Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
U Street, Shaw & Logan Circle
American Ice Company
BARBECUE$
( 202-758-3562; 917 V St NW; mains under $10; 5pm-2am Mon-Thu, to 3am Fri, 1pm-3am Sat,
1pm-2am Sun; U Street-Cardozo)
The usual U St/Columbia Heights crew of hipsters,
policy wonks (people who aren't politicians who work in politics as researchers, lobbyists,
legislative aides etc) and policy wonks who kind of look like hipsters packs the cluttered
interior and much nicer outdoor patio of this casual eatery. The focus is on barbecue and
canned beer, pretty much in that order. Try the gooey pork-and-cheese sandwich or the de-
licious pork nachos (yes, pork nachos).
Desperados
BURGERS$
( 202-299-0433; 1342 U St NW; mains under $10; 11am-1:30am Mon-Thu & Sun, to 2:30am Fri
& Sat; U-St/Cardozo)
This little cowboy-themed spot is a U St standby when you're out
and need a cheap, filling burger. These beef patties don't play; they're the size of your
face and come in several variations, including a pleasingly spicy Cajun version. The bar
churns out cocktails that will lay you on your back.
El Centro
MEXICAN$$$
( 202-328-3131; 1819 14th St NW; mains $9-20; 11am-11pm daily, brunch 10:30am-3pm Sat &
Sun; ; U Street-Cardozo)
El Centro is our favorite of Richard Sandoval's many out-
posts in DC. With sleek furniture, chic clientele and a sexy rooftop deck, it's often known
as more nightlife spot than restaurant (the bar is open till 2am). For shame - this is excel-
lent noveau-Mexican cuisine. The guacamole is the best in town, duck tacos are delicious
and the slow-roasted carnitas (pork) met in your mouth.
Estadio
SPANISH$$$
( 202-319-1404; 1520 14th St NW; tapas $5-15; Mon-Thu 5-10pm, to 11pm Fri & Sat, to 9pm
Sun, 11:30am-2pm Fri-Sun; ; U Street-Cardozo)
Estadio stands tall amid the Spanish
cuisine purveyors of the capital. The tapas menu (which is the focus) is as deep as an
ocean trench; there's three variations of
Iberico
ham and a delicious foie gras, scrambled
