Visiting Columbia Heights, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Washington neighborhood by browsing its most popular local restaurants, from Dominican to Lao.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Columbia Heights, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Thip Khao
Topping the list is Laotian spot Thip Khao. Located at 3462 14th St. NW (between North Ogden and North Newton streets), it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 913 reviews on Yelp. Diners enjoy Laotian dishes like a tamarind soup with lemongrass, mushroom, fish sauce, scallion, toasted chili and Thai basil, or fermented chili fried rice with fish sauce, egg, zucchini squash and a choice of meat. Adventurous types can look to the "jungle menu," which boasts exotic delicacies like minced alligator and pig ear.
2. Mi Cuba Cafe
Next up is Mi Cuba Cafe, situated at 1424 Park Road NW (between North Hiatt Place and North Kenyon Street). With 4.5 stars out of 542 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. Cuban decor surrounds diners noshing on island favorites, like ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), Cubano sandwiches and fried chicken. In addition to fresh fruit juices, there's a selection of mostly Spanish wines to accompany your meal.
3. Los Hermanos
Dominican spot Los Hermanos is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 1426 Park Road NW (between North Hiatt Place and North Kenyon Street), 4.5 stars out of 480 reviews. Prepared foods are displayed behind glass, allowing diners to eye rice and bean, meat and seafood dishes before making their selections. The nation's traditional lunch dish, La Bandera, is also on offer. Comprised of white rice, kidney beans and chicken or beef, it represents the county's red, white and blue flag.
4. Flip it LJ Diner
Flip it LJ Diner is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with five stars out of 89 Yelp reviews. It boasts an eclectic menu of classic American, Latin and Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything from omelettes and huevos rancheros to deli sandwiches and fettuccine Alfredo are here. Head over to 1432 Park Road (between North Hiatt Place and North Kenyon Street) to see for yourself.
5. Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats
Finally, check out Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats, which has earned four stars out of 858 reviews on Yelp. The famed vegan bakery offers sweets like cupcakes, cookies and pastries, as well as biscuits and gravy, burritos and tacos, and seasonal soups and chili. Bottomless Compass Coffee is available on weekdays or by the cup on weekends. You can find the bakery and cafe at 1370 Park Road NW (between North 14th and North Kenyon streets).
