While the 14th Street corridor is one of the hottest dinner destinations in D.C., it’s been a relative desert for weekday lunch.
Back in October, Y&H wrote a column about how restaurants decide to expand to mid-day service. Eateries from Logan Circle up to U Street NW had mixed success: Taylor Gourmet does half its business at lunch, while sit-down spots like Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and Estadio found there wasn’t enough traffic to justify opening Monday through Thursday afternoons. (In fact, Estadio cut back from five days a week to just Fridays.)
Since that story was published, a number of new lunch options have popped up or are on their way. El Centro D.F. began serving lunch just last week, and Le Diplomate will follow suit in the coming weeks. Are the tides changing for weekday lunch options in the neighborhood? Here are the current full-service dining options:
El Centro D.F.
1819 14th St. NW
Open every weekday at 11 a.m.
What to eat: There are several taco platters as well as enchiladas, tortas, burritos, and quesadillas. Chef’s specials include chile relleno, pork carnitas, and fish of the day. See the full menu here.
Matchbox
1901 14th St. NW
Open every weekday at 11 a.m.
What to eat: Matchbox offers the same menu for lunch and dinner. While pizzas and sliders seem to be the focus in the evenings, there are also several sandwich options, including crab cake, wood-fired lamb, and black bean banh mi. You can also get carry-out from the side “to-go” entrance.
Cafe Saint-Ex
1847 14th St. NW
Open Tuesday through Friday at 11 a.m.
What to eat: The fried green tomato BLT is a classic. There’s also a cheesesteak, chicken salad sandwich, grilled cheese, and burger.
Estadio
1520 14th St. NW
Open Fridays only at 11:30 a.m.
What to eat: It’s pretty similar to the dinner menu. Check it out here.
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
1612 14th St. NW
Open Fridays only at 11 a.m.
What to eat: Pearl Dive serves its weekend brunch menu for Friday lunch. Y&H recommends the fried catfish po’ boy with bacon and egg and the “Pontchartrian,” a version of eggs benedict with blue crab, tasso ham, and crawfish.
Great Wall Szechuan House
1527 14th St. NW
Open every weekday at 11 a.m.
The Pig
1320 14th St. NW
Open every weekday at noon
What to eat: It’s not just small plates at lunch. There are also sandwiches (pastrami, grilled cheese, spicy Carolina barbecue), salads, and mains (pappardelle with wild boar ragu, smoked andouille sausage with clams).
Thai Tanic
1326 14th St. NW
Open every weekday at 11 a.m.
What to eat: All your favorite Thai classics.
Teakwood
1323 14th St. NW
Open every weekday at 11 a.m.
What to eat: This Thai spot has several lunch specials (including many vegetarian options). Here’s the menu.
COMING SOON:
Ted’s Bulletin
1401 S St. NW
Opening early summer for breakfast and lunch.
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St. NW
The French brasserie is serving dinner and brunch with weekday breakfast and lunch coming soon.
1401 R St. NW
This European-style cafe from restaurateur Aaron Gordon will be open all day for coffee or a light bite.
Did we miss anything? Leave it in the comments.
Photo by Jessica Sidman