man Chicken Draft House, which has just four reviews on Yelp thus far.
Ash H. noted, "The hot pepper chicken was far hotter than our waiter let on (he described it as mildly spicy), and we could not eat it the order. I still give the place three stars because the garlic soy wings are that good."
Choong Man Chicken Draft House is open from 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.–11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Dyllan's Raw Bar and Grill
1054 31st St. NW, Georgetown
Finally, there's Dyllan's Raw Bar and Grill, a seafood-focused eatery serving regional American cuisine.
Located in Georgetown's Canal Square building, it boasts an extensive raw bar that includes fresh oysters from both coasts, Atlantic quahaug, maki rolls, tinned fish including cockles and sardines, along with king salmon ceviche and ahi tuna tartare. Other fish and seafood options include linguini and clams, and poached halibut with lemon and saffron olive oil.
Beyond seafood, you'll find dry-aged ribeye, marinated hangar steak with chimichurri sauce and a buttermilk-brined roasted chicken. Vegetarian options include the seasonal vegetable pot pie and sides like roasted garlic broccoli, miso crème mashed potatoes and roasted mushroom salad.
Drinks include house cocktails, draft beer and wine.
Dyllan's Raw Bar and Grill currently holds four stars out of 20 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Buck C., who visited the new spot on Oct. 8, wrote, "The space is airy and well decorated, and there's a lovely brick courtyard out front that was set up for lovely al fresco dining without the annoyance of being right on a busy sidewalk in Georgetown."
Yelper Norm S. wrote, "The raw oysters are enormous and smooth, a contender for some of the best in the city. Don't skip out on the bourbon peanut butter dip for dessert. The atmosphere and design are good. Lots of open space, comfortable seating and modern lighting."
Dyllan's Raw Bar and Grill is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–midnight on Friday, 9:30 a.m.–midnight on Saturday, and 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.
