Best Contemporary American Restaurants in U Street Corridor

101 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

4.6

Exceptional(856)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • U Street Corridor

Booked 22 times today

Bresca, nestled in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington, DC, is a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant has garnered glowing accolades for its innovative approach to French dining, skillfully blending Eastern and Western culinary traditions under the guidance of Chef Ryan Ratino. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the Potato Pierogi and Diver Scallop, highlighting the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients which "sing of summer." The atmosphere is described as a perfect mix of cozy bistro charm and refined elegance, making every visit memorable. With accolades like "best duck I’ve ever had" and experiences that exceed expectations, Bresca stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence and creativity.

A photo of Cork Wine Bar & Market restaurant

2. Cork Wine Bar & Market

4.7

Exceptional(522)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Logan Circle

Cork Wine Bar & Market, nestled in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., is a gem for lovers of Contemporary French / American cuisine. This locally-owned establishment is celebrated for its "excellent value for money" with food that is consistently praised as "incredible" and service described as "wonderful." Guests are charmed by the unique experience of selecting from an array of fine wines paired expertly with dishes like the must-try burger and an exquisite cheese plate, complemented by gluten-free options. The ambiance, from the secret garden patio to the cozy upstairs bar, ensures a memorable dining experience, making Cork a beloved destination in the city. "It's like having a family restaurant and bar in your neighborhood," one glowing review shares, highlighting the warm, welcoming atmosphere that complements its culinary delights.

3. Bar Pilar

4.1

Excellent(482)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Logan Circle

Booked 1 time today

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway and named for his beloved boat, Pilar is a neighborhood restaurant that has been a mainstay of 14th street for over a decade. Executive Chef Clarissa Aguilar helms the kitchen turning out an eclectic menu inspired by local farms and New American cuisine with a focus on seasonal organic produce. The simple yet inventive dishes change frequently, but that’s part of the adventure! Complementing the cooking is a beverage program including cocktails which also rotate seasonally, ranging in taste and complexity from classics like the perfect Old Fashioned to signature concoctions using house made tonics and elixirs. Spanning two floors, Pilar has a variety of spaces to suit your mood. Our first floor bar offers up a casual, comfortable space to down a few drinks in dimly-lit, vintage-inspired surroundings. Head upstairs and you'll find an intimate dining room along with a cozy corner cocktail bar perfect for date night or catching up with old friends.

A photo of Enigma Cocktail Lounge & Wine Vault restaurant

4. Enigma Cocktail Lounge & Wine Vault

3.4

Very Good(4)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • U Street Corridor

Booked 1 time today

Enigma Cocktail Lounge & Wine Vault in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington, D.C., is a standout destination for those seeking exceptional Contemporary American cuisine with a touch of French and Mediterranean flair. Guests rave about the "excellent" food, highlighting the "tender and flavorful" Seared Scallops, "succulent" Pork Belly, and "perfectly cooked" NY Strip. The restaurant’s modern and spacious ambiance is matched by a progressive wine list and a creative cocktail program, enhancing the dining experience. Reviewers consistently praise Enigma for its "great vibe" and "friendly staff," making it a highly recommended spot for a memorable meal. Whether you're enjoying a casual brunch or a sophisticated dinner, Enigma promises a top-notch culinary adventure.

5. The Park at 14th

4.7

Exceptional(2894)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

At The Park at 14th in Downtown Washington D.C., seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exquisite dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its high-quality and authentic seafood dishes. Nestled with a stunning view of Franklin Square, this venue is consistently praised for its culinary delights. Guests rave about the "amazing" seafood options, with particular shout-outs to the "blackened salmon that was worth every penny" and the "exceptionally delicious grits." The atmosphere is matched by the vibrant and attentive service, ensuring every seafood dish is a hit. As one reviewer put it, the food is "outstanding," making The Park at 14th a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood experience in the heart of the capital.

6. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3745)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Dupont Circle

Booked 39 times today

At the heart of Dupont Circle in Washington lies the Tabard Inn, a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Continental cuisine. Since 1922, this historic venue has served as a charming retreat, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and beautifully crafted dishes. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir, whose stellar background includes stints at notable D.C. establishments, the Tabard Inn offers a sophisticated menu that skillfully blends traditional favorites with inventive new offerings. Diners rave about the "delightful seasonal treats" like the gazpacho and rockfish, and the "succulent" chicken fricassee. The ambiance, described as a "cozy restaurant with great foods and warm services," complements the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether enjoying a meal on the picturesque patio or in the eclectic dining rooms, guests at the Tabard Inn are treated to a slice of Continental excellence that's both comforting and exciting.

