Approximately 15 million people visit Washington, D.C., each year, according to Destination D.C. The city offers numerous dining options to visitors, featuring more than 100 sit-down restaurants in the downtown area of the city alone. The wide selection of eating places available in Washington makes it easy for those with dietary restrictions to find a place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Travelers with vegetarian or vegan diets are no exception, and such visitors can enjoy meatless cuisine that varies from Thai to classic American during their D.C. vacation.
Thai Tanic specializes in the cuisine of Thailand and has two locations in Washington, D.C.; in the Columbia Heights and Logan Circle neighborhoods. Both locations held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "very good to excellent" for food and service and "fair to good" for decor. Thai Tanic offers a full vegetarian menu that begins with four appetizers such as the papaya salad jae, which consists of shredded, green papaya; tomatoes; string beans; and peanuts in a spicy lime dressing. A signature vegetarian entree is the tao huw pad tua ngorg, a stir-fry made from tofu, bean sprouts, mushrooms, spring onions, and red and green bell peppers. All of the items on the regular dinner menu can also be made vegetarian upon request. The restaurant has a full bar and specializes in cocktails. Both Thai Tanic locations serve lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not required. Casual attire is appropriate.
Thai Tanic
1326A 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
202-588-1795
thaitanic.us
A family-owned and operated establishment, Luna Grill & Diner is in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. The restaurant held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "good to very good" for its food and service and "fair to good" for its decor, as of September 2010. The menu is a mix of both vegetarian and traditional fare, and the restaurant will also modify most of the items on the menu that contain meat. Vegetarians can choose from the signature chili, made with red beans and lentils; veggie burgers; three house salads; and vegetable lasagna. For breakfast, options such as the tomato and artichoke eggs Benedict and the vegetarian breakfast wrap are also available. Luna Grill & Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is the norm.
Luna Grill & Diner
1301 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
202-835-2280
lunagrillanddiner.com
Java Green is just two blocks away from George Washington University in the northwestern part of Washington, D.C. The restaurant is a past winner of the "Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant" in the Washington, D.C., metro area from "Washington City Paper." Almost all of the ingredients used in the restaurant's dishes are organic. A signature entree is the "rice and beyond," which contains cabbage, onions, carrots, noodles, broccoli, kale and dumplings. Sandwiches are also featured, such as the grilled tofu on ciabatta bread topped with mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and soy cheese. Java Green serves breakfast Monday through Friday, brunch on Saturday and lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. The restaurant closes every Sunday. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is the norm. Gluten-free and raw food diet options are available.
Java Green
1020 19th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
202-775-8899
javagreen.net
