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New York? Pizza. San Francisco? Dungeness crab. Mexico City? Tacos. Los Angeles? Food trucks. What better way to explore the world’s coolest cities than through the foods they are best known for? Here are Night+Day’s hotlists for the destination dishes (and one beverage) that define our favorite places.
Best Local Food Specialties in....
Best Local Food Specialties: Crab
D.C.
Johnny’s Half Shell 400 N. Capitol St. NW, Capitol Hill, 202-737-0400 johnnyshalfshell.net
The Draw: Known for both New Orleans fare and Chesapeake Bay specialties, Johnny’s is the place for crab lovers looking to transcend the ubiquitous crab cake. Try the soft shell crabs if they’re in season. If the delicate “crab imperial” (lump crab meat in a creamy casserole) is on the menu, order it. The Scene: Johnny’s is home away from home for countless staffers, politicos, and lobbyists hungry after a long day toiling on the Hill. Hot Tip: This might be the only place in town that serves Crab Louis salad, another winner.
The Draw: Kinkead’s is considered DC’s best seafood restaurant, particularly because of its crab cakes, here served with corn relish and mustard crème fraiche. The Scene: Perhaps because of its lively bar scene, perhaps because of its live jazz evenings (Thu–Sat nights), Kinkead’s draws a festive—if eclectic—crowd that includes regulars from the surrounding neighborhood, faculty from nearby George Washington University, and a professional, polyglot blend from the offices of both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Hot Tip: If hunger pangs hit you in the afternoon, you’re in luck. Kinkead’s stays open for lunch (Mon–Fri 2:30–5:30pm), serving a select bar menu, including the afore-mentioned crab cakes.
The Prime Rib 2020 K St. NW, Foggy Bottom, 202-466-8811 theprimerib.com
The Draw: DC’s best steakhouse also offers commendable crab cakes and seafood dishes that outshine those served at other steakhouses and that are arguably the equal of those served at either Kinkead’s or Johnny’s. The Scene: Tuxedoed waiters serve stiff cocktails to smartly dressed men and women, many of whom could be cutting deals over dinner. The black–and–gold–toned dining room is elegant, though might strike some as stuffy. A pianist playing jazz standards sets the mood. Hot Tip: In 1965, The Prime Rib opened the doors to its first location in Baltimore, lending the franchise serious credibility when it comes to freshly prepared seafood.
