The Chipotle effect ignited many takes on fast casual dining. It popularized the concept of local food made fresh inhouse at affordable prices – typically under $13.
The concept of building a bowl or creating a custom dish from a wide selection of toppings has shown up in a diverse group of cuisines. If you are looking for fairly priced, high-quality, superior ingredients, and you like flexible options when choosing where to get your next lunch or dinner, this list is for you.
Fast Casual Dining in the District of Columbia & Surrounding Areas
Fast Casual: Vegetarian
100% vegetarian, nut-free and gluten-free, Chaia Tacos kicks “Taco Tuesday” up a few notches. Everything is fresh and the corn tortillas are handmade in-house.
My favorite taco is the creamy kale + potato with green rice and black beans. You can also indulge in one of their local kombuchas.
Locations: Chinatown and Georgetown
Fast Casual: Indian
Spice up your life! RASA is fast-casual Indian cuisine at its finest. They offer a wide range of flavors and heat profiles. Choose one of their eight signature combinations or create your own.
You can also grab naan, an order of samosas, or a mango lassi on your way out.
Fast Casual: Korean
Korean comfort food that’s traditional with a modern twist. Noodles, rice, korrito, or salad gets this party started.
Make it your own with a choice of protein, vegetables, toppings, and one of their special sauces. Seoul Spice offers bowls and Korean tacos.
Don’t forget the vegan kimchi – delicious!
Locations: NOMA, Tenleytown, UMD
Fast Casual: Middle-Eastern
Israeli street food that can be a little addictive. Your choice of pitas or bowls along with their delicious housemade hummus.
My favorites here are the Shouk burger, falafel lentil bowl, and classic hummus.
Be on the lookout, you might see their food truck in your neighborhood on one of their “hood drops“.
Muncheez’s Middle-Eastern cuisine is inspired by Lebanese street food. Grab one of their signature pitas or build your own. One of my personal favorite menu items is the Zaatar Manakeesh, fresh from the oven.
Locations: Georgetown and Dupont Circle
Fast Casual: Fresh Salads + More
Sweetgreen’s fast casual landscape has changed since opening in 2007. In addition to fresh salads, you can pick up warm bowls and hot plates. I am a fan of building my own. Scratch cooking and local sourcing are staples at Sweetgreen.
Several locations in the DMV and beyond
Fast Casual: Baha-Inspired
Fish Taco is more than its namesake. For starters, shrimp ceviche is on the menu along with a host of salads, tacos, rice bowls, burritos, and quesadillas.
Locations: Bethesda, Cabin John, and McLean
You may also like, Trader Joe’s Favorites and How We Use Them.
