The District’s annual Fringe Festival kicks off today with over 40 theater shows on everything from shadow puppetry to burlesque. But … it’s in Georgetown, famously one of the most expensive and hard-to-get-to neighborhoods. So while you’re out there, check out local guide and influencer Austin Graff’s favorite neighborhood eats. Trust us, these alone are worth the trip.
Best meals:
- Falafel sandwiches at Falafel Inc.: Hands down the cheapest meal in Georgetown, this fast‑casual restaurant makes some great falafel, and feeds refugees in need.
- Spicy rice noodles at Bandoola Bowl: Another fast‑casual joint that creates South Asian‑inspired meals. The noodles here reign supreme.
- Pastrami sandwich at Stachowski Market: Sandwiches from this family‑owned butchery can easily feed two; they don’t mess around.
- Sunchoke soup at Green Almond Pantry: A woman‑owned restaurant and market, this casual spot also packages food to grab and go so you can make your own picnic.
Hot pastrami sandwich at Stachowski’s. (stachowskisdc/Instagram)
Best drinks:
- Juice‑pressed cocktails at Sandlot Georgetown: An outdoor Black‑owned event space and drinking lot.
- Wine at Apero:
Grab a nightcap at this sommelier‑owned wine/champagne/cocktail bar that's a coffee shop during the day.
Best desserts:
- Hot chocolate at LA Burdick: Skip dinner; this is like drinking a bar of melted chocolate. Then, bring home some bonbons for later.
- Cupcakes from Baked & Wired: Don’t fight it, you know they’re good. Plus, its owner Teresa Velazquez just won D.C.’s best pastry chef of the year!
Hear Graff’s full Georgetown guide on today’s City Cast DC episode.