7. Michele’s

4.1

Excellent(289)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Michele's, located in the vibrant West Loop of Washington, offers a delightful take on Contemporary French cuisine, crafted by MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker. This restaurant stands out for its commitment to seasonal and high-quality ingredients, presented in a manner that's both sophisticated and accessible. Guests rave about the innovative dishes, like the "beef tartare and the potato truffle tarte … WOW," highlighting the unique blend of flavors that Chef Baker brings to the table. The atmosphere is described as perfect for any occasion, from a casual burger night to a special date, with live music and prime steaks enhancing the experience. Michele's not only promises but delivers a "delightful dining experience" with each visit, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine Contemporary French dining in Washington D.C.

8. Dauphine’s

4.6

Exceptional(1380)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Dauphine’s in Downtown, Washington, D.C., is not just a restaurant but a vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture, particularly renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar. Patrons rave about their "refreshing and delicious" seasonal spritz and the "delightful spritz cocktail," highlighting the bar's creativity and quality. The cocktail list perfectly complements their New Orleans-inspired cuisine, creating a truly transportive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance during happy hour or the elegant setting for a night out, each drink is crafted with meticulous care. As one reviewer puts it, the cocktails are "interesting and delicious," making Dauphine’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in the capital.

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

Exceptional(1068)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

10. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10266)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 121 times today

At Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown, located in the vibrant Mount Vernon Square of Washington, D.C., the essence of Contemporary American cuisine is celebrated with an innovative twist. Esteemed for its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and a menu rich in diversity, this restaurant stands out for its authentic American flavors blended with local influences. Praised for its “amazing food” and “excellent service,” patrons consistently applaud the quality and creativity of dishes like the Chinese fried chicken and the house-made cornbread. As one diner raved, it’s “definitely something to put on your bucket list.” The restaurant’s robust connection with American family farmers ensures that each meal is not only delightful but also rooted in sustainability and community support. With a lively ambiance and a menu that caters to varied palates, Founding Farmers & Distillers is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Contemporary American cuisine in the heart of the capital.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Majia
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The Park at 14th was a great experience! The vibes were so lively, the music was a 10/10 played all the good hits (hip hop, rap, rnb, Caribbean). The food was really good, and worth the price, the mimosas were more champagne then juice/flavor so if ordering different flavors you wont really be able to tell the difference! the service was good, our waitress was nice, attentive and gave us complimentary shots. The music and energy is definitely loud, so if thats not ur vibe then it may not be the place for you, but you will have a good time! they make sure of that of course being that the food and mimosas are unlimited!
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The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
AN
AlyN
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
One of the best meals of my life. Service, vibe, food, cocktail were all impeccable but in a completely not pretentious way. Every bite on the tasting menu was complex and flavorful, that left you considering and thinking after each bite. It was simply SO GOOD.
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BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.6
A
Audrey
Washington, D.C. Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Fried chicken and champagne - a can't beat combination
More info
Cork Wine Bar & MarketPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Logan Circle
•
4.7
G
Gracevip
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
It was good! We enjoyed happy hour. Their happy hour cocktail is awesome.
More info
Bar PilarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Logan Circle
•
4.1
W
Wendy
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined on Sep 7, 2024
My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Enigma this past Saturday evening, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality that set the tone for the evening. The food was absolutely delightful, each dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Our waiter was attentive and went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, making us feel truly taken care of. The bartender also deserves a special mention for mixing some of the best drinks we've had in a long time. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a great night out, Enigma is the place to go. We can't wait to return!
More info
Enigma Cocktail Lounge & Wine VaultPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• U Street Corridor
•
3.4

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U Street Corridor

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in U Street Corridor

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101 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

2. Cork Wine Bar & Market

3. Bar Pilar

4. Enigma Cocktail Lounge & Wine Vault

5. The Park at 14th

6. Tabard Inn

7. Michele’s

8. Dauphine’s

9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

10. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

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