8 Perfect DMV Bites Hiding in Plain Sight

You loved our guide to D.C.’s best gas station eats (who knew the DMV’s best momos were in a Liberty Gas Station?), so we’re back with another list of incredible food being served in the most unsuspecting places. From a liquor store serving Indian street food to a dry cleaner pressing paninis, these are the DMV best bites you would never find from the street.

Zemen Market (Takoma Park)

This hidden convenience store hosts an unexpectedly delicious Ethiopian carry-out restaurant with juicy sambusas and generous platters of tibs, doro wat, and varying kinds of firfir. In the market itself you can buy Ethiopian ingredients and specialties like injera, spices, and snacks.

Samosas and Spirits (College Park)

This market’s best sellers are Tito’s, Corona, and handmade samosas, in that order. Head to the counter in the back of this liquor store for banging Indian street food like bread pakoras, samosas, and specialty sandwiches. All with a side of beer, naturally.

Shemalis (Cathedral Heights)

Go inside the Foxhall Square shopping complex, then go inside a grocery store and you’ll find a Middle Eastern food counter with amazing homemade goodies. Think fresh baklava, warm meat pies, and juicy kabobs. On your way out, grab some specialty sweets and spices from the grocery.

Black Crown Coffee Collective (Capitol Hill)

Real D.C. coffee snobs know Black Crown has been pumping out the best espresso on Capitol Hill for a while, but their gorgeous new cafe space on the 2nd floor of the Cannon House Office Building has brought it to a new level. You do have to pass security to get in. But it’s worth it.

Sarah’s Market and Dry Cleaners (Georgetown)

A dry cleaners that doubles as a grocery/cafe serving scrumptious paninis, coffee, and salads. It's a light and refreshing local spot in an area filled with tourist-pleasing fast casual options.

Little Hat Coffee (14th Street Corridor)

The baristas never miss at this standing-only cafe inside Streets Market. The matcha is dark green and whisked to microfoam-perfection every time. The espresso is consistently great and they have lots of fun homemade syrups like pandan and lavender.

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria (Mt. Vernon)

Tucked behind a little red door on the side of the United House of Prayer For All People is one of the best soul food spots in all of D.C. Breakfast and lunch is served cafeteria style and you’ll get loaded up with piles of candied yams, collards, and fried fish — all for less than $15. Go on Friday for the massive crab cakes.

Fourth Street Market (Takoma Park)

This mom and pop run convenience store in the center of Takoma Park has everything you need, from surprisingly good Jamaican patties to daily specials to necessities and groceries.