Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in U Street Corridor

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillChevy Chase

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

242 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

1. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1664)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 47 times today

Just like the bohemian travelers who inspired our name, Gypsy Kitchen’s alluring flavors aren’t bound by borders. Instead, our chefs go wherever the inspiration takes them, crafting deeply creative dishes that transport you to uncharted places around the Mediterranean and beyond. A menu designed to taste and share gives guests the freedom to explore the menu at their own pace, connecting over seductive flavors, festive craft cocktails and curated regional wines. The alluring interior matches the menu, with welcoming dining spaces that foster connections and spark conversation. Antique tapestries and rugs, twinkling lights and vibrantly patterned tile set the scene in the expansive dining room. Or, take a seat on the rooftop patio oasis, where lush greenery, plush cushions and the sky overhead evokes the feeling of being on a caravan to explore a distant land.

A photo of Mi Vida, 14th Street restaurant

2. Mi Vida, 14th Street

4.7

Exceptional(445)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Logan Circle

Booked 11 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations. Mi Vida 14th Street features a weekly live DJ every Saturday Brunch 12pm - 4pm & Dinner 7 PM until close, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere for guests to enjoy

3. Sagrada

4.7

Exceptional(22)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • U Street Corridor

Booked 2 times today

SAGRADA – A Culinary Journey of the Psychedelic Mind by James Beard-nominated KNEAD Hospitality + Design.SAGRADA explores the transformative power of psilocybin—without its physical presence. For millennia, cultures have revered psychedelic mushrooms as sacred medicine, guiding healing, expansion, and self-discovery. Nowhere is this connection more profound than in Mexico, where these fungi are deeply woven into spiritual traditions. Creative Director & Facilitator Michael Reginbogin brings this legacy to life through Mexican cuisine, crafting each dish as a chapter in a psychedelic journey. Rooted in indigenous ingredients, ancient techniques, and modern innovation, our menu offers two paths: an eight-course plant-based menu or a flexitarian menu, primarily plant-based with select animal-sourced ingredients.

A photo of Lupo Verde - 14th St restaurant

4. Lupo Verde - 14th St

4.4

Awesome(1991)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Logan Circle

Booked 14 times today

Authentic, rustic, Italian fare featuring a variety of small plates, house-made charcuteries, breads, cheeses and antipasti. House-made pastas, whole roasted fish and a premiere selection of meats during dinner. A true Italian experience in an intimate two-story setting.Indoor dining is now available as of 1/22 at 25% capacity. Reservations are for indoor seating only. You may request patio seating, however it is on a first come first serve basis. Please be aware that there is a 90 minute maximum per table for parties less than 5 (*both inside & outside) unless otherwise approved by management. We are doing our best to accommodate as many guests as possible. We appreciate your business and understanding during this difficult time. In-House Delivery and Takeout UberEats, Postmates and Doordash

5. Baby Shank

4.4

Awesome(216)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Dupont Circle

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to Baby Shank Restaurant & Bar. Join us for our New Brunch Menu! Bring a friend or 2, or host a gathering of 300. We offer you a French-inspired menu, including Bavette Steak and Steamed Mussels, or our signature sushi rolls, including the award winning Fish & Chips. Enjoy it with our popular Jalisco Mule, made with Libelula Tequila. And top it all off with the classic Crème Brulé. News & Notes:Happy Hour is served Wednesday -Friday in the Bar & Rooftop Bar High TopsRooftop Garden - High tops are first come first serveBaby Shank's historic address was originally built by the National Capital Brewing Co in 1911. The original exposed brick, mansard roof, and arched windows set the mood for guests when they arrive. Warmly lit by chandeliers, the 2 story space has a modern, yet soothing historic feel. Host your next gathering with us. We have 4 spaces on 2 floors, including an upstairs lounge and rooftop garden. Contact us at Events@BabyShank.com for more info.

6. Sports & Social DC

4.7

Exceptional(25)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • U Street Corridor

Booked 1 time today

Sports & Social is DC's newest premier sports watching destination. This one-of-a-kind sports bar boasts a 25-foot LED media wall, and over a dozen HDTVs, it’s the next best thing to watching the game at the stadium. Sports & Social offers guests an elevated dining and beverage experience including made-from-scratch menu items and curated cocktails.

7. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2298)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 76 times today

dLeña is a vibrant restaurant in Washington D.C. that invites you to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Step into a warm space illuminated by wood-fired ovens and adorned with Latin American art. Savor a culinary journey with fresh, local ingredients, starting with their signature guacamole, a blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Continue your adventure with ceviches, aguachiles, and wood-fired specialties like Tomahawk steak and Wagyu Steak a la Piedra. dLeña's menu caters to all tastes, featuring pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're after a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a late-night gathering, dLeña's trendy ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable experience. Join them for a taste of Mexico's vibrant culture and culinary artistry.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

8. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.5

Awesome(34669)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 246 times today

Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday neighborhood restaurant. Please know that a 22% auto-gratuity will be applied to parties of 8 or more. We look forward to serving you!

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

9. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.9

Exceptional(1312)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 55 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

10. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(12163)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 169 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MarkVIP
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A wonderful example of a great kitchen in a neighborhood restaurant.
More info
Bistro AracosiaPrice: Moderate• Afghan• Palisades Northwest
•
4.9
S
ScottVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •47 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food, drinks and service were excellent as usual. As we have written before the music is way too loud with a really heavy beat to carry on normal conversation. As we have also written regularly, the hallway to the bathrooms is much too dark and dangerous with very limited light and the dip in the floor. The hallway needs more light.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
M
Mike
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I had a great time at the place, it was my birthday today and they were so nice and welcoming
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.5
A
AlanVIP
Austin •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had a really nice lunch and enjoyed the food, ambiance and service!
More info
RimtangPrice: Expensive• Thai• Georgetown
•
4.6
C
CharlesVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •119 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 17, 2025
Ethiopian food is always a special "off-the-beaten-track" treat and Ethiopic has long been one of DC's best sources to experience it with a comfortable atmosphere and friendly service with good value. My wife and I just enjoyed traditional doro wat, beef tibbs and a vegetable sampler washed down with traditional, tej and a new (to us) sparkling tej. Everything (including the light jazz) was outstanding and we will return soon.
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.9

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