The best takeout DC has to offer is available for food delivery and “no contact takeout.”
People want to be reminded of the upscale dining experience they are temporarily unable to enjoy. Direct delivery or takeaway from their local eateries transform their home, work, and living space into their private escape and entertaining oasis.
As restrictions ease and allow restaurants to open under new guidelines, it’s time to financially support our local restaurants, as much as we can, by remembering our favorite local diners.
Food takeout and delivery options are available for all budgets and every taste bud. From fast-food and casual to upscale and Michelin-starred, the COVID pandemic has altered 2020 in ways no one could have predicted.
It’s also good to note, for all the “socially distant happy hours,” beer and spirits can be included when ordering from some of your favorite local DC restaurants, so be sure to ask.
So if you miss waiting in line to grab a “taco” from your favorite food truck, this list of delivery and takeaway options may help ease the pain by adding some flavor back into your life until we can safely return to our mealtime routines.
Here is a list of the best takeout DC has to offer to bring more excitement to your next virtual hang or date night at home:
Missing Taco Tuesday
Taqueria Habanero | 3710 14th St. NW
Call for “no-contact” takeaway tacos, chilaquiles, enchiladas, and more all served with fresh tortillas crafted by Puebla-born chef Dio Montero. Ask about the House Margarita to-go.
Tico DC | 1926 14th St. NW
Available for takeaway or delivery, Tico DC has everything you need for a “stay-at-home” fiesta. If you need to get out of the house to get some fresh air, stop by Tico’s Margarita Window. Yes, you read that right. The Margarita Window is open Tuesday-Sunday from 12-9 PM featuring a variety of Margarita Cocktails and is served by a Single 6oz. drink for $7, a Pitchers 30 oz. for $30, or a Frozen Drink 30 oz. for $12.
Upscale at Home
Masseria | 1340 4th St. NE
Make date night a Michelin-starred Italian cuisine date night with food and wine from Masseria. Normally these culinary creations are only available on the tasting menu at the Union Market restaurant. Now, these specially packaged meals are available for takeaway based on the chef’s current menu that rotates and is generously served family-style. Pair your food with a vintage bottle of wine and you have a perfect “chef’s kiss” evening.
Sushi Taro |1503 17th St. NW
This delivery food takes some preparation, but if sushi is your thing it may be worth the wait. Sushi Taro, the Michelin-starred restaurant located in Dupont Circle will deliver to you if given at least 2 days’ advanced notice. Check out the sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes, and don’t forget to ask about the combo packages.
Tastes From Around The World
CHIKO | 423 8th St. SE
Chiko interprets traditional Chinese and Korean foods with a modern flair known for specialty recipes such as Korean beef and dumplings.
Great Wall Szechuan House | 1527 14th St. NW
Known for authentic Chinese food that is on the list for every DC dweller to try. The Ma La Special includes steamed white rice with an entrée and dishes like Ma La Wontons are always a crowd-pleaser.
Maydān | 1346 Florida Ave. NW
The fresh bread baked in the traditional clay ovens is a fixture for every meal and is still available on the Tawle to-go menu at Maydān. Choose from a variety of kebabs, spreads, and sides. Don’t forget about their specialty cocktails to-go.
Little Serow | 1511 17th St. NW
During these atypical food takeaway times, Little Serow has altered their prix fixe tasting menu to serve customers its Northern Thai menu “a la carte” through carryout from Tuesday through Saturday. Some of the chef-inspired items include pork ribs, Thai fried chicken, and shrimp curry.
Comfy & Casual
&pizza | 1005 E St. NW
This oblong style pizza shop customizes pizza based on your preferences. There are takeaway and delivery options, but &pizza also provides specialty pies already crafted for when your mind needs a break from the decisions and your taste buds deserve a treat.
Le Diplomate | 1601 14th St. NW
One of the great things about the increased need for takeaway is restaurants became extremely crafty with their foods. One of my favorite innovations from this time has been the make-at-home meal kit. Le Diplomate has created a perfect meal kit for a group of 4 with instructions for 4 cheeseburgers and dilly potato salad.
* Psst. A Bonus Tip *
Republic Restoratives Distillery | 1369 New York Ave. NE
With fall just around the corner, Republic Restoratives delivery and pickup Drink Kits are perfect. Try the Chapmans & Cider which includes a bottle of Chapmans Apple Brandy and two cans of cider from neighborhood brewery, Supreme Core. As an extra special bonus, all spirit orders come with a free small bottle of hand sanitizer!
